Sworn Vengeance - Abbadon

As I mentioned in an earlier post, Sworn Vengeance has been rumored to make an appearance live sometime later this year, so I thought it would be fitting to upload some of their material... to those that don’t know: Sworn Vengeance initially formed in 1996, recording and performing under their original name; Downshift. Brothers Eric and Marc Fortner (bass and drums respectively) had hooked up with Brian (Guitar) and Ryan (Vocals) after placing some “Musician’s Wanted” ads in the local classifieds. Over the next two years Downshift would frequently perform at shows throughout Northern California, releasing three very well-received demo tapes (“Flame Still Burns”, “Soul Stealer” & “Nineteen Ninety Hate”) in the process, as well as a split 7” EP with locals Strength By Strength.

By 1998, the band had experienced some line-up changes (specifically after changing bass players and adding a second guitarist) and their sound had already started to move in a new, much heavier direction. They soon decided to change their name to Sworn Vengeance. After recording some new tracks (as well as updating some old Downshift songs) the band released the “My Friend Violence” demo, their first ‘official’ release as Sworn Vengeance. The recording was well-received, and after gaining the attention of Mike Hood and West Coast Worldwide Records, the band quickly agreed to release their first full-length CD with WCWW.

Unfortunately Nate (their second/rhythm guitarist at the time) quit the band only a week prior to recording “Abbadon”, forcing Brian to handle guitar duties on his own. Regardless of member changes, SV (who at the time consisted of Marc, Brian, Ryan and Bob) was determined to push on and they entered the studio the following week. This CD was recorded back in February 1999 at EME Enterprises in Sacramento, CA by Matt Erich and Mike Hood. EME was definitely the staple go-to studio for most Hardcore bands in Northern California at the time and this production style defines that era to me…

Although this CD is not as polished as “Domination” and the music is not as complex as “The Outstretched Arms Of Damnation” this remains as one of my favorite Sworn Vengeance recordings. I’d definitely recommend this CD to anyone who likes HEAVY Hardcore (think: Earth Crisis, Hatebreed, Next Step Up, etc.) or to anyone that is interested in hearing what was happening in Northern California at the time. Do yourself a favor and check it out…

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Sworn Vengeance live @ Gilman St. video

SWORN VENGEANCE 4 14 2000 GILMAN ST. from Eric 31 on Vimeo.

This set was filmed back in April of 2000 at Gilman St. by Eric Fortner, formerly of Downshift (pre-Sworn Vengeance to those unaware). I remember that this show was a few months prior to the release of “Domination” and in my opinion Sworn Vengeance were probably at their heaviest, and for lack of a better term, most brutal at this point. This was also one of their famous “weapons shows”, for those wondering what Ryan is throwing out into the crowd (cheap plastic swords, haha…). The band’s line-up at the time consisted of Ryan, Marc, Brian, Dan and Carl, probably their best line-up in my opinion.

Following some member changes and a drastic change in their style, Sworn Vengeance disbanded in early 2002. To those who don’t know, Dan now plays guitar in Set Your Goals and Carl Sings for First Blood. Special thanks to Eric for filming this all those years ago, hopefully he doesn’t mind me posting this video. The rest of the show looked something like this (although I think CFTC cancelled and was replaced by Second Coming):