Cold Slither Strikes Back: RPM & Hasbro’s Explosive Return to the G.I. Joe Universe

RPM and Hasbro have pulled off something no one quite saw coming—Cold Slither is back, and this time they’re not just brainwashing kids through Saturday morning cartoons. The legendary Cobra metal band from the G.I. Joe animated series is now a real-life act, complete with a new single, a full-length debut album, and a one-night-only live concert at San Diego Comic-Con 2025. Yes, really.

Whether you’re a die-hard Joe fan or just here for the wild crossover of toy news and heavy metal, this revival is packed with deep cuts, killer merch, and a whole lot of leather and studs. Let’s break it down.

Release Date: July 25, 2025
MSRP / Price Range: $35.00 – $42.66
Edition Size / Production Run: Limited to 450 attendees for the SDCC concert; exclusive variants available
Manufacturer / License: Hasbro / G.I. Joe

What is Cold Slither? GI Joe’s Cobra Band Returns with New Music

If you’re scratching your head wondering, “Wait, who—or what—is Cold Slither?” here’s the quick history lesson. Cold Slither was first introduced in the G.I. Joe animated series in 1985, cooked up as a mind-controlling metal band by Cobra, disguised with Zartan and the Dreadnoks playing instruments. Their only song (yep, titled “Cold Slither”) was designed to brainwash America’s youth into obeying Cobra’s will. Subtle stuff.

Fast-forward to 2025, and we’re seeing that fictional band made flesh, thanks to a collaboration between Hasbro and RPM (Reigning Phoenix Music). They’ve assembled a lineup of real musicians to embody Zartan, Ripper, Torch, and Buzzer, and recorded an entire album that goes far beyond the jokey origins of their animated roots. And the result? Surprisingly legit—and surprisingly heavy.

Cold Slither’s Place in GI Joe History – Why Fans Are Hyped for the Music Drop

Cold Slither has always had this cult following. The episode it came from was weird, fun, and self-aware in the best way. Cobra using a band to take over the world via catchy riffs? That’s cartoon villainy at its finest.

Now, with the new RPM Hasbro music release, fans aren’t just getting a nostalgia nod—they’re getting a full-blown tribute to one of the most memorable deep cuts in Joe lore. This isn’t some slapped-together merch drop either. It’s a fleshed-out music project with real metal pedigree. The hype isn’t just for the music, either. It’s also about watching a piece of animated history leap into the real world with this Cobra band SDCC concert and album launch.

Cold Slither New Single and Debut Album RPM Hasbro

The newly released single, “Knock ’Em Dread,” hits hard with chunky riffs and sneering vocals, channelling the chaotic energy you’d expect from the Dreadnoks. It’s fast, loud, and absolutely designed to melt faces. Think early ‘80s speed metal meets Saturday morning cartoon villainy. And it works.

The full album drops on July 25, 2025, with 11 tracks that range from pure metal anthems to reworked versions of their original track. If the single is any indication, this is more than just a novelty act—it’s a genuinely fun, high-quality homage to Cold Slither’s absurd beginnings.

As for the physical releases? RPM has gone all out. There’s a standard black vinyl, a “Zartan Chameleon Blue” exclusive, and a “Blood Moon Red” SDCC variant. All scream shelf presence, and all will likely vanish fast.

Cold Slither SDCC 2025 One-Night-Only Show Announcement

If you’re heading to San Diego Comic-Con this July, you’ve got one chance to catch the band live. Cold Slither will perform at Brick by Brick in San Diego on Thursday, July 24. With only 450 tickets available, it’s a small venue—and the hype is real.

This one-night-only show is more than just a gimmick. It’s an immersive experience, loaded with exclusive merch, props from the animated series, and a live performance that promises to be as ridiculous and glorious as you’d hope. If you’ve ever wanted to headbang alongside fellow Cobra fans while Zartan shreds on guitar, this is your moment.

And for anyone following the G.I. Joe Classified line—this ties right into their ongoing expansion of Cobra-related releases. If you missed our take on the G.I. Joe Classified Dreadnoks figures, now’s a good time to catch up.

Cold Slither RPM Hasbro Music Release Pre-Order, Release Date & Where to Buy

You can pre-order the album now through RPM’s store, and Hasbro will also have limited copies at SDCC. Digital versions will be available on all major platforms once the album goes live on July 25.

For collectors who can’t make it to the convention, there’ll still be chances to score a copy through select online retailers, though the SDCC variants are expected to remain exclusive.

Whether you’re here for the vinyl, the concert, or the deep lore drop, the Cold Slither RPM Hasbro music release is shaping up to be one of this year’s most unexpected—and entertaining—toy news stories.

Cold Slither Cobra Band SDCC Concert and Album Launch

RPM and Hasbro have pulled off something truly unique here. By reviving Cold Slither as a real band, they’re celebrating one of G.I. Joe’s most bizarre moments with genuine enthusiasm and creativity. The Cold Slither Cobra band SDCC concert and album launch is both a collector’s event and a full-scale tribute to the weirdness that makes this fandom so much fun.

Sure, the whole thing might’ve started as a cartoon joke—but now it’s a legit music project with slick packaging, great production, and a perfect mix of parody and passion.

Let us know what you think on our Reddit page.