thePULSEBy Jillian Locke
In lieu of a new Clutch album, fans can satiate their voracious appetites with some new, bluesier renditions of some staple tracks while enjoying some revamped artwork in the form of the double-disc, deluxe reissue on one of Clutch’s most beloved efforts, Blast Tyrant.
The new package and artwork resonate in typical Clutch fashion and energy ~ simple and off-kilter. The pale sea-foam green encasement depicts the same tentacle-monster on his throne, but he’s gleaming forth in metallic silver. There are faux masking tape markings on the corner, a feature that carries throughout the new insert and lends an obscure, vintage feel. The insert is a pale blue color, also framed by the faux tape marks, and in tiny lettering introduces the contents inside: “Blast Tyrant/Atlas of the Invisible World/Including Illustrations/of Strange Beasts/And Phantoms.” Images of the 50 Eyed Beast, Ragnorak, Worm Drink, The Huntress, The Pendulum, and La Curandera illuminate a set of complete lyrics for the original track listing, including “Mercury,” “Profits of Doom,” “The Mob Goes Wild,” “Cypress Grove,” “Promoter (of Earthbound Causes),” “The Regulator,” “Worm Drink,” “Army of Bono,” “Spleen Merchant,” “(In the Wake of) The Swollen Goat,” “Weather Maker,” “Subtle Hustle,” “Ghost,” “La Curandera” and “WYSIWYG.”
The 10 track bonus CD, entitled Basket of Eggs (taken from the Jam Room album), boasts acoustic versions of some classic tracks including “Tight Like That,” “Drink to the Dead (Live Acoustic),” “Basket of Eggs,” and a super, super sexy version of “The Regulator.” Other tracks include the backwoods-esque slice “Boxcar Shorty’s Confession,” and ‘Polar Bear Lair Demo’ versions of “Cattle Car,” “Walpole Man,” “Promoter,” “La Curandera” and “Steve Doocy.”
Originally debuting at #15 on the Billboard Hard Rock Top 100 over seven years ago, the Blast Tyrant deluxe reissue rolled out 3000 sales nationwide, securing the 26th slot on the same chart within six days of its April 26th release. The reissue creamed the Top 10 seller list at Newbury Comics, rising to the top as the #1 selling double disc set. These numbers speak volumes to the boundless influence and following of a band that has never been considered mainstream.
Touring, recording, playing, rocking…that is all (and everything) Clutch knows how to do. Much in the same vein as Motorhead, Clutch “…is in love with rock ‘n’ roll” ~ it satisfies their soul. Currently busy supporting Corrosion of Conformity on a short east coast tour, Clutch will return to their home away from the road ~ the studio ~ to work on their next album, which I HOPE will see the light of day and the exaltation of fans next year.
This reissue and the impending new album are just further testament to the staying power and classic, inspirational, undying driving power of one of the greatest rock ‘n’ roll bands of the past 25 years…and beyond.
