NJ Bloodline
Encyclopedia
NJ Bloodline is a hardcore group from Elizabeth, New Jersey
.
, NJ. The original lineup consisted of Mario Simoes(Guitar), Tony Simoes(Drums), Enrique Maseda, aka Wreak Havoc(Vocals), Jim Marella (Lead Guitar) and Jay Crime (Bass). NJ Bloodline recorded a self-financed 5 song Demo EP in 1993 which was released D.I.Y. on cassette, after which Jim Marella left the group. NJ Bloodline then continued as a 4 piece. Between late 1994 and early 1995, Jay and Tony left NJ Bloodline and were replaced by Joey Priolo and Ray Chinowski (aka, Fat Ray-RIP). NJ Bloodline then officially broke up in the early summer of 1995. Joey and Ray immediately started a new project with guitarist Frank Gallo. Soon after, they recruiting Enrique on vocals and dubbed the project "DNC" (Do Not Cross). After enlisting Mario on second guitar in September 1995, they officially reformed in October 1995 as NJ Bloodline. However, in early December 1995, Ray quit to pursue other projects and was temporarily replace by Tony (former drummer).
In early January 1996, Ian Cosgrove, formerly of Fat Nuts, was selected as NJ Bloodline's permanent Drummer. Although only 15 years old, Ian already possessed considerable talent, especially with double bass drumming and already had experience in live performance, playing with Fatnuts. NJ Bloodline returned to performing in May 1996 in Scotch Plains, NJ with E.Town Concrete
, Ensign
and Strength 691, amongst others on the bill. NJ Bloodline spent the next year writing and rehearsing the material that would eventually comprise their next release, the "Be Afraid" Demo. Recorded at Third Studio From the Sun in Wayne, NJ in July 1997, in one weekend, the recording would be officially released in December 1997 on cassette, D.I.Y.. The Demo cassette sold quickly through word of mouth and within a month was available in Japan and Europe through distro chains, garnering interest from Kingfisher Records (a division of Century Media Records
), RPP Records (Belgium) and Resurrection AD (NJ).
In 1998, NJ Bloodline were quickly offered a recording deal with Resurrection AD Records. During the negotiations with Resurrection AD, Kingfisher, who had signed fellow NJHC peers Fury of Five
, contacted NJ Bloodline and offered them a recording deal and were interested in re-releasing "Be Afraid" as a mini-cd. However, during the negotiations process, Kingfisher was closed by Century Media records, effectively ending negotiations. NJ Bloodline started working with Resurrection AD, which became quickly overburdened with their other artists. NJ Bloodline parted ways with Resurrection AD and signed with RPP Productions from Belgium. By this time, NJ Bloodline had already sold over 3500 copies of "Be Afraid" Demo on cassette D.I.Y. without the benefit of a label, management company or radio. In lieu of this, The "Be Afraid" EP was re-released in the Fall of 1998 on the RPP Records. Early January 1999, Mario left NJ Bloodline and was replaced by local guitarist Dirty Rei Fonseca, formerly of One4One for live performances only. After their 1999 summer tour, which Rei did not attend, Rei was released on mutual terms to join Agents of Man.
In 2000, a revived Kingfisher contacted NJ Bloodline, expressing interest in NJ Bloodline recording a full length album. NJ Bloodline was also approached by On the Rise Records, in conjunction with Coretext/MadMob Records (Germany) to do a 3 band Split CD with Settle the Score
(Germany) and Sworn Vengeance
(CA). In between their Summer Tour dates in 2000, NJ Bloodline recorded all the material that would comprise both the "Faceless" LP and the Split CD at Third Studio From the Sun. The "Faceless" LP was released in the Spring of 2001 in Europe and Japan through Kingfisher Records and in the United States by Too Damn Hype Records. An extensive Summer Tour, booked by M.A.D. Touring Agency (Germany), included such events as the With Full Force
and Dour Festivals. Upon returning from Europe and completing their U.S. leg of their summer tour with Settle the Score, Ian quit NJ Bloodline. However, Ian returned in November 2001 to play a benefit show for a mutual friend of NJ Bloodline in Kenilworth, NJ, with Sworn Enemy
, E.Town Concrete (In Full Effect), Shattered Realm, and December AE. This show would be NJ Bloodline's first ever "Weapon's Show" but also their last show for the next 5 years.
