BREAKDOWN metal
Breakdown was started in 1986, during the resurgence of the hardcore scene. Despite being a NYHC band, being based in Yonkers Breakdown didn't have the Lower East Side Crew-mentality of Warzone and Agnostic Front. By a similar token, unlike some of their other contemporaries like Gorilla Biscuits and Youth Of Today, Breakdown was not a straight edge positive band. They are considered more along the lines of Sheer Terror for their more metallic sound and less-than-positive lyrics. However, Breakdown always had somewhat of a tongue-in-cheek element to them, mostly due to singer Jeff Perlin's humorous live banter and lyrics.
Contrary to popular belief, the original Breakdown lineup only lasted for less than a year. The band continued on with new members through 2001, with Jeff Perlin being the only original member. Notable members include Mike Dijan (Crown of Thorns, Skarhead, Laws of Gravity), A.J. Novello (Leeway, Cro-Mags), and virtuoso drummer Lou Medina.
Through all the years Breakdown never did a tour of the U.S., concentrating mostly on the Northeast and Canada. They toured Europe twice (1999 and 2001) with European bands Rykers and Backfire. They also visited Japan in 2001.
Perlin most recently was the front man for Slumlords a Baltimore-based hardcore band that broke up in January 2007 but still plays shows on rare occasions.
Mike Dijan and Lou Medina currently play in the alternative metal band 'Laws of Gravity' fronted by acclaimed vocalist Rebecca Haviland.
Breakdown recently started playing gigs again, most notably the 2008 Black N Blue Bowl held in Brooklyn, NYC and the Built to Last Festival in Providence, RI in May of 2009. They have also played gigs in NYC in September 2009 and the Baltimore "Fall Brawl" in October 2009. They are currently scheduled to play two gigs in Europe in November of 2009 (Antwerp, Belgium and Leipzig, Germany) and will continue to play shows on occasion.
Breakdown will be releasing a limited-edition 7" vinyl release of a live CBGB gig from the late 90's on a date TBA.