Swedish hardcore
act further deviates
from the proven path.
In 2002, Sweden’s Raised Fist forced US hardcore heavyweights to stand up and take notice with the release of the now classic Dedication. It was sincere, fast and pissed-off hardcore with nary a misstep on the whole record. It was disappointing then that it took a whole four years for the lacklustre follow-up Sound of the Republic. With clumsier lyrical content, Sound of the Republic also treaded new musical territory for Raised Fist with further melodic experimentation. The end result came out sounding like nu-metal far too often. I’m afraid to say that Veil of Ignorance sees the Swedes continue down this path somewhat. There are moments that are as good as anything the band crafted on Dedication (Afraid, City of Cold), but it’s let down far too often by the failed experimentation to put it in the same league. If you dug the direction that Raised Fist began to head in with Sound of the Republic, then Veil of Ignorance is worth a look. But those expecting a return to the form of Dedication will be disappointed.