I remember hearing about Sworn Amongst a while back, as a friend of mine did some artwork for them, though I never really listened to them at the time. However, for that lapse, I'm now kicking myself as this quartet from Hull are one of the most epic sounding bands I’ve heard for quite sometime!

“And So It Begins” may seem misleading at first, starting off quietly before building up to an instrumental onslaught and then the vocals of Frank Wylde, who’s pipes are like a combination of Rob Halford, Mike Patton, Phil Anselmo and Anders Fridén, kick in. Then there is the fantastic solo, which is so amazing, it sounds almost like Dave Mustaine and John Petrucci having a face melt off.  “The Rules Of Engagement”, on the other hand, is clearly the result of putting Dave Lombardo, Meshuggah and Randy Blythe in a blender, all technical guitars, frantic drumming and commanding vocals.  

If ever there was a modern metal equivalent to Turisas’s lyrical content and Bolt Thrower’s war ravaged image then Sworn Amongst fit the brief, the latter being highlighted perfectly in “Drive”, just under seven minutes of metallic bliss dealing with death, dare, war and despair. “Unleash The Power” has a very mechanical, almost cyber vibe to it, like Fear Factory on speed, crushing futuristic riffs, layered over pneumatic machine like drumming, almost as if the song is being controlled by an evil puppet master.  

Finally rounding things off is “Rejection”, combining everything the band has learnt from their heroes, as well as showing how the band has progressed throughout the album, taking everything from Megadeth and In Flames and mixing that up with Pantera and Fear Factory then sprinkling it with their own unique touch to create the Sworn Amongst sound.  

Clearly Sworn Amongst have a lot to offer with “And So It Begins” one of the most impressive releases I’ve heard in a long while. The band are touring extensively this year, so you really should catch them when they come to your town and unleash the power of their riffs!

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Track Listing

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

Line Up

Frank Wylde - Guitar / Vocals
Jonny Harper- Drums
Rob Ellwood - Bass
Harvey Fox - Guitar