When you hear the words Cold Slither, you expect nostalgia, chaos, and pure Cobra-approved attitude. What you might not expect is one of the most entertaining, energetic, and immersive live music experiences to hit New York Comic Con weekend. But that’s exactly what happened when Hasbro and Reigning Phoenix Music unleashed the Cold Slither Live Concert at The Gramercy Theatre—marking the band’s first-ever East Coast performance and an unforgettable night of metal mayhem.
Even for fans who walked in without any prior knowledge of Cold Slither’s lore, the show delivered a lightning bolt of spectacle and personality that made everyone feel like part of the Cobra family.
Terrell Royster of The Culture Collective said it best: “I had no idea what I was walking into… and I walked out extremely happy.”
A Concert Pulled Straight from the G.I. JOE Universe
Cold Slither began as a fictional band in the 1985 G.I. JOE: A Real American Hero animated series—but this modern reimagining is the real deal. The group’s lineup includes:
- Gus Rios as Zartan – vocals/guitar
- Matt Harvey as Ripper – guitar
- Ross Sewage as Torch – bass
- Andy Selway as Buzzer – drums
These aren’t just musicians playing songs. This is full character immersion, from movement to attitude to stage presence. Throughout the show, the band stayed completely in character, building the illusion that you were deep inside a Cobra hideout, surrounded by Dreadnok energy, twisted humor, and blistering riffs.
What could have felt like a gimmick instead became a full-on theatrical experience—one that had the crowd shouting, moshing, laughing, and cheering with genuine enthusiasm.
A Crowd That Came to Play
From the moment doors opened, fans poured into The Gramercy in full cosplay—Cobra Commander, Joes, Dreadnoks, and even an unexpected Deathstroke who stole the spotlight during shoutouts from the band. The energy was communal and electric, mixing metalheads, nostalgic fans, and newcomers discovering Cold Slither for the first time.
Being one of the first 100 people through the door also came with perks: an exclusive “I ❤️ Cobra” shirt, echoing the spirit of NYCC while leaning into Cobra’s signature mischief.
The Stage Show: High Energy, High Character, High Fun
This concert wasn’t just music. It was storytelling through performance.
Cold Slither complement every song with accompanying visuals—music videos, animated sequences, and stylized clips synced to each track, pushing the show deeper into the G.I. JOE universe.
Some highlights:
- Character cameos on stage, including a dancing creature that nearly stole its song segment.
- Video introductions that set up every track as though you were joining a Cobra operation.
- Perfectly synced light and screen cues that made the show feel cinematic rather than simply musical.
Every member nailed their part:
- Buzzer’s drum solos were a crowd favorite
- Ripper’s guitar work shredded with precision
- Torch’s bass and keys built that gritty Dreadnok foundation
- Zartan’s vocals and swagger owned the room
By mid-show, you forgot you were in New York. It felt like being dropped into a Cobra stronghold with a metal soundtrack blasting through the walls.
The Music: Legitimately Great Metal
Let’s be clear: Cold Slither isn’t just cosplay metal.
It’s good metal.
The self-titled album—available now on all streaming platforms—features 11 tracks of hard-hitting riffs, thundering drums, and the kind of theatrical metal energy that would make both Cobra Commander and classic ‘80s fans proud.
Favorites from the setlist included:
- Cold Slither
- Snakes on the Bayou
- Master of Disguise (complete with disguises video)
- Under the Dreadnok Spell (a big fan favorite)
- The Fluffies Are Fatal (with its onstage creature cameo)
The songs absolutely rip—catchy, aggressive, stylish, and surprisingly replayable. The album has been on repeat for many fans since the show.
A Venue That Made the Night Even Better
The Gramercy Theatre was the perfect venue for the chaos—intimate enough to feel personal, big enough to let the music breathe.
And yes, there were seats, something many concertgoers were grateful for. Sometimes, a metal show that doesn’t destroy your knees is a blessing in disguise.
The acoustics, crowd energy, and closeness to the stage helped elevate everything from band interactions to surprise moments.
Post-Show: Meet-and-Greet, Donuts, and Cobra Camaraderie
After the show, fans were invited to meet the band—still in character, still hilarious, and still buzzing with energy. They signed merch, posed for photos, handed out donuts, and proved that their commitment to the bit isn’t just for the stage.
Between the vinyl, shirts, posters, and exclusive shirts for the first 100 attendees, the merch was flying off tables. It’s clear Hasbro has struck gold with this concept.
Final Review: A Concert That Goes Beyond Nostalgia
Cold Slither’s NYCC concert wasn’t just a novelty act—it was a full-scale production that exceeded expectations:
- Exceptional performances
- Killer soundtrack
- Authentic G.I. JOE worldbuilding
- True fan engagement
- A show that blends cosplay, metal, theater, and humor effortlessly
- A band that feels like rock stars and characters all at once
Whether you’re a lifelong G.I. JOE fan, a casual metal listener, or someone who walked in clueless, Cold Slither delivered a concert that made everyone feel included and energized.
A must-see experience whenever this band rolls into town again.
Editor-in-Chief | Owner
I’m a dedicated aficionado of all things movies, pop culture, and entertainment. With a passion for storytelling and a love for the silver screen, I’m constantly immersed in the world of cinema, exploring new releases, classics, and hidden gems alike. As a fervent advocate for the power of film to inspire, entertain, and provoke thought, I enjoy sharing my insights, reviews, and recommendations with fellow enthusiasts.