17th February 2026

Review: “Before We Die” by Clawfinger

Back in the early 1990’s Clawfinger emerged from Stockholm Sweden as a pioneering force in European Industrial tinged Rap-Metal, landing massive hits like “Do What I Say” and “Biggest & the Best” while addressing topics such as racism, political delusion, drug policy, environmental destruction and social inequality. They’ve quite literally been there, done that and got the t-shirt to prove it over the past thirty six years with seven studio albums, festival appearances and tours across the world, not to mention a Swedish Grammy Award. Mastered by Jens Bogren (Sepultura, Amorphis, At The Gates) at Fascination Street Studios, their first album in eighteen years is called “Before We All Die” and we very much doubt that the five piece have any intention of quietly walking away…

Clawfinger vocalist Zak Tell has never been afraid to speak his mind and tell things as he sees them which is why you just can’t help but smile through the driving rhythms of the scalding and unapologetic politically charged opening track “Scum“. A vicious little ditty that will no doubt find the band prevented from entry into the United States of America for the next few years at least, its as much fun as you can have without losing a limb. Front loaded with an urgent riff and a collection of well choreographed samples that serve as an embellishment, the dark humour of it an absolute pleasure. Dirge laden riffs swirl in the eternal darkness of “Ball & Chain“, a cut with a tasteful sung chorus that finds Tell carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders, the band pushing into their Industrial tinged past to glorious effect. The Nu-Metal of “Tear You Down” is reminiscent of bands like Stuck Mojo with the keys from Jocke Skog bolstering the sound during the catchy sing-a-long chorus. Whats interesting about it is while there is an air of the late 90’s and early 2000’s style in these songs they don’t sound dated, benefiting from from modern production value with Tell’s tongue in cheek lyrics as gloriously insightful as ever. Poking the bear of social media and fake reality “Big Brother” rolls up with camera flashes and haunting synths, the lyrics musing on how people do anything to chase the attention and ruin their lives in the process.

There is a Nu-Metal guilty pleasure to “Linked Together” which finds Tell rapping more during the verse with the chorus having shades of Limp Bizkit about it. It’s a throwback to a bygone era that has become all the rage in the rose tinted spectacles of nostalgia, the turn table action tastefully done. The hip-hop orientated “A Perfect Day” takes us into Ugly Duckling territory with the guitars dropping out completely, low-fi beats and brighter instrument layers giving depth and texture as Tell’s perfect day becomes a total nightmare. Shifting into “$3 Bill Y’all” era Limp Bizkit style during the verse of “Going Down (Like Titanic)” is an interesting move, the Clawfinger stylings coming through in the chorus making it hilariously absurd and yet deliciously fun at the same time. It’s at that point that you realise that the Swedes have gone into the recording of this album to make the record they wanted to and haven’t compromised for a second. Channelling the rage of institutionalised ignorance “You Call Yourself a Teacher” flips the script back to what you might consider a more traditional Clawfinger sound, the fierce vocal tirade of the verse coupled with a catchy chorus and tasteful riffs.

The countrified tang of “A Fucking Disgrace” is another fun throwback to 1999, accompanied by an introspective lyrical narrative which returns to the dark humour of the earlier tracks. Its great to see that Clawfinger haven’t become a caricature of themselves or second guessed anything, instead finding freedom in experimentation and while not all of them work, they don’t need to. A commentary on the suffering and destruction of war “Kill The Dream” with programmed beats that bursts into an Industrial Metal chorus makes for a classic cut, the unfiltered lyrical approach a reminder that everyone needs to stand up and speak out. “Environmental Patients” repeats the pattern this time pointing at humanities failings when it comes to taking care of mother earth, the chorus one that you’ll struggle not to sing-a-long with on the second spin. Each track has been refined, the five piece keeping things tight so that everyone understands the messages contained within. Thought provoking to the very last moment, title track “Before We All Die” calls for the individual to break the cycle, live your life and speak your own mind. No one should suffer the social disillusionment and with the crunchy guitars, melodic keys and bouncy percussion, you can’t help but feel uplifted enough to raise a middle finger at a world that wants to bleed you dry [7.5/10]

Track Listing