The band formed in 1997 as Mindset, a product of the extremely expansive and influential New York Hardcore scene. Since its inception the band has centered around vocalist Sal Lococo and guitarist Lorenzo Antonucci.
The band's early output as Mindset was limited to a demo, an appearance on the New Found Hope II - The First Amendment compilation CD, and a 3 song 7 inch named State Of Mind.
Soon after the State Of Mind release, another band named Mindset appeared on the underground metal scene, having existed as Mindset before the Queens Mindset. Therefore, Sal, Lorenzo, Mike Raffinello, Jimmy Sagos and Paul changed their name to Sworn Enemy.
The band continued to improve and play shows anywhere they could, making an incredible name for themselves in a very short time. In 2001 the band released Negative Outlook on Jamey Jasta's Stillborn Records. The record was a brutal mix of old school hardcore punk and new school breakdowns and attitude, and it quickly gained the band attention in the entire hardcore scene. Soon after came Integrity Defines Strength, the title being a play on the I.D.S. crew that Sworn Enemy claimed loyalty to. It contained 3 new songs and a live set at CBGB.
Sworn Enemy's association with Stillborn and hard working business ethic led to the band signing a release deal with Elektra Records in 2003. The result was As Real As It Gets. It was clear that the band was expanding their style as the CD featured a large thrash metal influence, as well as abrasive, near-black metal styled vocals on Sal's part. The new style and worldwide distribution led a large number of heavy metal fans to Sworn Enemy, as did tours with bands such as Anthrax.
In early 2006 The Beginning Of The End was released on Abacus Records, a division of Century Media focusing on underground metal and hardcore inspired bands. The new record displayed even more thrash influence, and was immediately followed with a national tour with Six Feet Under.
Shortly after the release of The Beginning of the End, Abacus Records folded and Sworn Enemy was once again without a label. This time, their former parent company Century Media took them in, and the band released the heavier, thrash-metal inspired Maniacal in 2008. Though the album was well-received, Century Media decided not to renew their contract and the band was released. They quickly bounced back and released Total World Domination in June 2009 via Regain Records.
The Beginning Of The End
Sworn Enemy Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Soft spoken with no lies
A man for the people
Not one to beg not one to shout
Teacher to all for what this lifes about
Nothing to gain what's so insane
He's known better to all just for his pain
Mother dearest waiting to send
This is the beginning of the end
This is the beginning of the end
Fate of millions rests in my hands
Now this do I understand
Rivers of red running throught my head
I walk this path alone made up of the dead
The strength of the few runs through my veins
Forgive the forgive the killers the bringers of pain
On that morning somethings dawning
Ray of light broke throught the sky
Save a prayer for our brothers
Consequence of one tiny lie
Father tells me of my journey
To a place I wish to be
But I must forsake my life
And travel down this path of agony
This is the beginning of the end
This is the beginning of the end
This is the end.
The song "The Beginning of the End" by Sworn Enemy is a powerful narrative about a man who takes on the weight of fate of millions upon himself. He is described as a man for the people, with no lies and no need to beg or shout. He is known for his pain and is a teacher to all for what this life is about. The opening lyrics, "Forgive them of all their sins," suggests that he is a forgiving man, even to those who committed wrongdoings, such as killers and bringers of pain. He understands the gravity of his responsibility and states, "Fate of millions rests in my hands, now this do I understand."
The singer is tormented by "rivers of red" running through his head, likely symbolizing the blood of those who have suffered in the past. Despite that, he continues to walk down "this path alone made up of the dead," and gains strength from "the few" who share his sense of purpose. At the same time, the song hints at a tragic ending with lines such as "Mother dearest waiting to send her son to the beginning of the end," and "This is the end."
Overall, the song reflects on themes of sacrifice, forgiveness, and the weight of responsibility. The powerful music and lyrics are a testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
Line by Line Meaning
Forgive them of all their sins
Request for forgiveness of all wrongdoings committed by others
Soft spoken with no lies
Speaking in a gentle manner with utmost honesty
A man for the people
A person who works for the welfare of the masses
Not one to beg not one to shout
A person who doesn't ask for anything or make unnecessary noise
Teacher to all for what this lifes about
A person who teaches everyone about the meaning of life
Nothing to gain what's so insane
It is insane to do something without any hope of personal gain
He's known better to all just for his pain
A person becomes famous due to the suffering they've endured
Mother dearest waiting to send
A mother waiting to send her child on a journey
Her son to the beginning of the end
The child is about to embark on a journey of no return
This is the beginning of the end
The start of something that will ultimately lead to its own downfall
Fate of millions rests in my hands
A huge responsibility of deciding the fate of millions of people lies on one person
Now this do I understand
This person has finally comprehended the significance of their role
Rivers of red running throught my head
A visualization of bloodshed that constantly occupies this person's thoughts
I walk this path alone made up of the dead
The path that this person is on is one with nobody but the deceased
The strength of the few runs through my veins
This person possesses the power of a select few
Forgive the forgive the killers the bringers of pain
Asking for forgiveness for those who have committed murder and caused suffering
On that morning somethings dawning
An approaching new day that will bring about something significant
Ray of light broke throught the sky
A beam of light that comes through the clouds in the sky
Save a prayer for our brothers
A request to pray for those who are fighting alongside each other
Consequence of one tiny lie
The repercussions of one small untruth
Father tells me of my journey
A father informs their child about what they will encounter on their journey
To a place I wish to be
The desired destination that this person has always wished to reach
But I must forsake my life
This person has to give up their life to reach where they aspire to go
And travel down this path of agony
The journey this person is about to take will be one of great suffering
This is the end.
The end of everything
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind