Vended - Show the UK what they have to offer!!!

****

Are ones to watch!!!

Vended **** are a band we have been keeping an eye on for a while now, actually over the last few years. As most people now that Vended are the band containing the songs of key members of Slipknot Corey Taylor and Shawn 'Clown' Craham. Vended are Griffin Taylor (Vocals) / Simon Craham (Drums) / Connor Grodzicki (Guitar) / Cole Espeland (Guitar) and Jeremiah Pugh (Bass). The bands debut single the track 'Asylum' got them a lot of attention, and for me a fan of this genre made me very excited about what this band would produce in the future. We all know that they will get a lot of people to listen to their music because who their dads are, this happened to Rise to Remain, The Raven Age, Die Kur and Lauren Harris (Members of these bands / acts having parents in Iron Maiden). But this will only get you so far, and at times might be more of a hindrance than a help. At the end of the day I think a good band will come out as a good band, and Vended are a good band... that could turn into a great band.

The bands destiny is in their hands and nobody elses, if they release great music and play amazing shows. Then people will notice and not care who their parents are, if they release bad music... people are horrible and are going to say something. So yes! this is a weight on Vended, that maybe they don't need. But I have to say I was very impressed with Vended's music and their live performances, they really standout as a band in their own right. I would say they have got some influences from being around their parents, but that is life... you learn from what you hear. Their is elements of 2000's Nu-Metal scene from bands like Mudvayne, Drowning Pool, HellYeah, Korn, From first to Last, Nothingfrace, Facecage, The Union Underground, Society 1 and I hate to say it Slipknot.

I was lucky enought to catch the band at their two UK performances, and I have to say the contrast of the two performances were so different. From the hot and sweaty chaos of their special exclusive and intimate London, Black Heart show in the heart of Camden. To a well polished main stage performance at this years edition of The Bloodstock Festival, where you could hear every note clearly. At both shows you could see they are a well put together band with something to offer, and their is hardly a note that is wrong. Even when put under the extreme pressure of a very small venue, in extreme heat. I think their really a place for Vended in 2022, their has been a resurgence in the Nu-Metal sound. And a lot of bands have started mixing up genres again, and like the sound of the down tuned guitar. And Vended mix up all of this with modern Metal sounds, and a pure aggression and ambition to succeed.

I think Vended are a band that could produce some very interesting albums over the years, if their debut EP 'What is It / Kill It' and new single 'Ded to Me' are anything to go by. Then I think their is a very exciting future, ahead of Vended. I read a quote by the band recently "We are going to be the biggest band ever!!!", do I think they will reach this... I have to say no I don't think that. But I am not one to take anyone's dream away from them, and I like the fact the band thinks that. That is the way to succeed and I do actually hope they prove me wrong. Because that will mean, some really interesting albums. And I am a fan of this genre, and already listening to Vended so the more music the better. I am sure Metallica never thought in the early days, when they were in a crappy van that was always breaking down that they would get where they are now. Yes! it can happen to anyeone, and I like the fact they are going for it.

Both performances are electrifying but for me I enjoyed the Bloodstock Festival more, but maybe this is because I am older now and want something different from a show. The festival show was well lit during the day, so I could see everything that was going on. And the London show was dark, with a blue light and I was getting pushed into the side of the room the whole way through. Also for me the sound at the Bloodstock Festival was more crisp and I could hear every word and note, which for me is a big plus because I really want to be able to hear the music clearly. Guitarist Cole is great to watch he reminds me of a young Ben Bruce (Asking Alexandria), and the drummer Simon reminds me of a young Taylor Hawkins (Foo Fighters). Yes musicians at the top of their game, who know how to perform live.

Highlights for me were opener 'Ded to Me', 'Asylum' and 'Antibody', all of which are really hard hitting tracks. All performed with a furious pace, and intensity, if you are a fan of Metal music you must check out Vended because they could possibly be one of your new favourite bands. I am glad I checked them out, and I will check them out again in the future. I am looking forward to a full length album and some music videos, and seeing how the band can progress in the future.

Review and Photos by Dan Devour

Vended - Bloodstock Festival Setlist
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Intro
Ded to Me
Burn my Misery
Bloodline
Overall
My Wrongs
Don't Scream
Asylum
Fear Forgotten
Antibody

Listen! to the Track 'Antibody' Below...