Iron Claw Announce New Singer and Looks to Build Upon “Comeback of the Year” in 2012

“Step aside, Anvil… there’s a Rock n’ Roll comeback story that blows yours into the stratosphere! IRON CLAW is the Rock n’ Roll comeback story of legend.” So proclaimed Metal Odyssey after taking one listen to Iron Claw’s new Ripple Music release, A Different Game.

You see, IRON CLAW was playing their brand of Heavy Rock at live gigs when Heavy Metal was just getting it’s name. The early 70′s were the building blocks for the Hard Rock and Heavy Metal that we all cherish deeply in 2011… and IRON CLAW was there… planting the seeds. Touring during the early years with the legendary likes of The Kinks, Spencer Davis and Pink Fairies, (to name a few), IRON CLAW easily can be considered an important underground player within the structure of the British Rock Movement. Without a “coveted” record contract, the Rock history books have overlooked too many silent legends, the pioneers of Heavy Metal and Hard Rock such as IRON CLAW. With A Different Game, their role in Rock history shall never go unspoken again.

 

After achieving such unmitigated success, Iron Claw separated with vocalist Gordon Brown, who left to pursue a bluesier direction. After an extensive, nationwide search, Iron Claw is thrilled to announce the joining of new lead singer, Gary Hair. Hailing from Iron Claw’s own doorstep of Dumfries, Gary first came to the bands attention in the early 90's, with his band Fallen Heaven who were blasting out original heavy rock songs. Bass player Alex Wilson was so impressed, he went to see them and recorded a demo of their music and did their "sound" at a few live gigs.

As Alex puts it, “I was also impressed by their dedication to that style of music, because in the 90's at that time heavy metal/rock was suffering a dip in popularity but they stuck to their guns.” And in a cool twist of fate, Alex noted, “When I found out his date of birth (12th September 1970), after we'd asked him to join the band, that date sort of struck a chord in my memory. I have been keeping a diary since 1968, and when I checked the 1970 date, I was astonished to find that his birthday was exactly the same day that the first 2 songs for the very first Iron Claw LP ("Clawstrophobia" and "Skullcrusher") were written! I don't know if you believe in fate, but that's a hell of a coincidence and maybe he was born to be Iron Claw's vocalist!”

Iron Claw, with Gary Hair, are now back in the studio recording the follow-up to the praised Ripple release, A Different Game and gigging consistently around the UK. As Alex puts it, Gary brings a heavier direction to the band, more hard rock energy and passion. This should mark a return to an even heavier, rockier Iron Claw sound.

A Different Game was released by Ripple Music on Oct 4^th, 2011 and is available world-wide with distribution through Code 7 Distribution, Clearspot International and at the label’s web store.

Iron Claw Return After More Than 35 Years With A Brand New Album and Live Shows

Scotland’s Proto-Metal pioneers, Iron Claw, return with a long-awaited album of gritty, blues-based melodic heavy rock that is already garnering album-of-the-year accolades from the press. The thirteen-track album, A Different Game, is scheduled for UK release on October 3^rd and world-wide release on October 4^th, just in time for the band's CD release event to be held at the Barlinnie Prison in Glasgow, Scotland on October 5^th.

“The release of this album marks the realization of a lifelong dream for each of us in the band,” says guitarist Jimmy Ronnie. “To be honest, it's something that I had thought had passed me by. But it's not just any album. It's the record that Iron Claw always needed to make - hard, heavy, guitar-based rock with its roots in the blues. I'm delighted to say that we've succeeded in capturing the live spirit of the band on this record.”

The Barlinnie Prison gig is more than just a CD release event. The performance is sponsored by Governor Derek McGill to help show the prisoners that there are healthier alternatives to crime, such as playing and creating emotionally stimulating music.

“I am confident the prisoners in Barlinnie will love this Gig,” McGill states, “This is not about entertainment for prisoners; it is to let them see alternative recreational pursuits that can lead them away from crime, introduce them to hobbies such as music that can give them a fresh start.”

The benevolent beings of Iron Claw have also announced that they will be headlining a charity event on September 25^th at Comlongon Rocks, which will assist Cash For Kids and Cancer Research. Twenty-two bands and six DJs, and all for a mere £10! For more information, please follow the link: (http://www.comlongonrocks.com/)

Here’s what the press has to say:

“This is pure muscle at work and Iron Claw still has plenty of the natural juice in them to make this reunion endeavor soar . . . Thankfully Iron Claw has given themselves the opportunity to say a thundering hello to the rock world, if not hijack it.” -- Ray Van Horn, Jr., The Metal Minute

“Iron Claw is heavy rock with a serious dose of blues. But their tunes are melodic as well, making them friendly. Yet, there's still a certain aggressiveness inherent in every song. The sound is stripped, mostly record live with little dubbing, and that's a healthy thing . . . emphasizing integrity and clarity over polish. Isn't that the heart of rock?” -- Craig Hartranft, Dangerdog.com

“A Different Game is a must have for all of you lovers of classic rock and heavy metal. Hell, it’s a must have for anybody with a pulse and appreciation of great rock. Be forewarned, though, this isn’t a teaser of an album. The album delivers thirteen tracks for nearly a full hour of rock.” -- The Soda Shop