Biohazard

This band came together during 1987 in Brooklyn, New York. They floated two demos until securing a contract with Maze Records in 1990 that led to their self-titled debut album of the same year. Since, nine studio albums and two live albums have been released through seven different labels.

From the band's beginning, followers and critics have seized on the social commentary written in their lyrics. The group feigned disbelief when critics suggested a negative racial overtone. Eventually, they copped to the accusations, implying the lyrics were meant to be controversial and gain publicity. The band's lyrics have since become less controversial. Social and even spiritual concerns are addressed in lyrics that question more than they accuse. An example is the song "Punishment," where God is being asked why bad things happen in the world. In former member Evan Seinfeld's Songfacts interview he discussed his writing approach: "I look for inspiration in everyday life things. I like to write using metaphors. I feel I can reach more people like that when I write about relatable topics, more metaphor driven. All my lyrics my whole life are based on some kind of reality."

Although never reaching membership into the "Big Four of Thrash Metal" that includes Metallica, Anthrax, Slayer, and Megadeth, the band has sold millions of albums worldwide with a devoted following. It might be argued their musical approach uses a broader range than the "Big Four." They do not limit their style to Thrash, even though it does remain the fundamental sound. Hip-Hop is woven through their vocals as well as the beat of the music. In the early 1990s, the band joined forces and recorded with the Rap group Onyx. This led to the recording of the title track from the soundtrack for the film Judgement Night. Although they were already well known at the time, the band's popularity soared with the movie soundtrack reaching over two million in US sales.