Early Years: 1979–1987
During their early years, Cloven Hoof experienced several lineup changes before finally settling on a stable formation that lasted for their initial recordings. From the very beginning, the four band members embraced a theatrical approach and adopted pseudonyms inspired by the four elements: David "Water" Potter, Steve "Fire" Rounds, Lee "Air" Payne, and Kevin "Earth" Poutney. This lineup successfully recorded a demo tape in 1982, as well as The Opening Ritual EP and their self-titled debut album in 1984.
Following the release of their debut album, David Potter departed from the band and was replaced by Rob Kendrick, who took on the pseudonym "Water." This lineup only managed to record the live album Fighting Back (1987) before disbanding, leaving Lee Payne as the sole remaining member.
1988–1990
In 1988, Lee Payne revived the band and recruited vocalist Russ North and guitarist Andy Wood from the band Tredegar, along with drummer Jon Brown. With a fresh lineup in place, the band abandoned their stage names and went on to produce two more albums: Dominator (1988) and A Sultan's Ransom (1989). Lee Jones, a former member of Tredegar, joined as a second guitarist shortly after the release of these albums. However, contractual issues led to another breakup in 1990.
2001–2007
In the summer of 2001, Lee Payne began assembling a new lineup for the next iteration of Cloven Hoof, following a discussion with Andy Wood regarding the previous contractual difficulties that had caused the band's decade-long hiatus. The band made a live appearance at the Keep It True II Festival in Lauda-Königshofen, Germany, on April 10, 2004.
They recorded and released Eye of the Sun in 2006, featuring musicians Matt Moreton on vocals, Andy Shortland on guitars, and Lynch Radinsky on drums. The album was produced by Tom Galley. Due to various members' work commitments, the band was unable to perform live, prompting Lee Payne to once again recruit new personnel.
Vocalist Russ North returned to England and rejoined the band after spending some time living in Spain. The band's lineup was eventually completed by Mick Powell and Ben Read on guitars, along with Jon Brown on drums.
2008–Present
In early 2008, the band released a collection of re-recorded songs titled The Definitive Part One, with plans to release a new EP called Throne of Damnation in 2010.
Cloven Hoof co-headlined the Metal Brew Festival in Mill Hill with Pagan Altar in 2008. Both bands also performed at the British Steel IV Festival at the Camden Underworld in 2009. On June 27, 2009, Cloven Hoof appeared at the Bang Your Head!!! festival in Balingen, Germany, sharing the stage with bands like W.A.S.P., U.D.O., Blind Guardian, and Journey, despite the heavy rain during their set.
The track "Nightstalker" from Cloven Hoof's debut album was featured in the soundtrack for the Brütal Legend computer game.
In early 2010, following Russ North's departure, Matt Moreton was enlisted to record the vocals for the Throne of Damnation EP. However, Moreton left the band shortly afterward due to health issues. On December 13, 2010, Cloven Hoof released their first DVD titled A Sultan's Ransom - Video Archive. It featured footage from a 1989 concert at Lichfield Art Centre, as well as two music videos for the songs "Mad, Mad World" and "Highlander" from A Sultan's Ransom.
In 2011, Lee Payne embarked on rebuilding the band by bringing in guitarist Joe Whelan from the band Dementia and guitarist Chris Coss from UK/DC. Drummer Mark Gould and Ash Cooper joined as well, providing vocals. This lineup released a music video called "I'm Your Nemesis" and an updated version of "Nightstalker." However, Russ North parted ways with Cloven Hoof for the final time in July 2012, following a controversial performance in Cyprus. Mark Gould also left the band in August 2012, and Jake Oseland replaced him on drums in time for a series of live shows in 2013.
The 2013 lineup of Cloven Hoof scheduled their debut UK concert appearance at Wolverhampton Civic Hall on March 30, 2013, alongside Jameson Raid and Hollow Ground. On April 27, 2013, Cloven Hoof performed a concert at the Parkhotel Hall in Tirol, Austria, which was recorded by producer Patrick Engel for a future live album release. The band had plans to release a studio album provisionally titled Resist or Serve on High Roller Records.
On June 23, 2013, Cloven Hoof played at the R-Mine Festival in Belgium, sharing the bill with Hell, Tygers of Pan Tang, and Tank. They also made an appearance at the Heavy Metal Night 6 Festival in Italy on September 21, 2013. In 2014, Cloven Hoof was added to the lineup for the Sweden Rock Festival, performing alongside Black Sabbath and Alice Cooper. They were also scheduled to perform at the Power and Glory Festival in Hatfield on August 23, 2014, with additional European tour dates planned for the year.
Discography
Cloven Hoof (1984)
Fighting Back (1986)
Dominator (1988)
A Sultan's Ransom (1989)
Eye of the Sun (2006)
Throne of Damnation (2014)
Who Mourns for the Morning Star? (2017)
The Age of Steel (2020)
Time Assassin (2022)
Crack The Whip
Cloven Hoof Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
We can last the whole night through.
