J.K. Simmons acting career stands out for notable performances, including his role in HBO’s prison series ‘Oz‘, where he crossed paths with Evan Seinfeld, whose own journey has run from hardcore music to adult film and reality television. As their stories unfolded in completely different directions following their collaboration, both men have shaped their industries and influenced a wide array of artists, fans, and creative communities.
Early Years and Musical Endeavors in Brooklyn
Evan Seinfeld helped launch Biohazard in Brooklyn, New York, during 1987, an environment defined by grit and underground influences. Before the era of nu metal, Biohazard innovatively blended genres like metal, hip-hop, and hardcore, carving a path alongside bands such as Pantera in the early 1990s. The fusion style and raw energy of Biohazard gained them notoriety in the fiercely competitive New York music scene.
Seinfeld’s reputation as a musician known for adaptability has only expanded over the decades. After leaving Biohazard in 2011, he eventually returned in 2022, leading to the release of ‘Divided We Fall’ in October—their first new album in more than ten years. The evolution of Biohazard’s sound and Seinfeld’s willingness to embrace new challenges aligned closely with music industry changes over that timeframe.
Confronting the Past and Reuniting the Band
Biohazard’s internal tensions, which led to years without contact, became a test of personal grudges and broader lessons in forgiveness for Seinfeld. He reflected on the challenges of carrying longstanding resentments, noting that the reunion was a time for facing the reasons behind those fractured relationships and understanding the personal growth required to move on. The band’s reconnection, after over a decade apart, signified a renewed focus on healing and self-awareness.
Seinfeld expanded on discovering the roots of his anger, both within the band and in his personal life, coming to terms with how emotional distance, rather than serving him, ultimately held him back. This fresh outlook provided the foundation for the group’s reunion and their latest creative phase.
Encouraging Unity Through Music
A principal message on Biohazard’s comeback album ‘Divided We Fall’ is the emphasis on unity. Seinfeld has been direct about the exhaustion he feels with social and political divisions, especially in America. He describes how time spent away from the United States contributed to his perspective, preferring instead to draw attention to what people have in common, regardless of background or beliefs.
This call for togetherness is a direct challenge to the current climate of polarization, and it is reflected in both the themes of the new album and in the way the band has chosen to present itself to longtime fans and newcomers alike.
Searching for Meaning During Life’s Highs and Lows
Seinfeld has expressed how personal setbacks, including divorces and financial instability, have prompted significant introspection. Reaching a low point at age 52, facing depression and another major loss, he sought solace in the revitalizing environment of Tulum, Mexico, a place he describes as spiritually transformative. During the isolation of the pandemic, he gained a new connection with nature and clarity about his own identity.
The journey to rediscovering himself went hand in hand with relinquishing his attachment to ego, embracing instead a more honest view of his place in the world and his relationships with others.
Addressing Mental Health and the Challenges of Fame
Having observed the struggles of well-known rock vocalists such as Chris Cornell, Scott Weiland, Kurt Cobain, Chester Bennington, and Shannon Hoon, Seinfeld considered the pressures that led so many artists into battles with mental health and addiction. He discussed the difficulties performers face when adulation distorts their sense of self, and how this phenomenon is often linked to substance use issues prevalent in the music world.
He remained modest about his own singing abilities but acknowledged Biohazard’s success and the direct risks associated with constant praise and a life spent on stage.
Facing Addiction and Embracing Sobriety
Seinfeld candidly shared his own tumultuous experiences with drugs and alcohol, detailing the extent of his substance use and the dark periods it created. He acknowledged that the glamor often associated with destructive behaviors actually masked a self-destructive path—an attitude he now recognizes as common among those who live passionately but without boundaries. The recent cultural shift toward sobriety, which he noted is being embraced by more people, echoes his own commitment to living without substances going forward.