, which included NJHC scene veterans from such bands as One4One, Bulldoze, Train of Thought
, Fatnuts and The Human Offense. Additionally, Ian moved to Costa Mesa, CA. Early 2004, Enrique returned to NJ and was recruited to sing for Homicidal. After recording a 4 song demo which was never released, Enrique quit. Enrique then co-founded a new band dubbed "Hell Brigade". In 2005, NJBL were asked to play what would be the last Hellfest
in Elizabeth, NJ. Due to lingering issues between some members, NJBL declined. By 2006, Frank and Enrique had both quit their respective bands, Ian had moved back to the east coast and Joey's tenure with Libations came to an end.
In early 2006, fellow NJHC alumni, E.Town Concrete, contacted NJBL and asked them reunite for E.Town's last 2 headlining shows called the "End of the Rainbow weekend" in May 2006, at the Starland Ballroom
in NJ. E.Town played their first live show as a "special guest" on NJBL's set at the Down Under
in New Brunswick
. After agreeing to reunite for the show, Frank, Wreak, Mario and Ian, started rehearsals after 5 years. Joey, who was still living in California at the time, would join them for rehearsals 2 weeks before the show. The response at the Starland show was overwhelmingly positive, thus inspiring NJBL to perform for the rest of the summer, locally and out of state. The group had renewed their friendships and decided to play on a limited basis, mostly summers, due to life commitments and members living in various states. In May 2007, NJBL headlined the Filled With Hate Festival in Essen, Germany. In 2008, NJBL performed in Puerto Rico with Billy Club Sandwich
and then headlined 2 shows in Belgium and Germany.
NJBL has only performed a handful of gigs since 2009 including in and out of state. Most recently NJBL performed on June 25 and June 26, 2010, respectively, at the Side Bar in Baltimore, Maryland and at Dingbatz in Clifton, NJ. Since then, there has not been any reported activity on their website, facebook and myspace pages.
Elizabeth, New Jersey
Elizabeth is a city in Union County, New Jersey, United States. As of the 2010 United States Census, the city had a total population of 124,969, retaining its ranking as New Jersey's fourth largest city with an increase of 4,401 residents from its 2000 Census population of 120,568...
.
History 1992-2002
NJ Bloodline was formed in early 1992 in ElizabethElizabeth
Elizabeth or Elisabeth is the Greek translation of the Hebrew name Elisheva, meaning "God's promise," "oath of God," or "I am God’s daughter." Elizabeth and Elisabeth are the parent unit names of Lisa, Lilly, Beth, Betty, and Ella; Elsa, Isabel, and Isabella are etymologically related...
, NJ. The original lineup consisted of Mario Simoes(Guitar), Tony Simoes(Drums), Enrique Maseda, aka Wreak Havoc(Vocals), Jim Marella (Lead Guitar) and Jay Crime (Bass). NJ Bloodline recorded a self-financed 5 song Demo EP in 1993 which was released D.I.Y. on cassette, after which Jim Marella left the group. NJ Bloodline then continued as a 4 piece. Between late 1994 and early 1995, Jay and Tony left NJ Bloodline and were replaced by Joey Priolo and Ray Chinowski (aka, Fat Ray-RIP). NJ Bloodline then officially broke up in the early summer of 1995. Joey and Ray immediately started a new project with guitarist Frank Gallo. Soon after, they recruiting Enrique on vocals and dubbed the project "DNC" (Do Not Cross). After enlisting Mario on second guitar in September 1995, they officially reformed in October 1995 as NJ Bloodline. However, in early December 1995, Ray quit to pursue other projects and was temporarily replace by Tony (former drummer).
