Gel (band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2018 |
| Headquarters | New Jersey , United States |
| Products | Albums, EPs, demos |
Gel was a hardcore punk group originating from New Jersey, United States. Established in 2018 as an offshoot of the powerviolence outfit Sick Shit, Gel produced one full-length album, two extended plays, a demo recording, and a split mini-album. Huw Baines of NME recognized them as influential in "defining the hardcore sound in 2023."
In March 2025, the band declared their disbandment on Instagram, attributing the decision to internal disputes involving former guitarist Anthony Webster, whom they accused of financial misconduct and inappropriate behavior.
History
Emerging from Hightstown and Forked River, New Jersey, Gel developed from the powerviolence band Sick Shit, which was founded by guitarist Matthew Bobko and drummer Zach Miller. Vocalist Sami Kaiser joined shortly thereafter. Following the departure of Sick Shit's bassist, Anthony Webster entered the lineup and eventually transitioned to guitar. This group formed Gel in 2018 with the aim of embracing a more classic hardcore punk approach. Their initial release was a self-titled EP in 2019, accompanied by a tape called HC For The Freaks that same year. In 2021, they followed up with their second EP, Violent Closure, along with the single "Mental Static." The band issued a split release titled Shock Therapy alongside Cold Brats in 2022.
Gel’s first full album, Only Constant, was launched on March 31, 2023, receiving favorable critical reception.
On August 16, 2024, Gel unveiled a five-track EP named "Persona" under their new label Blue Grape Music. Drawing inspiration from Carl Jung’s theory of the shadow self, this release garnered acclaim for its enhanced production quality while retaining the band's signature aggressive hardcore energy.
The band announced their breakup on March 19, 2025, citing serious allegations against former guitarist Anthony Webster involving embezzlement of band funds for personal use including rent and numerous OnlyFans subscriptions, unauthorized sharing of nude images of other members on Reddit, and acts of violence directed at bandmates.
Musical style
Gel’s sound is rooted in traditional fast-paced hardcore punk, incorporating influences from post-punk and D-beat. Their music highlights the foundational aspects of punk rock, setting them apart from prevalent hardcore trends throughout the 2010s and early 2020s. According to Revolver, their "rapid, noisy, and relentlessly energetic" approach addresses a void within the wider hardcore landscape since pioneering groups like Trash Talk.
Members
- Final lineup
- Sami Kaiser – vocals (2018–2025)
- Matthew Bobko – bass (2018–2025)
- Madison Nave – guitar (2021–2025)
- Alex Salter – drums (2023–2025)
- Former members
- Anthony Webster – guitar (2018–2024)
- Zach Miller – drums (2018–2023)
Discography
Albums
- Only Constant (2023)
EPs
- Gel (2018)
- Violent Closure (2021)
- Persona (2024)
Splits
- Shock Therapy (with Cold Brats; 2022)
Demos
- Demo 2018 (2018)