Vended / Rescue Rooms / Nottingham
As we wind out way along the lengthy queue to get into the Rescue Rooms, there’s a real buzz in the air, and a sense of excitement. This is Vended, a young Nu-Metal band from Des Moines, Iowa. Notably, the band includes lead singer Griffin Taylor and drummer Simon Crahan the sons of Slipknot duo Corey Taylor and Shawn (Clown) Crahan. Clearly, some are here because of the connection, but I’ve heard excellent things about them as a band…… I’m looking forward to this one !
Its great to seer the place packed for the support bands too, and first up we have Profiler from Bristol, fronted by singer/guitarist Mike Evans. A great set and some great tracks. Their style has some massive guitar riffs that burst into life in the chorus sections, mixed with some crushing bass. Tight and enjoyable, they are definitely a band to watch out for as they grow. An enjoyable start that went down real well with the crowd.
Next up is Melbourne Australia natives The Gloom in the Corner. I’d not heard of them before tonight and didn’t know what to expect. I have to say, it was a thoroughly enjoyable set, hard to pigeon-hole into any one thing. There’s some grunge, metalcore, nu-metal and almost emo stuff in there at times. They have a unique sound and are a great visual band. Singer Mikey Arthur struts round the stage and owns it completely, delivering a great mix of crystal clear and heavy growling vocals, and Paul Musolino on bass is fantastic. In between songs, he squats down and scowlers round the room, exploding into life as the first notes drop. His energy levels are off the scale, swirling, leg kicks and jumps at every opportunity….. just living the music.
It’s a blast from start to finish, and no strangers to touring, its clear too see, the ease at which they interact with the audience, and the quality mix of their sound set up. The atmosphere has racked up a notch, and the crowd are on the edge…. The perfect set up for what’s to come.
Setlist
New Order
Ronin
Behemoth
Misanthropic
Bleed You Out
Nor Hell a Fury
The Jericho Protocol
From Heaven to Hell
Obliteration Imminent
And so to Vended….. the boys from Des Moines Iowa are Griffin Taylor (vocals), Simon Crahan (drums), Jeremiah Pugh (bass & backing vocals), Cole Epseland (lead guitar) and Connor Grodzicki (rhythm guitar & backing vocals). They released the EP ”What Is It//Kill It” in 2021 as well as several stand-alone singles.
The links to Slipknot are obvious, and there’s been so much said about the opportunities this has afforded the young band. BUT, that’s kinda easy and lazy to say, what strikes me about these young lads, is there desire and love for music, and the fact they are touring on their own merit, not riding the coat-tails of their famous parents. It would I suppose, be easy to get some top level support slots with many major acts based on their contacts, but instead, they’re out there plying their trade for the fans at places like the Rescue Rooms and The Fleece. And credit to them for it.
They step out into the spotlight to the sound of Soft Cell’s Tainted Love while we all eagerly sing along, and then WHAM…. They hit us hard right from the off with Nihilism a crashing and brutal number setting the scene for the rest of the set. And the thing that hits you right away ? This is a VERY talented metal band ! The musicianship is excellent, with Jeremiah Pugh on bass and Cole Espeland and Conor Grodzicki on guitars grinding out some ferocious riffs.
Griffin is a striking frontman, with shaved head, painted black, white and blue, theres an edge to the performance. And with Jeremiah painted blue with a Japanese Oni-like mask, they have a presence, that’s for sure !
The set was tight, and the mix was superb. Sometimes with this heavy kinda material, the effect can be lost in a poor mix, but here, it’s crisp and each element is clear and distinct.
The energy levels never dip once for the whole hour long set and the crowd are bouncing, a swirling pit in the centre of crowd gathering pace, and the odd surfer coming over. The band continue in the same vain, Griffin’s make up smudging and smearing creating an even more dramatic look.
The only way to describe it is as visceral. Its fast and furious but controlled and well structured. They demonstrate a professionalism far beyond their years. There’s not a weak track in the set, but highlights for me included Burn My Misery, Where the Honest Lies and final track Asylum.
There is a real similarity between Griffin and Corey’s vocals, there’s bound to be really, but the power and quality of his delivery is all his own.
By the end everyone is drained, band and crowd alike. The temperature is sky high and everyone is sweaty. The fresh air and light rain a real relief and refreshing.
Vended are something special… very special. Yes they have members that are sons of metal legends, but this is a bunch of lads with real skill, real passion for their craft and a drive to succeed on their own terms. Watch out for Vended, they’ll be packing out stadiums before you know it, and its fully deserved based on what we witnessed tonight !
Setlist
Nihilism
Am I the Only One
Bloodline
Burn My Misery
Overall
Serenity
Where the Honesty Lies
The Far Side
Ded to Me
Asylum
