Feature Photo: Hunter Desportes, CC BY 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Our top 10 Biohazard songs list digs deep into the music of an American band acknowledged for its mix of heavy metal, hardcore punk, and hip hop genres. The band was established in Brooklyn in 1987, with its original lineup consisting of rhythm guitarist and vocalist Billy Graziadei, guitarist Bobby Hambel, vocalist and bassist Evan Seinfield, and drummer Anthony Meo. However, Anthony Meo soon left the band with his position taken by Danny Schuler the following year.
Soon after the Biohazard’s inauguration, the band started opening for thrash and hardcore punk bands in New York. Agnostic Front and Cro-Mags are some of the New York-based bands that Biohazard opened for in the late ’80s. Eventually, the band gained a cult following and signed a recording deal with Maze Records in 1990.
Biohazard’s Career Beginnings and Breakthrough
After signing a recording deal with Maze Records, the band released its eponymous debut studio album. Biohazard saw the band borrow inspiration from matters pertinent to its hometown, including urban life mishaps. The album was fairly received by the band’s fans selling several thousand copies. “Hold My Own,” “Wrong Side of the Tracks,” and “Retribution” are some of the best Biohazard songs from the album.
The band got its big break after it signed with Roadrunner Records, which had made a couple of successful releases for Annihilator, Sepultura, and Obituary. Biohazard issued its sophomore album, Urban Discipline, in 1992 through Roadrunner Records. The album saw Biohazard maintain its usual heavy guitar riffs, spicing the sound with hip-hop-influenced beats. Urban Discipline went on to rise to number thirty-six on the Billboard Top Heatseekers.
The album also managed to rise to position seventy on the German Albums chart. Urban Discipline saw the band release songs that blended thrash metal, hardcore punk, and rap metal. “Punishment,” “Urban Discipline,” and “Shades of Grey” are some of the fan-favorite songs by Biohazard from the album. Urban Discipline sold slightly over one hundred thousand album copies in the US, catapulting the band to commercial success.
Biohazard’s Album Releases over the Years
After a successful release under Roadrunner Records, the band went on tour, opening for notable acts such as Fishbone, House of Pain, and Kyuss. Biohazard would later be featured on “Slam,” a 1993 hit by Onyx. However, despite the successful release at Roadrunner Records, the band left the record label opting for Warner Bros. Records. Other reputable names to have recorded with Warner Bros. records include Van Morrison, Grateful Dead, My Chemical Romance, Van Halen, and the Sex Pistols.
Biohazard went on to release its third studio album, State of the World Address, in 1994. The album was a success both in the mainstream and commercially. State of the World Address was the band’s first release to make it to the Billboard 200, peaking at number forty-eight. The album also peaked at number seventy-two on the UK Albums chart. Its success went beyond the US and the UK, having it make it on the album charts of several other nations, including Germany, Austria, Netherlands, Sweden, and Switzerland.
State of the World Address remains to be the band’s highest-charting album. It is also Biohazard’s best-selling album, having sold almost two hundred thousand copies in the US alone. “Tales from the Hard Side,” “Five Blocks to the Subway,” and “How It Is” are some of the best Biohazard songs from the album.
Two years later, the band went on to release its fourth studio album Mata Leão. Mata Leão performed fairly well but a little poorer than the State of the World Address. The album reached a peak position of number one hundred and seventy on the Billboard 200. Mata Leão sold a quarter as many album copies managed with the previous album. Nevertheless, the album managed to feature some of the biggest songs by Biohazard, including “A Lot to Learn,” “These Eyes (Have Seen),” and “Authority.” Unfortunately, Mata Leão was the band’s final album released through Warner Bros. Records.
In 1999, the band released its fifth studio album, New World Disorder. The album was issued through Mercury Records, current home to AJR, Jerry Butler, Fall Out Boy, The Gaslight Anthem, Thrice, U2, and Metallica. New World Disorder peaked at number one hundred and eighty-seven on the Billboard 200. While the album might not have charted as high as Mata Leão, its commercial rating in the US was almost similar to the band’s fourth LP.
Biohazard would later release two studio albums Uncivilization in 2001 and Kill or Be Killed in 2003. The two albums were released through Sanctuary Records, a label that has released music for Anthrax, Discharge, The Kinks, and Iron Maiden. Uncivilization got a fair reception compared to Kill or Be Billed. Eventually, the band cut ties with Sanctuary Records.
Means to an End, issued in 2005, marked the band’s eighth studio album. While the album was a commercial failure, it features one of the fan-favorite tracks by the band, “My Life, My Way.” After a seven years break from making new music, Biohazard returned with the album, Reborn in Defiance. Reborn in Defiance is home to some of the best Biohazard songs, including “Vengeance is Mine” and “Reborn.”
