Superjoint

Superjoint, formerly known as Superjoint Ritual, was an American heavy metal band formed by Phil Anselmo, Joe Fazzio, and Jimmy Bower in the early 1990s, later to be joined by Hank Williams III, and Kevin Bond. They were founded by Anselmo parallel to his membership in Pantera, but became a full-time endeavor a few years later after Pantera's dissolution.

Superjoint
Phil Anselmo performing with Superjoint Ritual at Ozzfest in July 2004
Background information
Also known as	Superjoint Ritual (1993–2004)
Genres	Groove metal hardcore punk[1][2] sludge metal[2]
Years active	1993–2004 2014–2019
Labels	Sanctuary Housecore
Associated acts	Down Pantera Eyehategod Arson Anthem Hank Williams III
Past members	Phil Anselmo Jimmy Bower Kevin Bond Joey Gonzalez Steven Taylor Michael Haaga Joe Fazzio Hank Williams III Marzi Montazeri

Their style can be considered a mix of Pantera's style of groove metal and hardcore punk.[3] A small trace of black metal can be heard, as well. Bands like Venom, Slayer, Celtic Frost, Voivod, and Darkthrone have been noted as influences also. The name "Superjoint Ritual" comes from a lyric in the Darkthrone song "The Pagan Winter". According to Bower, Anselmo wrote 70–80% of the group's music.[4]

Despite their early 1990s establishment, it was not until a decade later, after the folding of Pantera, that the group recorded any albums. It was then that Superjoint Ritual garnered significant TV exposure on programs such as MTV2's Headbangers Ball and Fuse TV's Uranium.

However, the group's time in the spotlight would prove short lived. A dispute between Anselmo and Fazzio led to the band's eventual split in late 2004, which was confirmed by both Hank Williams III and Jimmy Bower.

The band reunited at the Housecore Horror Film Festival in Austin, Texas in October 2014. For legal reasons, the band performed under the name "Superjoint".[5] Hank Williams III was initially supposed to take part in this first reunion show, but had to bow out due to personal issues.

Although their appearance at Housecore Horror was supposed to be the only reunion show, the band would later perform at Hellfest 2015.[6][7]

Superjoint released their latest album to date, Caught Up in the Gears of Application, on November 11, 2016 through Housecore Records.

In January 2017, Superjoint played a tour with Battlecross and Child Bite.[8]

In an interview in June 2019, Anselmo mentioned that he was no longer interested in playing with Superjoint.[9] In October 2020, bassist Stephen Taylor said he is unsure if the band is still active.[10]