CLENCHED FIST “Welcome to Memphis”
This is some tough-as-nails metallic hardcore that sounds like it should have came out in 1992. Full of chunky guitar riffs, hyperspeed drumming, and gruff, burly vocals, CLENCHED FIST are relentless in their attack. Much of this release falls into two categories – lyrical subject matter devoted to growing up and growing past a rough livelihood, and songs about Memphis hardcore pride. Although much of this release seems totally sincere, and the music busts apart with enthusiasm, the excessive attention given to “crew shout-outs,” and quotes support “hoods and bats” in the lyric booklet riddles this with a cartoonish, violent atmosphere, one that hardcore does not need, especially at shows. CLENCHED FIST show glimpses of greatness however, when they focus their energy on getting through the obstacles that have held them down, and most obvious here is the vocalist losing his father at a young age. A song like “More Than Your Share,” which details the vocalist’s mother standing strong through troubled times is moving, and this is where the band reaches its greatest heights. As a reference point, if you dig early HATEBREED, and MADBALL, CLENCHED FIST might fit perfectly into your collection.
Thorp Records
