VOLA - These Black Claws (Feat. SHAHMEN) (Official Music Video)

► Stream & download 'These Black Claws' here: listen.volaband.com/tbc
► VOLA Merch: www.volaband.com/shop/
Our new album 'WITNESS' is out now via Mascot Records.
---
Social VOLA!
🌐 Website: volaband.com/
🎭 Facebook: / volaband
📷 Instagram: / volaband
🐦 Twitter: / volaban
---
These Black Claws Lyrics
I’ve been approaching the surface for a year.
I’ve seen emotions derail and disappear.
Go feed the colorful snakes outside, she said to me.
Go break your colorful bones in a fight, she begged of me.
We are returning to the ominous.
We are a lost cause.
We are committing to the dominance
of these black claws.
I try to smile when I get bad news.
Figure if there is any good left, I'll get that too.
The blood is red but the veins are blue.
And my bones are every color on the spectrum between the two.
I squeeze through the cells that we've been locked in.
Kinda high from the loss of the oxygen.
Headrush, flushed, dropping dead weight.
My canine scrapes the last crumbs off my bread plate.
Just head straight.
No maps or no atlas.
No matter how the road curves don't end up backwards.
Black birds circle brown dirt for the big worms.
My bad dream catcher hangs high as it twist turns.
Cities burn a bad smoke.
It makes my eyes itch.
But front row seats to apocalypse are priceless.
Life is hanging here in these black claws.
Staring at a white sky full of black stars.
One straw in the drain.
One word that you failed to sustain.
Someone stranded empty handed.
---
Lyrics by VOLA & SHAHMEN
Produced by Asger Mygind
Drums recorded at Top Floor Studios
Mixed & mastered by Jacob Hansen at Hansen Studios
Video By Patrik Nuorteva & Tuomas Kurikka / Riivata Visuals
Sweden Cinematography by Daniel Wahlström / Heavy Groove Media
Denmark Cinematography by Cornelius Qvist / Cornelius Cirkelspark
Featuring: Iissa Reponen, Aki Kivelä, Susanna Heinonen, Aku Hietikko, Mikko Kangaspunta, Amos, Freya
Make Up By: Nani Auvinen
#VOLA #theseblackclaws #witness
_________________________________________________________________________
VOLA - These Black Claws (Feat. SHAHMEN) (Official Music Video)
Progressive Rock, Progressive Metal, Prog, Djent, Rock, modern metal, melodic metal, stadium rock, nothing more, tesseract, karnivool, the contortionist, leprous, agent fresco, steven wilson, meshuggah, bless, shahmen, Bless, blessxshahmen, underground rap, bless rapper, hip hop, shamen, shaman

[@kolderreviews]

1 million views! Congratulations and for such an incredible song of yours too!

[@volaband]

With 'These Black Claws', we explore the dark and menacing subject of addiction. To further build on this atmosphere, we chose to collaborate with American rapper SHAHMEN. This is our first ever feature with VOLA, which makes it a special occasion for us. The music video was shot in Denmark, Sweden & Finland by three different film crews due to the ongoing pandemic and us not being able to come together. This was quite challenging to pull off! We are excited it worked out in the end and hope you will enjoy the song and video.

[@dragonheartdesign9025]

I can’t get over The beauty of your music.....I love every single song, so very happy that You Guys are in my life!

[@jaygray835]

SHAHMEN killed it, so sick

[@corpsebanger]

Powerful message in a beautifully composed tune, my beanie off to y'all. This is impressive, happy I found ya through "Stray the Skies" but a week ago.

[@laumaelinful]

@@robertNass138 bruh

[@o.Ko_art]

@@robertNass138 rather boring song in my opinion :p

[@MrawesomeSwtor]

That breakdown riff makes me want to start a pit at my office

[@MJ-vd8bj]

Love their breakdowns, A Stare Without Eyes goes so hard

[@pedropessoa2246]

Yeah man! So unique and DAAAMN heavy

[@mikegeddie2263]

😎🤘🏻 there is only metal

[@SocialAnimalJC]

Lol do it bro and post it on YT

[@jenniferwalsh3298]

Please get out of your office.

