Biohazard Biography
Biohazard was one of the first bands to regularly incorporate elements of both hip-hop and hardcore metal into their sound; since their lyrical fare dealt with the harshness of urban life and the resulting anger and frustration, which both genres of music have been known to address, the connection only made sense, especially in light of Anthrax's highly effective collaboration with Public Enemy on 1991's "Bring the Noise." When Biohazard formed in 1988 in Brooklyn, NY, their sound was much closer to the former band than the latter; their original lineup consisted of guitarist/vocalist Billy Graziadei, bassist/vocalist Evan Seinfeld, guitarist Bobby Hambel, and drummer Danny Schuler. They began opening for local hardcore and thrash bands and gradually built a large following through their outraged sense of injustice, political awareness, and constant touring. A self-titled debut was released in 1990 on the Maze label, but by 1992, Biohazard's fan base was strong enough to secure a deal with Roadrunner Records.
Their subsequent breakthrough album, Urban Discipline, built on the groundwork laid by "Bring the Noise," laying rhythmically shouted vocals over heavy, hip-hop-influenced beats and guitar riffs recalling both hardcore and thrash. The hardcore rap group Onyx recorded an alternate version of their hit single "Slam" with Biohazard backing them, and the two groups worked together again on the Judgment Night soundtrack, contributing the title song. 1994's State of the World Address solidified both their reputation for intensity and their musical hybrid, but Hambel then left the band, reducing them to a trio for 1996's Mata Leao, which some found the group's most seamless rap/metal fusion yet. Hambel was eventually replaced by ex-Helmet guitarist Rob Echevarria, and in 1997, Biohazard released the live album No Holds Barred, which showcased the in-concert ferocity for which the group had become revered.
Biohazard next signed to Mercury Records and released New World Disorder in 1999. The guys left the label following its merger with Universal and harkened back to their D.I.Y. days with a tour of Europe and Japan without label or managerial support. The rarities collection Tales from the B-Side followed in 2001, along with their next full-length, Uncivilization. Guitarist Leo Curley exited the group following the album's relase. Kill or Be Killed appeared two years later and featured new axeman Carmine Vincent (ex-Nucleus), who had previously roadied for the band. Means to an End, Biohazard's eighth and final album, was issued in August 2005 on SPV. Graziadei went on to form Suicide City with ex-members of Groovenics and Kittie. Meanwhile, Seinfeld appeared on the 2006 VH1 reality show Supergroup with Ted Nugent, Sebastian Bach, Scott Ian, and Jason Bonham. ~ Steve Huey, All Music Guide
Popular Biographies:
Carpathian full moon Biography: One of two groups featuring guitarist Endre Begby (the other being black metal combo Abysmal), Carpathian Full Moon was a short-lived doom/death outfit out of Norway. Also including vocalist/drummer...
Ringworm Biography: Ringworm erupted in 1991 from Cleveland, where they joined bands like Integrity in a brutal local scene that blended purist hardcore with heavy metal influences and punishing live shows....
Daylight dies Biography: Guitarist Barre Gambling and drummer Jesse Haff formed Daylight Dies in Raleigh, North Carolina as early as 1996, but their first demo was only recorded three years later with the help of session...
Auburn lull Biography: Like fellow Michiganders Windy & Carl and Asha Vida, Auburn Lull create lush space-rock and ethereal, Brian Eno-inspired soundscapes. Despite the fact that the once-thriving Michigan space-rock scene...
Fatboy slim Biography: Norman "Jack-of-All-Genres" Cook, in addition to his former occupations as bassist for the Housemartins and one-third of acid house hitmakers Pizzaman, is also the man behind one of the most popular...
Agathodaimon Biography: The German black metal band Agathodaimon was formed in Mainz in 1996, consisting of vocalist/lyricist Vlad Dracul (naturally, a native of Romania), guitarists Hyperion and Sathony, keyboardist...
Unida Biography: Following the dissolution of stoner rock icons Kyuss, singer John Garcia formed Unida with guitarist Arthur Seay, bassist Dave Dinsmore, and drummer Mike Cancino. Debuting in late 1998 with the EP...
Peter white Biography: Smooth jazz guitarist Peter White's lyrical lines and musical inventiveness are a joy to listen to. The affable Englishman's charm and playfulness comes through in his music, giving his style of...