CLENCHED FIST
The Gift Of Death
(Infernö Records)
36:32min

This record reminds me of a common reaction I have at Metal shows, particularly with opening bands. As my attendance at gigs has sadly become a rarity these days, I’m very stoked to see some Metal mayhem on stage. My intitial reaction to the band would be quite positive. In the case of CLENCHED FIST, I would be like "faaakk yeah, buncha long-hairs with denim and aviator sunglasses and pyramid spikes". A new beer would be foaming in my hand, and life would be good for that moment. The first couple songs would get my toe tappin’, for their simplistic, early RUNNING WILD style. By the 4th song, I would think "well, I might consider these guys bitchin’ if it were my uncle Nico on bass rehearsing with his dishwasher / mechanic buddies near my house". Right around that time, the vocals would also get on my fucking nerves cos the guy is not in key. The starkly derivative riffing would make the crawling minutes more and more painful. By the time the 6th track is playing, I’m thinking, "MAN I wish these fuckers would get off the fucking STAGE!!". And if CLENCHED FIST were to play any longer, I might start heckling them. So, in sum, these guys’ hearts are obviously in the right place, but if you’re in the mood for basic-yet-fun Heavy Metal, I’d recommend reaching for your METALUCIFER LP instead. www.myspace.com/clenchedfistband, www.inferno-records.net

Dick Osmond

Dick Osmond

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