[@Bassistking]

"Cities burning bad smoke makes my eyes itch, but front row seats to apocalypse are priceless" Shahmen is talking about you, Canada 🍁🇨🇦

[@andreit6548]

it takes tons of balls to write such a masterpiece that breaks the borders of so many genres. congrats, you nailed it again guys!

[@volaband]

Thanks Andrei!

[@caseyhaos]

VOLA out here like: So what do you wanna listen? Some metal? Maybe a bit of Massive Attack? A touch of rap? We got this!

[@borax8886]

it's good to see SHAHMEN is still kicking around here and there, even though he's been dark for years.

[@janecasper846]

Need a comeback fr

[@VGian16]

The verse by shahmen is a blessing 🙏

[@N9TheNoob]

loooooool get the joke

[@damianoledda5497]

I'm here finally, i discovered you thanks to my favourite rock radio " Radio Freccia" from Italy. Massive music quality ❤️

[@fabriziof.6673]

Today they played this song again and I was quite surprised. Never listened good quality bands on such radio. Always commercial rock as RHCP, The Killers, Greta Van Fleet. Never Haken, Messuggah, Percupine Tree, TesseracT, Leprous, Soen, and other good progmetal bands like VOLA. Maybe they eventually woke up and decided to play good music too. 😉

[@damianoledda5497]

@@fabriziof.6673 Ogni tanto mettono cose meno conosciute per fortuna 😁

[@downfabio]

Anche su Radio Marilù la mettono praticamente a cadenza giornaliera

[@drummernick8864]

Anche iooo

[@damianoledda5497]

@@downfabio Non la conosco, è regionale?

[@jimmainey7768]

This was fucking dope. I heard it on liquid metal today. Some of the most original shit I've heard in a long time.

[@BobbyBev95]

Dude me too. Heard it on that station and was so mesmerized. I’m obsessed, what an incredibly creative band

[@jameshilaire7513]

Exactly were I first heard this from. On repeat!

[@lucidwolf5788]

Same

[@MrBrunerik]

Fuck yeah Liquid Metal

[@SoulCrusher6]

Me 3 !

[@DeceptiveSS]

Asger is so jolly while singing these ominous lyrics, while also delivering the pluverizing riffs on a guitar that does not, at all, look like made for such applications.

[@machmslf]

Its the best sounding one in the modern metal scene. Along with that warwick

[@JannekeGoossens]

We all love Asgar hahaha

[@patrickezuma7140]

Every now and then you come across a song that is so good you think it's short and wish it was longer, only to find out it's actually quite long...this is one of those songs

[@patrickezuma7140]

F*ck yeah I'm replying to my own comment but VOLA themselves liked my comment...SWEET!

[@147pablox]

They should totally go for longer songs 🤞🏼

[@HeavyMetalCoasters]

Vola and Sleep Token need to do a US tour together. Please someone book that. This song is gonna be on repeat for a while.

[@garytackett8426]

Absolutely 💯!!

[@DonaldRecord]

And Loathe hahaha

[@hor80]

thank you for mentioning sleep token. never heard of them before today. great find also!

[@taylorfoster5415]

don't play with my heart like this.

[@justinpoff3907]

With Spiritbox

[@otterguyty]

The use of tension and release in this song is unreal. Amazing energy

[@novacollects]

This comment needs more likes

[@ignamax08]

-"Something very good happened this morning!" +"Yes? What is it?" -"VOLA released a new song 🤩"

[@mrs.kristophermartinez4927]

Holy Shit...KZbin just autoplayed this after one of my songs and I was working on my car and when the chorus dropped, i legit almost busted my head gettin out from under it& then RAN to grab my phone and see who the hell this band was cuz I FUCKN LOVE THIS SHIT! it reminds me of Korn a lil bit but with something I've never hear before, love it.

[@xspartan346x]

listen to the album Inmazes right now

[@drumkidstu]

Yup. Heck out inmates then go to applaude of a distant crowd and then they'll release this record very soon. Welcome to Vola!

[@Deadlad69]

Funny enough, this actually isn't their typical sound. In fact, they really don't have a typical sound. Yet when you hear a VOLA song you instantly know who it it is. That's what makes VOLA truly special. Every single song this band makes is a fucking masterpiece.

