Clutch Release Rerecorded Classic “Passive Restraints” Featuring Lamb of God’s Randy Blythe

Stefan Bollmann, Attribution, via Wikimedia Commons
Published on:

No band sounds quite like a Friday night than Clutch. For nearly 30 years now, Maryland’s grooviest rock export have made ass-shaking boogie-metal that perfectly embodies the moment of abandon that comes with facing the weekend. And this glorious Friday the 13th, the band have given fans a special treat: a kickass rerecording of their classic “Passive Restraints,” with guest vocals by Lamb of God‘s Randy Blythe.

Even veteran Clutch fans might not know “Passive Restraints” — the song comes from the band’s second EP, released in 1992. But it was that deep-cut status that inspired Clutch to rerecord it, and to bring Randy on board.

“‘Passive Restraints’ was one of the first Clutch songs I wrote lyrics to,” says frontman Neil Fallon. “It was a staple of Clutch sets for years but fell by the wayside as we wrote more and more songs over the years. When we toured with Lamb of God a few years back, Randy would often ask us to bring it back into rotation. We dragged our feet, and finally, we caved. And we were glad we did. The last time Clutch played Copenhell, Randy joined us on stage to perform the song. We decided to re-record it for the WM Vault Series and thought it was only fitting to have Randy join us.”

“When Clutch asked if I wanted to sing an older song with them during our 2016 tour together, I knew immediately which one I wanted to do — ‘Passive Restraints,'” says Blythe. “We performed it in Milwaukee, then again a few years later at Copenhell Fest in Denmark, and I had a blast both times. I think they were a bit surprised I chose a song released in 1992, but I’ve been a fan for a long time. I’ve followed their development as a band since the early days and have enjoyed every album, but as a musician, I know sometimes it’s fun to dust off something you haven’t played in many years and see how it sounds. The song holds up to this day, and I was honored to sing on its re-release.”

Shake the rafters with “Passive Restraints” below:

Clutch’s WeatherMaker Vault Series Vol. I comes out on Friday November 27th.

***

Words by Chris Krovatin