Rising rock and metal label Reigning Phoenix Music has teamed up with legendary toy maker Hasbro to bring to life COLD SLITHER, the fictional band from the iconic G.I. JOE Universe. The collaboration brings together members of GRUESOME, EXHUMED and KMFDM to create a fun and nostalgic homage to one of the most beloved toy brands of all time. The album is set to be released on July 25th, 2025, just in time for a one-night-only exclusive appearance to coincide with this year's San Diego Comic Con.
"Bringing COLD SLITHER to life through our partnership with RPM has been an absolute dream come true! As a child watching this fictional band on my TV screen, I never imagined I'd one day help transform them from animated rockstars into a tangible, sonic reality. From the meticulously crafted figures you can hold in your hand to the face-melting album we've created, G.I. JOE fans worldwide are about to experience something truly revolutionary this summer. This project bridges nostalgia with innovation in ways that will leave the community speechless—prepare for a musical assault that would make Cobra Commander proud!" shares Ben"BMac" MacCrae — Associate Brand Manager, Global Brand Development & Marketing at Hasbro.
Reigning Phoenix Music General Manager and Co-founder Gerardo Martinez comments: "It is a dream come true to be able to work on this amazing collaboration with my favorite, and one that happens to be one of the most iconic brands in the world: G.I.JOE! It is also a pleasure to work on this amazing project alongside some of my friends from Hasbro and be able to bring Cold Slither into reality in the most Heavy Metal way! Many of us have waited 40 years for this to happen but the wait is finally over. And a special thanks to Michael Charles Hill for writing the original COLD SLITHER episode back in 1985."
"It's programs like these that make Hasbro's goal of creating Magic Moments truly come to life! What started out as a cult-classic episode from the 1985 series G.I. JOE: A Real American Hero has culminated into a fan program for the ages - inclusive of toys, comics, and of course, music. It could not have been made possible without amazing licensees like Reigning Phoenix Music who put their passion, expertise, and fandom into everything they create. We're extremely excited for everyone to rock out to this single and we plan to reveal even more as we move closer to San Diego Comic Con. So, as the single echos, we hope... "you'll be joining us soon!"" says Alyse D’Antuono — Hasbro’s VP of Global Franchise Strategy & Management for Action Brands.
Preorders are now live for Cold Slither — the band’s full-length debut album — including a limited “Dreadnok Attack Orange” marble vinyl variant available via Reigning Phoenix Music and select retailers like Amazon, Amoeba and indie record stores.
Featuring 10 original tracks and a remastered version of their cult-classic single “Cold Slither,” the album plunges into dystopian metal with themes of swamp-born menace and Cobra-fueled power.
The Cold Slither album arrives July 25 across digital and vinyl formats, including San Diego Comic Con-exclusive “Zartan Chameleon Blue” and “Blood Moon Red” vinyl variants available only at the Hasbro and RPM booths, respectively.
COLD SLITHER Is:
Zartan - Gus Rios, vocals/guitars (GRUESOME, UNION BLACK, LEFT TO DIE)
Ripper - Matt Harvey, guitars (EXHUMED, GRUESOME, LEFT TO DIE)
Torch - Ross Sewage, bass (EXHUMED, IMPALED)
Buzzer - Andy Selway, drums (KMFDM)
About COLD SLITHER:
COLD SLITHER burst onto the scene with their now classic single, "Cold Slither", setting the stage for an even darker campaign with their upcoming album, "Cold Slither." Helmed by the enigmatic Zartan and supported by his ruthless Dreadnoks—Torch, Ripper, and Buzzer—this band blends heavy metal ferocity with a sinister, anarchistic energy that upends the conventional music scene. Their signature sound unleashes a torrent of guttural guitars, boisterous bass, venomous vocals, and thunderous percussion, casting shadows across the musical landscape.
Each concert is a spectacle of chaos and brute force, with COLD SLITHER captivating hearts and demolishing instruments worldwide. Their music transcends generational divides, championing a dark new world order with each pulse-pounding beat. This band doesn’t just chase gold and platinum records; they aim to capture the minds and souls of their audience.
Conceived by Cobra Commander, Zartan and his Dreadnoks were transformed into COLD SLITHER, a heavy metal behemoth designed to captivate and influence America's youth. With their cunning lyrics and compelling stage presence, they harness their music as a powerful tool for mass destruction and control.
Anticipation for their forthcoming album Cold Slither is building, with fans eager for a new chapter of anthems that promise not just to challenge but to change the industry. Prepare for an auditory onslaught that will resonate long after the lights fade. With Cold Slither, the revolution is not just televised—it's an all-encompassing, reverberating force. Brace yourself to join their ranks and be changed. Their music doesn’t merely entertain; it indoctrinates.