Fist are the veteran Canadian outfit who, for the European market, go under the monicker  Myofist. Formed way back in 1976 by Band main man Ron Chenier  they were signed to A&M and released numerous albums before finally calling it a day back in 1996. However in 2003 Chenier decided to resurrect the Fist name with a new line up that was finalised in 2005 and led to the release of this new album. 

To my surprise I found that I actually owned one of the band's earlier albums, in the shape of the 1985 opus 'Danger Zone', as detailed in the very full promo pack accompanying the album. This answers the age old question “why don’t you get rid of some of those albums?” Answer you’ll never know when they will come in useful!!! More importantly though, what’s this new album like? In short pretty damn good. 

The unique thing about Fist is Chenier's vocals, which are particularly guff and I struggle to compare him to anybody in particular, the closest comparison perhaps being of a more melodic sounding blend of James Hetfiled and Lemmy. But as the band describe themselves as heavy metal/classic rock then this is arguably the perfect mix anyway.. Opening track 'Pressure' brings to mind fellow Canadians Honeymoon Suite, although heavier it contains some great guitar and keyboard work whilst 'Right In It' features an almighty riff and is a great low down, dirty rocker. As is 'It Ain't Easy', very AC/DC in style but with an added twist in the shape of the keyboards and to be honest it is the keyboards thar prove to be a big selling point of the whole album. When the band started back in 9176 most of their contemporaries would have not used keyboards for love nor money, but their use here give the songs that added dimension bring a late 70’s feel to proceedings and invites comparisons with Deep Purple in places without sounding too formulaic.

The whole album is chock a block full of clever little riffs and lyrical ideas that come to the fore with repeated listens and, as with the recent Vengeance album, it all harp’s back to simpler times without sounding dated at all, mainly thanks to the production job by Chenier himself. The 70’s are certainly in vogue at the minute just look at the success that bands like the Answer and Roadstar are having and with the right promotion this could easily bring Fist back into the limelight - all they need is a slot at one of the bigger European Festivals, Bang Your Head, SwedenRock etc, and they will go down a storm...

Bolted Door is now available in Europe from AOR Heaven

Let us know your views on 'Bolted Door'

Track List

Pressure
Right in it
It ain’t easy
I Dont care
Nothing to say
Time is running out
Calm before the storm
Out here on the desert
Down the drain
Headed for a breakdown
Get back get back
Behind the bolted door

Line Up

Ron Chenier - Vocals, Lead Guitar
Laurie Curry - Keyboards, Vocals
Kevin radomsky - Drums
Nor Reinehec - Bass
Tom Mair - Guitars