Boiler Room (band)

Boiler Room

Company type	Band
Industry	Music
Founded	1996
Founder	Chris Lino, Joey Barracato, James Meselsohn, Mike Meselsohn
Defunct	2001 (first disbandment)
Fate	Disbanded in 2001; reunited in 2021 with refreshed lineup
Headquarters	New York City , United States
Key people	Chris Lino (vocals), Mike Orlando (guitars), Jeff Thal (drums)
Products	Studio albums, singles
Number of employees	4 (original lineup)

Boiler Room is a nu metal ensemble originating from New York City, established in 1996. Their discography includes two full-length studio albums and one single prior to their disbandment in 2001.

In 2021, frontman Chris Lino revealed the band's reunion featuring a refreshed lineup, along with intentions to re-record tracks from their prior official releases as well as introduce new compositions. Recording sessions commenced in 2023.

Origins and debut album Boiler Room (1993–1997)

The group evolved from the thrash metal outfit Bible Black active in the early 1990s, which included vocalist Chris Lino, guitarist Joey Barracato, bassist James Meselsohn, and drummer Mike Meselsohn. They produced demo recordings during 1993–94 and independently launched the EP Wreckage in 1995.

Following unsuccessful attempts to secure a recording contract, the band dissolved and subsequently reassembled under the name Boiler Room in 1996.

They performed extensively at local venues while refining their musical style and self-released their first album, Boiler Room (frequently confused with Low Society). The majority of the album’s eleven tracks—seven in total—were reimagined from earlier Bible Black compositions such as Do or Die, Independence, and Judgement Day.

The album was produced by Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal, who would later become guitarist for Guns N' Roses. This record exhibited a stronger hardcore and groove metal influence compared to their subsequent material. Additionally, drummer Mike Meselsohn contributed to Thal's 1997 release Hermit. Post-release, guitarist Joey Barracato departed and was succeeded by Rob Caggiano.

Label transitions and Can't Breathe era (1999–2001)

By 1999, Boiler Room had secured opening slots for prominent national acts including Type O Negative, King's X, Clutch, and Static-X, achieving significant airplay on New York’s WXRK radio station. This momentum earned them a supporting position at a KROCK-sponsored event headlined by Orgy.

In 2000, the band inked a deal with Roadrunner Records and commenced work on Can't Breathe, collaborating with producer John Travis and incorporating additional interludes crafted by producer Eddie Wohl. Producer Bob Marlette provided a trial mix for the track Do It Again, which was ultimately not used. Marlette’s mix was mistakenly filed alongside mixes for another Roadrunner act, Downer, leading to temporary confusion among label personnel.

The track Do It Again was featured on the MTV compilation album Return of the Rock, released on June 13, 2000. After experiencing several postponements, Boiler Room requested release from Roadrunner Records to pursue alternative distribution options. They subsequently signed with Tommy Boy Records, which issued Can't Breathe on November 3, 2000, accompanied by updated cover art. The single Do It Again was promoted to radio stations with an unreleased b-side titled 4 x 4.

Critical reception was lukewarm; Dean Carlson of AllMusic assigned a rating of 1.5 out of 5 stars, criticizing the album for "stereotypical musicianship," though he noted songs like Do It Again, Patience, and Hopeless as standout selections. To support the release, the band embarked on tours across North America and Europe, including UK performances alongside Lostprophets and club shows in Germany through early March 2001. Upon returning stateside, they played additional dates along the East Coast and announced plans for a second single titled Superficial, including a music video. However, before these plans materialized, activity ceased when Tommy Boy Records dropped the group on June 14, 2001.

Disbandment and Activities Following Boiler Room (2001–2021)

Following a five-year run and releases under two record labels, the band dissolved as members pursued individual endeavors. In August 2001, guitarist Rob Caggiano became the lead guitarist for Anthrax, staying until 2005, rejoining in 2007, and ultimately leaving in 2013 to become part of Volbeat.

By early 2003, vocalist Chris Lino was engaged with a new project called Out of Body, which included future Adrenaline Mob guitarist Mike Orlando. The band produced a five-song demo but has remained inactive since then.

Drummer Mike Meselsohn co-founded Black Water Rising in 2008 and has been involved in all their recordings.

New Releases and Re-recording of Can't Breathe (2021–present)

In 2021, Chris Lino revealed intentions to revisit and reissue the Can't Breathe album, incorporating five additional tracks, with Mike Orlando contributing on guitar and handling production duties. Lino also mentioned plans to update material from their self-titled album.

By early 2023, drum parts were laid down at Sonic Stomp Studios by Jeff Thal, brother of Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal, while Orlando continued overseeing production. Later that year, Lino confirmed that guitar and vocal sessions were underway; he remains the only original member actively participating.

Current members

• Chris Lino – vocals (1996–2001, 2023–present)
• Mike Orlando – guitars (2023–present)
• Jeff Thal – drums (2023–present)

Former members

• James Meselsohn – bass (1996–2001)
• Mike Meselsohn – drums (1996–2001)
• Joey Barracato – guitars (1996–1998)
• Rob Caggiano – guitars (1998–2001)

Discography

• Boiler Room (1996), DIY Records
• Can't Breathe (2000), Roadrunner / Tommy Boy
• "Do It Again" (single) (2001), Roadrunner / Tommy Boy
• Rectify (2025), Deko Entertainment

External links

Official website (archived)