As requested, here is an English version of our first review on From The North. --- From the north, where a hardened inside, a strong core and an unwillingness to compromise are obvious cornerstones in what might shape an individual, and later also a band. A template picture, I know – but Luleås Raised Fist fits like the hammer over the tom in these circumstances. The quintet’s integrity in both record contract dealings as well as concert bookings is well documented and their musical accomplishments have held a strong fort against outside interferences. And the fact that you are able to find more colors of tone in their palette today, then 20 years algo, is just a direct result of a band following the line in their hands, and also brings primeval-strong albums at the exact moment that the followers find bordering between painful expectations and relieving climax. Its six years since “Veil of Ignorance” was uncovered and a sibling is highly sought for. Therefore it feels, like the talk beforehand about a classic album and a true mile stone in their discography is motivated. From the north is a perfect title for such an album. “Flow” does exactly like a really good opening song can do: hold your hand during a walk you’ve done many times before, but this time the eye sees something different and the filter of emotions is updated to a version that are able to handle a timeline – like in this case RAISED FIST stretches from 1993 to late 2014. The chorus sits glued to the forehead after the first listening and feels as natural for sing-alongs as relieving mosh maneuvers. “Chaos” and “Man and earth” rips the relay race baton and dances along on light feet through heavy hardcore-grooves, tempo trigging attack methods, and not to say the least, astonishingly beautiful guitar licks, spike covered festoons, and other numerous raw expedites, that dresses the mentioned compositions with an aura of musical authority and wonderful melancholy. It becomes most bittersweet and next to unhealthy good in the last word “Unsinkable”. The brilliant guitar figure brings extra air under the wings to an already strong chorus where Alexander Hagmans clearing saw vocals delivers passionate progress reports. “From the north” have certain similarities of earlier mentioned “Veil of Ignorance” and also “Sound of the republic”, but it feels like RAISED FIST here manifests a considerably bigger and stronger unified identity. A feeling that finds resonance in the tough BREACH-reminding horror-riff that escorts the fantastic “Depression” straight into eternity! 8/10 Close Up Magazine Sonny Johansson ---
Posted on: Mon, 08 Dec 2014 14:28:00 +0000
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