Bloodclot, Negative Approach

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). While being the leader of one of the most influential hardcore bands of all time ??? the Cro-Mags ??? John Joseph is also an author, an outspoken advocate of plant-based nutrition, and a competitive Ironman tri-athlete. Todd Youth ??? who played in Agnostic Front at the age of 12 ??? has played guitar with a myriad of artists, including Danzig, Glen Campbell, Motorhead, 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.


When Negative Approach frontman John Brannon takes the stage, his surroundings by now must be incredibly familiar. The room is dim and sparsely furnished, packed full of young men with short hair and combat boots. Their set begins with "Hypocrite," from the band's only full-length release, Tied Down, and as Brannon issues his judgment in one of the most basic human sentiments ("I don't believe you") the audience seems to agree. The scene is Moscow in the summer of 2014. Although if you squint, it could easily be mistaken for Detroit circa 1980.