Brazilian metal warriors Clenched Fist are on their second crusade for true metal. 'The Gift of Death' is the name of the album, and it came out four years after the debut 'Tribute to the Brave Ones'. The band already formed in 2000, so their release rate isn't very tight now is it? Hey, maybe that means that they have put out a thought-out goodie of an album, then?

Well, not quite, but this isn't an abomination either, like so many albums which have been in the works for multiple years. It all begins with a very war-like intro featuring horn sections, percussion and choirs. It doesn't sound unlike "Conan" movie soundtrack, and surely summons right kind of mood for forthcoming assault. Clenched Fist's epic, melodic and still pillaging metal was influenced by many scenes. Speed and heavy metal bits, that come from European soil, remind of Iron Maiden, Running Wild and such. And when crossing the Atlantic, US true metal bands like Manilla Road and Brocas Helm come to my mind. The doom metal part of Clenched Fist is bigger than just a tiny portion hiding behind everything else. This is quite a soup, but it should be a tasty one for those who want back that 1980s metal madness.

So, the band do not build on one certain style. The songs do not stagnate, but have enough of turns to keep listeners involved. Okay, they all are rather short anyway. Galloping rhythms are abound on this album, aside many various heavy/speed metal tempos. Here, anything from speedy "snap your neck" stuff through mid-paced hammering, to slower rhythms, can be heard. Even the bass guitar gets its starring parts, which isn't a surprise in music like this, but it also goes on its own ways at times, not following the guitar or the drums. Good amount of lead guitar parts, and of course quite a lot of twin guitar playing to enjoy. The guitars sound rusty and hollow, but are viciously shredded. Lots of classic metal riffs can be heard, but many happen to be so bloody familiar. Perhaps just as expected, I think. This is far from the worst case of "loaning stuff", though. The sound is somewhat echoing, rising the epic feeling. There are different moods too, ranging from melancholic to savage.

The vocals are truly a double-edged sword. When the vocalist manages to sing thereabouts, it is tolerable. There are occasions, where the vocals and music simply do not meet. The voice here reminds heavily of Manilla Road's vocals. Similar, throaty voice, which is quite clean with some jaggedness, and with heavy vibration. High-pitched "helium" screams and lower evil-sounding, almost whispering voice as well. The pronunciation is something awful, so gladly the lyrics are printed on the booklet. Well, the lyrics aren't massively awesome either, as they are simplistic and filled with errors. They tell tales about myths, mystic things, UFOs and history.

Infernö Records have been digging up these "true" metal bands, admittedly with varying results. With Clenched Fist the label really managed to excavate a small gem from all of this current supply. Actually it is more like oversupply, for what is going on in the metal music circles. 'The Gift of Death' is rather enjoyable look at times gone by, even with all its frantic characteristics. It surely is soulful, and that's what makes it alive. This almost feels like it was coming from hazy 1980s!

Rating: 7+ (out of 10) ratings explained

Reviewed by Lane
03/13/2013 12:38