If you’re a newfound fan of the ’80s Santa Cruz hardcore band BL’AST, that might be because of their reformation. Last year, Dave Grohl remixed and remastered their 1987 album It’s In My Blood, which was released on Southern Lord as Blood. And if the Grohl connection isn’t enough to stoke your interest in the band, they’re planning on touring for the first time since 2001, and have lined up a noteworthy rhythm section. Former Queens of the Stone Age members Nick Oliveri and Joey Castillo have joined the touring lineup on bass and drums, respectively.
Unfortunately, you’re only going to get to see the band play a few select US dates (namely, in the pacific northwest and Philly, as the bulk of the tour will be taking place in Europe. However, the band plan on recording new music. It’s not clear whether Oliveri and Castillo will play on the studio material, but the press release states that their inclusion is only temporary.
Here’s what BL’AST’s guitarist Mike Neider says about his new rhythm section:
We couldn’t have asked for a more perfect fit. Joey and Nick have shown tons of respect to the music and have added their blood to make even more manic and heavy!BL’AST! Is in full sound assault mode! We are looking forward to the upcoming dates, honestly, it feels never better! And to come over for the first time at this point in time will be a great display of heavy.
Here’s Joey Castillo’s quote:
Very stoked to be playing with BL’AST! for a couple reasons: I go way back with the guys, be it when I was a kid playing in Wasted Youth, we did shows together, and I was always a fan. And obviously playing again with Nick Oliveri, my other old friend from our days in QOTSA together, makes it even that much greater and fun! Can’t wait to get overseas to show what BL’AST! is all about, see ya soon!
And lastly, Oliveri’s:
BL’AST! is like getting your ass kicked and liking it. I saw them play when I was younger with Exploited. Bands like these change lives. It is an honor to play withMike, Clifford, and I’m really stoked to be playing with Joey C again. We are gonna kill it.
05/17 Pomona, CA – The Glass House (‘Scion Rock Fest‘)
05/23 Portland, OR – Star Theatre
05/24 Seattle, WA – Neumo’s (‘Rain Fest‘)
05/25 Seattle, WA – Highline
06/21 Clisson, FRA – Hellfest
06/23 Brighton, UK – Stick Mikes
06/24 Bristol, UK – The Fleece
06/25 Manchester, UK – Star And Garter
06/26 Glasgow, UK – Audio
06/27 London, UK – Underworld
06/28 Wiesbaden, GER – Schlachthof
06/29 Innsbruck, AUT – PMK
06/30 Bologna, ITA – Freakout Club
07/01 Milano, ITA – Lo Fi Club
07/02 Wien, AUT – Viper Room
07/03 Berlin, GER – Magnet
07/04 Roskilde, DEN – Roskilde Festival
07/25 Philadelphia, PA – Electric Factory (‘This Is Hardcore Fest‘)
