ALBUM REVIEW: Vended – Vended
Even at the release of their debut, VENDED are a bit of a paradox. To this day, there are people out there who will hear their name and ask ‘who?’, before experiencing the heaviness that unfolds before them. Meanwhile, some know exactly who the band are and how they got here. Starting off like their elders did in Des Moines, VENDED‘s 13-track debut features two sons of SLIPLNOT: vocalist Griffin Taylor and drummer Simon Crahan. But reducing them to sons of those in a popular metal band feels blasphemous, especially when such talent is on display.
On their self-titled album, VENDED‘s sound is refined. The LP starts with a building crescendo of instrumentation in Intro, pulsating with a sound resembling a thumping heartbeat. By Paint The Skin, the energy meter is cranked up. Vocalist Taylor provides harsh growls over the sound of fierce guitars and thunderous drums. Even by this point, their cohesion as a band is blatant.
Third track The Far Side is a perfect example of the inspiration VENDED have taken and structured in their own way. It is nu-metal at its finest. Upon listening it would be easy to think you have time warped to the early 2000s. While they deserve all the credit for their talent, the influence they draw from their parents in SLIPKNOT is most prominent here. Nevertheless, it is a catchy tune and they have made it their own.
Going Up provides an almost calming interval before Nihilism takes us in its teeth and tears us to pieces. When VENDED released the song as a single it accumulated just over 641,000 listens on Spotify. It is already a fan favourite, and it is easy to understand why. Meanwhile, songs like Serenity explore the raw and emotional theme of isolation and losing the true version of yourself. Following this, Where The Honesty Lies includes lyrics that listeners can sing along to and ends with a slowed-down riff and a sinister laugh.
Penultimate track Downfall features a drum solo by Crahan that suggests an aptitude for drumming may run in the family. His technique brims with a certain flair, and it is a great way of showcasing his ability. To conclude, the album snaps to a sudden end with minute-long track As We Know It.
VENDED are here to breathe life into the new era of metal. They stray from the path of nepotism by doing their own thing on their own label. Also, they are bringing nu-metal back. It is safe to say what they have already is tremendous, not to mention special. So if you’re considering giving a band just starting to blossom a chance, now is the time.
Rating: 8/10
Vended is out now via self-release.
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