Bloodclot, the New York hardcore/metal outfit led by iconic vocalist, author, and triathlete, John “Bloodclot” Joseph (formerly of Cro-Mags), will release its third LP, Souls, through Upstate Records in December. Today, the record’s second single, “War Castles”, is released.

The convergence of long-running NYHC icons culminating on Souls shows Bloodclot delivering its heaviest and most detrimental record yet. The recording lineup sees John Joseph here joined by 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.

With the new Souls single “War Castles, John Joseph writes, "The song is a metaphor. There have been countless wars for profit over the decades - all carefully orchestrated and planned by the 'so-called' elite. The men with crooked minds who hide behind the curtain. The media are their knights in shining armor doing their dirty work. And we are treated as serfs. It's also about the other war going on. Their war for the minds of the masses, for total control, in particular, of the youth. Poisoning them with so much garbage - and the indoctrination begins early on. As the lyrics state, ‘Mainstream manipulation slaughters the youth, twisting reality away from the truth. Rolling over souls just for their goals, maniacs man the technology controls.’ They control the machines. They control the narratives. They do not care who is affected, injured or killed, because they don't value human life. Now we see global tensions rising. There is even talk of nuclear weapons being used. NYC is running tv spots on how to survive a nuclear event. You don't survive; you fucking die."

Listen to "War Castles" below.

Additionally, Bloodclot confirms that Christian Olde Wolbers (ex-Fear Factory) has joined the lineup for the band’s next album, which will be recorded shortly and released in 2023.

Upstate Records will release Bloodclot’s Souls LP on December 16, on limited edition Black And White Splatter 12” vinyl, CD, and on all digital streaming services. Find digital preorders at Bandcamp and watch for physical/merch pre-orders to be posted on November 4.

Tracklisting:

“Souls”
“Unhinged”
“War Castles”
“Save The Robots”
“Infectious”
“Relentless”
“How Low Can A Punk Get?” (Bad Brains cover)

“War Castles”:

“Souls” video:

(Photo – Steven J. Messina)