Since its formation in 1991, the band line-up has included Neil Fallon (vocals, rhythm guitar, keyboards), Tim Sult (lead guitar, backing vocals), Dan Maines (bass, backing vocals) and Jean-Paul Gaster (drums and percussion). To date, Clutch has released thirteen studio albums, and several rarities and live albums. Since 2008 the band have been signed to their own record label, Weathermaker.
Clutch (originally called “Glut Trip” and stemmed from “Moral Minority”) was formed in 1991 by Dan Maines (bass), Jean-Paul Gaster (drums), Tim Sult (guitar), and Roger Smalls (vocals) in Germantown, Maryland. Smalls soon departed and was replaced by Neil Fallon, a longtime schoolmate of the other members at Seneca Valley High School. The band quickly gained notice through constant touring. The 12" single “Passive Restraints” on the Earache label was Clutch’s first commercial release, garnering attention from other labels. Their debut LP, Transnational Speedway League, was released in 1993. It was followed by a self-titled album two years later that gained Clutch mainstream exposure. The band moved to the larger Columbia label for the 1998 album The Elephant Riders. They followed it in 1999 with a self-released groove-based album Jam Room.
On April 28, 2009 Clutch released Slow Hole to China, a collection of unreleased tracks.
On June 10, 2012, the band released a new single, “Pigtown Blues”, on iTunes, backed with an acoustic version of “Motherless Child” from Strange Cousins from the West.
On March 16, 2013 Clutch released their tenth album Earth Rocker which entered the Billboard Top 200 chart at #15 giving Clutch their highest chart position to date. It would remain on the chart for a total of 5 weeks. The album also reached #4 on iTunes’ overall Top 100 album charts and was #1 in their rock chart. Earthrocker won “Album of the Year” 2013 from British publication Metalhammer, and was rated highly on many rock/metal magazines’ and websites’ end-of-the-year “Top Tens”.
In an interview on January 7, 2015 with music and entertainment company 88 Miles West, Fallon stated that the band was heading to Dripping Springs, Texas, to record their upcoming eleventh album. Fallon states the venture to Texas was due to the relocation of record producer Machine, with whom they worked on Blast Tyrant and Earth Rocker, and who recently opened a new studio there. He stated in the interview that “Septemberish, give or take a couple of months” is when they hope to release the new album.
Their eleventh studio album is titled Psychic Warfare, and was released October 2, 2015. Fallon said the concept is influenced by science fiction author Philip K. Dick. “His general philosophy and questions have always crept into my lyrics, because I share an interest in it,” he adds. “On Earth Rocker, ‘Crucial Velocity’ was definitely a Philip Dick song for me. On this record, ‘X-Ray Visions’ certainly is.”. Gaster described the new material as more diverse than ever.
In April 2018, Neil Fallon announced through the radio station The Eagle Rocks that the band's twelfth studio album would be titled Book of Bad Decisions. The album will be released on September 7, 2018. The album was recorded at Sputnik Sound Studio in Nashville, Tennessee with producer and engineer Vance Powell.
On November 13, 2020 Released The Weathermaker Studios Vol. 1. A collection of re-recorded hits and 4 unreleased covers and songs.
On September 16,2022 Clutch released their 13th Studio album: Sunrise on Slaughter Beach.
Between 2004-2018 Clutch created seven straight top 10 releases on Billboard’s Independent Album Chart.
Neil Fallon – vocals, rhythm guitar, harmonica, keyboards, percussion
Tim Sult – lead guitar
Dan Maines – bass guitar
Jean-Paul Gaster – drums, percussion
Circus Maximus
Clutch Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Vital mentalisms will blow your minds!
Cthulu's red headed step child, quite the precocious babe.
We like to keep it on the D.L. because our clientele prefers it that way
The seven legged sow will see to the after-show.
Don't you think the candelabra gives a pleasant glow?
Please dawn your goggles if you wish to resist.
From the fiery depths of the planet's core
The never sleeping for won't of eating unholy stench of the manticore.
Please produce your access pass, no photographs please.
Some of our guests areâ?¦how shall I say? Hyperbolic V.I.P.
There is a velvet room for the discriminating pack.
Celebrities and tentacles regard the beast with two backs.
The seven legged sow will see to the after-show.
Don't you think the candelabra gives a pleasant glow?
Paparazzi! World wide video debut!
Paparazzi! World wide video debut!
Paparazzi! World wide video debut!
Paparazzi! World wide video debut!
And just when you thought it could get no stranger,
May I present the semblance of a Scandanavian doppelganger.
From the frozen depths of a forgotten fjord,
The never sleeping for won't of eating unholy stench of the manticore,
The lyrics of Clutch's song Circus Maximus describe a twisted and macabre circus show, with references to bizarre creatures like Cthulu's red headed step child, the basilisk and the manticore. The performer or ringmaster is inviting the audience to be entertained by these unusual attractions, while also hinting at a secretive and exclusive clientele. The atmosphere is dark and unsettling, with mentions of access passes and the need for discretion. The repeated refrain of the seven legged sow and the candelabra's pleasant glow add to the off-kilter vibe of the song.
The overall meaning of the lyrics is open to interpretation, but it could be seen as a critique of the commodification of entertainment and the willingness of audiences to be shocked and amused by spectacle. The use of mythical creatures and references to celebrity culture further emphasizes this theme. The song's title, Circus Maximus, references the ancient Roman chariot racing stadium and its association with public entertainment and spectacle.
Line by Line Meaning
Will you be entertained by beast and knives?
Are you interested in watching dangerous acts with animals and sharp objects?
Vital mentalisms will blow your minds!
Mind tricks will impress and shock you!
Cthulu's red headed step child, quite the precocious babe.
A creature with mixed heritage that is young and cleverly mischievous.
We like to keep it on the D.L. because our clientele prefers it that way
We keep things confidential because our customers want it that way.
The seven legged sow will see to the after-show.
A unique animal will be present to entertain after the show ends.
Don't you think the candelabra gives a pleasant glow?
The lighting creates a pleasing atmosphere for the event.
Now may I present to you the basilisk?
Let me introduce you to a mythical creature known as the basilisk.
Please dawn your goggles if you wish to resist.
Wear protective gear if you want to be safe from the basilisk's gaze.
From the fiery depths of the planet's core
The manticore comes from deep within the earth and is associated with fire.
The never sleeping for won't of eating unholy stench of the manticore.
The manticore is constantly hungry and has a repulsive odor.
Please produce your access pass, no photographs please.
Show your pass to enter, but no taking pictures allowed.
Some of our guests areâ?¦how shall I say? Hyperbolic V.I.P.
Some attendees are exaggeratedly important people.
There is a velvet room for the discriminating pack.
An exclusive room exists for a select group of people.
Celebrities and tentacles regard the beast with two backs.
Famous people and odd creatures are fascinated by a strange and intimate act.
Paparazzi! World wide video debut!
The event will make international news.
And just when you thought it could get no stranger,
Just when you think it can't get weirder.
May I present the semblance of a Scandanavian doppelganger.
This creature appears similar to a Scandinavian twin.
From the frozen depths of a forgotten fjord,
This creature comes from a cold and isolated location.
The never sleeping for won't of eating unholy stench of the manticore,
The manticore is always hungry and has a terrible smell.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: DAN MAINES, JEAN-PAUL GASTER, MICHAEL SCHAUER, NEIL FALLON, RICHARD TIMOTHY SULT
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind