Sworn – A Journey Told Through Fire (Review)

Sworn are a Norwegian black metal band and this is their fourth album.

If you’re a fan of black metal with both melody and atmosphere, then A Journey Told Through Fire is a 50-minute feast of the stuff. Honestly, Sworn have something well above average going on here that combines the best of old and new.

Sworn exist within the classic black metal sphere, but don’t restrain themselves to an old-school interpretation of the style; Sworn understand how to use the strengths of modern black metal to rule over their corner of it with an iron fist. Of course, you can hear the Scandinavian influence in their sound, yet Sworn manage to inject a personality all of their own into the virulently infectious material.

To say the music is well-written is an understatement. Within the first couple of minutes it is amply apparent that Sworn have a talent for the style, and upon journeying through the entire album this is frequently reinforced. A Journey Told Through Fire is best experienced over time via multiple visits though, as each spin reveals a new facet of the band’s sound, and the barbed hooks, bright melodies, and cruel vocals just get better and better and better. There are some extended instrumental workouts that are just sublime, especially so as they worm their way into your head over repeat spins.

The album has a clear, strong sound that provides Sworn with a solid foundation for their well-realised songwriting. A scathing work of blackened atmosphere and fierce rage, there’s also nuance and texture here, and the album is accented with ambient and symphonic elements where needed. Sworn create fully fleshed out worlds within these seven songs, completely immersing the listener in dark atmospheres that are conjured effortlessly into being. All of which is a credit to the aforementioned songwriting skills of the band, and their ability to capitalise on these.

A Journey Told Through Fire is a hideously accomplished work. It’s a creatively rich seam of black metal that Sworn are mining, and they have clearly struck pay dirt. Make sure that you don’t miss out on one of the strongest black metal albums to see the light of day in 2023 so far.

Essential listening.