Biohazard’s Legacy
Biohazard remains one of New York’s most reputable acts to have pioneered the fusion of metal with rap/hip-hop. However, this hasn’t compromised the band’s status in the metal scene, having it retain its heavy/thrash guitar riffs. Over its career, the band has teamed up with other musicians, including Onyx, Sen Dog, DJ Lethal, Sticky Fingaz, Igor Cavalera, Christian Olde Wolbers, Derrick Green of Sepultura, and Phil Anselmo, among others. Here we present the ten best Biohazard songs of all time.
#10 – My Life, My Way
Ushering us to the top 10 Biohazard songs is the grooving hit “My Life, My Way.” The song is featured on the band’s eighth studio album, Means to an End. “My Life, My Way” balances its sound between hardcore punk, groove metal, and rapcore. The song’s brilliance comes from the ferocious guitar riffs and vocal excellence of Billy Graziadei and Evan Seinfeld. Very few songs from Means to an End can achieve the heaviness exhibited in this magical music gem.
#9 – Vengeance Is Mine
Brutal tunes in “Vengeance Is Mine” solidify the hardcore punk sound as one of the band’s mainstays throughout its career. “Vengeance Is Mine” is featured on the band’s most recent studio album, Reborn in Defiance. The song has a special place in the fans of Biohazard, such as Travis Campbell, who was rewarded with a lifetime free pass to all of the band’s shows.
This followed after Travis won the music video contest in which the band had challenged its fans to create and upload videos for a song off Reborn in Defiance. Travis’ video was picked for the official video of “Vengeance Is Mine.” The song’s impact goes beyond being one of the fan-favorite tracks but also serves as a continuation of Biohazard’s impact in the hardcore/metal scene.
#8 – Kill or Be Killed
Coming in at number eight is the ravishing hit “Kill or Be Killed.” The song serves as the album title track to the band’s seventh studio album. “Kill or Be Killed” still aligns with the band’s signature fusion of metal hardcore. The song is among the magical hits to feature guitarist Carmine Vincent for the first time as a member of Biohazard. Carmine had come to fill in the space left by Leo Curley, who had left the band after the release of Uncivilization.
#7 – A Lot to Learn
While Mata Leão was dubbed a commercial disappointment compared to the band’s best-selling third LP, it managed to feature some of the biggest songs by Biohazard. One of the musical gems from the album includes “A Lot to Learn.” The song was released (alongside “Authority”) as a promotional single to the band’s fourth album. Biohazard recorded this song without its fourth member Bobby Hambel who had left in 1995 after the release of State of the World Address.
#6 – Urban Discipline
Number six on our top 10 Biohazard songs list is the captivating hit “Urban Discipline.” The song serves as the album title track to the band’s sophomore LP. “Urban Discipline” is marked the band’s introduction to its signature metal-rap sound. The song finds a perfect balance between rap-influenced vocals rhythms and uncompromising metal riffs. Thanks to songs like “Urban Discipline,” the band’s sophomore album became Biohazard’s most reputable and breakthrough album.
#5 – Five Blocks To The Subway
State of the World Address is the band’s third studio album and home to our number five track on the ten best Biohazard songs, “Five Blocks to the Subway.” The album comes after the band had created a reputation as one of the up-and-coming metal/hardcore punk/rapcore bands of New York. “Five Blocks to the Subway” features the band’s signature rap-metal sound. The song helped State of the World Address become an authentic commercial release.
#4- How It Is ft. Sen Dog
We roll back to the band’s third LP, State of the World Address, where we find our fourth pick of the ten best Biohazard songs, “How It Is.” “How It Is” saw the band collaborate with rap/hip hop-oriented artist Sen Dog, who provide guest vocals on this hit. The song brings Biohazard’s rap-metal sound at its best. DJ Lethal released a remix of “How It Is” the same year it was released. “How It Is” went on to rise to position sixty-two on the UK Singles Chart.
#3- Shades of Grey
Coming in at number three on our top 10 Biohazard songs is the stunning release “Shades of Grey.” The song is featured on the band’s sophomore album, Urban Discipline. “Shades of Grey” has its sound balance between rap metal, hardcore punk, and thrash metal. The song’s brilliance is enshrined in the inspirational instrumentation (especially in the tempo variation) and transcendent vocals delivery by the vocalists.
#2- Tales From The Hard Side
“Tales from the Hard Side” is the band’s most reputable single from the album State of the World Address. The song finds the band taking on themes of crime and suffering inspired by the then-situation in Brooklyn. “Tales from the Hard Side” has its title inspired by an ‘80s horror TV show going by the same name. The song is the band’s highest-charting release, peaking at number forty-seven on the UK Singles Chart.
