Clenchfist

The power of positive rock
Clenchfist, a heavy metal alternative rock group from Spring Hill, makes music with an affirmative message.
JOY DAVIS-PLATT
Published July 11, 2003

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SPRING HILL - Even when he was a student at Springstead High School, Steve Bruno knew he had something to say.

Five years later, he and his band, Clenchfist, are set to celebrate the release of their first CD with a party tonight.

"All of our songs are based on real life," said Bruno, 22, who writes the band's lyrics and sings lead. "That's what we write about, because I think our experiences can show people that they're not alone."

Along with two high school friends - bass player Jason Reina and guitarist Craig Cooper - Bruno enlisted his older cousin, Jason Reina, to play drums in the band.

"He always wanted to play the drums," Bruno said. "He used to play on his pillow, so we bought him a drum set and the band just clicked."

Because younger people are often confused and dragged down by today's unrelenting pace, Bruno said, he tries to keep a healthy outlook.

"We're more positive because the world's so crazy right now," said Bruno, who works in Lakeland for a cell phone company.

The CD, titled Elements of Change, contains all original music, including the songs Change of Life, Download, Irritated and Given Up.

Despite the band's affirmative messages, Bruno said the group's sound is far from easygoing.

"We really don't know what to call it. It's a heavy metal alternative rock," said Bruno, who counts Korn, the Deftones, Run DMC and Pantera among his musical influences. "It's not crazy music, it's just enjoyable."

Although many in the band's following are younger, the release party is for ages 21 and older.

"We want people to be able to come out and enjoy our music," said the Brooklyn-born Bruno. "We really want to put Spring Hill on the map."

- Joy Davis-Platt covers Hernando County arts and entertainment and can be reached at 848-1435. Send e-mail to joy@sptimes.com

At a glance
WHAT: Clenchfist CD release party

WHERE: Scores Sports Bar & Grill, 11060 Spring Hill Drive, Spring Hill

WHEN: Doors open 8 p.m. today; band plays at 11 p.m.

TICKETS: $10 at the door, which includes free draft beer, food and a CD

© Copyright, St. Petersburg Times. All rights reserved. - Joy Davis/Platt

"the two openers for the evening were what really made the show. Though quite different in their musical philosophies, both Clenchfist and Code Zero delivered solid performances that could have very easily stood on their own.
Dueling guitars!



Dueling guitars!

Clenchfist had the envious job of starting the night off. Rather than singing from the stage, lead singer Steve Bruno preferred the company of the fans in the pit, at one point standing on a chair in the middle of the floor. Though I had my doubts about being able to sit through an entire metal act, Clenchfist had excellent stage presence, drawing moshers only three songs into their set and constantly chatting it up with the crowd.

“I gotta say there’s a lot of class here in Cape Coral,� Bruno said. “The men look like they have money.�

“Yeah right!� someone shouted back to a round of laughter before Bruno exploded into another song. It might just be me, but metal seems to be more tolerable when it’s live. Or maybe the men of Clenchfist just know what they’re doing."

http://www.coastalbeat.com/news/2007/jul/02/hangin_mr_haha/ - Coastal Beat

"the two openers for the evening were what really made the show. Though quite different in their musical philosophies, both Clenchfist and Code Zero delivered solid performances that could have very easily stood on their own.
Dueling guitars!



Dueling guitars!

Clenchfist had the envious job of starting the night off. Rather than singing from the stage, lead singer Steve Bruno preferred the company of the fans in the pit, at one point standing on a chair in the middle of the floor. Though I had my doubts about being able to sit through an entire metal act, Clenchfist had excellent stage presence, drawing moshers only three songs into their set and constantly chatting it up with the crowd.

“I gotta say there’s a lot of class here in Cape Coral,� Bruno said. “The men look like they have money.�

“Yeah right!� someone shouted back to a round of laughter before Bruno exploded into another song. It might just be me, but metal seems to be more tolerable when it’s live. Or maybe the men of Clenchfist just know what they’re doing."

http://www.coastalbeat.com/news/2007/jul/02/hangin_mr_haha/ - Coastal Beat