EP REVIEW: Reclamation – Sworn Amongst
Since forming in 2004 SWORN AMONGST have gone through multiple stages of evolution and this year sees the latest chapter come to fruition. Reclamation is due for release on April 12th via Famined Records and will be their first release since 2015’s Under A Titan Sky. Will this effort continue their rise to prominence?
Enslaved commences with a suspenseful atmosphere before bursting into a lively hardcore beat. The potent drum-work, groove ridden hooks and gritty growls get the EP off to a flying start. Delusional launches directly into crushing guitar work combined with some demonic screams for devastating effect. The track continues to hammer away before a chilling interlude follows to take the edge off the frantic energy. Believe sweeps in with echoing harmonics which are quickly negated by thunderous bursts of drumming as the technicality begins to escalate. Intense screams float around in the background supplemented by an emotionally charged chorus.
The Cleansing charges in with a downtuned barrage of ferocity. Vicious growls and an upbeat tempo get the blood pumping before an utterly evil sounding breakdown rears its head to plunge the track into darkness. Set This World Alight flexes its metalcore muscles with some punishing blast beats and swift guitar work interlaced with melodies. The powerful chorus provides a brief moment of serenity within the waves of aggression. As the track approaches the latter stages it winds down with some restrained but purposeful riffs before gently fading out.
SWORN AMONGST are almost indistinguishable from the thrash infused roots of old but it’s most certainly for the better. They have managed to combine alluring melodies with punishing intensity and they coexist seamlessly. They may have left us waiting patiently for new material but Reclamation displays exactly why they should be regarded as one of the top acts in British metal.
Rating: 8/10
Reclamation is set for release April 12th via Famined Records.
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