#1- Punishment
Number one on our top 10 Biohazard songs list is the alluring hit “Punishment.” The song is featured on the band’s sophomore album, Urban Discipline. “Punishment” is among the few songs by the band that received substantial airplay on MTV’s Headbanger’s Ball in the ’90s. In fact, the official video of this song is among the most played music video on the MTV Headbanger’s Ball.
“Alison Hell” by Annihilator, “Welcome Home” by King Diamond, and “Hot Rockin” by Judas Priest are among songs that got almost similar airplay on the Headbanger’s Ball. While the song never made it to the charts, it remains the band’s signature rap-metal release. “Punishment” features hard-hitting guitar riffs that make it quite a reputable metal-influenced release. The song’s intro is reminiscent of the 1989 action film The Punisher.
Top 10 Biohazard Songs article published on Classic RockHistory.com© 2022
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![Rob De Luca of Spread Eagle, Sebastian Bach & UFO: 10 Albums That Changed My Life From humble East Coast origins to grandest stages worldwide, veteran bassist Rob De Luca has seen and done it all. De Luca first hit the local Boston rock and metal scene in the late 80s after meeting guitarist Paul DiBartolo, bonding over Van Halen before forming Bang. Regional success came quickly, but eventually, the members of Bang went their separate ways, with De Luca and drummer Tommi Gallo heading to NYC and hooking up with Ray West and, later, DiBartolo to form Spread Eagle. By 1990, Spread Eagle was on the fast track, with a contract through MCA Records and a self-titled debut album poised to crush skulls. But poor timing and MCA's sad indifference left Spead Eagle out in the cold despite being a hard-boiled answer to Guns N' Roses's West Coast sleaze. Spread Eagle's first chapter came to an end in '95. As for Rob De Luca, his nimble fingers and gift for melody and songwriting kept him moving forward. Soon, he found a gig with former Skid Row frontman Sebastian Bach and the legendary outfit UFO. And in 2010, after coupling up with Ray West and his cousin Rik De Luca, Spread Eagle retook flight. During a break from Spread Eagle's increasingly busy touring schedule, Rob De Luca dialed in with ClassicRockHistory.com to run through the ten albums that changed his life. But only after adding, "I made a playlist of these songs, including some I've written or co-written. Do you hear any of these albums' influence on me?" Listen here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3LWJuhDrE8JmzhsmTeIDUq 10) Gentlemen by Afghan Whigs (1993) Here's an entry that was so important to me. This may be the darkest break-up album of all time. Greg Dulli has been in many projects, but I feel Gentlemen is his zenith. Somewhat undefinable at times but always profound and honest. Listen to "Gentlemen," "Fountain and Fairfax," and "What Jail Is Like." 9) In on the Kill Taker by Fugazi (1993) By this time, I had been sucked in and spit out by the major-label record industry. Glam came and went; grunge was history, too. I was searching for new sounds. When I heard Fugazi's twin guitar approach, I knew this was what was missing. Fugazi may be considered a less polished sound than the albums above; however, once you "get it," it hits you like a ton of bricks, and there's no going back. From the moment I heard Fugazi, I went to every NYC show after. It's easily some of the best concerts of my life, and possibly my favorite bassist in Joe Lally. And their DIY ethics refused to charge us more than $5 a show! In on the Kill Taker is a powerful album demonstrated in songs such as "Smallpox Champion," "Great Cop," and "Public Witness Program." 8) Appetite for Destruction by Guns N' Roses (1987) I discovered many of these albums (sometimes long) after they were released. However, I was at the right place at the right time for this one. Steve Ostromogilsky had a Berklee College of Music lunch card and used to sneak out sandwiches for me. One day, he invited me to hang out at his place and listen to music. As we got off the train, he put Sony Walkman headphones on my ears and said, "Hey, check out this brand-new group." A song like "It's So Easy" was so different from the popular Sunset Strip sound at that time. Me and about 499 other informed rockers were lucky enough to see them on their first East Coast tour at the sold-out Paradise on Commonwealth Avenue, Boston (the same street Aerosmith started on). I saw Gn'R every tour after until I took a break when Buckethead joined. Gn'R is the band I've been lucky enough to see the most times live, almost 100! Everyone on this album is just stellar. Axl [Rose] had the tones, power, melodic sensibilities, and foresight to do what no other singer did then. Slash's playing was beyond memorable. Duff [McKagan] is one of the most underrated bassists in rock history, and learning his Appetite basslines is a masterclass. Steven [Adler] had the natural swing, and Izzy [Stradlin] was the secret weapon songwriter. Everything that's been heralded about this gem is deserved and true. Check out "It's So Easy," "Out Ta Get Me," and "Mr. Brownstone.' 