Sworn Enemy

Formed in Queens, New York, the metal-hardcore hybrid outfit Sworn Enemy has remained active since 1997. Frontman Sal "Enemy" LoCoco, drummer Paulie Antignani, and guitarists Lorenzo Antonucci and Mike Raffello performed regularly throughout the New York region, which eventually drew the interest of Hatebreed vocalist Jamie Jasta. He issued the band’s debut EP, Negative Outlook, via his Stillborn Records imprint in 2001. Following the addition of bassist Mike Couls (formerly of Detroit’s Cold as Life), the group sustained its rigorous touring pace, completing more than 100 concerts during the latter half of that year. Strong response to the EP secured a major-label agreement with Elektra, resulting in the 2003 appearance of the full-length As Real as It Gets. Sworn Enemy subsequently returned to independent status, specifically Abacus, for the October 2005 arrival of The Beginning of the End. Shortly afterward the lineup experienced a sweeping overhaul that removed the bassist, the drummer, and guitarist Mike Rafello. The revised roster produced a sharper metal orientation reminiscent of speed metal icons Exodus and Testament. With this revised approach established, the musicians arranged to track their sophomore album using As I Lay Dying drummer Jordan Mancino on the kit, and Maniacal emerged on February 12, 2008.