UN: Maniacal shows the band moving in a much more metallic direction. How did the change in sound come about? This seems to be more thrash oriented than previous albums.

Lorenzo/guitar: We just play what we love and thrash growing up is what we loved, mixing it all together just gives it groove. We always had metal in our music and now just took it to the next level. I think we needed to just get faster, heavy and harder.

UN: Did having Jordan playing drums on the album make it easier to go in a more metallic direction? He is definitely no slouch when it comes to playing heavy music.

Lorenzo: Yes he is an animal behind that kit, it was easier to write and arrange a lot of parts with him being the type of drummer he is. We all got even more then expected with Jordan.

UN: Jared Buckwalter is the bands new drummer. When did he come into the picture? Was it right after the album was finished being recorded?

Lorenzo: Yes it was right after and we met him through the AILD camp while recording. He didn't have enough time to try out in the beginning of the recording process. Shortly after the record was done we went to Europe for his 1st tour with the band. Its amazing to have him apart of this unite.

UN: The album was co-produced by Tim Lambesis and Joey Z, who are both very experienced producers. Were you guys looking to make this the best sounding album yet from the band?

Lorenzo: We wanted to make the best album to date, doing it this way we felt like we were getting the tightest sound for us. We never thought it was going to come out that much better.

UN: What was the atmosphere like in the studio? Did you have a set amount of time to finish the record? Did Tim and Joey push you guys hard?

Lorenzo: We had a lot of time for a lot of things in the studio but guitars, thats where it became a pain in the ass for me, Joey , Tim and Daniel. The guitar tracking days got screwed up and it was a nightmare for everyone involved.

UN: Was it discouraging to see Abacus go belly up? Do you feel like Beginning of the End didnt get promoted as much as it could have been? Is the album still available?

Lorenzo: Yes I feel very bad about our record with Abacus, we did the best we could with the label being so small and such a little staff. Everyone involved then did there best but the label just didn't stick and hurt all of the bands in a way. I think the record is still available in stores.

UN: Century Media is the bands new home and a fitting one given the new metallic edge to the band. How have things been working out so far with the label?

Lorenzo: Awesome, we're finally in a place where we know is a good home and everyone is excited. We just dropped the album yesterday and cant wait to see what the future holds with us and CM.

UN Do you think being on Ozzfest really opened the band up to a lot of new fans? Would you guys want to take part in another summer festival tour or do you prefer to play in clubs?

Lorenzo: Ozzfest was a big tour for us and helped a lot. We would love to be a part of a summer fest like that again it was the best tour ever. We really need to get in front of those fans that will help us out so much.

UN: Is it much easier to get psyched for playing every night when you have an album you guys stand being whole heartedly? Are you guys excited to play these new songs live?

Lorenzo: We love playing these songs live, we had to in Europe on the Hatebreed tour being "Maniacal" just dropped 2 weeks before the tour started. It really brings life into the set after doing the same old set for years.

UN: This album also seems to feature more guitar solos. Would you say that kind of goes hand in hand with the heavier sound of the album? Did you guys spend more time on the solos this time around?

Lorenzo: Yes , we wanted more solos on the album so we did have to spend more time not only on the solos but the perfect solo sections on the album. I think we did the best we could and will continue album after album.

UN: Would you say that this is the most inspired the band has ever been? Is it pretty much a consensus in the band that this is the best album yet from Sworn Enemy?

Lorenzo: Wow, we are on fire and never been this HOT!!!! That helps being inspired to try to be the best at what you can be. We are the tightest band we've ever been. People will soon see what we're talking about live.

UN: Does it amaze you how much hardcore has grown? The metallic side of the genre has been exploding lately. In general it seems like bands playing heavy music arent looked at like pariahs these days.

Lorenzo: I'm very happy with heavy music being very popular these days and bands doing well. I also would be even happier if we were one of those big bands.

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