Texan riffmeisters, The Sword, have been Metallica’s house band for almost a year, opening up for James Hetfield and co at almost every show Metallica have played since last July. You’d think that after so long on the road, they’d be happy to spend their time off lazing about and taking it easy. But no – they’d much rather spend their days off playing even more shows – their own headlining ones, that is.

Which is exactly what they did at the end of last month, when a gap in the World Magnetic Tour gave them a free night in London town. Before they levelled The Borderline in Soho with riffs that strike with the power of an uppercut from God, we plonked bassist Bryan Richie, and guitarist Kyle Shutt, down in front of our trusty camera, and subjected them to the kind of serious, probing questions you’ve come to expect from a Thrash Hits interrogation.

Watch Thrash Hits TV: The Sword on meat, maces and Metallica

Mmmm, kebabs. The Sword return to the UK in August, where they join their tourmasters Metallica at the inaugural Sonisphere Festival. It’s taking place at Knebworth Park on August 01-02, and tickets are available now from the festival’s official website.