Clawfinger “Before We All Die”
Clawfinger’s dysfunc rap metal is still alive. The world is falling apart, but at least Clawfinger has provided us with the perfect soundtrack for the occasion.
Dysfunctional Swedish-Norwegian rap metal maniacs Clawfinger are back with a new album, the band’s first since 2007’s “Life Will Kill You”.
Rap metal isn’t, and never was, music for everybody. It is perhaps an acquired taste. But if you liked Clawfinger back when they first burst onto the scene with their fantastic 1993 debut album “Deaf Dumb Blind”, you will probably like them now, too.
Clawfinger never cared about what was expected of them. They always ignored the unwritten rules of the metal genre. Even now, they disregard most of the expectations that come with being one of rap metal’s most interesting bands. Their trademark combination of aggression, attitude, groove and melodies was, and still is, a winning concept. Lyrically, they are still full-on and in-your-face with social commentary.
“Before We All Die” has a whole bunch of terrific songs. The excellent “Scum” is equalled by smashing songs such as “Tear You Down”, “A Fucking Disgrace” and “Kill the Dream”. The album is rounded off with the almost majestic title track “Before We All Die”.
The album has one song, “A Perfect Day”, that I don’t get at all. The song has a beat and a simple rap effort, but lacks punch. Crucially, the band forgot to add the metal part to the song. Boring and seemingly pointless. But it wouldn’t surprise me if they included this song merely to piss me off and show us who’s boss…
Overall, this is, as expected, a great rap metal album. Dysfunctional as fuck, but highly enjoyable. The world is falling apart, but at least Clawfinger has provided us with the perfect soundtrack for the occasion.
The band’s classic line-up from the ‘90s is largely intact: Zak Tell (vocals), Jocke Skog (keyboards), Bård Torstensen (guitar) and André Skaug (bass). The only newer addition is drummer Micke Dahlén, who joined in 2008.
Clawfinger’s new album “Before We All Die” will be out on 20th February via Perception/Reigning Phoenix Music.
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