Sworn Amongst
Under a Titan Sky
(Self-Release)
Sworn Amongst are a band more well known in their native land, but the UK group have continued to evolve their sound throughout their career. Starting off as a thrash group, later releases have seen the addition of groove, metalcore, and almost a melodeath sensibility. With Under a Titan Sky, Sworn Amongst sound most like a modern British metal band in all its glory, reminiscent of Heart Of A Coward, Malefice, and Carcer City equally. There’s a definite groove prevalence that feels equally influenced by the old (thrash, Pantera) and new (djent, metalcore), and while it’s probably not safe to say Sworn Amongst have the most unique sound in the world, they have a sense of self-purpose that elevates even the more familiar moments.
It’s that ability to push through the problems that arise from the few, more generic moments that resonate best. In many ways, Sworn Amongst sound like how I imagine Pantera would’ve been like had they been filtered through a 2016 lens. For all of the down-tuned riffs, a Southern sensibility in the leads, solos, and rhythm would be more at home for a band from Savannah than the UK, but that’s the globalized world we live in. The songs individually don’t stand out, but this short album flies by fast enough that this isn’t that much of an issue.
Under a Titan Sky is chocked full of menacing, groove-oriented riffing and a retro-fitted live recording style that work (to be fair, mostly) well together to create a nice and heavy package. Sworn Amongst don’t seem to care to win any awards for most original, and that’s perfectly fine here. For those looking for pit-ready anthems that recall Pantera, Lamb of God, and After the Burial equally, Sworn Amongst have just the stuff for you.
Purchase Under a Titan Sky on iTunes.
