Warzone was a pioneering hardcore punk band from Manhattan’s Lower East Side, active from 1983 to 1997. Originally known as Rat Poison, they played a key role in shaping the New York hardcore scene, the hardcore skinhead movement, and the youth crew subgenre. Their sound blended hardcore punk with influences from Oi, traditional punk, and heavy metal. Warzone drew a diverse audience, attracting skinheads, straight edge fans, metalheads, and punks. The band was led by Raymond Raybeez Barbieri, its founding member and longtime frontman. Raybeez, a Navy veteran, started as the band’s drummer before becoming its singer, and remained with Warzone until his passing in 1997 at age 35. After his death, Warzone’s impact was honored through benefit concerts and dedications, continuing Raybeez’s legacy of supporting at-risk youth. The band is recognized for spearheading the second major wave of New York hardcore in the mid-1980s.