HardLore Podcast — Episode Summary
Episode Overview
Podcast: HardLore
Hosts: Colin Young, Bo Lueders
Guest: Jorge Rosado (Merauder vocalist)
Date: February 19, 2026
Episode: "Jorge Rosado: Merauder, Making Master Killer, Remembering 'Sob' & The Sepultura Audition"
This celebratory episode marks 30 years since the release of Merauder's seminal album Master Killer. The hosts, both admirers of the band, conduct an extensive, candid conversation with Jorge Rosado. They discuss his origins, the birth and lore behind Master Killer, Merauder’s place in New York hardcore and metal, influential friendships, touring stories, the band's tangled history, and Jorge's personal reflections. The episode is a deep dive into the making of a classic, remembrance of fallen friends, and the persistent spirit of hardcore.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Jorge’s Introduction to Music & Early Life
- Brooklyn Upbringing: Jorge was born and raised in Brooklyn, with periods spent in Puerto Rico in the early '80s.
- Early Musical Influences: Metal was first—Alice Cooper was a gateway, followed by Iron Maiden, Black Sabbath, and deeper underground acts.
- First Exposure to Hardcore: Jorge’s boots-on-the-ground entry came through chance encounters with skinheads and being the rare long-haired metalhead amidst the New York hardcore (NYHC) community.
- Breakdancing Roots: Before music took over, he was deeply into breakdancing and hip-hop culture.
“I was a break dancer, you know, really break dancing, popping, doing all this shit. And, you know, I went there, I think, in 80. 81. Came back like 83. Okay. And that's where I got into metal.” —Jorge (05:04)
2. Brooklyn Hardcore & Merauder’s Genesis
- Blurring Scene Lines: Although there were divisions among neighborhoods and genres, Jorge found more community in hardcore over metal, citing activism and camaraderie.
- Formation Stories: Jorge recounts how he encountered Saab (SOB), which eventually led to his audition and place in Merauder, underscoring the accidental nature of joining the band.
“I never in my life set out to do any of this, and it's all falling into my hands... Like, everything just fell into my hands. It was like almost... it was destined.” —Jorge (32:29, 50:53)
- Early Bands: Before Merauder, Jorge dabbled in bands like Full Contact and Awful Truth, often switching between frontman and experimenting with instruments.
- Influence & Legacy: Recognized contemporaries like Carnivore, Leeway, Life of Agony, and Biohazard as early Brooklyn bands putting their borough on the musical map.
3. The Master Killer Era (Making of a Classic)
- Joining Merauder: After a random run-in with Saab, Jorge got a demo, learned the set in three days, and soon found himself in the studio.
- Album Material: Nearly all material for Master Killer was written before Jorge joined. Drummer Vinnie and guitarist Anthony were main songwriters.
- Recording Sessions: Jorge revealed he felt self-conscious during the recording, holding back vocally due to outside suggestions about his accent.
“I, I, I held back on my vocals... Not in a bad way, but I kind of felt like Paris May, you and Vinnie were like, oh. You know, they made me sound like, you know...” —Jorge (34:50)
- Band Dynamics: Stories abounded of onstage fights and unpredictable energy (“...we had a fight in the middle of the show, and the kids in Castle Gym were like, what the fuck...”? —34:06).
- Longevity & Influence: Recognizing Master Killer's impact and only realizing its "classic" status decades later.
“Did you feel like you made a timeless classic album?”
“Not until, like, after, like, 20 years.” —(56:15)
4. Moshing, Martial Arts & Personal Style
- Karate Mosh: Jorge and a handful of others pioneered the “karate mosh” style, incorporating martial arts—he was an active practitioner and brought that energy on stage.
- Stage Antics: Iconic moves like throwing the mic out, shadowboxing mid-set, and an overall commitment to presence.
“The karate came from me, yeah. And a couple other people were doing it, but they didn’t train, but they were just good at throwing kicks. But I was actually training.” —Jorge (17:14)
5. Remembrance of “SOB” Saab & The Sunset Skins
- SOB Stories: Saab emerges as an outsized, mythic figure in Jorge’s life—stories recounted of brawls, near-misses, and loyalty between them.
- Cultural Representation: The importance of representing Latinos in a predominantly white/Black scene and sticking together out of mutual recognition.
