Review: Bloodclot ‘Souls’
There’s something about hardcore music that gets my blood pumping, and there is none better than NYHC. From heavily influential bands like Agnostic Front and Madball, to Cro Mags and Shelter, and further upstate we had the vegan straight edge bands like Earth Crisis in the ‘90s. The power, messages, and passion of this music spawned a vast array of imitators, some of which were also incredible in their own right.

One of those bands I mentioned is also the starting point of vocalist John Joseph, who was the Cro-Mags original singer. After several stints in that position, he now fronts the band named Bloodclot, who’s new album, Souls, will be released December 16th via Upstate Records.
Bloodclot began in the early 1980s playing occasional live shows but didn’t release their first album until around 2009. Album number two came around a decade later, and now we are about to receive the seven songs that make up Souls. Over the course of twenty minutes Bloodclot will pummel you with hardcore, Slayer inspired riffs, and powerful vocals.
Up first is the title track, Souls, which is where I hear a lot of Slayer style riffs (mostly in the verse sections) but tempered with the aggressive thunder of hardcore and punk. This is one of two tracks that crosses the four-minute mark, but every nanosecond is packed with skull crushing musical devastation that will have you begging for more.
every nanosecond is packed with skull crushing musical devastation…
Track number, Unhinged, has a crossover thrash feel to it. The riffs are fast and reminds me of what Scott Ian did with S.O.D, and before you know it, the song is over, leaving you sweaty and breathless in the pit. War Castles is reminiscent of Hatebreed, with its metal meets hardcore vibe and thrashy riffs. There actually seems to be a lot on this album that lends itself to crossover, which is never a bad thing in my opinion.
The longest song, Infectious, is probably my favorite on Souls. This track is a lot different than any of the othes with a more standard metal feel throughout, and a completely different vocal approach; an approach that shows that Joseph is a versatile singer when he wants to be.
It is my opinion that fans of several metal sub-genres will identify with what Bloodclot does on Souls, particularly if you like crossover thrash mixed with a hardcore edge. While the album doesn’t break new ground, it does provide exactly what fans of heavy music are looking for, fast riffs, heavy vocals, and power. Upstate Records has this available for pre-order on their Bandcamp page, so head over there and throw your money at it. Enjoy!!!
Label: Upstate Records
Band Links: Facebook | Bandcamp | Instagram
Scribed by: Tom Hanno