And So It Begins is the debut full release from UK metallers Sworn Amongst. After five years of solid graft, their first release for Rising Records is an uncompromising hour-long barrage of angst-driven metal that will leave your head spinning and your ears begging for more.

METAL HAMMER: 7/10
A massively promising & accomplished debut

Kerrang! magazine:
Ambitious and reassuringly heavy, this hard working band's continued improvement could launch them to the heights. Hopefully this is just the start.”

Powerplay magazine: 9/10
“As far as debuts go this scorches like the midday sun during a supernova. It is just fucking marvellous! Exellent melodies that shred away with an utter savagery that was once thought dead by the early 90s. Sworn Amongst have concocted an album with so many razor sharp riffs that it almost feels like your head will explode trying to pay attention to each one. This is a thing of beauty, fury and speed. Very possibly a highlight of 2008”

Hard Rock House: 9/10
“One of the most epic sounding bands for quite some time. Technical guitars, frantic drumming and commanding vocals. Combining everything the band has learnt from their heroes, clearly Sworn Amongst have a lot to offer. The band are touring extensively this year, so you really should catch them when they come to your town and unleash the power of their riffs!”

Planet Loud: 8/10
“This is pure, unadulterated thrash. Songs like The Rules Of Engagement are songs that you can and will bang your head to. If you thought the be all and end all of thrash metal was the last Trivium CD then the likes of Unleash The Power will hit you like a steamtrain. This isn't clichéd "modern thrash", this is thrash that shows proper respect to the bands who made the genre of music the force it was. There is nothing to do when you listen to And So It Begins but bang your fucking head till your ears bleed.”

Subba Cultcha: 4/5
“This is metal, by metal fans for metal fans. No frills, no pretence, just some serious neck snapping fun. With a nod to their heroes at every turn, Sworn Amongst are here to pay respect to the past without actually repeating it, and that, dear friends, is what's going to take them places.”

R13: 12/13
"This is not light and breezy. It really has teeth. Heavy right from the opening with a precise technical approach and soaring melodies. You feel engaged right from the start with hooks and melodies that make it all very memorable. This is a really mature sounding album. Well formed, and solid."

Terrorizer Magazine:
“Fresh-faced thrash, with singalong choruses that are catchier than bubonic herpes, Hull warriors Sworn Amongst's debut album is every bit the steely-eyed statement of intent that it's name suggests”