The Canadian metal band SWORD, around vocalist Rick Hughes, guitarist Mike Plant, bassist Mike Larock and drummer Dan Hughes, has signed with Massacre Records.

Originally formed in 1980, the band has since released two well-received studio albums, and got the chance to open for bands such as Metallica, Alice Cooper or Motörhead in the past, among others.

Following a lengthy hiatus, SWORD re-grouped in 2011, and plans to release the band’s 3rd full-length studio album next year.