Fictional metal band Cold Slither transitioned into a real-life last night, July 24th, performing their first-ever set at the Brick By Brick in San Diego, CA. The inception of that outfit came about during a 1985 episode of the ‘G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero‘ animated series. That episode, titled ‘Cold Slither‘, found the band being created to help brainwash the youth via subliminal messaging. The nefarious Cobra Commander, head of evil terrorist organization Cobra, hired the chameleon-like mercenary Zartan and his gang of cronies the Dreadnoks to pose as the musicians for that scheme.
The outlandish plot wasn’t entirely out of left-field, as the likes of Ozzy Osbourne and Judas Priest faced allegations and legal challenges in the mid-80s of inserting subliminal messaging into their music, being blamed for several tragedies. In light of that animated episode turning the tender age of 40 this year, the likes of Gus Ríos (Gruesome, ex-Malevolent Creation) was enlisted to help bring the band to life.
Ríos assumed the role of vocalist/bassist Zartan for the live show. Ross Sewage (Exhumed, Ghoul, etc.) served as Torch, Matt Harvey (Exhumed, Gruesome, etc.) sat in on guitar as Ripper, and Andy Selway (KMFDM) took to drumming as Buzzer.
Their first-ever show last night even featured an animated introduction from Cobra Commander himself. Ríos, in partnership with G.I. Joe license holder Hasbro and more, also helmed a self-titled debut album from Cold Slither. It draws lyrical inspiration from various characters featured throughout the hit 80s animated series. That album saw a release today, July 25th, through Reigning Phoenix Music.
Several new toy lines honoring the cartoon incarnations of Cold Slither were also launched this week as part of the annual ‘San Diego Comic-Con‘. Fan-filmed footage has been shared of the concert itself below, with the show also featuring another real-life cartoon crossover. Britta Phillips, the voice and musician behind the 80s cartoon series ‘Jem And The Holograms‘, joined Cold Slither onstage for a few songs from that series’ universe.
