Raise your swords up high, as these Swedish Power Metal warriors march into a powerful future armed with their new concept album, moving past the year 1066 and into the Middle Ages.

Raise your swords up high, as Swedish Heavy/Power Metal warriors  Bloodbound celebrate 20 years of existence and march into a powerful future with Field Of Swords, the follow-up to their 2023 opus Tales from the North, and the eleventh studio album in their undisputed career. Recorded by the band itself alongside Niklas Johansson of Tungsten, who was also responsible for the mixing and mastering of the album, and displaying a classic artwork by Péter Sallai of Mortpaintgraphics, the new offering by Patrik J. Selleby on vocals, Tomas Olsson and Henrik Olsson on the guitars, Anders Broman on bass, Fredrik Bergh on keyboards, and Daniel Hansfeldt on drums draws once again to the Viking era, turning the page to another chapter in history, moving past the year 1066 and into the Middle Ages. As warfare evolves and the significance of forging iron with carbon leads to superior swordsmen, the bloodstained battlefields show new, grim faces, leaving room for more of Bloodbound’s vivid storytelling that continues to thrill all metalheads worldwide.

The Olson Brothers shred their axes nonstop right from the start in Field Of Swords, a fast and thrilling Power Metal attack where Daniel dictates the pace with his classic beats and fills, followed by As Empires Fall, living up to the legacy of giants of the style such as Rhapsody ov Fire, led by the powerful, striking vocals by Patrik. Then leaning towards the sonority blasted by Hammerfall and Stratovarius it’s time for Defenders Of Jerusalem, perfect for hitting the road on a warm summer day; whereas in The Code Of Warriors special guest Vera Bieber comes armed with her flute to give the song a truly Folk Metal vibe, and the final result is absurdly catchy, with Daniel once again kicking some ass behind his drums. Land Of The Brave is another song with a strong title, and of course the music is just as exciting, with Fredrik and Daniel crafting that galloping rhythm we all love so much in Power Metal; and it’s then time to get heavy with Light The Sky, spearheaded by the soaring vocals by Patrik and the scorching riffs and solos by Tomas and Henrik.

Bloodbound might be Swedish, but they bring that famous German Power Metal electricity to Teutonic Knights, with the band’s guitar duo once again firing an overdose of metallic riffs for our total delight. Let’s all raise or fists in the air together with Bloodbound in Forged In Iron, offering more of their classic fusion of Heavy and Power Metal, followed by Pain And Glory, my type of Power Metal song, one that will inspire you to head into the battlefield (aka the mosh pit) like a true metal warrior while Daniel’s frantic drumming speeds things up in great fashion. The second to last blast of pure energy by those Sweds comes in the form of Born To Be King, presenting again a strong Rhapsody ov Fire vibe, although a bit repetitive; and lastly, featuring guest vocals by Brittney Slayes of powerhouse Canadian band Unleash the Archers, who makes a brilliant duet with Patrik, The Nine Crusades puts a beyond epic ending to the album.

Showcasing eleven captivating battle hymns, Field of Swords is a diverse record with an aggressive and fast sound, illustrating the importance of purpose and perseverance with heroic tales in shining Heavy Metal armor. You can join those relentless Swedish warriors in the battlefield by following them on Facebook and on Instagram, keeping an eye on their breathtaking live shows, stream their vast discography on Spotify, and of course purchase Field of Swords from BandCamp or from Napalm Records. Valiant, vigorous, and ultimately victorious, Field Of Swords has come to expand Bloodbound’s domination, and I’m sure you’ll have an absolute blast yielding your sword in the battlefield while listening to the new album by one of the most important names of the current Power Metal scene worldwide.

Best moments of the album: The Code Of Warriors, Light The Sky and Pain And Glory.

Worst moments of the album: Born To Be King.

Released in 2025 Napalm Records

Track listing
1. Field Of Swords 4:11
2. As Empires Fall 3:54
3. Defenders Of Jerusalem 4:03
4. The Code Of Warriors 3:52
5. Land Of The Brave 4:18
6. Light The Sky 4:13
7. Teutonic Knights 3:57
8. Forged In Iron 3:47
9. Pain And Glory 4:11
10. Born To Be King 4:19
11. The Nine Crusades 4:31

Band members
Patrik J. Selleby – vocals
Tomas Olsson – lead and rhythm guitars
Henrik Olsson – guitars
Anders Broman – bass
Fredrik Bergh – keyboards
Daniel Hansfeldt – drums

Guest musician
Brittney Slayes – vocals on “The Nine Crusades”
Vera Bieber – flute on “The Code Of Warriors”