[@mrs.kristophermartinez4927]

@@xspartan346x YESSIR!!

[@x-nihilo]

This is art. This is surrealism. It's not just music.

[@yourblackhalf]

Choosing Shahmen as the first feature was such a great choice. I absolutely fucking love this!

[@loco8493]

This is my first comment on KZbin, ever. But had to do this now as this is just something else entirely. Thank you Vola!

[@CloneCommando501st]

I honestly think VOLA has taken great influences and built on great music , to create the most perfect blend of genres ever recorded. I’m in awe that I can still listen to all their music and never get sick of it. Heavy, ethereal, progressive, emotional. Pure art. Transcendental.

[@volaband]

Thank you:)

[@lyra639]

This song feels like two contrary forces collide - Shamen's dark voice and Asger's bright voice. Sounds almost magical!

[@brikskwadmafia6526]

such an underrated song. still on my daily playlist when you can make such a simple riff so devastatingly heavy. you got raw talent

[@mariagheata2133]

"I try to smile when I get bad news" Damn. I feel personally attacked.

[@yotambraunshtein9786]

Yes

[@randomcitizenname]

Yep, me too.

[@vi5692]

The best way I can describe this genre is “Vampire Metal”

[@kraterkop]

Shamen's voice is incredible and suits the dark topic. Love everything about this song. This album will be amazing

[@jameshilaire8493]

ABSOLUTELY SHAMEFULL THAT THIS VIDOE HAS BARELY CRACKED 600,000 VIEWS. I CAN'T OVER STATE HOW AMAZING THIS SONG AND THE ENTIRE "WITNESS" ALBUM IS Fire!

[@volaband]

Hehe. Thanks Hames:)

[@zaccaz153]

Can you guys please never stop making albums? Favorite band of all time.

[@degeneratechris]

Where has this been all my life. I've been stuck on vola for a month now. I got you guys on repeat!

[@jimmyroberts4813]

Vola - this song is important to me. I can literally subscribe to the meaning of this song - at least how I interpret it. I'm an alcoholic and I struggle daily. This song has saved me for several weeks from it. I'm a guitarist working as a pest control person but this song gets me through the day to day. Thank you guys. Tears shed over the fight that is my struggle. Please keep it up.

[@volaband]

Hi Jimmy. We all wishes you all the best in your struggle💙 Its very touching to hear that our music has a positive influence in your life. Its great motivation to make more music! All the best, VOLA.

[@jimmyroberts4813]

Thanks guys. We are all in this together. It hurts when you look around and see that people forget that. With all that is going on in the world today, we need each other more than ever. It's been a sincere pleasure Vola.

[@damianoledda5497]

Never give up Jimmy, you're a great fighter

[@DW_R]

@@jimmyroberts4813 Wishing you all the best from the UK Jimmy, you sound like a strong guy, best of luck with everything

[@izzir1910]

Hi Jimmi. How close your words are to me. I am also struggling. And music is what helps me. I discovered VOLA some time ago. I love them. They protect me from nightmares, bad days. They're great. Greetings from Poland. Take care, brother.

[@thisissentimentalillness]

Coming back.... again. THAT DROP. THOSE DROPS.

[@CityofButterfly]

This heavier direction is really working for you guys.

[@none-sb8lt]

Shahmen and Vola go together so we'll. What a great catchy song that I will never forget. Thank you for this!

[@alyssabouchard5971]

Heard this on Liquid Metal this morning and I’m obsessed.

[@nk5702]

3:31 OMG this hits soo heavy, sick groove! Man this track takes me somewhere else, can't wait for the album 🤘

[@davogotland]

came here looking for this timestamp

[@gary900]

This has to be one of the most creative songs I've heard in years. I've never heard a serious effort of combining hip hop influences with prog metal but it works overwhelmingly good. I just wish we would've gotten even more from Shahmen. Those bars are extremely creative. Probably the most daring song on the album, and hence one of my favorites.

[@iambls]

Bless bless yallllll

[@olikat]

That bridge is as badass as the one from Meshuggah's Demiurge...

