The Chronicle of the Black Sword

by Hawkwind

The Chronicle of the Black Sword cover art
  • Type: Album
  • Released: 11 November 1985
  • Label: Flicknife
  • Country: United Kingdom
  • Length: 56:37
  • Community rating: 3.45/5 from 2 ratings

Artists on this release: Harvey Bainbridge, Huw Lloyd-Langton, Danny Thompson, Dave Charles, Alan Davey, Dave Brock

Album Notes & Community Reviews

Directly inspired by the 'Elric of Melnibon茅' dark fantasy novels by Michael Moorcock, this ambitious conceptual release provided a focused, thematic anchor for the veteran space rock ensemble. 'The Chronicle of the Black Sword' blends heavy, driving guitar riffs with swirling synthesizers and narrative spoken-word passages. The highly theatrical approach successfully revitalized the group's creative energy and remains a significant fan favorite from their extensive mid-80s catalog.

Genres

Descriptors: fantasy, atmospheric, conceptual, space

Tracklist

  1. Song of the Swords (3:23)
  2. Shade Gate (3:01)
  3. The Sea King (3:23)
  4. The Pulsing Cavern (2:32)
  5. Elric the Enchanter (4:48)
  6. Needle Gun (4:10)
  7. Zarozinia (3:21)
  8. The Demise (0:56)
  9. Sleep of a Thousand Tears (4:16)
  10. Chaos Army (0:53)
  11. Horn of Destiny (6:22)
  12. Arioch (3:24)
  13. Night of the Hawks (5:06)
  14. Green Finned Demon (6:05)
  15. Dream Dancers (1:28)
  16. Dragons and Fables (3:21)

Credits

  • Hawkwind - primary artist
  • Bob Walker - artwork [inner]
  • John Coulthart - artwork [outer]
  • Alan Davey - bass, backing vocals, written-by
  • Danny Thompson - drums
  • Jack Adams - lacquer cut by
  • Huw Lloyd-Langton - lead guitar, vocals, written-by
  • PAG - plated by

More from Hawkwind: full discography