BLOODCLOT Feat. CRO-MAGS, Ex-DANZIG Members: 'Up In Arms' Album Due In 2017

Metal Blade Records has announced the signing of the hardcore punk unit BLOODCLOT to a worldwide deal.

BLOODCLOT is a project featuring true hardcore pioneers: John Joseph of the CRO-MAGS, plus former members of QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE (Joey Castillo, drums; Nick Oliveri, bass), and DANZIG (Todd Youth, guitar).

In addition to being the leader of one of the most influential hardcore bands of all time — the CRO-MAGS — Joseph is an author, an outspoken advocate of plant-based nutrition, and a competitive Ironman tri-athlete. Youth — who played in AGNOSTIC FRONT at the age of 12 — has played guitar with a myriad of artists, including DANZIG, Glen Campbell, MOTÖRHEAD, Ace Frehley, and many more. Additionally, Nick Oliveri has played bass in QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE, alongside one of the most sought-after drummers in the scene, Joey Castillo — who has also sat behind the kit for DANZIG and EAGLES OF DEATH METAL.

These four renowned musicians came together when CRO-MAGS guitarist AJ Novello was unable to play a show, and John Joseph called Todd Youth to fill in for him. The two rekindled their friendship and enjoyed playing together so much that a decision was made to reform BLOODCLOT (whose origins date back to a 1981 BAD BRAINS tour). Todd began the songwriting process, and soon after, Joey Castillo and Nick Oliveri were recruited to join the band. With the new lineup in place, and songs to record, Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel offered BLOODCLOT a worldwide deal.

In regards to the signing, Slagel comments: “Super excited to be working with these legends! The material is fresh and what you would expect from such an amazing group! Thanks to Tal Ronnen of Crossroads Kitchen for his help on this too!”

Michael Alago — a former record label A&R executive and talent scout for over 24 years — also helped facilitate this new partnership, as BLOODCLOT‘s manager. Having earned the respect of the industry for his expertise in a wide variety of musical genres, Alago was responsible for signing METALLICA, WHITE ZOMBIE, Alan Vega, Johnny Rotten (with his band PUBLIC IMAGE, LTD.), Cyndi Lauper, Nina Simone (for whom he also acted as executive producer on the acclaimed album “A Single Woman”), among many other artists.

BLOODCLOT plans to release its new album, “Up In Arms”, in spring 2017, with worldwide touring to follow.

BLOODCLOT is:

John Joseph (CRO-MAGS) – Vocals
Todd Youth (ex-DANZIG) – Guitars
Nick Oliveri (ex-QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE) – Bass
Joey Castillo (ex-QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE, ex-DANZIG) – Drums

Photo credit: Wass Photography, Dustin Jack Photography, Lloyd Nickell, Tony Virgadamo