In early January 1996, Ian Cosgrove, formerly of Fat Nuts, was selected as NJ Bloodline's permanent Drummer. Although only 15 years old, Ian already possessed considerable talent, especially with double bass drumming and already had experience in live performance, playing with Fatnuts. NJ Bloodline returned to performing in May 1996 in Scotch Plains, NJ with E.Town Concrete
E.Town Concrete
E.Town Concrete, or sometimes called E-Town, is an American rock band from Elizabeth, New Jersey. They formed in 1995 and shortly thereafter released Time 2 Shine, their first full-length album, in 1999 on the Resurrection A.D. label. They have since released four more albums on various record...
, Ensign
Ensign
An ensign is a national flag when used at sea, in vexillology, or a distinguishing token, emblem, or badge, such as a symbol of office in heraldry...
and Strength 691, amongst others on the bill. NJ Bloodline spent the next year writing and rehearsing the material that would eventually comprise their next release, the "Be Afraid" Demo. Recorded at Third Studio From the Sun in Wayne, NJ in July 1997, in one weekend, the recording would be officially released in December 1997 on cassette, D.I.Y.. The Demo cassette sold quickly through word of mouth and within a month was available in Japan and Europe through distro chains, garnering interest from Kingfisher Records (a division of Century Media Records
Century Media Records
Century Media Records is an Independent record label with offices in the United States, Germany, Australia, France, Italy, Sweden, Finland, and the United Kingdom.- Background :...
), RPP Records (Belgium) and Resurrection AD (NJ).
In 1998, NJ Bloodline were quickly offered a recording deal with Resurrection AD Records. During the negotiations with Resurrection AD, Kingfisher, who had signed fellow NJHC peers Fury of Five
Fury of Five
Fury of Five was an American hardcore punk band from Asbury Park, New Jersey.-History:Fury of Five formed in 1994. Their early creative output limited to tracks on compilations, Fury of Five released two 7"s as well as a full length album entitled No Reason to Smile in 1996...
, contacted NJ Bloodline and offered them a recording deal and were interested in re-releasing "Be Afraid" as a mini-cd. However, during the negotiations process, Kingfisher was closed by Century Media records, effectively ending negotiations. NJ Bloodline started working with Resurrection AD, which became quickly overburdened with their other artists. NJ Bloodline parted ways with Resurrection AD and signed with RPP Productions from Belgium. By this time, NJ Bloodline had already sold over 3500 copies of "Be Afraid" Demo on cassette D.I.Y. without the benefit of a label, management company or radio. In lieu of this, The "Be Afraid" EP was re-released in the Fall of 1998 on the RPP Records. Early January 1999, Mario left NJ Bloodline and was replaced by local guitarist Dirty Rei Fonseca, formerly of One4One for live performances only. After their 1999 summer tour, which Rei did not attend, Rei was released on mutual terms to join Agents of Man.
In 2000, a revived Kingfisher contacted NJ Bloodline, expressing interest in NJ Bloodline recording a full length album. NJ Bloodline was also approached by On the Rise Records, in conjunction with Coretext/MadMob Records (Germany) to do a 3 band Split CD with Settle the Score
Settle the Score
Settle The Score is an EP released by San Diego-based pop-punk band Fight Fair. The EP was released on November 18, 2008. It was available for pre-order on both and - Track listing :- Personnel :*Alex Bigman - Lead Vocals...
(Germany) and Sworn Vengeance
Sworn Vengeance
Sworn Vengeance is a studio album released by the death metal band Severe Torture in 2007. It was recorded at Excess Studios in The Netherlands with producers Hans Pieters and Robbe Kok.- Track listing :...
