1994 was a pivotal year for rock music. Rock and grunge ruled the charts, but mainstream metal was nowhere to be found. However, Biohazard’s career began to peak after the successful run of 1992’s Urban Discipline and exposure from the music video for “Punishment” on MTV’s Headbanger’s Ball. Biohazard was the top act coming out of the New York City’s hardcore scene and becoming one of Brooklyn’s finest. But on May 24, 1994, State of the World Address was unleashed to the masses that truly showcased Biohazard at their best.
1State of the World Address was produced by Ed Stasium, who is well known for his work with The Ramones and Living Colour. This album is loaded with brilliant rifts and guitar solos from Bobby Hambel. The duel vocals of Billy Graziadei and Evan Seinfeld are raw, brutal, and heartfelt, especially on “Failed Territory”. Danny Schuler’s drumming is bone crushing and brilliant. Just listen to “Tales From the Hard Side,” the beat to that song is just insane. Biohazard continued their trend cross over trend by bringing in Cypress Hill’s Sen Dog for “How It Is” which is real stand out on the album as well.
Even to this day, the album’s political views are still relevant, especially in “Remember.” The album really paints a picture on New York City street life with tracks like “Down For Life,” “Tales From The Hardside,” and “Five Blocks to the Subway” (a personal favorite). The album will get you amped up every time you listen. It’s a must own album for any fan of metal or hardcore.
State of the World Address was the last album that the original lineup of Evan Seinfeld, Billy Graziadei, Bobby Hambel, and Danny Schuler for almost 18 years. Their unique chemistry is unmatched. You can buy the album here.
Starting the afternoon was Dorsia, a four piece band that brought loads of power to the stage. With two guitars trading off solos and tight jams that effortlessly extended into the beyond, Dorsia was just the music to start the day off. Bobby Paltauf Band was next and the 14 year old and his band kept the energy up in the venue. Playing many tracks off his first album, Lost + Found, the band was comfortable and played a great set. Stand outs were “Flood Franklin Park”, “Guitar”, and “Lost + Found,” with the last track bringing the audience into an uproar with a rocked out nonstop jam. Nigel Hall joined the band during a flawless rendition of the ‘Soulive version’ of “Eleanor Rigby ” earlier in the set as well.
The main event was Eddie Roberts & The Funky Charms who sauntered onto the stage and began to deliver a more than two hour set of covers with jams that just continuously went to beautiful and unexpected places. The all-star band included Nigel Hall, Jennifer Hartswick, Natalie Cressman, James Casey, Ron Johnson, and John Staten. All of these incredible musicians have played together in various projects before but never together, and hopefully it will happen again soon as the whole show was a highlight. Eddie stated early in the set that they were planning on doing many 80’s covers, and the crowd ate up every song. Two highlights were a great “Sweet Dreams” and an awesome “All Night Long.” Ending the night with “Let the Music Take Your Mind” the band took a bow and Equifunk successfully threw another great event. Look for the 3rd Annual Leprechaun’s Ball next year and make sure you get down to it.
The tour will start July 19th in Las Vegas, NV and will move throughout most of North America until August 25th, where it will conclude in California. The band, led by Trent Reznor, will be making an appearance in New York at the Nikon at