CLAWFINGER : "Before We All Die"

Their first album in 18 years finds Clawfinger sounding less like one of the nu-metal bands and more like what thrash became after the nu-metal circus left town. It opens with a very politically sided track, that has some decent locomotion to it. The vocals are just barked and not the most charismatic, but they work for what is going on. The sun hook to " Ball & Chain" finds them working better with some melodic elements in play, as the rapped verse feels a little awkward. Feels more like reciting poetry than riding the groove. "Tear You Down" carries more of the groove that the previous song lacked, and it's a more tightly written song, even if the lyrics are somewhat silly. 

"Big Brother" feels a little off despite most of the elements in play working; there is some energetic dust that still needs to be knocked off, I suppose, though the riff to "Linked Together" works better. Yet the phrashing of the vocals feels like it's from 1987. "A Perfect Day" is pretty terrible, mainly thanks to the vocals; they blend the hip-hop elements better on "Going Down". They go for a more Limp Bizkit sound. "Call Yourself a Teacher' leans more into 90s punk. There is more of a House of Pain feel to the blues-based "Fucking Disgrace".

The darker touch to "Kill the Dream" makes it the album's best song. The guitar riffing is the strongest thing in motion here, though the drummer gets the job. The Big Daddy Kane vocals return to bring the old school to a place where I am not sure the same class is in session. Some of the hooks works but it's inconsistent. If I were going to say get in where you fit in these guys need to be playing Juggaloo Festivals. The title track closes the album with more of a thrashing feel. I will give this album a 7, as some decent riffs are driving it, and some intersting sound layered around them with the vocals as the element that does not work as well. But if you were a fan of these guys back in the day, chances are your taste has not improved. 

pst23