Sword

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t didn't last long. Sword formed and ended with original members Rick Hughes (vocals/keyboards) and brother Dan Hughes (drums), as well as Mike Plant (guitar/keyboards/vocals) and Mike Larock (bass). Although they failed to carve a niche for themselves they are, even to this day, held in high regard in heavy metal circles for their efforts, especially their debut album, Metalized (1986). The album proved to be an intense and melodic heavy metal assault that landed them tour support with Alice Cooper, Motorhead and Metallica. Sweet Dreams (1988) followed along to provide the world with an early look at power metal. It paid tribute to the up and coming styles, as well as to the early '80's British bands, as well as older acts like Rainbow and Black Sabbath. Despite their critical acclaim and growing popularity, the album still failed to obtain them a suitable profitable career and the record company pulled support. They split in 1992.