Coldsteel

History

Coldsteel was founded in 1986 by Dom Mincieli of Franklin Square, NY's metal quartet Kronin. As originally conceived Coldsteel performed cover hits from such popular metal acts as Metallica, Slayer, Anthrax, Megadeth and Overkill. The band gained quick respect, especially given the lack of any other local talent able to perform songs in this genre. Coldsteel's initial lineup included Dom Mincieli (drums), Sam Ferrara (guitars), Joe Catanese (guitars), and Greg Hock (bass/lead vocals).

Since its formation, the composition and intent of Coldsteel has evolved. In late summer 1987, Greg Hock and Joe Catanese left to pursue other interests. Soon thereafter Adam Rosen (bass), Troy Norr (lead vocals) and Ave Casas (guitar) joined and collaborated on Coldsteel's first original song 'Dead by Dawn'. Enthusiastic reception of the song's live debut performance clearly demonstrated the demand for more original material. With the subsequent departure of Adam Rosen, Rick Lopez came in to assist writing new original songs including 'Smashed!', and what would become Coldsteel's signature anthem 'Crackdown'. Riding a wave of popular zeal, the band started work on their first demo, but before its release Sam Ferrara left and was replaced by Joe Shavel.

Coldsteel recorded their premier four-track demo, 'Dead by Dawn', in 1988 at Monkey Hill Studios in College Point, NY, and solicited it to various record labels in hopes of landing a record deal. On the strength of just four tracks, a rep from Metal Blade Records requested two additional songs. 'Scarred for Life' and 'Madness Overthrown' were subsequently written, recorded, mixed and mastered in record time. However, after resubmission the rep had left the firm and the deal evaporated. Rick Lopez left the band to pursue other interests and charter member Greg Hock returned.

Undaunted, Coldsteel forged ahead and released the now four-track professionally packaged 'Dead by Dawn' demo in summer 1989. Tragically, days after receiving the first shipment of DBD cassettes, founding member Dom Mincieli died in an auto accident on June 30, 1989. With the urging of friends and family, the fledgling band decided to persevere and continue Dom's metal legacy.

On the heels of 'Dead By Dawn', the band brought in Rob Napalitano (drums) in 1989, and soon embarked on creating more original material. Coldsteel's second official demo, 'Perfect Peace', was recorded at Speed of Sound Studios in Franklin Square, NY. Rob Napalitano left Coldsteel in 1991, to be replaced by Fred Matzelle.

Years of hard work and creativity paid off when German record label Turbo Music signed the band to record their first full length album. 'Freakboy' was recorded at Minot Sound Studios in White Plains, NY. Shortly thereafter Fred Matzelle was replaced by Hal Aponte. To publicize its debut album, the band prepared for a small European tour in 1992. Unfortunately, Turbo Music closed up shop and the tour was cancelled. 'Freakboy' was subsequently distributed by Relativity Records in the United States under the JL America record label and its subsidiaries in Europe. Despite their popular local and burgeoning European appeal, Coldsteel nonetheless disbanded in 1993 due to irreconcilable creative differences. Also an EP 'Bracing the Fall' came out in 1992 on Turbo Music.

In 2012, Coldsteel reformed to complete and record 'America Idle' EP. In November 2012, StormSpell Records releases a compilation album 'The Demo Anthology: 20 Years of NY Thrash'.

StormSpell Records released 'America Idle' in February 2013.

(source: Coldsteel, March 2013)