Broadsword, The Lonely Raven, LP

When Billy Bartlett and Nigel Brown founded BROADSWORD in the mid-’90s, two prominent figures from the British and Australian RAC scenes came together. Bartlett, known as the singer of Celtic Warrior, brought his distinctive voice to the band. Nigel Brown (R.I.P.), a guitarist and multi-instrumentalist from Australia, had previously made his mark with Fortress, No Remorse, and Ravens Wing.

In 1998, “The Lonely Raven” was released as the project’s second and final album on Dieter Koch Musikverlag under catalog number DIKOCD 018. Produced with the support of sound engineer Mark McCormack (R.I.P.), the release features a melodic hard rock sound with distinctive guitars, catchy vocal lines, and production that was far ahead of its time. The rights to the album were transferred to Rock-O-Rama Records following an acquisition spree by egoldt in 2000, but it was not reissued on vinyl or CD during Herbert’s lifetime.

Songs like “Warriors,” “Revenge,” “Hourglass,” “Savages,” and “Dream of Freedom” give this album its own distinct character. Here, British and Australian influences converge within a project that existed for only a short time and is therefore perceived today all the more strongly as a distinct chapter in the careers of the musicians involved. The BROADSWORD project released a total of two albums. “God of Thunder” from 1996 was followed two years later by “The Lonely Raven.” The latter can be considered a legitimate successor to or complement of the Ravens Wing album “Through the Looking Glass….” Afterward, the musicians involved returned to their respective bands.

For collectors and fans of melodic hard rock with lyrics about Norse mythology, etc., and everyone who has been searching for this album for years, now is the time to grab it!

Strictly limited to 499 copies, hand-numbered, digitally remastered (vinyl mastering), completely redesigned front and back cover art, 10 songs, approx. 41 minutes of playing time, available exclusively on black 12-inch vinyl (tried and true, durable, best sound quality).

Get the original pressing from Rock-O-Rama Records now.