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VENDED: Album Review

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9/20/24 sees the independent release of the full length self titled debut album from Des Moines, Iowa natives Vended. Featuring vocalist Griffin Taylor, Simon Crahan on drums, Jeremiah Pugh on bass, Cole Espland on lead guitar, and Connor Grodzicki on rhythm guitar.  

On this album they have taken more abrasive elements of nu metal as seen in the late 90s from bands like Slipknot and Soulfly and utilized elements of metalcore to slap a fresh coat of paint on the style. There are elements that remind me of the more modern and spastic styles of nu metal, similar to a band like Tallah. 

Griffins vocal styling showcases mid range screams as the main driving force bending the vocals. True to the nu metal elements the rage and anger perceived from the screams are offset by the occasional catchy riff or fast talking, almost rapping stylized lyrics. 

Crahan shows an impressive command of rhythm with his double bass drum. Driving each track forward with a machine gun like purpose which makes the more groove oriented parts hit much harder.  Crahan in addition to the rest of the rhythm section(Espland and Pugh) all really work together well to keep the momentum moving forward while not sacrificing said groove. 

While I wouldn’t call it album of the year or anything. It’s definitely worth checking out.  Standout tracks: “Nihilism” and “The Far Side”. 

Vended can be found on the usual socials. And the album is available on all streaming platforms. And physical copies can be purchased though https://www.officialvended.com

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DevilSkin “Surfacing” EP 

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It’s been 4 years since Devilskin’s last album, “Red.” The New Zealand band has followed up with their new EP, “Surfacing.” 

This 6-song EP starts off with “Whale Song,” which just rocks and puts you right in the mood for what Devilskin is going to bring. I love Jennie Skulander’s voice; it works perfectly with the tone and grittiness of the album. 

The EP has two covers on it. “Barracuda,” which we reviewed before and is a great cover song. The band also takes a swing at Dio’s “Holy Diver.” I am pretty critical about anyone covering Dio. Most bands try too hard to sound like Ronnie, which doesn’t always work out. However, I like this cover because the band takes their own path when covering it and makes it their own. 

“Let Me Breathe,” “Insects,” and “Unborn” round up the rest of the EP. Which makes the EP a great listen from beginning to end. There has been a great resurgence of bands coming from New Zealand that kick ass. DevilSkin is on top of that list of bands. I hope that they make it over to the US soon so we can get a chance to check them out live. If you’re into a great rock EP and want to listen to something new and fresh, I recommend checking out this EP.

 THIS IS A SPONSORED REVIEW BROUGHT TO YOU BY TAG PUBLICITY   

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Them Damn Kings “Shown With A Fist”

Ron

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Them Damn Kings from NJ just released a new single “Shown With a Fist”.
If you like your music in your face with a touch of old school rock and roll this is the band for you. It’s got gritty vocals and pounding drums adding in some killer guitar shreds.
It’s a song that you listen to when you want to get into a bar fight or want to drive your car really fast down the highway.
It’s worth a listen, check out the lyric video below with a little bonus guitar mortal kombat shred off.

THIS IS A SPONSORED REVIEW BROUGHT TO YOU BY TAG PUBLICITY   

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100 Watt Vipers “Wired For Power” 

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Garage Rock/Blues band 100 Watt Vipers make their comeback after a a few hiatus with the new EP “Wired For Power”. 

If you’re into blues rock, with a little splash of bands like BuckCherry and AC/DC, Then you should check out this album. It has is slow blues flair to it with those blues guitar licks and that soulful vocals. 

The 7 song EP. Has tracks like “Live Free”, “Hell Hounds”, and “Wired for Power”. I myself have never been a huge Blues music guy with the exception of a few musicians. I feel that most of the songs on this EP are very repetitive. For someone who’s not that in tune to the style would say that every song pretty much sounds the same. That necessarily a bad thing but fans out side of the genre might fun it a little bland and boring. 

I do love the sound of Roberts voice on the tracks but still do feel that repetitive vibe throughout the album. It’s only my opinion and feel that you should check out the band and form yours. 

THIS IS A SPONSORED REVIEW BROUGHT TO YOU BY TAG PUBLICITY   

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