BLOODBOUND Unveils Video for “The Nine Crusades”, Featuring Brittney Slayes of UNLEASH THE ARCHERS!

Rock Metal Machine
47 minutes ago
5 min read

Band members in dark clothing pose against a stormy sky. A man in front brandishes a knife, hair and emotions dramatic. Orange clouds loom. — photo credit: Björn Liljegrääs

Having ridden into their latest battle with their eleventh epic full-length Field Of Swords, Swedish power metal warriors BLOODBOUND have released another video single from the album. “The Nine Crusades” is another historically themed anthem, retelling the titular events in typical BLOODBOUND style: a sweeping blend of melodic and heavy power metal. Joining their conquest is powerhouse vocalist Brittney Slayes of Canadian band UNLEASH THE ARCHERS, dueting with Patrik J. Selleby in a glorious mid-tempo anthem. Not only is “The Nine Crusades” the perfect album closer, but also a powerful herald of what’s to come.

BLOODBOUND are currently getting ready to share their new songs live. Starting March 12 in Hamburg, they will be on tour supporting label mates ANGUS MCSIX, with additional support from Brainstorm. Their run will take them to eleven cities, ending in Eindhoven on March 22. Following, BLOODBOUND will play European festivals, including mountainous Full Metal Mayrhofen, organized by Wacken Open Air, and Alcatraz Festival in Belgium. Find the full list of dates below!

Fredrik Bergh about “The Nine Crusades”:

“The major part of this song was actually written by myself and Tomas back in 2018, and it was written especially for the band Sabaton! Joakim Brodén from Sabaton liked the rough demo and wanted to work further on this song together with us, but the collaboration never materialized. I have always felt it was a very strong track, so we decided to record the song ourselves for the new album instead. I am super proud of this song. I feel it’s one of the best songs I’ve ever been involved in writing! The song features the great Brittney Slayes from UNLEASH THE ARCHERS, who sings the song as a duet together with Patrik.”

Tomas Olsson about “The Nine Crusades”:

“This song is a summation of the Crusader era, 1096–1291. During this period nine crusades took place. It is estimated that over 2 million people died.”

Brittney Slayes about “The Nine Crusades”:

“It is such an honour to be featured on this BLOODBOUND track; I have been a fan of the band for well over a decade so when they approached me about doing some guest vocals of course the answer was a resounding yes! This song is quite different from what we do in UNLEASH THE ARCHERS, and is not at all like my own writing style, so I was excited to be able sing something new and to put my own spin on it. The whole collaboration had been a blast, and I’m glad I was able to make it into the music video as well; it was very nice of them to include me. Hopefully the fans enjoy this song and feel I added something worthwhile to this already amazing band!”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RW_pZB9UENk

BLOODBOUND’s latest triumphant march impressively illustrates the importance of purpose and perseverance with heroic tales in shining heavy metal armor. Valiant, vigorous, and ultimately victorious: Field Of Swords has come to expand BLOODBOUND’s domination of the scene!

Fredrik Bergh on Field Of Swords:

“Field Of Swords is a concept album, a continuation from our last album Tales From The North (2023) which touched upon the subject of the Viking era. On Field Of Swords, we have moved on in history and entered the Middle Ages (after 1066). The concept, in short, is the following: When the Viking Age ended in the year of our Lord 1066, came the long and grim Medieval times.

We are extremely excited about the new album and to release it with the backing of the mighty Napalm Records. Music-wise, the new album has a slightly more modern sound, but we can guarantee it includes all the elements BLOODBOUND is known for! It’s a diverse record with aggressive songs, epic tracks, and it also contains some of the fastest parts we have written. And on the other hand, we have some slower, majestic songs as well, like, ‘The Nine Crusades’ where UNLEASH THE ARCHERS’ Brittney Slayes duets with Patrik. Field Of Swords has everything you can ask for!”

BLOODBOUND’s first release with Napalm Records adds another 11 captivating battle hymns to their repertoire. A diverse record with aggressive songs and epic tracks alike, their eleventh album also contains some of the band’s fastest material ever written. The opening title track, “Field Of Swords”, immediately storms into BLOODBOUND’s signature sound, braiding stories of glory with a sweeping blend of melodic and heavy power metal. The dominant “As Empires Fall” follows the crusaders east and powerfully depicts said glory in epic battle in contrast with sacrifices made on the way. “Defenders Of Jerusalem” cleverly expands on the topic of loss, leaving listeners to wonder which side is holding their heads up high in the face of imminent defeat. Catchy flutes have the heroes take heart in “The Code Of Warriors” to guide them into the “Land Of The Brave” and Field Of Swords to new heights at the same time. “Light In The Sky” further illustrates BLOODBOUND’s battle scars turned electrifying sound, while the mature “Teutonic Knights” opens up the bleak reality of the tragedy that undoubtedly accompanies this battle-torn era of history. Yet, “Forged In Iron”, “Pain and Glory”, and “Born to be King” hold their ground as equally unforgettable tunes, all leading up to the brilliant finale: Brittney Slayes of powerhouse Canadian band UNLEASH THE ARCHERS joins “The Nine Crusades” as another valuable fighter to lead Field Of Swords to greatness.

Warrior in horned helmet swings sword, surrounded by misty mountains. Red text above reads "Bloodbound;" below, "Field of Swords." Intense mood.

Field Of Swords tracklisting:

Field of Swords
As Empires Fall
Defenders of Jerusalem
The Code of Warriors
Land of the Brave
Light the Sky
Teutonic Knights
Forged in Iron
Pain and Glory
Born to be King
The Nine Crusades (feat. Unleash The Archers)

Get Your Copy of Field Of Swords NOW!

Field Of Swords is available in the following formats:

Deluxe Box 350g Cardboard Box, incl. 1CD Digipak, Flag, Patch, Live Album in Slipcase, Autographed Card – Napalm Records Mailorder exclusive (strictly limited to 300 copies worldwide)
1LP Vinyl Gatefold Marbled Oxblood Red, incl. 12-page booklet – Napalm Records Mailorder exclusive (strictly limited to 300 copies worldwide)
1LP Vinyl Gatefold Black
1CD Digipak
Digital Album