“We always kind of look for each other no matter where we go ... we always look for each other. And when we did, we. We stuck together.” —Jorge (12:28)
6. Band Turmoil, Loss, and Legacy
- Band Member Issues: Jorge describes struggles and fractures—departures, personal conflicts, and the tragic fates of bandmates like Anthony (struggled with addiction/homelessness).
- Cycle of Leaving and Returning: Left Merauder after Five Deadly Venoms (recorded as pre-production demos), joined El Nino, but later returned.
- Appreciation and Regret: Looking back at band output—regrets over rushed records (e.g., Brutality), but pride in others, particularly God Is I.
“I barely listen to that record... I feel like I don’t really like the production, production wise. It’s too metallic.” —On Brutality, Jorge (82:56)
7. The Sepultura Audition
- How It Happened: Urban legend is confirmed—Jorge truly was considered for Sepultura’s vocalist role after Max Cavalera’s departure.
- Context & Fallout: Audition went well musically, but when he asserted his identity in a conversation comparing him to Phil Anselmo (Pantera), he was quietly dropped.
- Personal Impact: This artistic rejection hit hard—Jorge openly reflects on the resulting depression and his perspective on authenticity in music.
“I thought that that was my only opportunity in life to become somebody. And I ruined it. And I don’t even know what I did.” —Jorge (75:26)
8. Later Years & Further Projects
- Ragman Project: A meaningful side band, with deeply personal songs (notably “Obstacles”).
- God Is I: Post-Brutality, this Merauder album is Jorge’s personal favorite, as he had ownership over vocal and artistic direction.
- Tour Memories & Community: Shares stories of major festivals (Dynamo), European tours (with Kickback), and local connections (Wetlands shows, Chicago gigs).
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
Joining Merauder & Destiny (00:02 / 32:29 / 50:53)
“I never in my life set out to do any of this, and it's all falling into my hands. Like, I never set out to be in a band... it was like it was destined to be that.” —Jorge
On Experiencing Hardcore Community (14:23)
“I felt more at home in the hardcore scene than I did in the metal scene. To me, the metal scene was more just entertainment... But I found more than that in hardcore community.”
The Genesis of the Karate Mosh (16:09)
“The karate came from me ... but I was actually training.” —Jorge
Reflecting on Spirituality & Survival (21:10)
“Something saved me. And it wasn't anything physical, wasn't anything human... something was letting me know. I don't diss spirituality, because something saved me.”
On Artistic Rejection (75:26)
“I thought that that was my only opportunity in life to become somebody. And I ruined it. And I don’t even know what I did.” —Jorge
On the Master Killer Legacy (56:19)
Q: “Did you feel like you made a timeless classic album?”
A: “Not to, like, halfway down the Marauder path.” —Jorge
The Spirit of Hardcore (89:16)
“This is a scene where we’re taught to be warriors, man. You don’t fall in a scene and stay down... I tell these kids, even if you don’t know us and you [...] having some issues. Hit me up, bro. Got social media. Hit me up. Say, oh, I want to talk to you. Holla at me, bro.”
Important Timestamps
- Joining Merauder / Destiny: (00:02, 32:29, 50:53)
- Early Brooklyn/NYHC Stories: (05:04–10:15)
- Division in Scene & Moshing: (14:23–16:09)
- Karate Mosh Origins: (16:09–18:12)
- SOB Stories: (25:07–29:01)
- Making Master Killer: (34:42–36:04, 47:00–56:19)
- Band Turmoil and Recording: (41:11–43:47, 82:27)
- Sepultura Audition: (68:47–78:43)
- Ragman/Personal Lyrics: (86:51–90:47)
- Favorite Show Memory (Dynamo Festival): (97:09)
- Top 4 Hardcore Albums: (106:21–108:53)
- Closing Message: (109:29–109:46)
Conclusion & Final Thoughts
This episode is a living document of Merauder's three-decade journey, layered with NYHC history, brotherhood, and catharsis. Jorge is unguarded, blending humor and pain, pride and humility. He shares both the joys and perils of pursuing music, unwavering dedication to his community, and the unforeseen ways life unfolds—always with the heart of a street kid turned hardcore lifer.
“Never doubt yourself. Don’t be your worst enemy, man. Just live life. Be free. Fuck the distractions. Do what pleases you. Live your life. You’re only gonna get one chance, brother. Peace.” —Jorge (109:29)