“Blast Tyrant” rules. The latest release from the Maryland quartet takes Clutch further along its bizarre musical evolution from unadulterated hardcore act to a funky, groove-driven jam experience.
Although Clutch is often criticized by reviewers for failing to record an album that captures their legendary live performance, “Blast Tyrant” succeeds by ignoring that expectation.
“Blast Tyrant” is a true studio album, giving Clutch the opportunity to experiment with multiple tracks, over-dubs, organs and acoustic guitars. The album is completely reproducible live, but the studio touch adds a nice polish that any fan can appreciate.
Clutch is often described as a mix of the bluesy side of Led Zepplin with the stoner-rock riffs of Black Sabbath. But that sound, coupled with lead singer Neil Fallon’s growly poetry, produces a unique musical creation that is unmistakable.
A band that will not compromise its sound, Clutch has bounced along labels for their twelve-year existence and opened for Limp Bizkit, Nickelback and Marilyn Manson, to name a few.
“Blast Tyrant,” the first album recorded with the small independent DRT entertainment, offers some really great tracks that could mean some mainstream recognition and a promotion from the best unknown band.
“The Mob Goes Wild,” a possible candidate for a single, has a catchy refrain and a rowdy swagger that insidiously gets stuck in your head. The video for the number is the first one for the band in years and directed by Bam Margera.
The acoustic songs “The Regulator” and “Ghost” are the highlights of the disc, with the haunting “Ghost” giving Neil Fallon, lead singer, a chance to crone like Johnny Cash during the verses.
The album has at its core has some cohesion. Fallon makes the distinction that the recording is not a concept album, but more like “a soundtrack without a movie.” “Blast Tyrant” is loosely the story of a character called Worm Drink and his actions while running from the Blast Tyrant and the Blast Tyrant’s warship the Swollen Goat.
Don’t follow? Don’t worry – it’s not that important to understand. But it gives a taste of the lyrics that Fallon puts to their songs. Fantastical creatures and strange imagery dominate. To put it another way, you’ll never hear Fallon whining about lost love or his feelings.
The album showcases drummer Jean-Paul Gaster’s incredible drumming prowess and the heaviest sound he’s achieved so far on record. Bassist Dan Maines, while not doing anything remarkable, perfectly complements Gaster’s beat. Guitarist Tim Sult goes heavy on the wah-wah and space effects to expand on his Southern funky fuzz tone.
“Blast Tyrant” is worth the price of admission and Clutch will take you on a ride you won’t regret. For Clutch virgins, it’s one of the most accessible ways to discover the band.
For the handful of dedicated fans on campus, I don’t even need to say this is one of their best albums – the proof is in the juice.
Pat McDermott can be reached at [email protected].
