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)
Mad Mad World
Cloven Hoof Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Who make all the rules
It's a mad, mad world
Human zoo were living in,
Seems you just can't win
It's a mad, mad world
They got it all
Think they own you body and soul
Line 'em up against the wall,
See how far the mighty must fall
Children starve while others feed,
On their own greed
It's a mad, mad world
Poverty, inequality,
How can it be?
It's a mad, mad world
Religion points to a better way,
Tells you that you've got to believe
Jesus saves,
That's what they say
While the devil laughs up his sleeve
There are those with empty hearts,
Who try to drag you down
Don't let them turn your head around,
Keep your feet on the ground
The lyrics of "Mad Mad World" by Cloven Hoof describe the overwhelming chaos and confusion in the world. The first verse portrays humans as being on a ship of fools, with those in power making all the rules. The second verse references the inescapable sense of being trapped in what feels like a human zoo, where there are no winners. It's a mad world where the big money men think they own everyone and everything, but the mighty will eventually fall. The third verse highlights the contrast between those who have plenty and those who are starving, the problem of poverty and inequality.
Religion offers a solution, emphasizing faith in Jesus to save us, but the bridge of the song warns that there are also those with empty hearts who will try to bring us down. The overall message seems to be that we must remain grounded and steadfast in the face of the madness that surrounds us. We must refuse to be swayed by the empty promises of those who seek to exploit and control us, and instead find our own way to navigate through the mayhem.
Overall, "Mad Mad World" is a powerful critique of the injustices and complexities of modern society. It highlights the way that greed and corruption can poison our world, but also offers a message of hope and determination in the face of these challenges.
Line by Line Meaning
We are all on a ship of fools,
We are all living in a society controlled by people who are often foolish and misguided.
Who make all the rules
Those same people are the ones who create laws that we are expected to follow.
It's a mad, mad world
This world is chaotic and nonsensical.
Human zoo were living in,
Human beings are essentially animals living in captivity, bound by the rules of society.
Seems you just can't win
It's difficult to navigate through life in a way that brings true fulfillment, because there are so many factors outside of our control.
It's a mad, mad world
The world is unreasonably outrageous.
Big money men,
People in power who have a lot of money.
They got it all
These individuals have a disproportionate amount of wealth and resources.
Think they own you body and soul
They believe they have the power to control every aspect of your life.
Line 'em up against the wall,
Perhaps a call to action, or a feeling of rebellion.
See how far the mighty must fall
This would represent a significant shift in power dynamics.
Children starve while others feed,
Injustice and inequality is glaringly apparent in our world.
On their own greed
This situation is largely due to the selfishness and greed of individuals who hoard resources.
It's a mad, mad world
The world is full of irrationality and instability.
Poverty, inequality,
These issues plague communities throughout the world.
How can it be?
There exists a general sense of disbelief that the world could be so unjust.
It's a mad, mad world
Once again emphasizing the madness of it all.
Religion points to a better way,
Religion suggests that there is a path to enlightenment or salvation.
Tells you that you've got to believe
The path to enlightenment requires faith.
Jesus saves,
One particular religious figure who embodies this path.
That's what they say
A refrain that reaffirms the religious message.
While the devil laughs up his sleeve
An acknowledgement that negative forces still exist.
There are those with empty hearts,
Some people are motivated by a sense of emptiness and will try to bring others down to their level.
Who try to drag you down
These people will attempt to bring you into a negative or hopeless mentality.
Don't let them turn your head around,
Advice to stay the course despite the negative influence of others.
Keep your feet on the ground
Stay grounded and steadfast in your own beliefs and goals, despite the chaos of the world.
Contributed by Evelyn R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.