Sworn Enemy have been kicking since 1999 and consistently on both album and performance fronts have delivered exceptional value to even the most casual listener. But Sal and the crew have never rested on their laurels and have just dropped one of the finest releases in their excellent catalogue.
Gamechanger is just that. And proves NYHC is unbeatable.
The bonus for this release is that Robb Flynn of Machine Head was the evil craftsman/producer at the desk and it literally adds a nuclear bomb depth to the war machine that is Sworn Enemy. Everything just seems to be more clearer(no not cleaner FFS), precise and ballsy whilst adding the metallic heavieness that has always been integral to the bands unique sound. There is pretty much everything you could possibly require from an essential hardcore or modern metal/thrash release here- hateful lyrics, corrosive vocals with bite, cankerous drums and bass and harsh, yet catchy riffs to drill the tune into your skull on first listen. Indeed, this is one epic and superb hardcore album.
Lyrically on point as most NYHC is, it blends topical issues with just enough tough guy statements to prove the band means every word they say. As previously mentioned, the album is exceptional heavy but never steers too far from it's genre. The band have always been a dynamic mix of thrash metal, crossover and straight up hardcore and don't deviate from this. After 20 years, why the fuck would you. The album is just shy of 38 mins and it's 11 tracks are all quality.
Fave tracks were: Selling a Dream (less breakneck spread and a masterpiece of restraint) the heavy as fuck DOA, the catchy and hooky Coming Undone, the hard as concrete Prepare for Payback(certified classic) and the best hardcore track I have heard in years; the glorious Justify.
FFO: Crossover, proper heavy hardcore with no bullshit and old school metal like Exodus, Slayer etc.
It's out now on M-Theory audio,
https://m-theoryaudio.com/home
but in Australia 10-54 records is your source to get the hard copy:
https://1054.bigcartel.com/product/sworn-enemy-gamechanger
Here's a wicked clip from this awesome release:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fYG3ewY_2DE
SWORN ENEMY INTERVIEW WITH SAL.
| 1-Could give me a brief history of your band, it’s name and what releases you have? |
| The band has been around since 1999. We got our first break playing a show with Hatebreed in Brockton Massachusetts. He likes the band and signed us. The name came about when me, Jamey and Lorenzo put our heads together. We have released 2 EP’s “ Negative Outlook”, “Integrity defines strength” and 6 LP’s “As real as it gets”, “Beginning of the end”, “Maniacal”, “Total world domination”, “Living on borrowed time” and the new album entitled “Gamechanger” which is coming out April 5th this year.
2- What drew you to hardcore/punk/metal (etc) and what is it such a rewarding and sustaining genre of music to you? |
| At first it was the sound, I was totally into the music and as I got more and more into it I started to meet so many cool people involved in it. This music keeps me young and keeps me going. It’s inside of me and I have nothing but love for it.
3- NYHC for me is the best genre and community music-wise, give us some street sense on why it is cream of the crop for so long, the amazing bands are fkn endless..give us your sense of it's importance. |
| Growing up in this scene so many amazing bands play here and I’ve watched as NY’s own bands have grown up and gone on to take over the world. New York started a revolution with its hardcore scene. It’s still to this day going on right now as we speak. Without the New York scene who knows how big this thing would have gotten.
4- Live how does your music translate?, do you have a message and/or what rewards you? |
| I’m not really a preacher I just want people to enjoy the music when they come us play. Nothing better than witnessing people having a great time watching you play.
5- Tell us about the sensational new album, Gamechanger (by the way, sick as fuck title) and what the main themes are on this? |
| Not really much to tell about it except that I can’t wait for it to drop already. Some topics I speak about are politics, some religious themes, some personal stuff and looking through the eyes of others type of shit.
6- What are the highlights for you as a band so far? |
| All the shows and places I’ve been able to go to and see thanks to this band. Never would have been able to accomplish that without Sworn Enemy.
7- On the flipside, the struggles and challenges? |
| Lack of money being made makes it difficult to sustain long careers. The traveling accommodations sometimes get rough and the food can be shitty.
8- Any favorite current artists or particular albums you have on rotation? |
| Right now my favorite thing to listen too is my new record. It’s just that good in my eyes.
9- What are the future plans for you? (And for fucks sake, please let it be another Aussie tour!!!) |
| Get out there and spread the word of Sworn Enemy lol we will definitely be back to Oz bro.
10- Any final words or messages? |
| Be on the lookout for our new record. Pick that shit up and share the music with friends. Thanks for the interview Mark. |
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