Hailing from New York, Nelson is a solo artist. He is currently the singer, songwriter and guitarist for the band Dan Nelson and The Contention. In the past, he has worked with the Long Island bands Wolfpack Black, Inside Hollow, Discipline and Devilsize. From 2007 to 2009, he was the lead vocalist of American thrash metal band Anthrax, replacing previous frontman Joey Belladonna following his second departure from the band on January 24, 2007. He was the first Anthrax vocalist to perform with the band in Korea, Colombia, and Estonia. Nelson was co-writer of eight songs from the 2011 Anthrax album, Worship Music. He was also the lead vocalist/rhythm guitarist for the band BlackGates, which also featured current Slayer drummer Paul Bostaph. In addition, he also provided the lead vocals and co-wrote songs for the band TRED, and their yet to be released debut album. The band also features guitarist Mike Orlando and the late AJ Pero on drums. He made a guest vocal appearance on the track "Black" for the German band :de:President Evil |President Evil, on their album, Back From Hell's Holiday. As well as guest vocals on "Six of Cups" by Bay Area metal thrashers The Venting Machine, "Hand that Feeds" by New York-based rock bandDormitory Effect and "Solid 15" by Hollywood rockers My Evolution. Nelson also provided all guitar, vocal and keyboard tracks for the alternative rock band Hawks of Metropolis. He is featured on both the 2013 EP releases Hawks and Non Terminus Tandem. His 2-piece band with drummer Phil Deluxe, Mad Tandem, released their debut demo EP The September Demos on November 1, 2016. The music was recorded live, raw and during the actual writing sessions for those songs. Vocals and backing vocals, as well as a few guitar over dubs were added the following day. The whole EP took the duo about a week to finish. The duo wanted to create a "throwback" type of recording....an homage to bands such as The Stooges, The Doors and Cream.
Dan Nelson has also composed and contributed to several movie soundtracks including House Call, Once Upon a time in Brooklyn and the upcoming 2017 films/shorts Mr. Wonderful, The Regret Cycle and KRAMPUSNACHT. Nelson is also a producer, most recently recording, mixing and producing the EP Self Destruct by the band Fatal Rhythm, and the albums Skeleton of Life and “Stay Alive” by Erin McAndrew. Outside his music career, Nelson has dabbled in acting as well, appearing alongside David Naughton and Brian O'Halloran in Brutal Massacre: A Comedy, as well as The Regret Cycle and KRAMPUSNACHT.
