Clawfinger return with politically charged anthem “Scum”

Swedish rap-metal veterans Clawfinger are back with a fierce new single, “Scum”, accompanied by a hard-hitting music video directed by Rune Foss. The track, mixed by Jocke Skog and mastered by Jens Bogren, takes a direct jab at U.S. president Donald Trump, with lyrics that paint a vivid picture of disdain and outrage.

Vocalist Zak Tell has never shied away from political themes, and this track continues that legacy. He’s long expressed frustration with the cyclical nature of human progress, often noting that for every step forward, there’s someone trying to pull the world backward. It’s a message Clawfinger first delivered on their 1993 debut, “Deaf Dumb Blind”, and one that still resonates just as strongly over 30 years later.

The release of “Scum” also coincides with Clawfinger’s newly signed deal with Perception, a division of Reigning Phoenix Music. The band announced the news with their trademark tongue-in-cheek humor, embracing the chaos of the music industry while teasing a new chapter of creative output.

Although the band has remained largely independent in recent years, dropping singles like “Environmental Patients” (2022), “Tear You Down” (2019), and “Save Our Souls” (2017), they’ve kept a steady presence on the European festival circuit. While a new full-length album isn’t currently planned, several new tracks are reportedly in the works, possibly leading to an EP down the line.

As for live shows, the band is focusing on major festivals rather than club gigs, largely due to the rising costs of touring. They’ve made it clear they’re not interested in paying to play — a stance earned through years of experience and hard lessons learned.