Boiler Room (band)

Boiler Room was an American nu metal band from New York City, New York. The band formed in 1996, releasing two studio albums and one single before disbanding in 2001.

Career

Early years and ''Boiler Room''

The beginnings of the band can be traced back to the early 1990s. Vocalist Chris Lino, guitarist Joey Barracato, bassist James Meselsohn and drummer Mike Meselsohn played together in the thrash metal band ''Bible Black'', producing demos in 1993 and 1994. Unable to secure a record deal, the band ultimately dissolved before the members reconvened in 1996 as ''Boiler Room''. The newly christened band toured through their local club scene for several years, building up their material and performance skills.

The same year, they independently released their debut album, the self-titled ''Boiler Room'' (often mistakenly referred to as ''Low Society)'', featuring at least two re-worked songs from their ''Bible Black'' days in ''Do or Die'' and ''Judgement Day.'' The album, produced by future ''Guns N' Roses'' guitarist Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal, featured a sound more influenced by hardcore and groove metal when compared to their later work. Drummer Mike Meselsohn would later collaborate with Thal again on the latter's 1997 album ''Hermit'', contributing drums to three tracks. Sometime after the release of ''Boiler Room'', Joey Barracato was replaced by Rob Caggiano.

''Can't Breathe'' and dissolution

1999 saw the band opening for nationally-recognized acts, including Type O Negative, King's X, Clutch and Static-X, helping them catch the attention of local radio station WXRK. With their music in heavy rotation on the station, they eventually landed them the opening slot of a KROCK-sponsored show, headlined by Orgy.

The next year, Boiler Room signed to Roadrunner Records and immediately set to work recording their album ''Can't Breathe'' with producer John Travis at the helm and additional instrumental interludes provided by famed producer Eddie Wohl. Upon completion of the album, the song ''Do It Again'' found its way onto an MTV compilation disc titled '' Return of the Rock'', released on June 13, 2000.

After the album's release date was pushed back several times, the band asked to be let go from their contract with Roadrunner. The label agreed to release the band and gave permissions for them to shop the finished record to other labels. Eventually, the band found a new home at Tommy Boy Records. With new artwork created, ''Can't Breathe'' finally hit stores on November 3, 2000, with the opening track ''Do It Again'' being sent to radio stations and released as a single.

Critically, the album was met with little enthusiasm, with Dean Carlson from AllMusic describing the band's sound as "clichéd musicianship" in a negative review that scored 1.5 stars out of 5. However, the tracks ''Do It Again'', ''Patience'' and ''Hopeless'' were chosen as AMG track picks.

The band subsequently promoted the album with both a national and European tour, including a string of dates in the UK with Lostprophets before finishing with a few club dates in Germany in early March. Upon returning the US on March 12, 2001, Boiler Room played a few extra club dates on the east coast before announcing ''Superficial'' as the upcoming second single from the album, along with plans to film a video. However, news from the band immediately ceased before announcing on 14 June, 2001 that Tommy Boy Records had dropped them from their roster.

After five years and two record labels, the band decided to call it quits and move onto separate projects. In August 2001, guitarist Rob Caggiano was announced as the new lead guitarist for Anthrax, where he would play until his departure in 2005. He returned to the lineup in 2007, only to depart again in 2013 in order to join Volbeat.

In early 2003 it was reported that vocalist Chris Lino was singing in a new band called ''Out of Body'' and shopping around a five-track demo. The lineup for ''Out of Body'' notably featured future Adrenaline Mob and Noturnall guitarist Mike Orlando. No reports of the band have been announced since 2003.

In 2008, drummer Mike Meselsohn helped form the band ''Black Water Rising'' and has appeared on all their releases.

In 2021, a YouTube user claiming to be Chris Lino announced his intentions to re-record and re-release the ''Can't Breathe'' album, along with five new songs, with the help of Adrenaline Mob guitarist Mike Orlando, who previously worked with Lino in Out of Body. Orlando is slated to handle guitar and production duties. Lino also hinted at potentially re-recording material from the ''self-titled'' album. No further announcements have been made since.

Discography

*''Boiler Room'' (1996) DIY Records
*''Can't Breathe'' (2000) Roadrunner Records / Tommy Boy Records
*"Do It Again" (single, 2001) Roadrunner Records / Tommy Boy Records

References

External links

Official website
(archived)

{{DEFAULTSORT:Boiler Room
Musical groups established in 1995
American nu metal musical groups
Musical groups disestablished in 2001
Roadrunner Records artists
Tommy Boy Records artists