Talk about a MAJOR change in sound, style, and execution.....and this time around, it DOESN'T SUCK!

Sworn Enemy have returned with their latest creation, entitled 'Maniacal', and the title is quite fitting. Having gone from a run of the mill hardcore band when they started, and evolving into a full on thrashing metal band is not an entirely new concept, but is something that doesn't happen often. The last band to really pull it off successfully was Suicidal Tendencies......which says alot for Sworn Enemy.

Whatever you do, don't call Sworn Enemy a "metalcore band". Metalcore is basically a marriage of Metal with hardcore. Mostly metal with hardcore breakdowns, and gang shouts. This isn't exactly what Sworn Enemy has evolved into. They have abandoned almost all traces of their previous sound and embraced a full on thrash metal sound, complete with guitar solos, and some dual guitar melodies thrown into the mix. With the metalcore scene dying out, and both modern thrash and extreme metal making waves, this is definitely a step in the right direction for the band.

The music on Maniacal is alot more complex and well pu together than anything on Sworn Enemy's previous outings. Influences creep in, and it's easy to pick out select direct influences, like the totally Slayer-esque guitar tone and riffing style exhibited on a song called 'American Way'. On the vocal side, Sal has somewhat improved his vocal delivery and execution. Though his vocals are still a little on the light side compared to the more aggressive drive of the music, it's what he and the band have to work with, and they make it work. Having As I Lay Dying's Jordan handling the drums on this album was a huge benefit for Sworn Enemy as well.

Maniacal is just the beginning of an entirely new approach for Sworn Enemy. With this being their first outing as a METAL band, on a brand new label to boot.......it ought to be looked at as something of a second 'debut' album. As the saying goes, "I've heard alot worse....". And if Maniacal is an indication of anything, it's that Metal is very alive and well, and Sworn Enemy are on board to make sure it stays that way.