Cold as Life

Cold as Life is Detroit hardcore established in 1988—beatdown weight, metal grit, and lyrics about poverty, violence, and loss in a city that hits back. Influences run from Negative Approach and Cro-Mags to Discharge and Slayer. The classic full-length Born to Land Hard sealed their place in Midwest hardcore lore, with shows long remembered for chaos and a tight family following.

Co-founder Jeff Gunnells leads the current chapter after the band’s major October 2023 hometown reunion with peers like Madball, Integrity, and Terror. The modern lineup pairs Gunnells with Craig Holloway, Matt Martin, John Music, and Jesse Wright. Stream Born to Land Hard, watch recent live captures, and follow @coldaslifeofficial.