SOUNDTRACK: MAGIC SWORD-Awakening EP (2019).
It took three years for Magic Sword, the instrumental band from Boise Idaho, to release chapter two of the second volume of their saga. In that time, they had released individual songs, but for this entire seven song EP (and comic book), the year of the sword took much longer than expected.
The Keeper (red, keyboard, audio-visual), The Seer (blue, guitar), and The Weaver (yellow, drums) have continued the saga but have expanded their sound a bit. They still sound like a 1980s movie soundtrack, but it’s a bigger budget movie.
“Herald” opens the EP with a deep-voiced narration of the opening page of volume one, the paragraph that sets up the story of the Magic Sword. It segues into “Awakening” which sounds bigger than anything they’ve done while still retaining the recognizable retro Magic Sword sound. Midway through the guitar comes in with a quiet solo that introduces a funky element to the song–there’s even the a kind of bass guitar element. It is a slow opening that sets the tone of the album as we await “The Harbinger.”
“The Harbinger” is under three minutes and projects an ominous low tone as a distant, distorted voice recites a passage that I can’t make out. It segues into “Lady of Light” which follows a pretty synth melody that mutates into a middle with a distinctly funky/disco bass. “Reborn” bursts forth like a big 1980’s synth anthem. But it quickly changes tone with a pulsing soundtrack and a ripping guitar solo. It all resolves into the anthemic conclusion.
“Shadow” introduces a more sinister sound–both the harsh higher notes and the menacing low growling synth that works as a perfect segue to the album ending “Colossus.” It continues like the rest of the album with just a hint more menace in the crashing drums and delays of the loud synths and an absolutely roaring guitar solo to close out the disc.
Magic Sword still sounds like the same trio, but they sound even more assured.
[READ: October 29, 2020] Magic Sword Volume 2, Chapter 2
Chapter 1 introduced us to Tayia, the chosen one. She is pure of heart and is therefore eligible to wield the Magic Sword and restore balance.
But as The Keeper explained, the Magic Sword will take control of her body–she will become death.
As Chapter 1 ended, The Keeper stopped time and Tayia grabbed the Magic Sword. As Chapter 2 opens, time resumes and the creature who was about to attack her, a member of the Kihlhi tribe, realizes she is no longer where she was (time did not stop for her).
He crashes to the ground.
Continuing with the parallels between this story and present reality, the Kihlhi was
Spouting vile hatred through slurred speech.
One can only hope that in reality the vile creatures also
had no idea of the mighty change that had overtaken and transformed his prey.
Tayia’s power and will merged with the will of the sword creating beautiful arcs of pink. She fights effortlessly, including a full page scene of her dance/kick.
Tayia is now free from morality and is part of the truth. Which leads to a full page of violent images.
Balance restored, Tayia hears the cries of her people and returns to herself. In time to turn around and see a gigantic alien creature, as tall as a mountain staring down on her with its fifteen glowing eyes.
This installation is really violent and really gross. The appearance of the Kihlhi creatures, and they way they are dispatched are not for the faint of heart. But once again the art is magnificent. The book finally gives credit to the artist: Story and Art by The Harbinger.
It’s also says this cycle will conclude with Chapter 3.
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