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Biohazard (band)

From Alfawiki
Biohazard
Company typeBand
IndustryMusic
Founded1987 in Brooklyn, New York City, United States
FounderEvan Seinfeld, Bobby Hambel, Anthony Meo
Headquarters
Brooklyn, New York City
,
United States
ProductsMusic albums, live performances

Biohazard is a hardcore band originating from Brooklyn, New York City, established in 1987. They are recognized as pioneers in merging hardcore punk and heavy metal with elements of hip hop. The founding members were bassist and vocalist Evan Seinfeld, guitarist Bobby Hambel, and drummer Anthony Meo. Shortly thereafter, guitarist and vocalist Billy Graziadei joined the group, and drummer Danny Schuler replaced Meo prior to their debut album, forming the classic lineup that lasted from 1988 until 1995.

After experiencing lineup changes, disbandment, a reunion in 2008, and a period of seven years without activity, the principal members—Seinfeld, Graziadei, Hambel, and Schuler—came back together in 2022 and announced live shows planned for 2023.

Formation and early phase: 1987–1990

Biohazard came together in Brooklyn in 1987. Their initial demo released in 1988 sparked controversy due to lyrics that some interpreted as fascist or white supremacist; however, both Seinfeld and Schuler are of Jewish heritage. The band refuted these claims, later revealing the provocative lyrics were intended as a marketing strategy to attract fans of the band Carnivore. Seinfeld defended tracks such as "Master Race" and "America," describing them as metaphorical tools designed to provoke thought rather than promote racism. After their first demo, Meo departed and was succeeded by Schuler; the band then issued a second demo in 1989.

Though they never strictly labeled themselves as hardcore, Biohazard performed alongside New York hardcore bands like the Cro-Mags and Agnostic Front and cultivated connections with New Jersey’s Mucky Pup.

Their self-titled debut album was released in June 1990 through Magnetic Air Records. Despite minimal promotional efforts, it sold approximately 23,000 copies in the United States by 1994 and reached around 40,000 by 2001. The record’s lyrical content centered on themes such as life in Brooklyn, gang violence, drug issues, and various social challenges.

In 1991, Seinfeld and Graziadei lent their vocals to Mucky Pup’s track "Three Dead Gophers" on the latter’s third album Now, which was issued by Roadrunner Records—the label that would soon release Biohazard’s second album.

Signing with Roadrunner Records and rising visibility: 1991–1993

Biohazard signed with Roadrunner Records in 1992 and unveiled Urban Discipline, which garnered attention both nationally and internationally within heavy metal and hardcore circles. During this period, the band supported prominent acts such as House of Pain, Sick of It All, Fishbone, and Kyuss on tour.

In 1993, the hardcore rap ensemble Onyx produced a hybrid version called "Bionyx" of their hit "Slam," featuring Biohazard as the backing musicians. This collaboration contributed to the title track for the Judgment Night soundtrack album, which achieved sales exceeding two million copies across the United States.

Transition to Warner Bros. Records and Hambel's exit: 1994–1998

Shortly afterward, Biohazard departed from Roadrunner to sign with Warner Bros. Records, releasing their third studio effort State of the World Address, produced by Ed Stasium. This album included the single "How It Is," featuring Sen Dog from Cypress Hill, accompanied by a music video. During their 1994 tour cycle, Biohazard performed on the secondary stage at the Monsters of Rock festival held at Castle Donington. State of the World Address surpassed one million copies sold. This record marked Bobby Hambel’s final contribution before leaving due to internal disagreements. In late 1995, Biohazard participated in remixing tracks for Pitchshifter’s The Remix War alongside bands such as Therapy? and Gunshot.

In 1996, operating as a trio with producer Dave Jerden, Biohazard recorded their fourth studio album Mata Leao. For their subsequent tour spanning 1996 to 1997, they incorporated former Helmet guitarist Rob Echeverria into their lineup. The band also appeared on Ozzfest’s main stage alongside artists including Ozzy Osbourne, Slayer, and Sepultura.

While touring Europe promoting Mata Leao, Biohazard recorded their performance in Hamburg for their inaugural live album titled No Holds Barred (Live in Europe), which was released in 1997 through Roadrunner Records.

In 1998, Seinfeld began portraying Jaz Hoyt on HBO’s series Oz, appearing from its second through sixth seasons.

Mercury Records: 1999–2000

Biohazard entered into a contract with Mercury Records and launched their fifth studio effort, New World Disorder, in 1999, once again under the production guidance of Ed Stasium. Nevertheless, the partnership deteriorated amid corporate consolidations involving Mercury, Island, Def Jam, and Polygram merging into Universal Music Group. Feeling alienated by the label, the band chose to end their association.

In 2000, Biohazard embarked on tours across Europe and Japan without backing from any label or management. The following year, they issued a compilation titled Tales from the B-Side through Phantom Sound & Vision, which compiled B-sides and remixes spanning different phases of their career. Subsequently, Rob Echeverria departed to focus on marriage, with Leo Curley from Outline and All Means Necessary stepping in as his replacement.

