ALBUM REVIEW: Anthems – Raised Fist

It’s been a minute since RAISED FIST have last reared their heads. Back in 2015, the group returned with From The North and brought their trademarked energetic live shows to the world before they retreated back to their Swedish homes to continue their lives. RAISED FIST make every album and subsequent tour a real event for them, and as such, every album comes packed with a healthy selection of highlights to keep fans happy whilst the band hit the drawing board again.  

Anthems is the sixth album from the Swedish punks, and this album comes packaged with a distinctly unique writing process for the band. Having been crafted out of 10 individual ideas that would eventually become the 10 tracks found on Anthems, it puts a lot of pressure on the songs to be of the best quality given the time and care its taken to craft them. Clearly, and immediately, these songs feel premier. The mix and final master has given Anthems a clarity that still retains the classic and traditional punk rock feel. There is a lack of modern saturation, and as such every instrument and lyric is able to really stand out throughout the record. 

The songs are pretty decent as well. Vocalist and lyricist Alexander Hagman made a conscious effort to take the attention away from the current shitstorm that is the political and social climate we all currently live in. In retort, Anthems is an album all about bringing the masses together. With tracks like Anthem and Murder both talking directly about the band and their love for playing music, the tracks are so easily imagined being played to packed out crowds in basements that it’s difficult not to move your feet even when you’re walking down the street. Coupled with choruses that get wedged firmly into the back of your head like Into this World and you’ll find that Anthems is a collection of genuinely, brilliantly written punk rock songs. 

There is an argument to be had that RAISED FIST lack some of the bombastic appeal that a lot of modern bands possess nowadays. Anthems has a lot of influence from external genres, with bridge sections that take the music to an almost hip/hop and pop inspired direction. You shouldn’t let this put you off, because it is the best elements of both that are brought into the fold. Alle’s vocal flows are easy to listen to, and feel incredibly natural. It adds a different dimension to what a hardcore vocalist can do to make the music as interesting as can be. Tracks like Oblivious are the best examples of this, where as musically, the introduction to We Are Here is an infectious groove that eventually explodes like a late album haymaker. 

RAISED FIST have taken the time over their lengthy career to really establish themselves as flagbearers for modern punk rock. They have always done things on their own terms, and have worked their fingers to the bone to get to the point where they are today. Where Anthems lacks in immediate, explosive appeal, it more than makes up for in the overall quality of the album. It sounds huge, the songs are well written and unique, and the album as a whole flows beautifully. For a year as busy as this one has been, the fact that records this good are still cropping up is a truly wonderful things. 

Rating: 8/10

Anthems is out now via Epitaph Records.

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