Biohazard, a
hardcore band, was founded in
1988 by
Brooklyn natives
Billy Graziadei (vocals, guitars),
Bobby Hambel (guitars),
Evan Seinfeld (vocals, bass) and
Danny Schuler (drums). They formed the band to express their
political views, and to make others aware of the problems facing
urban youth. All members had experienced the
hard life of Brooklyn
first hand, so being in the band kept them from getting (back) into
trouble.
They released their self-titled debut album in 1990 on Maze Records. Although the production left much to be desired, the album featured 13 hardcore metal songs about their experiences from living in Brooklyn. Because of their energetic live shows, the band quickly became a favorite with the crowds, and the fanbase started growing.
The band didn't go unnoticed to Roadrunner Records, with who they signed a deal. In 1992, Urban Discipline was released, becoming an instant classic in the history of metal. Not only was the production a lot better then on the debut album, but the lyrics were more agressive, the music was harder, preparing the world for similar bands. The album included fan-favorite songs such as Business, Tears Of Blood, and a remake from their debut album of Wrong Side Of The Tracks.
In 1994, Biohazard signed with Warner Music, which was a bit strange since the song Business (from Urban Discipline) deals with big record companies that try to suck as much money out of bands as possible. Nevertheless, in 1994 they released the follow-up to Urban Discipline, titled State Of The World Address. The album was much in the line of its predecessor. One new element was added to their sound: hiphop. Biohazard had already cooperated with hiphop act Onyx on one of Onyx' songs, and once again for the Judgement Night soundtrack. State Of The World Address featured Cypress Hill's rapper Sen Dog on guest vocals, and a hiphop version of the song was released as a single.
"Biohazard is and will always be..." was the questionable line in the State Of The World Address booklet. After the tour for that album had ended, guitarist Bobby Hambel left the band because of differences with the other band members. Biohazard continued as a trio and released Mata Leao in 1996. This album was more punk-like then the previous albums, with shorter and faster songs, and angered quite a few fans. Sales for the album were not what Warner Music expected, so they were dropped by the record company.
After they recorded the album, Rob Echeverria was recruited as the new guitarist, and in 1997 the live album No Holds Barred was released on Roadrunner Records, and perfectly demonstrated why Biohazard were always successful in concerts.
For their 1999 album New World Disorder, they once again had changed record labels, this time to Mercury Records. The line-up was the same as on No Holds Barred, but the sound was more in the line of Urban Discipline and State Of The World Address, as opposed to the more punk-like Mata Leao.
2000 saw the release of Tales From The B-Side, a collection of rare tracks and remixes. This album is only available through mail order and at live shows. Rob Echeverria left the band, and was replaced by Leo Curley, and a new album can be expected in 2001.
Discography:
1990: Biohazard
1992: Urban Discipline
1994: State Of The World Address
1996: Mata Leao
1997: No Holds Barred
1999: New World Disorder
2000: Tales Of The B-Sides
Tracklisting for the self-titled debut album: