Adrenaline Mob
American heavy metal supergroup formed in 2011.
Wikipedia / Wikimedia Commons
Adrenaline Mob is an American heavy metal supergroup that came together in early 2011. The founding members were vocalist Russell Allen, guitarist Mike Orlando, and drummer Mike Portnoy. As of the band's most recent lineup, Allen and Orlando remain, joined by drummer Jordan Cannata.
The band played its first show on June 24, 2011, at New York City's Hiro Ballroom, with bassist Paul Di Leo and rhythm guitarist Rich Ward filling out the stage. Three days later, they posted a cover of Black Sabbath's "The Mob Rules" on YouTube to build buzz. On New Year's Eve 2011, the band announced via Facebook that their debut full-length album, *Omertà*, would drop on March 13, 2012, and revealed its cover art.
In January 2012, Ward and Di Leo left due to conflicts with their other bands. Disturbed's John Moyer stepped in on bass, making his live debut at the Hiro Ballroom in March 2012, one day before *Omertà* hit stores. A covers EP, *Covertá*, followed on March 12, 2013. In June 2013, Portnoy announced he would play four more shows before leaving, citing scheduling conflicts that kept him from fully committing to the band's future.
The second studio album, *Men of Honor*, came out on February 18, 2014, in North America and February 24 internationally. Portnoy was replaced by Twisted Sister drummer A.J. Pero. In August 2014, Moyer told fans he wouldn't join an upcoming tour, and the band began searching for a new bassist, ending his tenure. Erik Leonhardt was chosen as his replacement. The covers album *Dearly Departed* was released through Century Media on February 9, 2015, in Europe (digital only) and February 10 in North America.
On March 20, 2015, drummer A.J. Pero was found unresponsive on the band's tour bus while traveling from Baltimore to Poughkeepsie. Bandmates couldn't wake him, and he was pronounced dead at a hospital from an apparent heart attack. He was 55. The next day, the band played a show in New Jersey with fill-in drummers including Chad Szeliga, Johnny Kelly, and former drummer Mike Portnoy.
On March 22, 2017, the band announced a new album, *We the People*, with its title, artwork, and some songs inspired by the 2016 U.S. presidential election. Two new members joined: bassist David "Dave Z" Zablidowsky and drummer Jordan Cannata. In July 2017, while traveling to St. Petersburg, Florida for a concert, the band's RV pulled off I-75 in Micanopy, Fl
- formed
- early 2011
- origin
- United States
- genre
- heavy metal
- known_for
- supergroup formed by Russell Allen, Mike Orlando, and Mike Portnoy; tragic bus accident in 2017
- current_members
- Russell Allen, Mike Orlando, Jordan Cannata
Lore & Background
Adrenaline Mob was formed in early 2011 and had its first live performance on June 24, 2011, at the Hiro Ballroom in New York City, with bass player Paul Di Leo and rhythm guitarist Rich Ward. They released a cover of Black Sabbath's 'The Mob Rules' on YouTube on June 27, 2011. Their debut full-length studio album Omertà was released on March 13, 2012. In January 2012, Ward and Di Leo departed due to scheduling conflicts, and John Moyer of Disturbed became the new bass player, making his on-stage debut in March 2012.
The band released an EP of cover songs entitled Covertá on March 12, 2013. In June 2013, Mike Portnoy announced he would play four more shows before departing due to scheduling conflicts. The second studio album Men of Honor was released on February 18, 2014, in North America and February 24, 2014, internationally, with Portnoy replaced by A. J. Pero of Twisted Sister. In August 2014, Moyer left the band, and Erik Leonhardt was selected as the new bass player. A covers album, Dearly Departed, was released in February 2015.
On March 20, 2015, drummer A.J. Pero was found unresponsive on the band's tour bus and later declared dead from an apparent heart attack at age 55. The next day, the band performed in New Jersey with several drummers filling in, including former drummer Mike Portnoy. On March 22, 2017, the band announced a new album We the People, inspired by the 2016 United States presidential election, and introduced bassist David 'Dave Z' Zablidowsky and drummer Jordan Cannata. In July 2017, while traveling to St. Petersburg, Florida, the band's RV was hit by a tractor trailer after a flat tire in Micanopy, Florida. Zablidowsky was killed, and band members Orlando, Allen, and Cannata were seriously injured. Tour manager Janet 'Jane Train' Rains was also seriously injured and died on August 23 from her injuries.
Reader's Guide
Adrenaline Mob's significance lies in its formation as a supergroup bringing together musicians from prominent metal acts such as Symphony X, Dream Theater, and Disturbed. The band's music was described by members as straightforward metal or rock with a modern sound, explicitly distancing itself from progressive metal. Their career was marked by frequent lineup changes due to scheduling conflicts and two tragic deaths: drummer A.J. Pero in 2015 from a heart attack and bassist David Zablidowsky in a 2017 traffic accident that also seriously injured other members and ultimately killed their tour manager. These events shaped the band's legacy as one marked by both musical collaboration and profound loss.
Did You Know?
- The band's first live performance was on June 24, 2011, at the Hiro Ballroom in New York City.
- Former drummer Mike Portnoy described Adrenaline Mob's music as having 'absolutely nothing to do with progressive metal.'
- Drummer A.J. Pero died of an apparent heart attack on March 20, 2015, at age 55.
- Bassist David Zablidowsky was killed in July 2017 when the band's RV was hit by a tractor trailer in Micanopy, Florida.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Adrenaline Mob?
Adrenaline Mob is an American heavy metal supergroup that first assembled in early 2011. The project was built around the talents of vocalist Russell Allen, guitarist Mike Orlando, and drummer Mike Portnoy, all of whom brought substantial followings from their prior bands.
Who are the current members of Adrenaline Mob?
The band's most recent lineup features Russell Allen on vocals, Mike Orlando on guitar, and Jordan Cannata on drums. Allen and Orlando have stayed with the group since its very beginning, while the drum chair has seen changes over the years.
Why is Adrenaline Mob called a supergroup?
The supergroup label comes from the fact that each founding member already had a major reputation in the metal scene before joining forces. Portnoy was a highly respected drummer, Allen had a powerful vocal career spanning several well-known acts, and Orlando was an established guitarist in his own right.
What happened to Adrenaline Mob in 2017?
A tragic bus accident in 2017 dealt a severe blow to the band and its members. The incident marked a turning point in the group's history and ultimately led to lineup changes, including Portnoy's departure from the project.
When did Adrenaline Mob play their first concert?
The group took the stage for the first time on June 24, 2011, at the Hiro Ballroom in New York City. Just three days after that debut, they shared a cover of Black Sabbath's 'The Mob Rules' on YouTube to help spread the word about the new project.
More in American heavy metal supergroups 1-24
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