Subzero is a New York-basedpunk metal band that was formed in 1989. The band was created by Rich Kennon of NYHC band Breakdown and Jim Eaton of the New York-based straight edge band Up Front. After hooking up with singer Lou Di Bella and bassist Larry Susi who had played in various local bands in the New York area together, Subzero was finalized. Subzero is one of the longest active bands in the New York hardcore scene, despite a period of inactivity in the late 1990s due to singer Lou Di Bella's bout with Acute lymphoblastic leukemia. He claims his harrowing experiences while in the hospital and numerous brushes with death have made him into a stronger person, evidenced by the lyrics to "Lionhearted", as well as a tongue-in-cheek tattoo across his sternum reading "Cancer Killah". Subzero have toured the world many times over as headliners and as a support group under national acts as well. They've shared the stages with an array of prominent acts such as Slayer, Hatebreed, Megadeth, Motörhead, The Misfits, Sick of It All, Rancid, Cro-Mags, Killswitch Engage, Napalm Death, Iron Maiden, Cannibal Corpse, Eminem and others. They've headlined every major club in Japan, played all the major festivals in Europe. They were one of the first 5 American hardcore bands to ever tour Japan to sold out audiences. Subzero retains their underground ethics and frequently play small clubs, basements and dive bars. American hardcore band Hatebreed as well as California hardcore band Terror have both covered the Subzero track "Boxed In" on previous tribute albums of theirs.
Breakup/Reformation
On Sunday February 9, 2009 the band announced that they would be breaking up after "Black n' Blue Bowl 2009". In the fall of 2011 Subzero regrouped and have played an October show with the Cro-mags as well as completing a 12 date headlining tour of Japan with Aggressive Dogs aka Uzi-One.
The song "Boxed In" from the album 'Happiness Without Peace' has been covered by Hatebreed on their album 'For the Lions'.
"Boxed In" has been also covered by the band Terror on the Century Media Records's 2CD compilation "Covering 20 Years Of Extremes".
Critical reception
Metal Maniacs magazine says of the band, "Subzero are one of the most significant forces to be reckoned with in New York hardcore...One of NY's most promising and powerful Hardcore/Metal acts...This style of hardcore sounds like no other..Punctuated by seriously metallic and almost artsy moments." Maximumrocknroll describes them as "A very powerful package of New York hardcore here but with more intelligence musically and lyrically." Hit The Pit.com quotes: "Real, thoughtful, and far reaching would be the best way to describe Subzero.......Has everything to offer from Metal straight down the line to Hardcore and Punk." Terrorizer magazine suggests, "Subzero are thoroughly distraught with genuine NYHC rage, but are quite diverse in their musical ethics".
