Clutch has carved out an impressive niche in the underground metal scene. The Maryland riff-masters have been at it since 1990, releasing ten studio albums and gaining legions of fans along the way with their groove-inspired, southern madness Sabbath attack. Calling them a simple southern rock band would not do them justice though. They have incorporated blues, funk, metal, folk and punk to create a sound that's truly their own. In the metal world there's a lot of copycats but only one Clutch.

Tonight they will be playing Town Ballroom with Austin stoner Gods, the Sword and Crobot, two bands that have also found their place in the pantheon of great new-era metal. Age of Winters and Pure Rock Fury? Yes, please.

Clutch is one of the more successful heavy rock bands most people haven't heard of. They've been around since 1990, have enjoyed a great deal of radio airplay and chart success, and have had their songs featured on dozens of commercials and movies. Nevertheless, you'd be hard pressed to find your average "Edge" listener who could identify them. Not that it really matters. Clutch is the ultimate cult band and have amassed a loyal fanbase that most "mainstream" acts could only dream of. What's best is that their "success" hasn't gone to their heads. They still have a sense of humor about this whole heavy rock thing.

Tonight the Clutch dudes are playing at Town Ballroom (7pm) with Lionize, Monster Truck and Low Road Revival. Tickets are $24. If you're a fan of the heavy it's a perfect friday night plan.