Raised Fist in Anger
The sound of anger has been heard from Swedish hardcore band, Raised Fist, since 1993, when they were formed in Luleå. They currently consist of guitarists Jimmy Tikkanen and Daniel Holmgren, bassist Andreas Johansson, vocalist Alexander Hagman and drummer Matte Modin (formerly of Dark Funeral).
“Young kids, computer villains with drones are killing civilians
While planes with conventional bombs are still killing millions
What a surprise, we’re getting polarized by trolls on every device
We sacrifice fellowship in what was once our paradise” – “Polarized“
Anthems
This collection is the band’s seventh long-player and is my first encounter with their music. I was hooked when I stumbled on them by chance on Spotify! Hooked is very apt, as they have more hooks than Wallygator on a fishing trip to his cabin in the woods.
Diverse and groove-filled (although described as hardcore), the music smokes. They hit you with massive guitars, but then funk it up with rap sections that sound almost like a rockier Eminem. What particularly resonates with me is the clear, powerful production, that takes no prisoners.
From the off, “Venomous” is the roadmap to where this record will go. The track thumps along with a beat to die for and then the insane singing swoops in and mugs the listener with its anger.
The collection is bursting with great tunes and, pretty unique for a pop-punk band, the drumming is rather sensational! Mattie Modin is the MVP on this collection as he fills in the beat with a pulse that races along to drive the music. A good barometer of his talent is the song “Seventh“. Modin nails the beat with aplomb.
Highpoints
I adore Anthems, which screams out class. Songs such as the title track and the Sum 41 shake of “Mystery” demonstrate this ultimate class. The sound moves you and the rhythms beat you into submission. It ticks all of my boxes, with the groove and the venom. You can’t ever mistake these guys as anything less than angry, but they know the value of hooks.
Take a look into my eyes – this band slay and you need to hear this album. It will be in my Top Ten of 2019.
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