Young Nu Metal band Vended, including Simon Crahan (drums) and Griffin Taylor (vocals), have often been accused of cashing in on the success of their famous fathers, Mr. Shawn “Clown” Crahan and Corey Taylor of Slipknot. Although these connections have undoubtedly boosted their careers, the members of Vended are keen to defend their talent and their legitimacy in the industry.
“We are here because we are good”
In a recent interview with Metal HammerSimon Crahan rejected accusations of nepotism: “My dad said to me, 'I wouldn't have put you on tour if you weren't good.' We wouldn't play festivals if we weren't good. We are a good group. We play good music. This is why we are here. We discovered this talent on our own, and everyone thinks it was handed to us on a platter…”
These comments echo those of Griffin Taylor, who admits to being affected by criticism early in their career: “I was a teenager with a lot of feelings and emotions, and I didn't know how to deal with it. It depressed me deeply.” He also spoke about the mockery he sometimes hears during concerts: “Some people shout things from the crowd or make jokes, like 'Play Duality!' I get on the mic and say, 'Wrong band, man.'”
Also read: “Without Dave Lombardo, I probably wouldn't be where I am today”: Paul Mazurkiewicz (Cannibal Corpse) shares his admiration for Dave Lombardo (Slayer)
Influences and musical identity
Despite the obvious comparisons to Slipknot, Griffin Taylor has revealed that one of his main singing role models is not his father, but King 810 frontman David Gunn. “When I was in high school, I listened to it all the time. I tried to imitate his screams to get deep, guttural, disgusting sounds. Practicing his music really helped me reach lower notes.”
A promising future
Vended's self-titled debut album, released last September, received a positive reception. The group is now preparing to go on tour again next April, sharing the bill with While She Sleeps and Bury Tomorrow for a series of concerts in North America.
Despite the criticism and accusations, Vended seem determined to prove that their place on the Metal scene is deserved.
