Formed in 1988 by Swedish hospital orderlies Zak Tell and Jocke Skog (who were also fans of extreme music), the birth of CLAWFINGER was rooted in collective purpose: convey something musically about societal issues that must be addressed. Aware that tackling race relations, homophobia, sexism, gender roles, religion, and patriarchy is not popular in metal, this is precisely why CLAWFINGER are determined to do what they do. Fueled by films, books, the news, friends & enemies, the blind hate of racists, bigots, and homophobes, and inspired by the work of Frank Zappa, Dead Kennedys, Sex Pistols, Public Enemy, John Lennon, Ice Cube, and Faith No More, CLAWFINGER opted to use the underground metal scene as the arena to speak from the heart without a filter, never giving in to the pressure of making their perspectives palatable. It is, after all, necessary to speak provocatively to make waves.
"Not only does rap-metal still exist," proclaims Decibel Magazine, "but the band probably doing it best are Swedish. Not your older sister's Limp Bizkit, CLAWFINGER is miles above anything the high foreheads at MTV were getting their silk boxers in a bunch over a few years back." A Molotov cocktail of rap, hip-hop, and metal, Hate Yourself With Style offers plenty of food for thought from its lyrical perspectives. Some listeners will understand the message right away; others might cringe and dismiss it; still others may challenge themselves to look beyond their own reflection on the television screen flashing the newest product that must be bought to obtain happiness. That CLAWFINGER are passionate about their beliefs cannot be contested, and the compelling messages behind their thematic songs are admirable. There should be no question as to why CLAWFINGER are eager to debut their new material for the politically savvy audiences of the U.K. (home of the Sex Pistols!), where the band is currently on tour.
Working toward the aspiration of making the world a more loving place in the face of engrained indifference is not without its obstacles. Aware that a less-than-tolerant climate toward rap-metal exists, singer Zak Tell has a message for those who take offense to CLAWFINGER's music and lyrics: "Listen to something else that doesn't require you using your brain. There's plenty of mindless crap out there!"
CLAWFINGER have been confirmed for the With Full Force Festival set to take place from June 30 - July 2 at Flugplatz Roitzschjora in L?bnitz, Germany.
Hate Yourself With Style was released in North America on February 7th.
Date: Feb 17, 2006
As Reported by: Erin Fox
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