In addition to a full slate of support dates on Metallica’s North American tour, the band has squeezed in as many headlining shows as possible.

Stops that see The Sword front and center include One Eyed Jacks in New Orleans (Nov. 21), Rock and Roll Hotel in Washington, D.C. (Jan. 14), Higher Ground in South Burlington, Vt. (Jan. 21), Mr. Small’s Theatre in Pittsburgh (Jan. 23) and Bowery Ballroom in New York City (Jan. 30).

Tickets for Metallica shows and the band’s headlining gigs are available at Ticketmaster.com.

On Nov. 25, The Sword will release a limited edition CD set that includes both 2006’s Age of Winters and the band’s most recent album, Gods of the Earth. The package will be available at all live shows, as well as Amazon.com.

As a special preview for the upcoming package, the band has provided us with a free track from Earth, “How Heavy This Axe.”

Download “How Heavy This Axe” (Right click and choose “Save link as” or “Save target as”)