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Album Details

• Artist: Fisticuff
• Album: Punishment
• Label: C420 Music
• Year of Release: 2007
• ME Rating:
• Reviewed by: solitaryman on 2007-10-03

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When it's come right down to it, reviewing our #2-slotted Indie Of The Year semi-finalists has been a task of the utmost importance. After receiving their album early into the contest, I was able to spend some good time digging into Punishment, Fisticuff's debut album. During that time it was apparent the guys would be atop the pack until the very end, and indeed it was a late push by winners Amplexus that did 'em in. They've been great sports, and of all our contestants I can say personally that they've been the most enthusiastic and focused band. All of this bodes extremely well for their future. But let's not get ahead of ourselves. Just what do these Ohio natives have to offer musically?

For starters, a well-rounded and tight metal sound. These guys sound like they've been playing together for years (which they have), and it's quite impressive to note the fluid chemistry. Fisticuff's brand of metal falls somewhere between early metalcore, nu- and thrash-metal and, at points, blazing away dangerously close to a sort of nu-death. It's hard to pinpoint, each song seems to give another example of inspiration or direction. The unifying theme is, of course, honesty. The lyrics always convey a sense of this, along with whatever the focal point is for the particular song. Their songs run the gamut between balls-to-the-wall thrashers (opener "Walking The Line" is one of the best, and "Yellow and Red" might be Punishment's best song and one that must go over extremely well live) to more melodic and expressive semi-ballads, my favorite being "No Time To Wait" and it's hypnotizing main riff.
 
For a debut effort, I have to give Fisticuff two thumbs way up. I've been told by the guys themselves that some parts of the album might not be up to snuff, but I would disagree. The production value is superb and assists in capturing that honest spirit of true blue-collar metal. All of the member's instruments are crisp in the mix, which is very up-front and utilizes the talents of drummer Pat Garrett and the guitar hero worship of Dan Prem in particular to maximum effect. Rob Griggy on bass more than holds his own and more often than not can be heard throwing grooves atop the pile, making himself heard through some creative writing. This is a talented band who show a knack at penning devastatingly catchy riffs, impacting songs and lyrics that shoot from the hip, leaving no room for apologies.

At 15 tracks, Punishment does weigh down just a bit towards the end. It's not that the material slacks off much, or that the overall length is too intimidating (just over 50 minutes). It's more a matter of the high-impact of the album's first 10 tracks losing some of it's steam. There will be those who might confuse Fisticuff for a nu-metal band; nothing could be further from the truth. While they are no doubt influences by Disturbed, Coal Chamber, Korn and some others of that ilk, it's obvious the band's musical vision stretches quite far beyond that genre's limitations. As impressive a debut as can be expected. Metal fans far and wide owe it to themselves to hear this somewhat-nostalgic band recapture some of the heavy sounds of the 90's while injecting enough of themselves to separate them from just another band stuck in the past. Punishment oozes that old-school metal appeal, just a bunch of friends working in their garage, playing a dozen shows a week at local venues and basically keeping the dream alive. If I had some say in Fisticuff's direction, I would start seeking major label support. With a debut like this, anyone would be deaf to miss the potential they have to become a household name.

Make sure Punishment ends up in your hands. No exceptions! 

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