Subzero (band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1989 |
| Founder | Rich Kennon, Jim Eaton |
| Headquarters | New York City , United States |
| Products | Hardcore punk music, albums, EPs, singles |
Subzero is a band originating from the New York hardcore and punk metal scenes, established in 1989.
History
Subzero was created by Rich Kennon, known from the NYHC group Breakdown, alongside Jim Eaton of the straight edge outfit Up Front. The band completed its roster with vocalist Lou di Bella and bassist Larry Susi, both seasoned figures within New York's music community. Although the group took a break in the late 1990s due to di Bella’s fight against acute lymphoblastic leukemia, they remain one of the most enduring names in New York hardcore. Di Bella’s personal struggle inspired the lyrics of "Lionhearted," featured on their 2005 Stillborn Records album, The Suffering of Man. This song achieved notable recognition through a music video aired on MTV's "Headbangers Ball" and amassed nearly one million views on YouTube, becoming a staple in their live performances.
Subzero has performed internationally as both headliners and supporting artists for prominent bands such as Slayer, Hatebreed, Megadeth, Motörhead, The Misfits, Sick of It All, Rancid, Cro-mags, Killswitch Engage, Napalm Death, Iron Maiden, Cannibal Corpse, and Eminem. They have led shows at major venues in Japan and participated in significant European festivals, being among the pioneering American hardcore groups to tour Japan to sold-out audiences. Upholding their underground principles, Subzero frequently plays at intimate settings including small clubs and dive bars.
On September 25, 2020, Subzero issued the digital single "House of Grief," which was planned for release as a two-track 7" vinyl on October 30 through Upstate Records (USA) and Demons Run Amok (EU). Additionally, a six-song EP titled Beauty in Sorrow was scheduled for release in winter 2020 via the same labels.
Breakup/Reformation
The band announced their disbandment on February 9, 2009, following their appearance at "Black n' Blue Bowl 2009." They reunited in autumn 2011, performing alongside the Cro-Mags in October and completing a 12-date headline tour across Japan with Aggressive Dogs (Uzi-one).
Critical reception
In its September 2020 issue, Decibel Magazine lauded Subzero as "one of the most distinctive and multi-faceted acts emerging from the New York hardcore scene," emphasizing their sharp progression and some of the finest work of their career.
Metal Maniacs recognized them as "a major influence within New York hardcore," highlighting their intense Hardcore/Metal blend infused with unique metallic and artistic qualities.
Maximumrocknroll characterized Subzero as "a compelling embodiment of New York hardcore enriched with advanced musical and lyrical sophistication."
Terrorizer praised their authentic NYHC aggression combined with varied musical principles.
Covers
- The track "Boxed In" from Happiness Without Peace was covered by Hatebreed on their album For the Lions.
- "Boxed In" was also interpreted by Terror on Century Media Records' compilation titled "Covering 20 Years Of Extremes."
Discography
- House of Grief single – Upstate Records – 2020
- NYJP Split w/Facecarz – 2006
- The Suffering of Man – Stillborn Records – 2005
- Necropolis EP – Stillborn Records – 2004
- The Smiths Tribute album – "The World Still Won't Listen" What Difference Does it Make – Too Damn Hype Records – 1996
- Happiness Without Peace LP – Too Damn Hype Records – 1996
- Happiness Without Peace re-issue (remixed/remastered by Tom Soares at Normandy Sound) – 1997 Century Media Records
- 1993 "Giger Demo" – self-released – 1993
- Ice Age 7" – Inner Journey Records – 1991
- 1990 2 song promo – self-released – 1990