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Vexed (band)

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Vexed
OriginHertfordshire, England
Genres
Years active2019–present
LabelsNapalm
Members
  • Megan Targett
  • Jay Bacon
  • Willem Mason-Geraghty
Past members
  • Callan Hughes
  • Al Harper
Websitevexedvexedvexed.com

Vexed are a British alternative metal band from Hertfordshire, formed in 2019.[1] The band consists of vocalist Megan Targett, guitarist Jay Bacon, bassist Al Harper and drummer Willem Mason-Geraghty.

History

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2019: Formation and early singles

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Vexed were formed on New Years Day 2019, by vocalist Megan Targett, guitarist Jay Bacon and drummer Willem Mason-Geraghty.[2][3] All three members had played together in a band whose direction they had grown to dislike following numerous lineup changes;[4] Targett said that she felt limited in what she could do as a female musician in the band, and as a result "didn’t have a lot of respect for the music or myself because none of it was genuine to me."[2] After reaching a collective breaking point that almost led them to quit music altogether, they decided to form a new band together where they could write, wear, play and say whatever they wanted.[2][3] Targett said that Vexed's name was inspired from the widespread use of the word in The Count of Monte Cristo, stating that she related with the word and her lyrics.[5] The band's lineup originally featured guitarist Callan Hughes.[6][7]

After the band's formation, Vexed began meeting up a couple of times a week to work on new material.[3] In April 2019, Vexed self-released their debut single, "Elite", featuring then-Thy Art Is Murder vocalist CJ McMahon.[8][9] The collaboration came about from Targett reaching out to McMahon on Instagram; he initially declined due to his busy schedule, but quickly changed his mind after listening to the music and recorded his parts for the song the following day.[10][11] The song received over 500,000 streams across various platforms by 2021.[12] In May 2019, they released their second single, "Dominate".[13] In July 2019, Vexed performed their first ever show on the Fireball Whiskey stage of the UK Tech-Fest in Newark-on-Trent.[14][10][N 1] The success of "Elite" brought Vexed to the attention of a promoter in Switzerland, leading the band to organize a tour of the country.[1] Vexed recruited bassist Al Harper for the tour two weeks before it began;[4] by its end, he had officially joined the band.[3][16] In October 2019, the band toured the United Kingdom with In Depths.[10]

2020–2022: Culling Culture

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In 2019, Vexed recorded on their debut album, Culling Culture, with producer and Exist Immortal frontman Meyrick de La Fuente.[3][17] The album revolves around the idea of removing or "cancelling" negative individuals from one's life,[18][19] and standing up for yourself.[20] Targett has said that eight songs are based on a set individual, detailing "the experience[s] I went through, and now how I have absolutely nothing to do with them."[3] Most of the bass parts on Culling Culture were written by de La Fuente, as Vexed did not have a bassist at the time; Harper joined as they were completing the album.[3] Despite this, he learnt and played all of its bass parts and contributed to the writing of "Fake",[3] the last song written and recorded for the album.[18] In late 2019, Vexed signed with Tone Management, who shopped the band and the near-complete Culling Culture to various record labels.[3][16] After a period of no interest, Napalm Records offered to release the album and Vexed subsequently signed with the label.[3][21]

Vexed planned on releasing the album in 2020, but the COVID-19 pandemic forced the band to delay its release by eight months.[20] The pandemic also led to the cancellation of a planned tour of Europe supporting Whitechapel and numerous festival appearances.[22] In January 2021, Vexed announced their signing to Napalm and released Culling Culture on 21 May 2021,[12][23] to generally positive reviews.[24][25][26] Following the album's release, Vexed performed at the 2021 Bloodstock Open Air festival on the Sophie Lancaster stage,[27] and embarked on a headlining tour of the United Kingdom in January 2022.[28] The band also performed as an opening act for In Flames on their tour of the United Kingdom in March 2022,[29] and for Spiritbox on two London dates in June 2022.[30][31]