From Stage to Screen: Acting and Authenticity
Exploring the transition from music to acting, Seinfeld found that his life experiences lent authenticity to his performances, particularly in his portrayal of a biker in prison on HBO’s ‘Oz’. Working with J.K. Simmons, who would later win an Oscar for his role in ‘Whiplash’, provided a sharp contrast between Seinfeld’s approach to acting and the craft of a trained actor. Their scenes together, often charged with dramatic tension, added to the realism of the series and spotlighted the contrasting paths their careers would follow.
Seinfeld noted the common pitfall for non-actors, who may exaggerate when the cameras start rolling, emphasizing the need for truth in performance over theatrics.
Pursuing Unexpected Financial Success in the Adult Film Industry
During a period away from music, Seinfeld entered the adult film world, initially through his relationship with adult film actress Tera Patrick. He discovered that the financial rewards in this industry far exceeded his earnings from music, a reality he approached with seriousness and professionalism. While the decision to participate in adult entertainment was, at first, unplanned, it proved to be a formative part of Seinfeld’s diverse career, reflecting both his willingness to take risks and his comfort with self-expression.
The Public’s Fascination with Reality and Drama
Seinfeld’s experiences in reality television, particularly with the band Damnocracy on VH1’s ‘Supergroup’, revealed to him that such programs prioritize dramatic moments over the actual music. He recounted specific incidents involving bandmates Ted Nugent, Sebastian Bach, Jason Bonham, and Scott Ian, highlighting that it was the interpersonal drama, not the songs themselves, that drew attention from audiences and producers.
The lesson, for Seinfeld, was his enduring skepticism about the value and authenticity of reality television formats, further distancing him from this aspect of the entertainment world.
Encounters with Icons and Embracing Musical Heritage
Seinfeld recounted the thrill of performing onstage with his heroes, including bands like Kiss and Black Sabbath, and developing friendships with iconic figures such as Ozzy Osbourne and David Bowie. Presenting Lemmy with a Lifetime Achievement Award alongside Lita Ford and others marked another career highlight, full of unexpected moments and memorable reactions. The respect he gained from interactions with such influential musicians shaped his understanding of the music industry and his role within it.
Navigating the Influence of Musical Trends and Legacy
Aware of the rising popularity of bands like Limp Bizkit, Seinfeld felt the need to clarify Biohazard’s place apart from newer trends. Although he recognized that music is inherently interconnected, with each artist borrowing inspiration from predecessors, Seinfeld sought to maintain the distinct legacy of Biohazard while admitting to his own influences, naming Lemmy, Gene Simmons, Steve Harris, and Rakim as examples.
Determination and Growth Regardless of Age
“Probably my biggest passion at the moment is really fitness and yoga, self-development, and really inspiring everybody around me and everybody that comes into the circumference of my blast zone, that you can be getting better as you get older forever. You can get more fit, you can get smarter, you can get more successful, you can become more mindful. Happiness is a choice and you can make changes at any age you want.”
– Evan Seinfeld
Recognition Among Peers and Influencing New Generations
Reflecting on his motivations, Seinfeld expressed ambivalence about seeking mainstream acclaim, stating that financial and commercial success were never primary driving forces for Biohazard. Instead, the validation from respected musicians like Chester Bennington and Liam Howlett of The Prodigy, who cited Biohazard as a major influence, resonated deeply and confirmed the band’s significant role in shaping heavy music.
The Lasting Power of Live Performances
“We get our credit due every night when the kids mosh to Urban Discipline. It doesn’t matter if it’s at a festival with half a million people or a small club with 200. You’re going to start playing and people are going to come unglued and go out of their skin and forget about their problems for five minutes. That was the only fucking credit we ever really needed.”
– Evan Seinfeld
The Road Ahead: Continuing to Influence Both Music and Acting
With ‘Divided We Fall’ now available, Biohazard is set to return to the spotlight with a performance at the Bloodstock Festival on August 7, 2026. Seinfeld’s varied ventures and his time working alongside acclaimed actors like J.K. Simmons have redefined his impact, not just within the New York hardcore scene but across entertainment genres. Their respective legacies are evident in the artists they have inspired and the genres they’ve helped shape, affirming that journeys beyond ‘Oz’ can lead to new heights and innovations in both music and acting.
