NJ Bloodline

Lore & Background

NJ Bloodline formed in early 1992 in Elizabeth, New Jersey, with an original lineup that included Mario Simoes (guitar), Tony Simoes (drums), Enrique Maseda (vocals), Jim Marella (lead guitar), and Jay Crime (bass). They recorded a self-financed five-song demo EP in 1993, released DIY on cassette. After Jim Marella left, the band continued as a four-piece. In late 1994 to early 1995, Jay and Tony left and were replaced by Joey Priolo and Ray Chinowski. The band officially broke up in early summer 1995, but reformed in October 1995 after a brief project called DNC. Ray quit in December 1995 and was temporarily replaced by Tony, then in January 1996 Ian Cosgrove, formerly of Fat Nuts, became the permanent drummer at age 15.

The band returned to performing in May 1996 and spent the next year writing material for the 'Be Afraid' demo, recorded in July 1997 and released DIY on cassette in December 1997. The demo sold over 3,500 copies without label support and attracted interest from Kingfisher Records, RPP Records (Belgium), and Resurrection AD. After negotiations with Kingfisher fell through when Century Media closed that division, NJ Bloodline signed with RPP Records, which re-released the 'Be Afraid' EP in fall 1998. In 2000, a revived Kingfisher approached the band for a full-length album, and NJ Bloodline also worked on a three-band split CD. The 'Faceless' LP was released in spring 2001 in Europe and Japan through Kingfisher and in the US by Too Damn Hype Records. After a European summer tour, Ian quit in late 2001 but returned for a benefit show in November 2001, which became the band's last show for five years.

In spring 2002, Enrique left New Jersey to front the Sacto Hoods in California, and Joey moved to Huntington Beach, California. The band dissolved in May 2002. In 2006, E.Town Concrete asked NJ Bloodline to reunite for two headlining shows in May 2006 at Starland Ballroom in New Jersey. The positive response led to limited summer performances through 2008, including shows in Germany, Belgium, and Puerto Rico. After 2009, the band performed only a handful of gigs, with the last reported shows on June 25 and 26, 2010, in Baltimore and Clifton, New Jersey. Vocalist Enrique Maseda died on August 26, 2020.

Reader's Guide

NJ Bloodline's significance lies in their embodiment of the DIY hardcore punk ethos of the 1990s, particularly within the New Jersey hardcore scene. Despite never achieving mainstream success, they built a substantial underground following through self-released demos and relentless touring, including European festivals. Their music, characterized by aggressive hardcore punk with varied guitar tunings, resonated with fans in the US, Japan, and Europe. The band's resilience through multiple lineup changes and brief breakups, as well as their later reunions, reflects the enduring bonds of the hardcore community. Their legacy is also marked by the tragic death of vocalist Enrique Maseda in 2020, which underscored the band's place in hardcore history. NJ Bloodline's story illustrates how a regional hardcore band can achieve international reach through grassroots efforts and word-of-mouth promotion.

Did You Know?

• Ian Cosgrove was 17 years old when he recorded drums on the 'Be Afraid' EP, turning 18 the following month.
• The cover art for the 'Be Afraid' EP was created by guitarist Frank Gallo and features a mixed media piece of serial killer John Wayne Gacy dressed as Pogo the Clown.
• The song 'L.E.T.S.' from the 'Be Afraid' EP stands for 'Lord of the E.town Streets'.