Sworn In: Start/End drops in hot and heavy

Sworn In recently put out an EP that they promised would deliver a punch. Well, that's an understatement if I ever saw one. It has been awhile since 6 tracks played in a row have delivered a hurricane of fists that bombarded my eardrums on the bus ride up to campus. It is the sound of two ideas working in sync that can work beautifully, but only when done with such skill and precision as Sworn In has done.

"Start" is just that, the beginning, an intro to the EP that sets up the next track, "Opportunist". Right away you here an aggressive, in your face style from the instruments to the vocals. Anger is the name of the game and those who say otherwise get kicked in the chest on the way through the album. Their sound is like if Volumes and Bermuda had a child that really hated their parents, but they did so knowing that the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. Hardcore/Deathcore elements mesh with groovy djent riffs/breakdowns.

Speaking of breakdowns, I have heard such tasty breakdowns since Volumes' and Bermuda's latest releases. I love how they set up their breakdowns, like in "The Deviant", where you think "here it comes..." and then it goes the complete other way! Especially when it starts off at one speed and then slams a wall of sound into a slower, heavier tempo. But what makes this EP even better is the fact that it isn't all just awesome breakdowns. There are moments of great songwriting and musicianship that really showcase what the band has brought to the table. You know, after they've heel kicked the table into the floor.

This is a great EP, and it's free. Hard to believe it, but it's true. Get it, spread the word of the band, play it through your speakers as you drive through the neighborhoods blasting Top 40 like it's brand new, and show 'em what Sworn In are made of! (I'd say their made of hornet nests on fire fighting a bear with chainsaws for arms)