THE SWORD
8 p.m., Juanita’s. $10.
Metal is alive and well, especially the throwback brand, rife with vintage ’80s shredding and songs about time travel and Vikings. But few outfits are doing it with the steely-eyed panache of fantasy metal torch holders The Sword of Austin, Texas. Now, after years of recording at a heavy, steady pace, touring the world, the band is finally steering towards consistent success thanks to a song in “Guitar Hero 2” and a glowing plug from Rolling Stone. If your iPod isn’t equipped for wrecking shit on a time-traveling dragon in a deep-space, look no further. The wild men of San Antokyo open alongside Little Rock’s go-to throwback metal act, Iron Tongue.
UPDATE: The Sword canceled because the band’s drummer quit. Statements on the jump.