It’s been awhile, ten years actually since the band formerly known as Superjoint Ritual has graced New York with a show. Now known simply as Superjoint and armed with a new rhythm section, Kevin Bond, Jimmy Bower and Phil Anselmo come a crushin’.

In tow on the “It Takes Guts Tour”, was Fulgora from Missouri who features past and present members of Misery Index. Up next was Detroit Michigan’s Child Bite, who bring their experimental punk metal mesh to the hungry crowd. Following their eclectic set was Australia’s new golden boys King Parrot. Vocalist Matt Young and crew just drenched the on lookers with water and sweat. A mystery masked man joined them during their “hit” song ‘Shit on the Liver’. It may or may not have been the proprietor of Housecore Records under the cowl!

Phil and company were on fire, sounding like no time has passed since 2003. Everyone was on point, new bassist Stephen Taylor and drummer Joey Gonzalez of Phil’s solo band, The Illegals fit seamlessly into the SJR sound. Playing a hefty 17 songs from their two albums. Opening with ‘The Alcoholik’, many tunes turned into sing-a-longs. They were so good I ended up in the pit moshing after I put the camera away. The much missed Kevin Bond was treated to an intro and chant before ‘It Takes Guts’. Phil joked about their bus not having air conditioning and did an improv mini-song about it. Hearing these songs live after so many years felt like a time warp. Even though I didn’t hear ‘Dress Like A Target’, a blast was had by all. Thankfully these songs are timeless and it was easy to get lost in the music. Here’s to more Superjoint tours and music in the future.

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WORDS AND PHOTOS BY OMAR CORDY