July 22nd 2017

Baltimore MD

HARDCORE METAL..MOSHING NINJA MOVES

Sworn Enemy has always been a personal favorite band that came out of the Hardcore scene in the late 90’s and early 2000’s. I seen them with such iconic bands like Hatebreed and Biohazard back in the good days of Club Laga in Pittsburgh PA. Sworn Enemy had such energy and angst with such a great live show that was hard to match. Sworn Enemy went through some tough times and line changes but singer Sal Lococo has been the backbone of this band. Sworn Enemy came into Baltimore MD on July 22nd and I was excited to once again see this band perform live. I got the opportunity to sit down and just shoot the shit with Sal before the show and it was like talking to a good friend so down to earth and I had to admit that this was a huge interview for me since I’ve been a die hard fan for years and being able to just talk with Sal was one less off my bucket list.

Empire: Is Sworn Enemy working on any new material for an album?
Sal: Ya were going to work on that in California around September.

Empire: What do you think about the Hardcore scene now compared to back in the day?
Sal: Now there is so many new genres of hardcore popping up its, so many different things are going on that I’m kinda like it’s new to me. I like it better back in the day. You’re talking to a person who was from back then. I enjoy it and I love playing but hopefully people still enjoy us.

Empire: Do you still talk to the old guys from that time?
Sal: Sure, I’m friends with all those guys. I stay in touch with all those people. That’s why social media is very good for. It helps you keep in touch with people living in Florida and other places.

Empire: How was it like shooting the “No Mercy” video?
Sal: it just like any other video, we spent a long time in a room with everybody and guy telling us what to do, telling you he needs to get that angle or retake it. It’s fun but it’s gets annoying sometimes. But I enjoy the final outcome.

Empire: With the imagery in that video and the state of affairs now, what do you think about that?
Sal: I hate to say it but the country is a mess right now, it’s a shame. This country was built by the people for the people and it’s not like that. The politicians, the higher ups they run the country, the corruption that goes around it sad. I try not to get too political because someone always is going to argue with you. Everyday you hear about all the corruptions and bad cops. There’s always going to be one bad apple in the bunch, yes we have bad cops but they aren’t all bad. I say keep your head out of trouble and try to do the right thing.

Empire: Was it hard to be so open on “as real as it gets” album with lyrics and just emotions from the 9-11 incident and you being from NY?
Sal: Lyrically there was plenty to write about it, so much going around it made it easy to write, I had so many things in my head. The pen and paper never stopped flowing. Not that it’s a good thing, but stuff like that gave me so much stuff to write about.
Empire: Was it hard to do those songs live?
Sal: As a performer I kind of zone everything out and just doing the songs. I don’t have much going on in my brain except focusing on what’s going on in the moment or I can forget the lyrics. It was hard after it first happened.

Empire: We were talking earlier about Club Laga, any good memories or any other iconic clubs you loved playing?
Sal: CBGB it was a staple for the hardcore scene. I was so excited about playing there. I’m so glad I got a chance to play there. Club Laga lots of good memories playing with Hatebreed with Stillborn Fest.
Empire: I always reminisce with bands about playing there, such an awesome club, no barrier just pure chaos people jumping off the balcony. I’ve prob got some many broken bones and bruises from that club. (We both laugh)
Sal: Same thing as The Showcase in Corona California. That place you can guarantee you were going to have a sold out killer show there.

Empire: If you can bring back a dead musician who would it be?
Sal: Jeff Hanneman of Slayer. That guy was an amazing player. Big influence on me. Getting to meet him and seeing how cool he was its sad that he’s gone. Another one is DimeBag Darrell, he was such a humble guy. I would bring those two back in a heartbeat.

Empire: If you can switch places with any band who would it be?
Sal: Rolling Stones. Those guys have been doing it since the 60s still doing shows. Who’s bigger then them. Selling out arenas and festivals. They are on top of there game still. And they get paid. If I’m going to switch shows for a day I want to switch with someone getting paid.

Empire: Anything you want to say to the fans?
Sal: Sworn Enemy is still alive and kicking. We are going our thing nonstop, recording in September. We will keep you posted on Facebook and social media so give us a like.

Sworn Enemy came out and just killed the crowd right off the bat. Throughout the show Sal would let the fans take the mic and sing the songs and just tear the place down. At one point it got so crazy in the club that a big fight erupted and the band stopped to see what was going on. It was pure chaos just like it was back 15+ years ago. Such a killer band that Sal has behind him, all really cool guys and excellent musicians. Can’t wait for Sworn Enemy to come back around again.

Check out Sworn Enemy on Facebook: Facebook.com/OfficialSwornEnemy/

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Ron

Ron has keen eye for new talent, a love for the underground, and a tremendous passion for music of any genera. You’ll probably bump into him at a horror convention or some seedy club checking out the next need-to-know band.

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