Take the strain, feel the pleasure and pain, shooting up inside of you.
Give it all you got, make it hot.
Ya really do it to me so right.
Touch it taste it feel it now,
Ya know how it fit's so tight.
[Chorus:]
Crack the whip!
You keep me coming, on stronger than ever before.
Light my fire, feed your desire, till it leaves ya burning for more.
Hairs all wet, starting to sweat.
Give ya every inch of my love.
Probing, moving in on your knees, to me standing above.
Penetrating, my bodies breaking.
Heart beating to the rhythm as one.
Take it to the limit now, keep me up till the loving is done.
[Chorus:]
Give it all you got, make it hot.
Ya really do it to me so right.
Touch it taste it feel it now,
Ya know how it fit's so tight.
[Chorus:]
Crack the Whip!
Keep me coming
You know, how to get me high.
Sure know something!
When my finger runs along your thigh.
Give ya every inch of my love.
Crack the whip!
The song Crack The Whip by Cloven Hoof is a sexually charged rock anthem that heavily relies on double entendres, suggestive lyrics, and metaphorical references. The singer is addressing their lover, and is encouraging them to ride them hard while holding on tight. The lyrics suggest that they will last the whole night through, and that the lover will experience both pleasure and pain. The song urges them to give it all they have, and to make it hot and intense. The lyrics get more explicit as the singer talks about taking it to the limit, and doing it till the loving is done.
The chorus of the song emphasizes the power dynamic between the two lovers, with the repeated phrase "Crack the whip" acting as a command that the singer is asking their partner to follow. The chorus also suggests that the lover knows how to get the singer high, and that they are sure of something. The lyrics continue to describe the lover's physical attributes, including their wet hair, starting to sweat, and the singer's desire to give them every inch of their love. The song ends with the repeated phrase "Crack the whip", emphasizing the dominance and submission dynamic of the relationship.
Overall, the song Crack The Whip is a perfect example of the glam rock genre, with its suggestive lyrics, over-the-top theatrics, and catchy guitar riffs. The song showcases the band's ability to craft compelling songs with memorable hooks and lyrics that are both playful and provocative.
Line by Line Meaning
Gonna ride you hard, hold on fast.
I will exert myself upon you with great force, so brace yourself.
We can last the whole night through.
Our endurance is strong enough to survive until the morning.
Take the strain, feel the pleasure and pain, shooting up inside of you.
Endure the difficult moments and enjoy the pleasurable ones, as the feeling surges within you.
Give it all you got, make it hot.
Put forth all your effort and make it intense.
Ya really do it to me so right.
You are doing everything perfectly and satisfying me fully.
Touch it taste it feel it now, Ya know how it fit's so tight.
Experience it through all of your senses, as you know how perfectly we fit together.
[Chorus:] Crack the whip! You keep me coming, on stronger than ever before. Light my fire, feed your desire, till it leaves ya burning for more.
Exert your control over me and keep me wanting more, as you fuel my passion and leave me craving.
Hairs all wet, starting to sweat.
Sweat is starting to bead on my body, as my hair becomes damp with my excitement.
Give ya every inch of my love.
I am giving you all of the love I can give.
Probing, moving in on your knees, to me standing above.
I am exploring and moving into a position of power over you.
Penetrating, my bodies breaking.
As we become more intense, my body begins to feel as though it may not be able to take anymore.
Heart beating to the rhythm as one.
Our hearts are pounding together in perfect unison to the beat of our passion.
Take it to the limit now, keep me up till the loving is done.
Push ourselves to the very edge of exhilaration and keep going until our love is completely fulfilled.
[Chorus:] Give it all you got, make it hot. Ya really do it to me so right. Touch it taste it feel it now, Ya know how it fit's so tight.
Put forth all your effort and make it intense, as you are doing everything just right and our connection is perfect.
[Chorus:] Crack the Whip! Keep me coming, You know, how to get me high. Sure know something! When my finger runs along your thigh.
Exert your control over me and keep me wanting more, as you know just how to send me to new heights. You are a master of pleasure, as proven by your reaction to my touch.
Give ya every inch of my love.
I am giving you every last bit of the love that I have.
Crack the whip!
Exert your power over me and control our passionate connection.
Contributed by Sebastian G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Lord Khaors
Fucking awesome!!, crack the whip!!!
dariobava
Hell yeah!!\m/
Antoine Koule
I shared this song from the group Cloven Hoof to broadcast it on Radio Saint Affrique. Thanks a lot, long living to rock 'n roll, your the welcomes. Antoine
vescara
Be careful because simply cannot share. Anti piracy people are watching us.
jimmyjackass
Seen these guys in 82 In Elmira NY They backed up Molly Hatchet. This is the only song that I remember being worth a fuck. JMO
chris d'angelo
It does remind me of Problem Child that riff there
Tolis kal
this should be in Highway to Hell from AC DC
vescara
No la, how you know?