The iconic rock band Cold Slither is back—and this time, they’re coming out with a bang. In a landmark partnership between Hasbro and Reigning Phoenix Music, the once-fictional group from the classic 1980s G.I. JOE: A Real American Hero animated series has officially launched their debut single, “Cold Slither,” bringing decades-old nostalgia roaring into the modern music scene.
Fronted by the mysterious Zartan and his band of Dreadnoks named Torch, Ripper, and Buzzer. Cold Slither was originally created as part of Cobra’s mind-control scheme in the 1985 animated series. Fast forward nearly 40 years, and the band has been reimagined as a real-world act, channeling heavy metal energy with a signature Cobra twist. The new single fuses classic rock riffs with a modern edge, delivering an explosive anthem worthy of its legacy. Watch and listen to the official lyric video down below:
“This project bridges nostalgia with innovation in ways that will leave the community speechless,” said Ben “BMac” MacCrae, Associate Brand Manager of Global Brand Development & Marketing at Hasbro. “As a kid, I never imagined I’d help bring Cold Slither from my TV screen into a real-world album. Now, not only do we have collectible figures, we’ve got a full-on musical experience.”
Reigning Phoenix Music General Manager and Co-founder Gerardo Martinez echoed the excitement, calling the collaboration “a dream come true” and a moment long-awaited by fans. “Many of us have waited 40 years for this to happen, but the wait is finally over,” Martinez said. He also gave a heartfelt shoutout to Michael Charles Hill, who wrote the original Cold Slither episode back in 1985, for planting the seeds of this legendary band.
The single “Cold Slither” is more than just a track—it’s a multimedia experience. The newly released lyric video, brought to life by renowned visual artist Costin Chioreanu, immerses fans in Cobra’s rebellious world, complete with bold animation and a pulsing metal soundtrack.
“This is the kind of magic that defines Hasbro’s mission,” added Alyse D’Antuono, VP of Global Franchise Strategy & Management for Action Brands. “What began as a cult-classic episode has become a full-fledged fan celebration—with toys, comics, and now music. And we’re just getting started.”
With plans for more announcements leading up to a big event in San Diego Comic-Con later this year, one thing has been made clear. Cold Slither is here to stay, and as the chorus goes, “you’ll be joining us soon.”
Do you remember the Cold Slither band from the old episode of G.I. JOE as a kid? Will you be adding this to your music playlist? Let us know in the box below! As always, stay tuned to Toonado.com for more cartoon and animated related news!