Sworn Enemy - As Real As It Gets
2003 Elektra Records
by Skin Splitter

Quick Summary:
Major debut release from this band from Queens, NY.  Produced by Jamey Jasta (Hatebreed), this album definitely has his influence written all over it.  This album is mediocre, but considering it's their first attempt, it's a nice try.  It's short, angry and good lyrics as hardcore should be done.  The two main things that doesn't make this album rock my world is the fact that there are too few breakdowns and the singer, with his high screaming style, can get a little annoying and boring at the same time.

This album does have some high points.  The best song on the album is either "Sworn Enemy" or "As Real As It Gets", in which there are good lyrics and breakdowns (tempo changes).  The rest of the album starts off with good riffs but, there just doesn't seem to be the passion that "Sworn Enemy" or "As Real As It Gets" can bring.  If you're looking for something new to try, go for it.  If you're looking for a Hatebreed style of hardcore or mind numbingly good hardcore with insane breakdowns which cause fun pit situations, you may want to look somewhere else.  Oh yeah, and cut back on the god references.

Website:  www.swornenemynyc.com

Song Summaries:

1. Sworn Enemy - Good intro song to get the blood pumping.  Nice change of tempo with the chorus.  Probably the best part of the album is at 3:00 into this song.  B+ 
2. One Way Trip - Short song that starts out rocking but with a lack of good pit parts, this one leaves you hanging.  C 
3. As Real As It Gets - Song about 9/11.  For hardcore fans, best line on the album "Disrespect me...I'll pound your fucking face out."  Pure hardcore mentality right there.  A-
4. My Misery - The best part about this song is that it's short.  Doesn't really go anywhere.  D+ 
5. Labeled - Interesting guitar parts but once again it leaves you desiring more.  C- 
6. Fallen Grace - Same stuff you've heard before by now.  Around 2:12 comes a great breakdown that should be all throughout this entire album!  C 
7. Time Heals No Wounds - Once again this song sounds like the last song.  Probably ran out of ideas.  D- 
8. Days Past - Punk style intro.  In fact, with the exception of a down tuned guitar, this might have passed as punk.  D
9. Innocence Lost - By now you probably want to skip by this song like I wanted to.  However, I stayed for the chorus and that wasn't so bad.  It might make the song tolerable...almost.  C 
10. These Tears - The cool down of the album.  Different type of intro.  In fact, if you make it to this song, you might think this song is a mistake and didn't come from this band.  Oh but it did.  1:15 into the song, you'll remember, but this one is different.  It has o.k. double bass and speed, and it ends with a great breakdown.  Grinding lows, nice highs, fine stomping beat.  B

Average Song Rating:  C
Overall Album Rating:  C