A new era of heavy music is rising, and Vended is leading the charge with their explosive blend of aggression, authenticity, and sheer force of will. Hailing from Des Moines, Iowa, the same city that gave rise to Slipknot, Vended was forged with a passion to push the boundaries of what heavy music can be. Every riff, every scream, and every breakdown is fueled by a burning desire to take the world by storm, and they’ve made it clear: there will be no compromises.
Formed in 2018 by Griffin Taylor (vocals), Cole Espeland (lead guitar), Jeremiah Pugh (bass), Connor Grodzicki (guitar), and Simon Crahan (drums), Vended came together with a shared vision of creating music that was bold, raw, and uncompromising. Their journey started in obscurity, honing their craft in Simon’s basement until they were confident in the powerhouse they had become. Unlike many other young bands, Vended didn’t rush their evolution, choosing instead to focus on developing their unique sound and message.
Their breakout came in 2021 with the release of the What Is It//Kill It EP, which set the tone for what would follow. They soon found themselves on the cover of Kerrang! and were hailed by Revolver as one of the “10 Bands Leading the New Wave of Nü-Metal.” Their live performances, whether supporting acts like Korn, Bring Me The Horizon, and Knocked Loose or tearing up festival stages, cemented their reputation as one of the most electrifying new bands in metal today.
2024 saw the release of their self-titled debut album, Vended, produced by Chris Collier (Korn, Prong) and engineered by James “Fluff” Harley. The album is a testament to the band’s relentless drive, packed with the same raw energy and intensity that defines their live shows. Vended doesn’t hold back. Each track feels like a visceral release, confronting the harsh realities of the world while simultaneously embracing a reckless, primal joy.
Vended’s music is more than just an aggressive assault on the senses – it’s a manifesto. It’s about perseverance, brotherhood, and confronting life’s challenges head-on. Griffin Taylor’s scathing vocal delivery is matched by the ferocious rhythms and riffs of his bandmates, creating a sound that’s both chaotic and cathartic. Whether they’re performing for thousands or locked away in a basement writing the next big hit, Vended remains committed to their craft, their fans, and their vision of heavy music.
Their meteoric rise is a testament to their talent, hard work, and refusal to be anything but authentic. Vended represents the next generation of heavy music, carrying the torch of nü-metal into the future while making their own mark on the genre. With world domination in their sights, Vended’s journey has only just begun – and they’re bringing their fans along for the wild ride.
KNOTFEST AUSTRALIA 2025 DATES AND VENUES:
- Friday 28 February 2025 – Flemington Racecourse, Melbourne
- Sunday 2 March 2025 – Brisbane Showground, Brisbane
- Saturday 8 March 2025 – Centennial Park, Sydney
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