NJ Bloodline - History 1992-2002

History 1992-2002

NJ Bloodline was formed in early 1992 in Elizabeth, NJ. The original lineup consisted of Mario Simoes(Guitar), Tony Simoes(Drums), Enrique Maseda, aka Wreak Havoc(Vocals), Jim Marella (Lead Guitar) and Jay Crime (Bass). NJ Bloodline recorded a self-financed 5 song Demo EP in 1993 which was released D.I.Y. on cassette, after which Jim Marella left the group. NJ Bloodline then continued as a 4 piece. Between late 1994 and early 1995, Jay and Tony left NJ Bloodline and were replaced by Joey Priolo and Ray Chinowski (aka, Fat Ray-RIP). NJ Bloodline then officially broke up in the early summer of 1995. Joey and Ray immediately started a new project with guitarist Frank Gallo. Soon after, they recruiting Enrique on vocals and dubbed the project "DNC" (Do Not Cross). After enlisting Mario on second guitar in September 1995, they officially reformed in October 1995 as NJ Bloodline. However, in early December 1995, Ray quit to pursue other projects and was temporarily replace by Tony (former drummer).

In early January 1996, Ian Cosgrove, formerly of Fat Nuts, was selected as NJ Bloodline's permanent Drummer. Although only 15 years old, Ian already possessed considerable talent, especially with double bass drumming and already had experience in live performance, playing with Fatnuts. NJ Bloodline returned to performing in May 1996 in Scotch Plains, NJ with E.Town Concrete, Ensign and Strength 691, amongst others on the bill. NJ Bloodline spent the next year writing and rehearsing the material that would eventually comprise their next release, the "Be Afraid" Demo. Recorded at Third Studio From the Sun in Wayne, NJ in July 1997, in one weekend, the recording would be officially released in December 1997 on cassette, D.I.Y.. The Demo cassette sold quickly through word of mouth and within a month was available in Japan and Europe through distro chains, garnering interest from Kingfisher Records (a division of Century Media Records), RPP Records (Belgium) and Resurrection AD (NJ).

In 1998, NJ Bloodline were quickly offered a recording deal with Resurrection AD Records. During the negotiations with Resurrection AD, Kingfisher, who had signed fellow NJHC peers Fury of Five, contacted NJ Bloodline and offered them a recording deal and were interested in re-releasing "Be Afraid" as a mini-cd. However, during the negotiations process, Kingfisher was closed by Century Media records, effectively ending negotiations. NJ Bloodline started working with Resurrection AD, which became quickly overburdened with their other artists. NJ Bloodline parted ways with Resurrection AD and signed with RPP Productions from Belgium. By this time, NJ Bloodline had already sold over 3500 copies of "Be Afraid" Demo on cassette D.I.Y. without the benefit of a label, management company or radio. In lieu of this, The "Be Afraid" EP was re-released in the Fall of 1998 on the RPP Records. Early January 1999, Mario left NJ Bloodline and was replaced by local guitarist Dirty Rei Fonseca, formerly of One4One for live performances only. After their 1999 summer tour, which Rei did not attend, Rei was released on mutual terms to join Agents of Man.

In 2000, a revived Kingfisher contacted NJ Bloodline, expressing interest in NJ Bloodline recording a full length album. NJ Bloodline was also approached by On the Rise Records, in conjunction with Coretext/MadMob Records (Germany) to do a 3 band Split CD with Settle the Score (Germany) and Sworn Vengeance (CA). In between their Summer Tour dates in 2000, NJ Bloodline recorded all the material that would comprise both the "Faceless" LP and the Split CD at Third Studio From the Sun. The "Faceless" LP was released in the Spring of 2001 in Europe and Japan through Kingfisher Records and in the United States by Too Damn Hype Records. An extensive Summer Tour, booked by M.A.D. Touring Agency (Germany), included such events as the With Full Force and Dour Festivals. Upon returning from Europe and completing their U.S. leg of their summer tour with Settle the Score, Ian quit NJ Bloodline. However, Ian returned in November 2001 to play a benefit show for a mutual friend of NJ Bloodline in Kenilworth, NJ, with Sworn Enemy, E.Town Concrete (In Full Effect), Shattered Realm, and December AE. This show would be NJ Bloodline's first ever "Weapon's Show" but also their last show for the next 5 years.