James Cooper

OVER THE last couple of years, the heart of Swedish hardcore has been well and truly zapped into life.
First it was Misconduct with their no-holds-barred, blast-beat yob anthems and now their equally irate compatriots Raised Fist have stepped into the fold with ‘Fuel’. It is a melody free album of pogo inducing open chords and Sick Of It All-style noise. It’s not just posturing either, these four men sound as if they really mean it and there isn’t a track here that lets up for a second.
‘Tribute’ is faster than a hike through cannibal territory, whilst ‘Strong As Death’ is just that, playing around with some crunching riff work before plunging into the veritable agro-fest of ‘Lesson One’.
Raised Fist sound like they’re spoiling for a ruck, and after hearing ‘Fuel’ you will be too.
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Ian Glasper

Raised Fist are Sweden’s latest Hardcore heroes, and ‘Fuel’, their debut album, showcases a band with a very bright future ahead of them indeed. Not only do they have a knack for mixing up the Old School feel of early 59 Times The Pain with the Progressive New School Metal of Refused (RIP), they can even add convincing melody when required (as on ‘Pretext’), groovy mosh parts (‘Moment Of Truth’), those Snapcase guitar squeaks (‘Reversal’), or some of that bass/drum interplay that bands like S.O.I.A. do so well. The slam(war)dance intensity of ‘Tribute’ is the apex of ‘Fuel’, and is a real statement of intent if ever I heard one from a young band. If this was any faster, it would leave you behind, any heavier, and it would be through the floor, In short, they can pretty much turn their hand to anything ant it sounds like Raised Fist. Add to that some scorchingly raw vocals, and some intelligent lyrics, and you’ve got an awesome first record. So, that’s settled then – another Swedish phe   Read Full Review >>