[@KenoxProductions]

Man, this track hits hard, both musically and lyrically. The main riff and breakdown are sick. The rap verse fits super well, as well as SHAHMEN's voice.

[@fletcherfrets3497]

VOLA you are the best thing to happen to music in the last decade. Love this new track! Can't wait to hear the rest of this album!!!

[@volaband]

Thank you Fletcher!

[@fletcherfrets3497]

@@volaband ❤

[@user-uk2ps8nc3q]

I'm only four days clean, this song is helping me through it& is very important to me. ❤ This band.

[@Hevy_Sevy]

Wow, the diversity of this album is incredible!!

[@KyletheCoach]

This was wildly captivating. Guitars, drums, electronics, vocals, lyrics, visuals, everything. Simply captivating.

[@JackRosei]

That phrygian like riff in the middle is killer!!! Awesome song!

[@sinistergapes9535]

Liquid metal brought me here.... needed another listen to bad ass song.

[@alessandrobozzolan8550]

one of my (few) favourite songs of the last 10 years

[@lukasneuner4760]

For a metalhead who started listening to shahmen a couple years ago, this is legendary!

[@samproctor8421]

Yep, this album is going to be a masterpiece. Every song so far has been amazing.

[@confereso4138]

Porcupine Tree Mode Turbo ON 🔥🤘🏻

[@amemename]

So unlike anything VOLA has done yet, but still strangely and uniquely VOLA. Even for a band as innovative and diverse as VOLA this was still unexpected, yet it still works in a very weird and interesting way. I hear both Korn and Massive Attack in this. I'm down with it!

[@Silver_Something]

Massive Attack and Korn. YES! I said the exact same thing upon first listen.

[@sonicrules666]

yeah freak on a leash by Korn vibes for sure!

[@drayxoda]

I'd rather say Meshuggah, God is an Astronaut and Korn

[@mrbananaman8032]

I was waiting some type of fun groove or beat to drop the whole time. Instead I was left with basic 4/4 beats and slow rapping. It just doesn't hit the same and treats us like we are dumb.

[@Silver_Something]

@@mrbananaman8032 it’s one song of an entire album.

[@WATEmusic]

Literally no idea how this collab came to be but we grew up on both of y’alls music... completely different genres but on the same level of immaculate artistry. Thank you for this!

[@samzzz6760]

Seriously, how did that happen

[@Ivocado5]

Asger said in an interview that he didn't want the 2nd verse to be the same as the 1st one and thought it would be cool to have a rap verse instead. He did a rap section on the demo, but it didn't sound "dark and evil" enough. So he basically went on KZbin, browsed for the right match and came across Shahmen. He DM them for a collab and the rest is history.

[@SirPraiseSun]

and they make it sound good its not like leprous just being pretentious and edgy

[@ltb201]

This is easily album of the year. Every track is a banger.

[@elektrikjoker93]

Holy shit, this song is so good! I heard this masterpiece from an italian radio called Radio Freccia Thx Radio Freccia for introducing me to Vola

[@SERAZIK]

This is not bass guitar.. this is a nuclear weapon !!!

[@chunk567]

This is my most hyped album of the last 5 years can't wait to here the entirety of this masterpiece!!!

[@franciscozamorano6807]

Holy shit I just found out this band exists with this song and I'm absolutely losing every inch of my shit. I'm three songs deep on spotify and fuuuuck; the vocals, rhythmic patterns, keyboards... this is just too good.

[@smokejc]

Stray The Skies is one of my favorite songs ever.

[@DeagleLas]

Bienvenido al mundo VOLA, amigo :)

[@fvaltierra05]

Fellow Francisco...did the new album floor you? It did me!!! New fan also!

[@franciscozamorano6807]

Edit

[@franciscozamorano6807]

@@smokejc Thanks for pointing it! Since they released the new album I was going to focus on that and would have missed it otherwise. They balance everything so well; the vocal melodies and synthts shine like crazy in this song.

[@ju1c31ng0t]

Prophetic symbolism.

[@NoellaScott]

Liquid Metal got me here and I'm thankful

[@GalaxyTheCharmingTurd]

My daughter plays this song all the time 😊

[@HaMpEism]

I wish everyone would play this all the time

[@GalaxyTheCharmingTurd]

@@HaMpEism I'm 50 and enjoy it😊

[@phreakbr666]

That interlude riff was the hardest thing to hit 2021 so far! Sounds like something from Obzen album!

