Raised Fist @ Billboard,Melbourne (11/09/09)

Sun 13th Sep, 2009 in Gig Reviews

Judging by the size of the near sell out crowd at Billboard, fans were clearly eager to see more of Swedish hardcore outfit Raised Fist and their emotion charged / ball breaking live show.

They were solidly supported by Melbourne based punk metallers The Abandonment and hardcore mainstays Carpathian. Not having heard The Abandonment before, I was impressed with their no bullshit attitude and technical proficiency, while Carpathian continued to show why they are regarded as one of heavyweights of Oz hardcore.

Following the completion of the support acts, the merchandise stall was busy and punters were keenly anticipating Raised Fist’s arrival onstage. The set was focused almost predominantly on their most recent studio album Veil of Ignorance although some tracks off prior studio albums Dedication and Sound of the Republic also made it onto the list.

The sound quality was great and standout tracks included Friends and Traitors, Sound of the Republic, You Ignore Them All (an older track that had previously not been heard live in Melbourne) and the ultra high energy Get this Right. Random punters were allowed to get onstage and there was plenty of energy in the crowd.

Besides the tangible up tempo feel of their music and general execution of their live set, a key differentiating factor of Raised Fist is the unique vocal style of Alexander “Alle” Hagman. It’s hard to describe but it’s high-pitched and abrasive while keeping a tough as nails hardcore attitude. Raised Fist’s previous 2006 show in Melbourne had a “boiler room” feel to it where every fan was shoulder to shoulder, whereas this show (in a larger venue) allowed for a larger crowd and more subtle appreciation of their tunes. As always, their live work ethic was impressive throughout and Hagman showed why he continues to be a great front man with his ability to engage the crowd throughout the set, not to mention his ability to lay almost horizontal in the air from a vertical leap. He often described the basis or reasoning for writing particular tracks and clearly has a lot going on in his head when song writing.

After almost an hour of live tunes, they finished things off with an encore full of energy that included the tough and uplifting track Breaking Me Up, a fitting end to what was a great live show on their part.

CHECK OUT THE PHOTOS FROM THE GIG HERE