Sworn Amongst – And So It Begins

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Rising Records
Produced by Sworn Amongst

Hull’s aggressive metallers Sworn Amongst are another young band who have done it the old fashioned way. Touring, self-produced demos and shopping around to small record companies. Last year they landed a contract with Rising Records and this is the commercial debut album.

Elements of Sepultura, Zakk Wylde’s lead guitar style (vocalist/guitarist Andy Wylde’s name a coincidence?), Venom and a few progressive leanings largely characterise Sworn Amongst’s sound, but of course they’ve got their own twist on things, bringing in other influences as well. Following an old Metallica style intro the title track opener is reminiscent of Jesse Leach era Killswitch Engage in both riffing style and the style extreme versus clean vocals, for example. A very successful and emotive offering which does the perfect opener’s job of peaking the interest.

A lengthy The Rules of Engagement sees a Sepultura style vocal delivery over a mixture of Megadeth and Sepultura riffs, and Drive revisits a similar combination with some very (David) Ellefson sounding bass half way through. Other high points include the awesome pulsing riff on Unleash The Power and the Slayer melodies which form part of the main riff to Lord of War.

And So It Begins is an enjoyable listen from start to finish, but ultimately not a memorable one. Too many similarities to other bands force their way through Sworn Amongst’s own style for the album to be truly cohesive and set itself above the others on the market. It’s a good sign of things to come though, and something to build on. Keep an ear out.

“ other influences ”

Tracklist: And So It Begins / The Rules of Engagement / Herodotus / Blind Faith / Drive / Unleash The Power / Lord of War / The Wait / No Turning Back / Rejection

Written by Andy Lye
More: Albums, Thrash Metal, Sworn Amongst