RAGING SOUNDS FROM A RAP-METAL PIONEER

For over 30 years, Clawfinger have been part of the top tier of the international crossover scene. With their hits, they shaped the genre like hardly any other band. On Halloween Saturday, the Swedish-Norwegian pioneers return to our concert factory with their new studio album Before We All Die and a wealth of classics from their long career.

Clawfinger burst onto the international music scene with a loud bang in 1993. Their debut album Deaf Dumb Blind, featuring tracks like “Nigger”, “The Truth” and “Warfair”, became a global success and is still regarded as a groundbreaking milestone today. With their mix of metal, rap and electronic elements, Clawfinger didn’t just create a new musical style – they also tackled pressing social issues head-on, without sugarcoating anything. In doing so, they managed to speak directly to the soul of an entire generation. Today, this hard-hitting crossover hit machine enjoys true cult status. Their last album Life Will Kill You was released 18 years ago, but now there is finally new material: Before We All Die (release date: 20 February 2026) is the title of the new studio album. Frontman Zak Tell once again delivers brutally direct lyrics: “This is not about peace. This is about spreading the truth, no matter how horrible it may be. And that’s exactly why we do it.” On Before We All Die, Clawfinger address topics such as environmental destruction, political hypocrisy and personal disillusionment, all the way to collective denial. “This album is one third protest, one third therapy and one third middle finger,” he adds. “Unfortunately, we can’t just pull solutions out of a hat, but at least we resist – because staying silent would mean the end for all of us.” The first single “Scum” makes their direction unmistakably clear. The band takes aim at corrupt leaders, fake morality and the growing crowd driven by right-wing ideology. Zak explains: “‘Scum’ is a raw, loud and brutally honest punk-rap track that hits you straight in the face. It’s aimed at guys who are selfish, sexist and self-obsessed and just won’t shut up. With razor-sharp lyrics and a beat like a punch in the face, ‘Scum’ says exactly what we think about these people, who would be better off just disappearing. The song is immensely angry, dark and direct. If you’ve ever wanted to spit in someone’s face but lacked the courage – or social etiquette wouldn’t allow it – then this track is made for you.”