(CA). In between their Summer Tour dates in 2000, NJ Bloodline recorded all the material that would comprise both the "Faceless" LP and the Split CD at Third Studio From the Sun. The "Faceless" LP was released in the Spring of 2001 in Europe and Japan through Kingfisher Records and in the United States by Too Damn Hype Records. An extensive Summer Tour, booked by M.A.D. Touring Agency (Germany), included such events as the With Full Force
With Full Force
With Full Force is a metal, hardcore and punk festival held annually in Germany since 1994. The 2011 edition took place on July 1 and July 3 at the Roitzschjora airport in Löbnitz near Leipzig in the Saxon county of Delitzsch.-2010:...
and Dour Festivals. Upon returning from Europe and completing their U.S. leg of their summer tour with Settle the Score, Ian quit NJ Bloodline. However, Ian returned in November 2001 to play a benefit show for a mutual friend of NJ Bloodline in Kenilworth, NJ, with Sworn Enemy
Sworn Enemy
-Biography:The band formed in 1995 as "Downfall" and later on as "Mindset", a product of the extremely expansive and influential New York Hardcore scene...
, E.Town Concrete (In Full Effect), Shattered Realm, and December AE. This show would be NJ Bloodline's first ever "Weapon's Show" but also their last show for the next 5 years.
2002 to Present
After failing to find a suitable replacement for Ian, in the Spring of 2002, Enrique left New Jersey to temporarily front the Sacto Hoods from California. Joey, who took the trip with Enrique, decided to move to Huntington Beach, CA permanently, restarted his side project, Libations. Frank continued with his career in Graphic/Web Design. In May 2002, it was announced on njbloodline.com that NJBL had, in fact, dissolved. In 2003, Frank co-founded a new band, eventually dubbed HomicidalHomicidal
Homicidal is a 1961 thriller film produced and directed by the self-proclaimed "King of Showmanship", William Castle. Written by Robb White, the film stars Glenn Corbett, Patricia Breslin, Eugenie Leontovich, Alan Bunce, Richard Rust, and Joan Marshall...
, which included NJHC scene veterans from such bands as One4One, Bulldoze, Train of Thought
Train of thought
The train of thought, stream of thought, trail of thought, or chain of thought refers to the interconnection in the sequence of ideas expressed during a connected discourse or thought, as well as the sequence itself, especially in discussion how this sequence leads from one idea to another.When a...
, Fatnuts and The Human Offense. Additionally, Ian moved to Costa Mesa, CA. Early 2004, Enrique returned to NJ and was recruited to sing for Homicidal. After recording a 4 song demo which was never released, Enrique quit. Enrique then co-founded a new band dubbed "Hell Brigade". In 2005, NJBL were asked to play what would be the last Hellfest
Hellfest
Hellfest started as a hardcore punk music festival during the summer of 1996 in Syracuse, New York. Named for the intense summer heat at the show, it soon became a staple festival for the hardcore and punk rock scene...
in Elizabeth, NJ. Due to lingering issues between some members, NJBL declined. By 2006, Frank and Enrique had both quit their respective bands, Ian had moved back to the east coast and Joey's tenure with Libations came to an end.
In early 2006, fellow NJHC alumni, E.Town Concrete, contacted NJBL and asked them reunite for E.Town's last 2 headlining shows called the "End of the Rainbow weekend" in May 2006, at the Starland Ballroom
Starland Ballroom
The Starland Ballroom is a concert venue located in Sayreville, New Jersey, USA. Opening night was December 7, 2003 and featured a performance by former Van Halen lead singer David Lee Roth...
in NJ. E.Town played their first live show as a "special guest" on NJBL's set at the Down Under
Down Under
The term Down Under is a colloquialism which is variously construed either to refer to Australia and New Zealand, or Australia alone. The term comes from the fact that these countries are located in the southern hemisphere, below many other countries on the globe.The persistence of the media use of...
in New Brunswick
New Brunswick
New Brunswick is one of Canada's three Maritime provinces and is the only province in the federation that is constitutionally bilingual . The provincial capital is Fredericton and Saint John is the most populous city. Greater Moncton is the largest Census Metropolitan Area...
