Single Slam – Sociopathic Herd Delusion by Superjoint (Caught Up…)

One of Phil Anselmo’s many side projects, but also one of his most popular in underground circles, Superjoint (formerly known as Superjoint Ritual) have released their first bit of new material in over a decade in Sociopathic Herd Delusion which is the first single from a new album due for release on the 11th of November this year called Caught Up in the Gears of Application with will be released on Phil’s own label, Housecore Records.

I want to start by saying that it is great to see Phil back doing what he does best. Releasing music that he firmly and passionately believes in. The trials and tribulations of the past year are hopefully done now. We can all get back to the metal.

So Superjoint Ritual went on hiatus over a decade ago. Phil announced their reformation in 2015 along with a few line-up changes in that a couple of the Phillip H Anselmo and the Illegals bandmates were now on board. Reformed under the name Superjoint, the band consists of 2 of the 3 founding members in Phil Anselmo (Pantera, Down) and Jimmy Bower (Eyehategod, Crowbar) along with almost founder Kevin Bond (Christ Inversion), Stephen Taylor and Jose Gonzalez with the latter 2 being from Phillip H. Anselmo and the Illegals.

The thing with Superjoint though is that it has been a long time since they were relevant. Around 12 years in fact, so while the sudden appearance of a new track is a great thing, it does leave me wondering if that is because of it being a new Phil track rather than a Superjoint track.

Superjoint have always carried a very recognisable sound. They are very aggressive and would never be accused of sounding over produced, perhaps the opposite. After so long, well I am excited to see what has or hasn’t changed.

Coming in at just 2 minutes and 34 seconds, one thing Superjoint are still is heavy and abruptly to the point. It isn’t speed metal despite being that short and heavy. Instead carries that Deep South grungy tone that will feel familiar from bands such as Down and Crowbar. It is very heavy though with a punky/hardcore feel to the riff that carries the song along, loads of bass and solid drums thundering along at pace. It doesn’t really follow a standard song structure instead kind of being a verse, then brief instrumental, verse, brief instrumental etc… but Phil’s voice really sounds strong here which is great to hear with his venomous lyrics and black metal shouts and screams all finding a place in the short song.

I really enjoyed this brief insight. It is quite amazing that a band can disappear for over a decade, come back and still sound exactly like themselves. Don’t get me wrong, this isn’t the best song you are going to hear this year. Not even this month. It is decent though and is an exciting little teaser. Though it could maybe do with a touch more production.

Jimmy had the following to say about the release –

 “Sticking to our true hardcore roots and signature Superjoint sound, we accomplished a record that needed to happen in today’s underground. It’s pissed off! After being on hiatus for 11-plus years, the chance at a new Superjoint record wasn’t something we took lightly. With newcomers Stephen [Taylor, bass] and Joey [Gonzalez, drums], we were psyched and eager to get in the Lair and start writing and after two tours with the new lineup, we were able to hit the writing hard! Didn’t take long to accomplish, and we stood and smirked at the playback of what would be the new Superjoint record. With songs like ‘Receiving No Answer To The Knock’ and ‘Sociopathic Herd Delusion’ we had everything to smirk about! This record brings our viscous style of hardcore back to life. Pissed off with everything to prove, Superjoint is back!”

Phil added the following –

“The overall theme means many things, or no things, but there is an underlying message regardless, about how modern technology — computers and all that comes with them, mainly — has affected our lives. As a musician, it has affected my life both negatively (music being stolen) and positively (being in touch with fellow musicians around the world and staying visible). But when looking at the broader spectrum, computer-land has given everyday people a platform in which to bellow like carnival barkers about anything and everything, humdrum or political, whether qualified or not, some with good intentions, some with disingenuous intentions and some with ideas that lay somewhere in the middle, creating a mishmash of results.”

 Fans of Superjoint will be pleased with this small offering and, like myself, be excited now to get hold of the full album in November. It is great that Superjoint are making music again and still sound like themselves but also, that Phil is there and that he sounds focused and on point.

Check out the track yourself on Soundcloud, over at Metal Injection, at – Sociopathic

Give them a Like or Follow over on Facebook here – Superjoint on Facebook

Look out for the new album, Caught Up in the Gears of Application. It’s releasing on the 11^th of November. Maybe even pre order it, from here – Housecore Records