Music: Crossover/Metalcore
Country: U.S.A.
Web site: www.swornenemynyc.com
Cool Songs: The American Way, Fear for Failure, Time to Rage
SWORN ENEMY broke into the music business like Teamsters. Their first two albums, Negative Outlook EP (2000) and Integrity Defines Strength EP (2002), released through Stillborn Records, caught the eye of Abacus Records. In 2003, the group released its first full-length, As Real as it Gets, which led to a string of high profile tours including Ozzfest, SLIPKNOT, FEAR FACTORY, SHADOWS FALL, and CRADLE OF FILTH. The aptly titled The Beginning of the End (2006) marked the final chapter in the book of Abacus Records. Now, the group has a new label, Century Media, and a refined sound with their latest recording Maniacal.
The groups early records were a reflection of their New York City environment. The sound typical of SWORN ENEMYs NYC surroundings defined those early recordings. With The Beginning of the End, the group maintained their hardcore roots, but added a thrashier edge. They further refined the thrash-meets-hardcore sound on Maniacal.
Tough, hardcore vocals, group chants and doom-filled breakdowns collide full speed with thrashy guitar string techniques that recall mid-era METALLICA, MEGADETH, TESTAMENT, and their fellow New Yorkers, ANTHRAX. AS I LAY DYING vocalist, Tim Lambesis helped these styles blend together smoothly with his production values. His band mate, Jordan Mancino provided an extra boost with his galloping, up beat drum work.
Ignorance opens the album with a jolt of polyrhythmic drumbeats and speed picking guaranteed to get your neck in motion. The last note of this track rings out before the next track, Time to Rage further pushes the tempo. This track is complete with ANTHRAX-type breaks, SLAYERish riff accentuations, and even a blast beat near the end.
Utilizing a tornado of guitar scales and whammy bar notes, guitarists Lorenzo Antonucci and Jamin Hunt flex their shredding muscles during the onset of Weather the Storm. The rest of the track features more chugging grooves and hammer on rhythms. The American Way features the sharpest contrasts of style. Fluid breakdowns move bridge into more thrashing guitars and blasting drums.
One could assume that SWORN ENEMY is merely jumping on the metalcore bandwagon. There may be some truth in this supposition, but their new style is more dynamic and catchier. Maniacal seems an honest effort, too. In no way have they forsaken their hardcore background; they have simply revamped and refined their sound. Maniacal provides the hardcore goods to their long-standing fan base, while bringing in a new crowd of metal heads.
note: 7/10
Tracklist
1. Ignorance
2. Time To Rage
3. A Place Of Solace
4. Weather The Storm
5. Destroyer
6. The American Way
7. Fear For Failure
8. No End To This Nightmare
9. Talk Is Cheap
10. Said And Done
Total playing time 34:14
Line-up
Sal Lococo – Vocals
Sid – Bass
Lorenzo Antonucci – Guitar
Jamin Hunt – Guitar
Jerad Buckwalter – Drums
*Drums on album by Jordan Mancino
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