[@SemiMono]

The only thing I can think of that competes is off the same album, Head Mounted Sideways.

[@TheBlackDoctor]

Nu metal is back, baby!

[@kristeneclines4926]

I love this song ☠️☠️☠️☠️🐺🐺🐺

[@6hypnone]

The quieter passages remind me a little of the mid 2000s Trent Reznor works.

[@doogle3d]

This started playing and I realized it wasnt my playlist. Checked my phone and it was an ad...listened to all of it and now I'm here.

[@anthonyhombroek4985]

Me too! I also got another one last week, Curse of the one percenter I think it was called. Nowhere near as good as this though, but these kind of adds are pretty cool

[@KvltKrist]

I heard this on Liquid Metal over the last few weeks and it has grown on me over that time. Like others have stated in the comments and after reading the subject matter of the song, this is profound. The lyrics and musicianship have sunk deep. For those of you struggling or know someone who is and for those of you who have lost someone to an unhealthy addiction: Keep fighting the good fight. It is not easy but stay on the path. The light at the end of that darkness is real.

[@6hypnone]

I am by no means a rap fan. Its not why I came here. But this works. Damn good composition. I love love love the bells!

[@markberkovics4542]

Wow! this is one of the freshest sound of Metal that I came across in the last few years! Way to go VOLA!

[@mael1515]

Then you haven't heard Korn yet...😉

[@markberkovics4542]

@@mael1515 I've heard Korn for the first time back in 1996. It sure was fresh. They used to play Blind every fucking weekend in the local Metal club that I used to go to.

[@mael1515]

@@markberkovics4542 so don't you think the sound and songwriting of this vola song is pretty much Korn? I mean, replace the voice and it is at least 90% there, apart from the arythmic middle part.

[@markberkovics4542]

@@mael1515 Well, I give a lot of credit to Korn for pretty much inventing Nu-Metal. They influenced a whole bunch of other metal bands, maybe also VOLA. I do find VOLA (and this song specifically) to be a step in a different direction. But maybe I haven't heard Korn's new stuff. Which Korn song do you recommend to listen to?

[@mael1515]

@@markberkovics4542 I guess you and me are both a similar age, i also started listening to the from the first album on and lost internet over the years. The song structure of the vola song is basic, like in Korn's falling away from me, just with an updated sound like in more recent Korn recordings.

[@andreasjohansson1952]

So, I haven't felt this about a band since I first heard Dream Theater in -91, Symphony X in -97 and Opeth in -03. This song has been spinning in my head 24/7 for a month now. You guys have a bright future! ❤️

[@semaj_5022]

I keep trying to tell people about them man. One day VOLA will be listed with those groups you mentioned as legends of an era and of metal and prog period.

[@darkswan80]

This is how a top notch contemporary production sounds like. Great job

[@reidfowler2076]

I love that the synth in the verses is the same “riff” as the guitar riff in the bridge. Sick song guys!

[@MalonzaPhilip]

This is what perfection sounds like 💎 Much love from Nairobi, Kenya 👊 #IncredibleMusic

[@aguyinlove]

This is what I call ROCK!

[@madiimad]

We need a tour with Vola and Voyager (au) ASAP!

[@jimmyroberts4813]

I've commented before, this song still saves me. About had an alcoholism relapse, bought a bottle and listened to this song. This song won. These black claws are real.

[@PhilStilesOfficial]

This track is absolutely brilliant. From the production to the deft shifts between triphop and full on metal, it's something very different from a band whose evolution is just thrilling to hear. Love it.

[@ns-kw5ev]

Grande energia ed atmosfera!!!!!bravissimi!!!!🤟🏼🤟🏼🤟🏼🤟🏼🤟🏼

[@frobeuszoinks7429]

Dude, shahmen brought me here! Loving these vibes!!! 🔥

[@dublinoseven3279]

How does this only have 612k views if that’s how many times I’ve watched it?

[@volaband]

Lol

[@dublinoseven3279]

Still here.

[@dublinoseven3279]

Still here.

