Band:	Sworn
Album:	A Journey Told Through Fire
Release date:	June 2023

01. A Godless Domain
02. Grand Eclipse
03. Calamity Sea
04. The Forsaken
05. Visions Of Fire
06. Monumental
07. A Journey Told Through Fire


Here's some of the highest standard and most exhilarating meloblack you'll hear this year, brought to you by a band Sworn to take you on A Journey Told Through Fire.

Sworn is a relatively unknown metal act on the seemingly infinite meloblack spectrum, and here, this Bergen-based band, who formed back in 2005, present to us their fourth full-length release to date, A Journey Told Through Fire, following the impressive Dark Stars And Eternity released five years prior. Now, you shouldn't need me to tell you that meloblack has been rapidly saturating itself with bands from far and wide lately, and while there are a few bands that may stand out from the rest, many unfortunately do not. This could be due to the 'all been done before' scenario we so often see happening throughout metal as a whole, and not just with this particular sub-genre. By sticking to traditional stylistic roots, bands often become predictable, and perhaps uninspiring to many listeners, and with there being so many bands springing up on the scene these days, it's generally difficult to keep up, especially when only very few albums truly stand out. Now, let me tell you, Sworn aren't one of those ordinary meloblack bands; this latest release very much sticks out from the crowd.

Although influences from their fellow Scandinavian meloblack forefathers are clearly present in their style (and why should we expect there not to be?), Sworn have also been on a journey of their own, developing a style that goes beyond just simple traditional meloblack. Here, Sworn don't just treat us metalheads to a standard release with the usual ferocious elements influenced by the likes of Dissection, Sacramentum, Necrophobic, and... (you get my drift), they also introduce elements from today's modern day black metal scene, where you'll hear touches of Mgła, Uada, and even Gaerea, through hypnotic rhythms and densely dark atmospheric soundscapes. This is exactly what we have before us now with A Journey Told Through Fire.

The album begins with what I would personally consider to be the best track on the album, "A Godless Domain". This is a lengthy track at just shy of the epic ten-minute mark, one that starts with a slow atmospheric build-up before unleashing a frenzied hellish assault on the listener's eardrums. Through its richly melodic tremolo riffing, furious blast beats, and demonically sinister shrieks, you would be fooled into thinking 'here we go again, another album inspired by the Sweden meloblack scene'; however, the way this song is structured is marvellous, and the riffs are certainly memorable. So, the album is off to a flier, but you now have another forty minutes of devastating, relentless ferocity with supercharged melodic riffing to endure, if you're up for it that is, and if you're a fan of the melodic side of black metal, then you sure as hell should be.

Now, what's fascinating about this album is the chilling atmospheric interludes featured on several tracks, which really help grip the listener's attention, giving the album a journey-like impression, rather than thinking you're having a quick headbanging session. Some of these slower-tempo sections feature some beautifully crafted accoustic passages, especially the impressive acoustic melody on "Grand Eclipse". The tracks are in general quite lengthy, with none of the seven tracks under six minutes in length, but as the riffs are for the most part memorable, and the lead guitar work fascinating, you don't feel said length. You have a genuine melancholic sound through some of the sweeping guitar leads, which give off an almost Finnish melodeath vibe, particularly on the track "The Forsaken". The melodies don't just contain your typical standard meloblack grooves; there's actually a certain hypnotic approach as well, similar to what you get from bands such as Mgła, Non Est Deus and Uada.

A Journey Told Through Fire provides exactly what is required for meloblack, and more. With some great musicianship and excellent songwriting, Sworn have really pulled it out of the bag, and will hopefully set a benchmark for a new wave of melodic black metal for the future to come. Regardless, this is a subgenre that is clearly not going anywhere anytime soon, I can tell you that much.