Warzone (band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1983 |
| Headquarters | Manhattan, New York City , United States |
| Products | Hardcore punk music |
Warzone—initially known as Rat Poison—was a hardcore punk group originating from Manhattan's Lower East Side in 1983. They played a pivotal role in defining the New York hardcore genre, influencing the hardcore skinhead aesthetic and contributing to the youth crew movement. Throughout a span of 14 years marked by multiple personnel shifts, their hardcore style blended elements from Oi!—evidenced by tours with The Business and their rendition of "The Real Enemy"—as well as traditional punk and heavy metal, especially prominent on their eponymous album. Their audience was varied, including skinheads, straight edge youth, metal enthusiasts, and punk followers. According to Vice, Warzone "led the second and more expansive wave of hardcore bands" emerging in New York during 1986–1987.
Raymond "Raybeez" Barbieri served as the only constant member throughout the band's existence. Initially joining as drummer in 1983—the same year he recorded drums on Agnostic Front's debut EP United Blood—he transitioned to lead vocals after two years, remarking that their longevity signified something exceptional about the band. Raybeez remained Warzone’s frontman until his passing from pneumonia on September 11, 1997. A veteran of the U.S. Navy, he was undergoing care at a VHA hospital when the illness severely affected his liver. He died at 35 years old.
In the aftermath of his death, a memorial sign stating "R.I.P Ray" was placed outside CBGB. Victory Records honored his legacy by dedicating every release for over a year to him, alongside two independently produced compilations. Fundraising concerts and these albums supported charitable organizations Raybeez championed that assist at-risk young people.
Discography
- As One (Demo) (1986)
- Some Records Tape (1986)
- Live on WNYU (7/23/87) (1987)
- Lower East Side Crew (1987) – EP
- Don't Forget the Struggle/Don't Forget the Streets (1987) – LP
- Open Your Eyes (1988) – LP
- Warzone (1989) – LP
- Live at CBGBs (1993) – live EP
- Old School to New School (1994) – LP
- Cause for Alarm/Warzone split with Cause for Alarm (1995) – split 10-inch EP
- Lower East Side (1996) – EP
- The Sound of Revolution (1996) – LP
- Fight for Justice (1997) – LP
- The Victory Years (1998) – partial discography LP