7) Wish You Were Here by Pink Floyd (1975) Another contender for my favorite album and band of all time. Using The Beatles machine (same recording studio, engineer, record label), Pink Floyd made what I feel is their strongest, most cohesive album (my second favorite of theirs would be Animals). This list mainly consists of bands with an instantly recognizable sound. Floyd is certainly no exception to that! This album included a solid handful of undeniable rock radio classics, bookended by two halves of the mind-blowing song "Shine on You Crazy Diamond.' That song was written about former band member and founder Syd Barrett. It would be hard to live in a world without this album. Check out "Welcome to The Machine," "Shine on You Crazy Diamond (parts 6-9),' or even better yet, listen to the whole thing in one sitting! 6) Decade by Neil Young (1977) About this time, I started playing guitar. As a beginner, it was comfortable jamming to this album because the chord changes were simple—a great "first ten years" retrospective of Neil's stunning, unique songwriting. Neil is a treasure who always writes from the heart and stands up for what's right. Check out "Southern Man," "A Man Needs a Maid," "Down by The River," and "After the Goldrush." 5) Highway to Hell by AC/DC (1979) When I heard this album, I was firmly "me." My life would be 100% focused on hard rock music forever. AC/DC are like air; they're ubiquitous. Everyone knows them and their incredible songs. However, as a young teen in Wilmington, Delaware, I only had WMMR 93.3 FM Philadelphia and a few friends to inform me about the world of Rock outside my bedroom. AC/DC had not gone mainstream, and their albums were available primarily in the USA as imports. To put things more in perspective, I only knew two people in the world who had heard of AC/DC. A friend had an import that we played in Steve Buckley's basement, which sounded ripping. When Highway to Hell was released, WMMR started spinning the title track, and I immediately bought the album, listening to it every single day after school. Then WMMR announced AC/DC was coming to the Spectrum in Philly, supporting Ted Nugent! I liked Ted but loved AC/DC, so my good friend Mick Cummins and I bought tickets, and he drove us up to the Spectrum (where we saw most of our concerts). Bon Scott was in fine form, and the band went over great. Although the crowd knew Ted better, Angus [Young] wouldn't let anyone upstage him. I'll never forget it! Unfortunately, Bon would be gone in 6 months. Check out "Walk All Over You," "Touch Too Much," "Shot Down in Flames," and "If You Want Blood (You Got It)." 4) Toys in the Attic by Aerosmith (1975) By the time I heard this, I was now in my teens. I had a childhood friend up the street, Jim Linberg (we're still good buddies). His older sister had a great album collection, including Toys in The Attic. Once I heard that groove, my taste changed. I lost interest in rock music that didn't have some sort of "swing" feel to it. I think Rocks is a slightly better Aerosmith album (and possibly my favorite album of all time), but both are perfect or very close. Check out "Uncle Salty," "Adam's Apple," "No More No More," "Round and Round," and "You See Me Crying." 3) Alive! by Kiss (1975) When I was still a little kid, I asked for Cheech and Chong's Up in Smoke album for Christmas. The entire family came over for an enormous feast, and I dropped the needle. When my mother heard the content, she turned off the album and said I had to exchange it. My mom was cool, but I was young and knew much more about life than she suspected. Anyway, the next day, she drove me back to the store. In the music section, promoted on an "endcap" was a Kiss Alive! display. I had never heard of Kiss, but that cover picture told me I had to have it! My first foray into hard rock. Check out “Strutter.” I went through my Kiss phase very quickly, I believe in a matter of months because I discovered the previous entry, Aerosmith's Toys in the Attic. 2) Honky Chateau by Elton John (1972) When I was a wee lad, my parents bought a used Volkswagen camper van from my uncle Ozzie. My favorite Elton John album is Yellow Brick Road, but Honky Chateau is great and easily one of his best. It sent me down a lifelong rabbit hole of loving everything about the 1970s partnership between Elton and lyricist Bernie Taupin. The simple beauty of voice, the master songwriting, the perfect backing band, the clear, unobtrusive recordings, and always Bernie's incredible lyrics. The day this album was released, Elton became an unstoppable force that conquered the music industry. Check out "Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters" and "Rocket Man." 1) Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band by The Beatles (1967) Another tape that was included in the VW Camper. The van had a bunch of music tapes, and one was Sgt Pepper. I was too young to understand the sophistication of the music, but that was one of the many skills of The Beatles. They attracted listeners at every level, even little kids. I still feel that immediate connection to Sgt Pepper; now, I hear so much more. It's an album that changed the world and the world of music. Check out "Lucy in The Sky with Diamonds," "A Day In The Life," and "Fixing a Hole."](http://www.classicrockhistory.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Shutterstock_1815495569-1-300x200.jpg)
