Our Enemy is Time
Sworn Enemy, hailing from Queens, NY, has been putting out music and touring for over 15 years. This year, 15 years since they released their debut, Sworn Enemy releases their eighth studio release, Living on Borrowed Time. This record, like most of their work, does not disappoint. These guys have essentially been releasing the same record year after year. But that’s not a bad thing; they have been making each one sound fresh and exciting. Sworn Enemy has delivered their NYC hardcore since the early ’00s and have gained a large following thanks to their relentless tour schedule. These guys work tirelessly to help spread the gospel of the hardcore scene, and it shows.
The opening track, “Do or Die,” is for certain the record’s anthem. A heavy riff introduces the slugfest that is Living on Borrowed Time. “Hard Way,” the second cut, is another anthem, a lament about being taken advantage of and how to deal with making mistakes. Sworn Enemy doesn’t always get the credit they deserve in the lyric department. Sal Lococo (lead vocals) isn’t a terrible lyricist. He calls out exactly how he feels about a topic and, in this day and age, that’s what we need more of.
Closer “No Mercy” has the best solo on the album. This guitar player rips, and the song is pretty incredible. The breakdown here almost bangs your head right off. It’s a “bull in a China shop” kind of feel, but well worth it. Overall, Living on Borrowed Time isn’t going to change your attitude about hardcore music. It isn’t a real progression for the genre itself. However, it is a great release by a band that’s been doing it longer than some of their fans have been a live. So go grab this record and turn it up in your room and start picking up the change.
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