New record deals and side projects: 2000–2004

In 2000, Biohazard secured fresh recording contracts with SPV/Steamhammer for European distribution and Sanctuary Records for worldwide release. Despite these agreements, band members engaged in various side ventures during breaks.

Graziadei initiated a trip hop collaboration named Blu alongside Jenifer Bair of Ohio-based Hilo; however, the project ended after Bair relocated to Los Angeles. Additionally, he began authoring a book titled Tales From the Hardside. Meanwhile, Schuler temporarily filled in as drummer for the New York group Among Thieves.

Together, Graziadei and Schuler transformed Biohazard’s Brooklyn rehearsal venue into a digital recording facility—originally called Rat Piss Studios before being renamed Underground Sound Studios. They honed their production capabilities by recording local artists and Biohazard demos. This development culminated in their sixth album, Uncivilization (released September 2001), which featured guest appearances from members of Agnostic Front, Hatebreed, Pantera, Slipknot, Sepultura, Cypress Hill, Skarhead, and Type O Negative. Shortly after the album’s release, Leo Curley left the band and was succeeded by Carmine Vincent, formerly with Nucleus and part of Biohazard’s touring crew.

By 2003, Biohazard had completed their seventh studio release, Kill or Be Killed. During a North American tour supporting Kittie, Brand New Sin, and Eighteen Visions, Roberts was officially confirmed as the full-time lead guitarist. The tour was cut short due to Seinfeld falling ill. Concurrently, Graziadei and Schuler handled mixing duties for Life of Agony’s live reunion album River Runs Again: Live 2003. Once Seinfeld recovered, the band resumed touring in Japan and North America, headlining alongside Hatebreed, Agnostic Front, Throwdown, and Full Blown Chaos.

Seinfeld also developed a trip hop project called Triplesicks during this era. Graziadei temporarily moved to Brazil with his wife for the birth of their daughter and collaborated with drummer Fernandao Schafer to form Ink (which later became Endrah), releasing an EP titled DEMONstration. Due to difficulties commuting between Brazil and New York City, Graziadei eventually left Endrah.

Early in 2004, Graziadei partnered with gabber DJ Rob Gee on songwriting and production efforts. He then joined forces with Schuler, Roberts, DJ Starscream (Sid Wilson of Slipknot), Jeff Anthony, and Keith Rooney to create Ampt—a fusion of gabber beats with hardcore and heavy metal influences. After composing material and assembling a live lineup, Graziadei and Schuler exited to concentrate on Biohazard.

By late 2004, Biohazard commenced work on their eighth studio album, Means to an End. A catastrophic studio incident destroyed the initial recordings, necessitating a complete re-recording process; the album ultimately saw release in August 2005.

Hiatus: 2004–2007

During these years, Graziadei assembled a new group featuring former members of Kitte and The Groovenics, initially called Rodek before adopting the name Suicide City. In October 2004, he declared Means to an End would serve as Biohazard’s concluding album and shifted his attention toward Suicide City. Despite this, Biohazard announced a tour for 2005.

On December 15, Seinfeld and Graziadei participated in the Roadrunner United event held in New York City, delivering a performance of Biohazard’s "Punishment" alongside prominent artists such as Sepultura’s Andreas Kisser and Slipknot’s Joey Jordison.

In 2005, Seinfeld and Patrick founded The Tera Patrick Agency to manage talent across adult and mainstream entertainment sectors. Suicide City released their first EP, Not My Year, and toured with acts like Danzig and Taking Back Sunday; their full album Frenzy was released in 2009.

January 2006 marked drummer Danny Schuler’s departure from Biohazard to establish Bloodclot with Jon Joseph (Cro-Mags), Scott Roberts, and Craig Setari (Sick of It All). Roberts also exited Biohazard to concentrate on Bloodclot. Graziadei confirmed there would be no farewell tour for Biohazard.

Graziadei and Schuler moved their recording studio to South Amboy, New Jersey, renaming it Underground Sound Studios and expanding it to include a live room with 20-foot ceilings spanning 4000 square feet. After Schuler left the studio business, Graziadei relocated the studio to Los Angeles, rebranding it as Firewater Studios.

In February 2006, Seinfeld appeared on VH-1’s reality show Supergroup, which featured musicians like Ted Nugent and Scott Ian, forming the supergroup Damnocracy. The series premiered on May 21, 2006.

By March 2007, Seinfeld introduced The Spyderz (initially named White Line Fever), who opened for Buckcherry. The lineup included guitarist John Monte (formerly of Ministry/M.O.D.). In October 2008, Seinfeld briefly joined Tattooed Millionaires as bassist and co-vocalist. He and Tera Patrick separated in 2009 and finalized their divorce in 2010.

