I really thought Ice-T was a unique person and artist, but when I got this Clawfinger “Before We All Die” I had to forcibly reconsider and, therefore, change my mind. It was not only the music, but the cursing and the mouth. Oh, boy, what a mouth! I do not know, but I am not used to this level of cursing anymore. In fact, I avoid it badly. However, I really support bands whose political agenda plays an important role as Clawfinger‘s. From environmental collapse and political hypocrisy to personal disillusionment and societal breakdown are the themes the band use to write its lyrics. I really like bands that do so.
I had some mixed emotions listening with “Before We All Die” and its music. Clawfinger are a rap-Metal band to which there is clear separate paths between both genres. I mean, there is not a mix betwen both genres in most of the cases. Or it is more Metal, or it is more rap. Title track “Before We All Die,” for instance is more Metal; on the other hand, “A Perfect Day” relies basically on rap. However, the rap I am talking about here is much electronic effects that rap really. Of course, there is the voice, but the rest is much more linked to electronic music than rap. There are some exceptions, “Ball & Chain“ tries to be a mix, but not so much. “Before We All Die” shows how important the order of the tracks in the CD really matters. I will be very clear, if “A Perfect Day” were the first blood, I would not be writing this review.
Ok, then, now analyzing the tracks that are more Metal, I liked very much the overtone of the guitars as in “Big Brother.” They are strong and tough. I like the kind of vocals Zak Tell does here. Some tracks as Linked Together” try to establish a mix, but sometimes the electronic effects from electro music take place, but, as usual in the album, the guitars are great. On the other hand, “Going Down (Like Titanic)“ commences as pure rap music with the famous scratches, in a sudden in a crescendo of the tension of the song, the strong guitars that made album so good appear in the chorus. That’s what I said, Clawfinger divide their music into pure Metal, pure rap, and some kind of mix between the both. It is a valid choice, though.
As an album “Before We All Die” has its moments of pure joy. Of course, they come when the band relies more on Metal music to build its music. When they rely only on rap and electro, I am afraid I cannot say the same.
Clawfinger “Before We All Die” will be released on February 20th via Perception.
Track Listing:
1. Scum
2. Ball & Chain
3. Tear You Down
4. Big Brother
5. Linked Together
6. A Perfect Day
7. Going Down (Like Titanic)
8. You Call Yourself A Teacher
9. A Fucking Disgrace
10. Kill The Dream
11. Environmental Patients
12. Before We All Die
Watch official music video here:
I’m just a lucky guy who has chosen metal to live with for a long time. Metal changed my life for good. It made me more confident and stronger. Metalheads are naturally far away from the mass mediocrity and don’t accept impostures from anybody else. Metal is more than music, it’s a life changing oportunity!