. After agreeing to reunite for the show, Frank, Wreak, Mario and Ian, started rehearsals after 5 years. Joey, who was still living in California at the time, would join them for rehearsals 2 weeks before the show. The response at the Starland show was overwhelmingly positive, thus inspiring NJBL to perform for the rest of the summer, locally and out of state. The group had renewed their friendships and decided to play on a limited basis, mostly summers, due to life commitments and members living in various states. In May 2007, NJBL headlined the Filled With Hate Festival in Essen, Germany. In 2008, NJBL performed in Puerto Rico with Billy Club Sandwich
Billy Club Sandwich
Billy Club Sandwich is a New York hardcore band originally from the Bronx and Lower Westchester County, New York. The members of the band currently live in the Bronx, Harlem, Westchester County and New Jersey.-Early Days:...
and then headlined 2 shows in Belgium and Germany.
NJBL has only performed a handful of gigs since 2009 including in and out of state. Most recently NJBL performed on June 25 and June 26, 2010, respectively, at the Side Bar in Baltimore, Maryland and at Dingbatz in Clifton, NJ. Since then, there has not been any reported activity on their website, facebook and myspace pages.
Members
- Wreak Havoc, aka Enrique Maseda - vocals (1992–2002, 2006–Present; founding member)
- Frank Gallo - guitar (1995–2002, 2006–Present)
- Joey Priolo - bass (1995–2002, 2006–Present)
- Ian Cosgrove - drums (1996–2002, 2006–Present, also played in the band Fatnuts.)
Former members
- Mario Simoes - guitar (1992–1998, 2006–2008; founding member)
- Tony Simoes - drums (1992–94; founding member)
- Jay Crime - bass (1993–95; performed on the early demo, also played in the band Fatnuts.)
- Jim Marella - guitar (1992–93; founding member)
- Ray Chinowski, aka Fat Ray (RIP) - drums (1994–96)
Discography
| Year | Official albums, demos and splits Split album A split album is a music album which includes tracks by two or more separate artists. There have been singles and EPs released in the same nature, which can be referred to as split singles and split EPs respectively... |
US Chart Position | Label | Additional Info |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1993 | Self Titled Demo | n/a | DIY | AKA 93 Demo, released on tape only |
| 1997 | Be Afraid | n/a | AKA The Red Demo, released on tape | |
| 1998 | Be Afraid | n/a | RPP Records | released on CD |
| Songs to Bleed to | n/a | Thornz Records | released as a Limited Edition 7 inch vinyl only | |
| Split 7 inch | n/a | Spill The Blood Records | Split 7 inch with One4One | |
| 2000 | 3 Way Split CD | n/a | Coretex Records OTR Records |
3 Way Split CD with Settle the Score from Germany and Sworn Vengeance from California |
| Hardcore 2000 | n/a | Kingfisher records Century Media Records Century Media Records Century Media Records is an Independent record label with offices in the United States, Germany, Australia, France, Italy, Sweden, Finland, and the United Kingdom.- Background :... |
Double CD Compilation including other notable acts such as the Cro-Mags, Ryker's, Sworn Enemy, Madball, Merauder, Fury of Five, Stampin' Ground and Slapshot. | |
| Westcoast Worldwide Compilation | n/a | Westcoast Worldwide Records | CD Compilation ncluding other notable acts such as the Hoods, Breakdown, Ryker's, Redline, Punishment, Stampin' Ground and Sworn Vengeance. | |
| 2001 | Faceless Faceless UK bonus tracks-Personnel:* Sully Erna - rhythm guitar, vocals, producer* Tony Rombola - lead guitar, back-up vocals* Robbie Merrill - bass, back-up vocals* Shannon Larkin - drums, percussion* Tommy Stewart - Drums on "I Stand Alone"... (LP Full Length Full Length LP is the debut album by the Huntington Beach, California punk rock band Guttermouth, released in 1991 by Dr. Strange Records. It introduced the band's style of fast, abrasive punk rock with tongue-in-cheek humor and sarcastic lyrics... ) |
n/a | Century Media Kingfisher Kingfisher Kingfishers are a group of small to medium sized brightly coloured birds in the order Coraciiformes. They have a cosmopolitan distribution, with most species being found in the Old World and Australia... Records |
First Full Length LP, also released on Limited Edition Colored Vinyl |
Trivia
- NJ Bloodline was originally named "Bloodline", after song lyrics Enrique had written. The song was scrapped but the name stayed. However, due to other groups already using the moniker "Bloodline", New Jersey or NJ, was added prior to recording the 1993 demo, to distinguish where the band was from.
