On July 24th, 2025, heavy metal band Cold Slither made its explosive on-stage debut during San Diego Comic-Con at Brick by Brick, San Diego’s home for heavy metal and hard rock music. Longtime G.I. Joe fans will of course remember the band from the unforgettable episode of the classic ‘80s cartoon in which Cobra Commander plotted to brainwash America’s youth, and a few unsuspecting Joes, with subliminal messages in rock music. To accomplish this plan, Zartan and the Dreadnoks were enlisted to play the part of new metal icons through their catchy song, “Cold Slither.”

40-ish years later, Hasbro slyly sensed a golden opportunity to finally bring Cold Slither to life as a real band, with a full album, animated music videos, an SDCC signing, and a one-night-only performance with none other than Zartan (Gus Rios), Ripper (Matt Havey), Torch (Ross Sewage), and Buzzer (Andy Selway), all played by metal music veterans perfect for their parts.

The band made a jaw-dropping impression among patrons with their cinematic riffs and raw energy forged from chaos, rebellion, and heavy metal fury. Towards the end of the night, and to the gasping surprise of attendees, original JEM singing voice (Britta Phillips), the lead singer of JEM AND THE HOLOGRAMS joined the stage to add even more musical mayhem! Not only did they play Jem’s signature theme song, but Jim stayed onstage for Cold Slither’s eponymous theme as the entire night turned into a virtual Cobra rally. Long Live Cobra! Truly Outrageous!

The one-night-only performance saw Cold Slither playing tracks from their full length self-titled album Cold Slither, now streaming on all major platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music. Physical releases, including vinyl, are now available via Reigning Phoenix Music, select retailers like Amazon, Amoeba, and indie record stores. Attendees on-site at San Diego Comic-Con also had the opportunity to purchase convention exclusive album variants “Zartan Chameleon Blue” and “Blood Moon Red” available only at the Hasbro (booth #3213) and Reigning Phoenix Music (booth #4029) booths respectively. Not only that, but the band appeared in character to take photos with fans and sign exclusive merch for SDCC attendees.

Cold Slither’s Cobra-fueled debut album follows the success of multiple singles, including “Cold Slither,” “Knock Em Dread,” “Thunder Machine” (Culture Crypt’s personal favorite) and “Zartan’s Revenge,” the latter of which received a new music video treatment. Catch the new video right here, then see below for some of the exclusives that can still be purchased online while supplies still last:

The metal world has been warned, and now, it’s official. Today marks the explosive arrival of Cold Slither, the self-titled debut album from the reimagined heavy metal menace inspired by the infamous band from G.I. JOE: A Real American Hero. Ferocious, cinematic, and dripping with menace, Cold Slither is a full-force sonic assault that reclaims the band's place as both a nostalgic throwback and a modern metal powerhouse.

Leading the charge is the album’s thunderous new video for “Zartan’s Revenge.” This blistering animated music video was once again brought to life by visionary artist Costin Chioreanu. Known for his dark, surreal style and collaborations with some of metal’s biggest names, Chioreanu delivers a visual feast that matches the song’s volatile energy and epic scope.

Cold Slither is a declaration of war. Fronted by the enigmatic Zartan and his ruthless Dreadnok bandmates Torch, Ripper, and Buzzer, the band fuses old-school heavy metal with anarchic energy and unrelenting force. With tracks built on punishing riffs, venomous vocals, and apocalyptic atmosphere, COLD SLITHER resurrects the myth and turns it into a modern-day metal juggernaut.

Last but not least, fans can order Cold Slither right now, 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 today 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.

Order HERE:
https://coldslither.rpm.link/albumPR

Cold Slither – Track List