Raised Fist “Anthems” Review

Raised Fist
“Anthems”
Epitaph
Released : November 15, 2019

Swedish hardcore stalwarts are back with a new set of tunes. And it’s about bloody time. I have been a fan of the band since the late 90s. And although they get a lot of flack for changing over the years – I don’t subscribe to that thought process.

True, this is not the same band that put out “Dedication” or “Ignoring The Guidelines”. So be it. Their newer records might not have that frantic pace anymore either. Also true. And again, so what. Evolution is going to happen. We’re not talking Metallica here, it needs saying. Raised Fist have not totally ignored their fan base and style.

“Anthems” is more akin to “From The North”. The tempo might have slowed. As has been the case on more recent releases. However the energy is still intact.

What I don’t like about “Anthems”, is the lyrical aspects. The album’s title track, “Anthems”, has some pretty painfully cheesy lyrics. Opening bar especially; “This is a brand new album coming your way”. Stop. Please. Think about the longevity of your music. You’re not creating music that has a shelf life like pop or mainstream hip hop.

Think about it this way; do you still listen to bands like Black Flag? Agnostic Front maybe? Sick Of It All? Or if you’re like me, still listening to the older Raised Fist records too. This sort of lyric appears several times on “Anthems”. However, this is also my only gripe about the record.

See Also : Pissed Regardless “Imperial Cult” Review

Also let it be known that I’m not talking about every lyric on the record. Far from it. The majority are fine. But it has its moments when I want to face-palm myself unconscious.

The album’s fourth track, “Murder”, is perhaps the highlight. It has a catchy sing-along chorus that is both accessible and relateable. I find myself chanting “We are watching time pass by” each time I listen to it.

Once the dust has settled, I must say that I quite enjoy this album. I would love to hear a sequel to “Dedication” but that probably isn’t coming. I imagine singing at such an insane word count must take its toll on the human body. Think about that for a second. Back then, I would seriously wonder when Alexander Hagman found time to breathe. He spat an encyclopedia on each track.

I also think a slower version of Raised Fist is something equally special. Feel the groove. Its infectious.

For Fans Of : Kvelertak, Sick Of It All, Madball
Track listing :

01. Venomous
02. Seventh
03. Anthem
04. Murder
05. Into This World
06. Shadows
07. Oblivious
08. Polarized
09. We Are Here
10. Unsinkable II

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