We rock SDCC 2025 with Gus Rios, aka Zartan of Cold Slither, and Bringing the G.I. JOE Band to Life

One of the fun surprises of San Diego Comic-Con 2025 was Hasbro‘s embracing Cold Slither, the fictional band from the classic G.I. JOE animated series. Multiple toy releases, including an exclusive of the band, pins, and even an album released by RPM are all part of the fun. The band even played a concert during the convention.

Cold Slither’s real life line-up includes:

  • Zartan – Gus Rios, vocals/guitars (GRUESOME, UNION BLACK, LEFT TO DIE)
  • Ripper – Matt Harvey, guitars (EXHUMED, GRUESOME, LEFT TO DIE)
  • Torch – Ross Sewage, bass (EXHUMED, IMPALED)
  • Buzzer – Andy Selway, drums (KMFDM)

We got a chance to talking to Gus Rios about how the project came to be, creating the album, what it’s like to be a real life G.I. JOE character, and if they avoid red and blue lasers during their performance.

Get ready to rock with Cold Slither!

You can order the Cold Slither album from RPM.


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