Clutch combined elements of funk, Led Zeppelin and metal with vocals inspired by Faith No More. Formed in 1991 in Germantown, Maryland, the group included Neil Fallon (vocals), Tim Sult (guitar), Dan Maines (bass), and Jean Paul Gaster (drums). They built a local following through constant gigging, and after just one 7" single (the classic Earache released "Passive Restraints") Clutch were signed by EastWest Records. Their debut LP Transnational Speedway League followed in 1993. A self-titled album appeared two years later, and afforded Clutch some mainstream exposure. They jumped to the larger Columbia label for 1998's Elephant Riders, and many thought the group might join their sonic cousins Korn and Deftones in the alternative metal winner's circle. That didn't quite happen. But it didn't matter because a quality fanbase continued to thrive for Clutch. Pure Rock Fury appeared in 2001, the similarly uncompromising Blast Tyrant three years later, and Robot Hive/Exodus in 2005. [Among Clutch's numerous side releases were a groove-based album (2000's Jam Room), as well as Live at the Googoplex and the rarities record Slow Hole to China, both issued in 2003.] ~ John Bush, All Music Guide