Reunion and Seinfeld’s departure: 2008–2021

In January 2008, Biohazard’s original lineup—Evan Seinfeld, Billy Graziadei, Danny Schuler, and Bobby Hambel—reunited for rehearsals ahead of a summer tour celebrating their 20th anniversary. In April, they toured Australia and New Zealand alongside Chimaira, Throwdown, Bloodsimple, and headliners Korn. Participating in the Persistence Tour in 2009, the band announced they were working on a new album dedicated to Type O Negative frontman Peter Steele. Producer Toby Wright managed recording sessions at Graziadei’s Firewater Studios in Los Angeles.

In June 2011, Biohazard amicably parted ways with Seinfeld. Scott Roberts filled in temporarily for UK shows while the band conducted open auditions for a permanent vocalist. Three months after his departure from Biohazard, Seinfeld joined metal band Attika 7, releasing their debut album Blood of my Enemies in 2013. He also maintained his involvement in adult entertainment through Iron Cross Entertainment and Teravison.

By January 2012, Scott Roberts was officially integrated into the band. Biohazard released Reborn in Defiance internationally (excluding North America) on January 20 through Nuclear Blast; plans for a complimentary digital release in the U.S. were abandoned due to lack of a domestic label partner.

To promote the album, Biohazard co-headlined a European tour with Suicidal Tendencies in January 2012. During this tour, Roberts experienced a brief hospitalization but continued performing; drummer Schuler temporarily stepped away for family reasons and was substituted by Danny Lamagna from Sworn Enemy.

In July 2015, Schuler confirmed progress on new material. However, by February 2016 scheduled performances were canceled and Roberts exited the group amid internal disagreements and dissatisfaction.

On June 23, 2017, Graziadei’s new project Powerflo released its debut album featuring Sen Dog (Cypress Hill), Rogelio Lozano (Downset.), and Christian Olde Wolbers (Fear Factory). Their EP Bring That Shit Back followed in June 2018. Simultaneously, Graziadei launched a solo career as BillyBio with his debut album Feed the Fire released in November 2018; he supported Life of Agony on their European tour.

In January 2019, Graziadei confirmed that Biohazard remained active despite no recent shows or recordings, expressing intentions to produce a new album when circumstances permit.

Renewed collaboration with Seinfeld: 2022–present

In October 2022, the lineup of Seinfeld, Graziadei, Hambel, and Schuler came together once more. Seinfeld attributed the reunion to an unexpected encounter with Schuler's brother, whereas Graziadei credited the persistent efforts of their late manager Scott Koenig. The reconnection between Graziadei and Seinfeld occurred during Koenig’s memorial service, which acted as a catalyst for the band’s revival.

The group confirmed performances at two major events in 2023: Bloodstock Open Air and Dynamo Metalfest. On March 10, 2023, Biohazard took the stage as headliners at Milwaukee Metal Fest, marking their first live appearance since 2015 and their first show featuring Seinfeld since 2012. By June, Seinfeld announced intentions to produce a new album alongside a documentary helmed by Drew Stone. Tragically, on July 14, 2023, original drummer Anthony Meo passed away due to cancer; both Graziadei and Schuler honored his memory through social media tributes.

In 2024, Biohazard earned induction into the Metal Hall of Fame. Their latest album, Divided We Fall, was released in October 2025. The first single "Forsaken" premiered in June 2025, followed by the track "F*** the System" in July.

Musical style and legacy

Biohazard’s sound is frequently described by critics as a blend of hardcore punk, rap metal, and groove metal, merging aggressive hardcore elements with hip hop influences. In Louder Than Hell, Seinfeld explained that their hip hop inspiration arose from adopting a rhythmic vocal style that maintained a tough edge without sounding overly upbeat.

The band acknowledges a diverse range of influences including Carnivore, Agnostic Front, Cro-Mags, Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden, and Judas Priest. Their unique combination of thrash metal, hardcore punk, and early heavy metal contributed to developing their signature sound.

Biohazard has left a significant mark on prominent bands such as Pantera, Machine Head, Trapped Under Ice, Candiria, Sworn Enemy, Korn, and 25 ta Life. These artists have recognized Biohazard’s profound influence on their own musical styles, highlighting Biohazard’s pivotal role in shaping the rap metal and hardcore genres.

Band members

Current

  • Evan Seinfeld – bass, vocals (1987–2006, 2008–2011, 2022–present)
  • Billy Graziadei – rhythm guitar, vocals (1987–2006, 2008–2016, 2022–present)
  • Bobby Hambel – lead guitar (1987–1995, 2008–2016, 2022–present)
  • Danny Schuler – drums (1988–2006, 2008–2016, 2022–present)


Former

  • Anthony Meo – drums (1987–1988; deceased 2023)
  • Rob Echeverria – lead guitar (1996–2000)
  • Leo Curley – lead guitar (2000–2002)
  • Carmine Vincent – lead guitar (2002–2003)
  • Scott Roberts – lead guitar (2003–2006); bass (2011–2016); vocals (2003–2006, 2011–2016)


Timeline


Discography

External links

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