ClosedHandPromise - [iam] Nemesis (song review) |self-released, [iam] Nemesis, 2013| 
Most of the metal bands hailing from Texas come up with extremely powerful music - think of such famous acts as Skrew, Pantera or Rigor Mortis. Raging heat also radiates from this Austin based band, as if coming from a steel factory furnace.
ClosedHandsPromise was founded in 2004. Its line-up includes Domingo (Gitfiddle), Pumpkin Escobar (Slaps da bass), P-dro (Beatz), Colbonix (Propaganda) and K-Killa (Electrics). They've released Outer Space EP followed by a brand new [iam] Nemesis EP in 2013. The title track recorded with Tim Gerron (SOD, Skrew) and mastered by Roger Lian (Slayer, Candiria) offers a powerful and high quality sound.
Heavy metal arrangements mixed with hardcore influences and pumping dynamics are probably the first thing you notice about "[iam] Nemesis". The Greek mythology portrays Nemesis as the goddess of fate, justice and revenge, a personification of the gods' wrath. The song’s mood seems directly connected to these motifs.
"[iam] Nemesis" is a short, stimulating track clocking in at slightly over 3 minutes. The dynamics and the flood of arrangements change within the composition, keeping the song absorbing, both to your ears and brains.
The musicians cooperate together perfectly - the drummer comes into a forceful union with the bass player, while the guitarist supports the lead singer. Repetitive spirals of piercing riffs entwine with thorny, hateful and screaming vocals that add a serious set of claws to the music. Loud, angry shouts and a fast-paced stream of lyrics will fill your ears with an honest, in-your-face message, whether you're ready to hear it or not. Moreover, some parts of the song sound as if the vocalist was attacking the listener like an infuriated pitbull. If you enjoy growling, you'll get a serving as well.
These guys, once they gear up, turn into a collaborative team of warriors. If you wish to learn more about ClosedHandPromise, it would be wise to buy their brand new album, support them through social networks and best of all, go see them play a live show. Solid, furious and memorable.
(Katarzyna 'NINa' Górnisiewicz, Fabryka Music Magazine, December 22nd, 2013. Proofreading: Mike 'Vesper' Dziewoński)
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