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Chainfist: Scarred

Modern Heavy Metal

3.5/5.0

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Mighty Music
Words: Craig Hartranft  Added: 02.10.2014

Returning with their second effort, Scarred is Denmark's Chainfist. Beginning with a foundation of traditional heavy metal, the band puts a modern twist to it.

Chainfist: look anyway you wish.

And that may be the simplest summary of Chainfist's sound. They essentially takes thrash and speed metal from it's best tradition, but then makes those riffs and movements heavier and harsher, the characteristic of modern heavy metal. Yet, Chainfist can sneak in some melody and harmony, both in those same riffs but also the vocal arrangements. As usual, though, they're basically obliterated by crushing riffs and oft staccato. You get some groove, at times, as with 10,000 or Black Rebel Noise, thrown in the mix, and these become the better songs.

As for guitar licks and leads, the verdict is still out for me. They can be massive and roaring as within Seven Minutes of Pain or Statement. But they too are overwhelmed by the modern metal crush of riffage to the point you can't remember if you heard any at all. But they are there, and that's a good thing. Mostly I found Chainfist merely another attempt at cloning modern metal trends and, in some sense, that also makes them largely commercial. Thankfully, they're also pretty good at their craft. All they need to do is bump up or add in some more gruff hardcore vocals and the transformation would be complete.

Chainfist - Scarred Album Teaser

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Chainfist essentially takes thrash and speed metal from it's best tradition, but then makes those riffs and movements heavier and harsher, the characteristic of modern heavy metal, and drowning out the small elements of melody and harmony.

Alphabetical Index

Now entering their second decade in music biz, Sweden's Wildness returns with latest and fourth studio album, Avenger. Band personnel has remained consistent for the last four years with the addition of Erik ... [ Read More ]