[@z_ragnair]

i still remember when i found this guys when they released Inmazes. it's amazing to see that they are getting the attention they deserve finally! imo, one of the most original and fresh bands out there.

[@huhahehahhhuijh9531]

this is by far one of the most creative song i’ve ever heard. this is amazing❤️

[@volaband]

Thank you:)

[@wilhelmhaven6695]

Wasn't sure at first, but daaamn, this is maybe the best of the 4 great songs released so far. Love it.

[@susanne74pedersen]

Uden tvivl det fedeste danske rock/metal band lige nu! 🤘🏻🇩🇰🔥🇩🇰🤘🏻

[@modrzewotco]

I just heard you on Polish radio New World and I like a lot from this moment Vola🧔🏼‍♀️👏🏼

[@dadbodgamesquad]

Somehow vola always nails the visual aesthetic and makes it complement the song perfectly

[@chrisisvolpisings]

You guys 🥲 you guys !!

[@LiveAtGigs]

At moments during the chorus I really felt like Devin Townsend is going to join in and start singing. Sooooo good 🙌

[@ConnorHammond]

fuuuu i got goosebumps when I read that. I can only imagine a colab. wowowow

[@LiveAtGigs]

@@ConnorHammond That would be surreal!

[@draadhaai]

Devin and Vola? Yes please!

[@EtherealLiz]

Dude! Vola and devin collab!!!!!! We need it lol

[@idontcare_wtf]

Absolutely

[@mihailstoyanov3606]

This makes me glad I was alive to listen to it, seriously.

[@Connordadrummer]

I heard this song on liquid metal and now I’m a fan of Vola

[@dayne13]

Me too just heard it 15 mins ago

[@PROFESSOR_WHALE]

every single damn time i think this band can't get any better i get a nice welcoming slap in the face

[@ReyLangosta]

Sometimes I remove my like only to have the opportunity to like'em again

[@rommbb]

im so happy to have seen how much you guys have grown your audience and sound, i remember years ago now hearing Stray The Skies on my spotify discover playlist, and instantly being hooked, and then the october sessions, and everything since then has been fantastic. the last few songs have dropped and ive had them circulating in my head for a couple months now. i was a bit curious about the feature, not knowing shahmen prior to this, and was blown away. everything you guys do has been amazing and im glad that you guys are finally blowing up like you deserved to do years ago

[@NickJazz]

Oh My GOD VOLA ! What a song ! What a risk but what a success ! You are way ahead of your time. I feel lucky to know your art

[@GrimMetropolis]

Just heard this on the radio. Rarely does metal and hip hop blend well. This definitely does, blows a ton of music out of the water. Heck yee. Psychedelic af too ✌🎃🤘

[@umrumr9453]

Wow!!! And so you know, this tune plays on and on in your mind; luv it!

[@Zora1337]

Shahmen killed it.. very nice song!!

[@VetteDaily]

Just here for my daily dose of VOLA

[@KREEIVI]

You can really tell these guys are writing what they want to write, incredibly creative. Can't wait for the album!

[@SemiMono]

Is it "One word that you failed to sustain" or "One word that you feel should sustain"? My ears can't decide.

[@krmriv]

I guess the second one but first one makes more sense

[@philipmrch8326]

It's the first as shown in the description.

[@ConnorHammond]

Funny that this is about addiction because just like fleeting drugs, when I hear VOLA, a thought always pops up "They cannot keep up perfection forever" and that saddens me. I struggle to let go of things I love. And that speaks more about this band than I could ever hope to say. I fucking love you guys, so much.

[@dragonheartdesign9025]

Exactly that, Connor!

[@danfromsouthjersey]

Just hook this album into my veins

[@machmslf]

Agreed

[@volaband]

Just two more weeks:)

[@draadhaai]

@@volaband I have actually set 2 reminders :D

[@volaband]

@@draadhaai Haha. Thats awesome:)

[@mrgagarin4384]

Arnold run😄

[@TruthBeTold447]

The drummer has a whole vibe that makes the band what it is

[@tiagoquirino2214]

Jusr realized. On the verse, the left hand on keyboards plays the breakdown's guitar riff. Sweet