- NJ Bloodline used to cover many songs live in the early days, including, but not limited to, songs by The Cro-Mags, Killing Time, Leeway, The Bad Brains, The Beastie Boys, The NY Hoods and S.O.D.
- Joel from the Human Offense once played bass for NJ Bloodline and helped finish the song "Out Of Place", by contributing the ending bass segment.
- Ian Cosgrove was only 15 years old when he recorded his drums on the "Be Afraid" EP, turning 16 the following month.
- The cover art to the "Be Afraid" EP was created by guitarist Frank Gallo, who being an artist had graduated from The School of Visual Arts as an Illustrator. The image is a mixed media piece of John Wayne Gacy, the serial killer, dressed up as Pogo the Clown.
- The song "L.E.T.S." from the "Be Afraid" EP, stands for "Lord of the E.town Streets".
- NJ Bloodline has used a few different tunings. The 1993 Demo utilizes Standard "E" tuning. The "Be Afraid" EP utilizes "D" Standard tuning and is micro tuned slightly sharp. The "Faceless" LP and the Split CD tracks utilizes "D" Standard tuning. NJ Bloodline has never used Drop "D" or "C" tunings.
- E.T.A.C., which stands for "Elizabeth Town Assault Crew", A.K.A. "E.Town Assault Crew" was a crew formed by NJ Bloodline, HardKnox and Money Grip members. Cited in E.Town Concrete lyrics on their "Time to Shine" LP, E.T.A.C. is falsely presumed to have been created by or a part of E.Town Concrete. In fact, it was E.T.A.C. members, such as Uncle Mark (R.I.P.), Will Knox, Wreak Havoc and Joey Priolo that helped a very young high school age E.Town Concrete play their first shows and gain acceptance into the NJHC scene, hence the line from the record stating "E.T.A.C. got my back, no need to worry kid".
- Frank and Wreak were both members of the original lineup of the NJ Hardcore band Homicidal. In fact, Frank is one of the two original founding members.
- The song "Blackout #1" was the last song written by NJ Bloodline prior to their breakup in 1995. It is the only song written by the lineup of Wreak, Fat Ray, Mario and Joey.
- The songs "Blackout #2" and "A Love Song" were written prior to NJ Bloodline reforming and while Fat Ray was drumming. Although originally written in standard tuning, a decision was made to play "A Love Song" in "D" standard. NJ Bloodline stayed in "D" standard ever since. This is also why there are 2 versions of the song "Blackout".
- As DNC (Do Not Cross) Frank, Wreak, Joey and Fat Ray played just one show in late 1995 in Long Island with 25 ta Life, Fury of Five and 141, before recruiting Mario and reforming NJ Bloodline.
- Their debut LP "Faceless" is a concept record. The overriding theme is the alienation the group felt going from a small close knit local scene to the larger music industry, where all musical groups are a product on a shelf with a bar code number and their worth is only validated through record sales, not through artistic expression. This theme crosses over to their Split CD release and the faux answering machine message prior to the song "Blackout #1", where their "agent" discusses ways to increase their appeal.
- The song "Faceless" is the last song NJ Bloodline ever wrote and is the climatic lyrical theme to their debut LP of the same name, while also being the inspiration for the LP's concept.
External links
- Official Site
- NJ Bloodline at MySpaceMySpaceMyspace is a social networking service owned by Specific Media LLC and pop star Justin Timberlake. Myspace launched in August 2003 and is headquartered in Beverly Hills, California. In August 2011, Myspace had 33.1 million unique U.S. visitors....
- NJ Bloodline at FacebookFacebookFacebook is a social networking service and website launched in February 2004, operated and privately owned by Facebook, Inc. , Facebook has more than 800 million active users. Users must register before using the site, after which they may create a personal profile, add other users as...
- Official Music Store NJ Bloodline at Soundloud