Album Review: Raised Fist - Anthems

Whether by design or not, by allowing a little extra time between albums, Swedish hardcore act Raised Fist ensure each LP feels like somewhat of an event for (ahem) dedicated fans.

Arriving four years on from its predecessor, this record does what it says on the tin, the band attacking these often anthemic tracks with the gusto of a kid tearing into the wrapping paper at Christmas. Songs rarely outstay their welcome, or surpass the three-and-a-half minute mark. Alexander Hagman's distinctive shout leads the charge, bellowing socio-political banter, motivational messages and self-referential fare – their modus operandi. He's aided by riffs both bruising and hook-laden, and curious yet engaging touches, such as pseudo hip hop flourishes and occasional clean singing, or In Flames-infused melodic metal overtones of Into This World and We Are Here. It could've been a haphazard mess, but it's executed with conviction.

For purists enamoured by the blistering brand of hardcore evident in the likes of 2002 classic Dedication, the more accessible elements may be jarring. Thus, it's a deft move to incorporate cuts that could potentially bring grizzled punters out of mosh retirement. The groove-heavy Anthem (“This is a brand new anthem coming your way,” sums it up nicely) appears set to stir up the pit, as should the idiosyncratic but suitably aggressive Venomous.

Operating within a genre whose adherence to convention can be a millstone around its neck, Raised Fist continue to evolve their sound – and the results are largely enjoyable.