By Paul Hanson

Rarely does a band come along that successfully combines heavy guitar riffs, 'real' drums, and rapping lyrics to compose a blistering disc like this one. Potent anti-racist, atheist, and self-centered lyrics are the highlight of this disc. Vocalist Zak Tell's lyrics hit on topics of racism, narcissism ("I'm the best friend that I' ve ever had/ the best friend that I' ll ever find") and atheism ( "There's nothing a God can give to me that I can' t give to myself/ It's not that I don't believe at all but I don't need a heavenly sign/ I don't believe in a God that I need to worship"). Guitarist Bard Torstensen and Erlend Ottem construct interesting melodies throughout the disc. Clawfinger could easily generate a wide US- based audience on a tour with the likes of Stabbing Westward or even a Rage Against the Machine. The band's blend of powerful lyrics and interesting song ideas make this band one that definitely deserves your attention.

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