Hard rock never lost its appeal for fans of the Maryland-based band Clutch. Even after scaling back the long jams on its tenth studio album, Earth Rocker, the fret-shredding foursome still reigns as an unapologetic homage to the founders of heavy metal. Trading on clever lyrics emitted with a growl and pushing the limit on power chords, Clutch will be in the lead when metal returns to the top of the charts.
Thursday 1/16. $25-28, 8pm. The Jefferson Theater, 110 E. Main St., Downtown Mall. 245-4980.