photos by Steven J. Messina
“Unhinged” is the third single from Souls, the third LP by New York hardcore/metal outfit BLOODCLOT, led by iconic former Cro-Mags vocalist, author, and triathlete, John “Bloodclot” Joseph. The record is set for release next week through Upstate Records in collaboration with Pitchfork Hardwear.
The origins of BLOODCLOT (a.k.a. BLOODCLOT!) date to the early 1980s when they doubled as roadies and opening support for the legendary Bad Brains. In 2008, BLOODCLOT transformed from an intermittent live act, manifesting itself as a full-force studio entity, and independently released their Burn Babylon Burn! debut. Nearly a decade later, John Joseph recruited a lineup of scene veterans including Joey Castillo (formerly of Queens Of The Stone Age, Danzig, and more), Nick Oliveri (formerly of Kyuss, Queens Of The Stone Age, and others), and the late Todd Youth (Danzig, Warzone, Murphy’s Law) to record the band’s second LP, Up In Arms, which saw the band sign to Metal Blade Records for its release.
2022 sees the release of BLOODCLOT’s heaviest record yet, delivering the classic NYHC sound its members have been elemental in creating, while notes of Slayer, Venom, Dark Angel, Kreator, and the early days of thrash/crossover push their way to the forefront of several tracks, and others infuse modern metal elements, punk, and more. The convergence of long-running NYHC icons flanking John Joseph here includes guitarist Tom Capone (ex-Quicksand, Beyond, Bold), bassist Craig Setari (Sick Of It All, ex-Youth Of Today, Agnostic Front), and drummer Darren Morgenthaler (Maximum Penalty, ex-Madball).
Souls is dedicated to longtime friend and bandmate, Todd Youth. The album was produced by Laz Pina of Ill Niño, recorded by Johnny “Pyro” Lafuentes, except for the cover of Bad Brains’ “How Low Can A Punk Get?” which was recorded at Found Soundation NYC, mixed by Kyle McAulay, the bass for the song tracked by Manuel Carrero. The record was mixed and mastered by Chriss Collier (Korn, Prong, Whitesnake) and its layout/design handled by Kim Cangemi and Darren Morgenthaler.
Stream BLOODCLOT’s “Unhinged” now at YouTube RIGHT HERE.
Upstate Records will release Souls on limited edition Black And White Splatter 12” vinyl, CD, and digitally next Friday, December 16th. Find physical/merch preorders at Upstate Records HERE, digital preorders at Bandcamp HERE, and digital presaves HERE.
Since the announcement of Souls, BLOODCLOT has revealed that Christian Olde Wolbers (Fear Factory) has joined the lineup for the band’s next album, which will be recorded shortly and released in 2023.
BLOODCLOT has also announced a new live performance in Brooklyn on January 14th, sharing the stage with NYHC legends Underdog, labelmates Brick By Brick, as well as Wreckage and Dead Last. Stand by for additional shows to be posted.
BLOODCLOT Live:
1/14/2023 The Meadows – Brooklyn, NY w/ Underdog, Brick By Brick, Wreckage, Dead Last
“‘Souls’ is a passionately anti-war screed, as evidenced both Joseph’s lyrics, as well as the visuals in the video… Musically it’s a Slayer-inspired hardcore rampage akin to that band’s late ’80s output, though Capone’s at-times dissonant guitar adds a post-metal tension to the track.” – Decibel Magazine
“…Souls proudly asserts the collective’s NYHC pedigree, combined with the tenacity of early thrash… ‘War Castles’ showcases the band at their most hostile. Rife with scathing social commentary, the relentless pace of the track sees BLOODCLOT double down on the intensity that has made them such an enduring outfit.” – Knotfest
“BLOODCLOT may have only just released this record at the tail end of this year, but Souls could easily sit at the top any best-of-2022 list without having to put up a fight as a contender for the spot.” – Metal Purgatory Media
“Whatever way you take your hardcore, Souls has got you covered, and got you covered good. I honestly can’t remember enjoying a recent hardcore release quite as much as I have this record…” – Sentinel Daily
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