Superjoint Caught Up in the Gears of Application Review

  “Hashtag this assholes!!” A statement made one track into Superjoint’s (shortened from Superjoint Ritual due to legal reasons) first record in

13 years, Caught Up In The Gears of Application. This record pulls no punches in both it’s heaviness and message, and despite their being some similarities of their previous two records (Use Once And Destroy and A Lethal Dose of American Hatred) this is a band more focused, angry, and clear-headed in general.

  The groups mix of nola metal and 80’s era Hardcore Punk is still as mean and lean as ever, with several tracks clocking in at under three minutes. One noticeable change is their are a few more dynamic tunes on this one, most noticeably on “Clickbait” and “Circling The Drain”. The line-up remains predominately the same (Phillip H. Anselmo on vocals, Jimmy Bower and Kevin Bond on guitars) with a new rhythm section of Stephen Taylor on Bass (also of Phil Anselmo and The Illegals) and Jose Gonzalez on Drums (also of the Illegals and Warbeast) adding new blood into the line-up.

  Phil’s attack on this one is not much different than previous efforts, focusing more on delivery and controlled rage in general than the previous two records. The overall production is also very raw yet very well mixed and clear, despite the often nasty and chaotic rumblings on most of the record.

  Unlike their previous two releases, this one has a reoccurring lyrical theme that often lashes out at current social media platforms and users.

This is obviously prevalent on tracks like the title cut (also released as a video recently) and album closer “Receiving No Answer to the Knock”. Another factor that sets this album apart is the heaviness is almost subliminal and not as straight forward heavy. It’s very calculated and almost subtle in parts, which causes the record to be further enjoyed on repeated listens. Make no mistake about it though, this is a heavy no b.s. old school crossover thrash/hardcore punk album, with elements of the NOLA vibe to keep the grooves coming also. 4/5

Standout tracks: “Today and Tommorrow”, “Clickbait”, “Receiving No Answer to the Threat”.

tracklisting:

“Today and Tommorrow”

“Burning The Blanket”

“Ruin You”

“Caught Up In The Gears of Application”

“Sociopathic Herd Delusion”

“Circling The Drain”

“Click Bait”

“Asshole”

“Mutts Bite Too”

“Rigging The Fight”

“Receiving No Answer to the Threat”