‘The Broadsword and the Beast’ is the 14th studio album by Jethro Tull, released in April 1982 and according to Ian Anderson in the liner notes of the remastered CD, contains some of Jethro Tull's best music. This album's masterful storytelling, accompanied by Ian Anderson's unmistakable flute melodies, garnered critical acclaim and has become a fan favourite over the years.
The album mixes electronic sound, provided by Peter-John Vettese (a characteristic that would be explored further on the next album Under Wraps) with acoustic instruments. The Broadsword and the Beast is a cross between the synthesiser sound of the 1980s and the folk-influenced style that Tull had in the previous decade.