Hasbro, a leading games, IP and toy company, in collaboration with Reigning Phoenix Music, today unleashed a series of epic announcements for Cold Slither, a newly reimagined heavy metal band based on the infamous fictional group from the iconic 1985 animated series G.I. JOE: A Real American Hero.
“This isn’t just an album – it’s a sonic strike straight from Cobra Command!” said Cold Slither. “We’re back, louder, heavier and deadlier than ever. We can’t wait for G.I. JOE fans and metalheads to experience the raw power of our music, culminating in our live debut at San Diego Comic-Con. Prepare your ears for total domination… Let’s Rock and Cobra Roll!”
Following the success of “Cold Slither” and “Knock Em Dread,” the band’s explosive new single, “Thunder Machine,” is now streaming on all major platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music and Amazon Music. The hard-hitting track, inspired by the Dreadnoks’ brutal battle rig, delivers cinematic riffs and raw energy — an explosive anthem forged from chaos, rebellion and heavy metal fury.
The official music video for “Thunder Machine” also premieres today on Hasbro Pulse’s YouTube Channel, which you can watch below.
In addition, the identities of the band members have now been revealed as:
- 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)
Coinciding with the single drop, 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. You can find pre-order info here.
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 – Track List
- Welcome to the Swamp (Intro)
- Cold Slither
- Knock ‘Em Dread
- Thunder Machine
- Zartan’s Revenge
- Snakes on the Bayou
- Torched
- Under the Dreadnok’s Spell
- Master of Disguise
- The Ballad of Buzzer
- These Fluffies Are Fatal
Cold Slither will make its explosive on-stage debut during San Diego Comic-Con with a one-night-only concert experience on Thursday, July 24, at San Diego’s Brick by Brick. Presented by Hasbro and Reigning Phoenix Music, this 21+ event promises a full-force blend of original metal mayhem and ‘80s nostalgia.
Event Details – Cold Slither Live @ SDCC
- Date: Thursday, July 24, 2025
- Time: Doors at 8 PM | Show at 9 PM
- Venue: Brick by Brick, 1130 Buenos Ave, San Diego, CA 92110
- Tickets: $35.00 plus service charges – available exclusively at Brick by Brick’s official website
- Capacity: 450
- Merch: Limited-edition show-only gear including an exclusive t-shirts, posters, LPs, CDs and collectible pin sets
This high-octane live experience kicks off the biggest weekend in pop culture and gives fans a first taste of Cold Slither’s signature metal-fueled rebellion — a must-attend for any G.I. JOE fan who still lives by the battle cry: “Yo Joe!”
Stay tuned for more product details and reveals in the lead-up to Comic-Con. For the latest information on G.I. JOE, follow the official brand social channels on Instagram and Facebook.
