“The Evolution of a Cro-magnon” (Second Edition) – by John Joseph [Book Review]

The Evolution of a Cro-Magnon is an extremely raw, extremely visceral tell-all autobiography from one of the most well-known names in the hardcore punk and underground music scenes, John Joseph. Many know him as the face of the seminal NYC Hardcore acts The Cro-Mags and Bloodclot, but what most people don’t know is that John has literally been to hell and back.

Without giving too much away, he was placed in foster care at a young age and bounced around the system from one horrific situation the next, facing unheard of atrocities at the hands of those who had promised to help. Joseph pushed on and as you might expect fell into a lifelong battle with substance abuse which led to him hitting absolute rock bottom.

Most people would have been down for the count but Joseph is a different story. He somehow managed to pick himself up, embraced spirituality and a life of sobriety, and went on to become one of the most important figures in the underground hardcore punk scene.

At the end of the day, The Evolution of a Cro-Magnon is a great read. It’s not for the faint of heart, but it really takes the reader on a wild journey. Through top-notch storytelling, you almost feel as though you are right there with Joseph in Satan’s jaws.

Written by: John Joseph (Author)
Publisher: Equal Vision (April 4, 2017)
Format/Length: Paperback; 480 pages