Clutch
This Washington DC noise-metal quartet was formed in 1991 by childhood friends Neil Fallon (vocals), Tim Sult (guitar), Dan Maines (bass) and Jean-Paul Gaster (drums), and drew from hardcore, metal, punk and industrial traditions for their abrasive, intense sound. The band signed to Earache Records, releasing the PASSIVE RESTRAINTS EP and establishing their style, and although the EP was not a major commercial success, it brought Clutch to East West Records' attention. TRANSNATIONAL SPEEDWAY LEAGUE: ANTHEMS, ANECDOTES AND UNDENIABLE TRUTHS showed no signs of compromises being made due to major label status as Clutch maintained their angry hardcore groove, with a charismatic performance from Fallon. The Clutch live repertoire had grown in stature and confidence since their early European tour with Biohazard, as the band toured heavily with the likes of Fear Factory and Prong.