Get out your pitchforks sluts because we’re about to talk about nu-metal. It’s a dirty phrase for some, but like it or not, it is making a comeback. As inexplicable as that may be, Vended are in that realm, but their famous fathers who are as well are bound to shed some light on the band, and probably some undue criticism. Leave the kids alone.
The first track I’ll mention, with its Iowa-esque intro is “The Far Side.” Early Corey Taylor, Griffin’s proud father, can easily be referenced in the chorus’ clean vocals. Otherwise, one could be mistaken for thinking this song is an outtake from Vol 3. The gasping-for-breath vocals are straight out of the first two Slipknot albums. As I mentioned before, it’s not going to be easy to write this without comparisons to them. At the end of the track, Griffin goes into death growl territory, and that works quite well.
Further in, “Nihilism” could be the heaviest track. Of course, many comparisons can be made to the obvious previously mentioned band. This track particularly has that earlier Slipknot-styled riff in the verse, but those chorus vocals make it very difficult to distinguish Griffin from his father. There’s nothing wrong with it as I happen to be a fan (although my fandom is waning as time goes on). The ending part is perhaps the heaviest moment on the album, especially when it all starts to break down at the end.
At this point, I want to mention the performances of not only Simon, Shawn Crahan’s son on the drums but also the other members who do not have famous fathers. Jeremiah Pugh’s bass is chunky and ever-present. The heaviness in the riffs from Cole Espeland and Connor Grodzicki cannot be underestimated, either. Without them, it doesn’t come together.
The short burst of “Downfall” is the next track on my agenda at under 2 minutes (that’s a long time for some people). It’s more of a punk song with its downbeat and drum solo. Wait, are there solos in punk?
Coupled with it is the final track “As We Know It,” which gives off serious “Scissor” vibes from Slipknot’s first album. However, it’s only around a minute, and not hidden after a bunch of nonsense. Somehow, that’s the end of it and I’m not entirely sure how I feel about the album ending on 2 tracks for a total of 3 minutes. I complain about longer songs at the end of albums as well, so I guess there’s no pleasing me.
I know I couldn’t get out of my way when it came to the Slipknot comparisons, but can you blame me? The fact remains however that Vended is not a complete clone. They’re a young band whose influences shine through. Bands who have an approach of copying their idols when it’s a particularly heavy or beloved underground band don’t get shit for it. Neither should Vended because their debut is not only infinitely listenable and repeatable, but it’s also damn good, and a great start for the youngsters.
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