2023–present: Negative Energy

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On the day of Culling Culture's release, Targett's grandfather was hospitalized with pulmonary fibrosis.[32] Vexed was put on hiatus to allow her to care for him; he died three months later.[33] The other members of the band also lost family members and loved ones after the album's release.[34] The band attempted to work on new material in November 2021,[35] but struggled with writer's block; Harper stepped back from writing after a year.[36] Targett said that the band had tried to apply a positive "silver lining" to their songs due to the turmoil in their lives, but ultimately found it disingenuous.[32][34][36] After eight months,[37] they scrapped seven songs worth of material, saving only three or four riffs.[37] The band eventually decided to write about how they truly felt,[33][38] and wrote and recorded their second album, Negative Energy, in three months.[36] Meyrick de La Fuente returned as producer and also played bass on the album in place of Harper, who still performs with the band live.[39]

Negative Energy features an overall heavier sound to their debut, reducing the use of clean vocals.[40] Whilst primarily addressing the subject of mourning and loss,[39] its also covers the music industry, religion, and mental health.[38][41] The album was released on 23 June 2023[42] to positive reviews.[43][44][45] Vexed embarked on a headlining tour of the United Kingdom in October 2023, supported by Pulse.[46] The band toured Europe with Cabal in January 2024,[47] and toured the continent again supporting Carnifex in March and April.[48] Vexed has plans to release an extended play (EP) in 2025, featuring material written during the COVID-19 lockdowns in 2020.[49]

Musical style and influences

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Vexed have been described as alternative metal[26][38][44] and deathcore.[37][50][51] The band's sound also features elements of djent,[50][37] nu metal,[51][52] hip-hop[51] and grime.[51][53] The band's influences include Emmure,[54] King 810,[54] Limp Bizkit,[39] Megan Thee Stallion,[1][55] Meshuggah,[1] N.W.A.,[1] Thy Art Is Murder,[1] and Veil of Maya.[56] "Elite" was heavily inspired by Thy Art is Murder's Dear Desolation (2017),[1] whilst Negative Energy was influenced more by non-metal artists such as The Prodigy,[4][57][58] Sia, JME,[4] Rico Nasty and Lorn.[57]

Band members

[edit]

Current members

  • Megan Targett - vocals (2019–present)
  • Jay Bacon - guitar (2019–present)
  • Willem Mason-Geraghty - drums (2019–present)

Session musicians

  • Meyrick de La Fuente - bass (2023)[39]

Past members

  • Callan Hughes - guitar (2019)
  • Al Harper - bass (2019–2024)[citation needed]

Discography

[edit]

Studio albums

List of studio albums, with selected details
Title Album details
Culling Culture
Negative Energy
  • Released: 23 June 2023
  • Label: Napalm
  • Format: CD, LP, DD

Singles

List of singles
Title Year Album
"Elite" (featuring CJ McMahon)[8] 2019 Non-album single
"Dominate"[13]
"Hideous"[52] 2021 Culling Culture
"Epiphany"[59]
"Misery"[60]
"Fake"[61]
"Anti-Fetish"[62] 2023 Negative Energy
"X My <3 (Hope to Die)"[63]
"Trauma Euphoria"[64]
"Lay Down Your Flowers"[65]
"It's Not the End"[66] 2024

Notes

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  1. ^ Vexed were previously booked to perform a number of shows prior to the 2019 UK Tech-Fest, but they were cancelled "due to circumstances outside of [the band's] control", according to Tagrett.[1] The band had been scheduled to play their debut headline show at the Black Heart in London on 28 June 2019;[11] the venue was raided by the authorities before the band could take the stage.[15]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c d e f g h Hardrada, Kiel (4 April 2021). "Weaponise - Exclusive interview with Vexed". Scream Blast Repeat. Archived from the original on 5 April 2021. Retrieved 21 August 2024.
  2. ^ a b c Rogers, Jack (18 May 2021). "This Is How Vexed Channelled Their Pain And Hurt To Create Something Truly Monumental". Rock Sound. Archived from the original on 19 May 2021. Retrieved 18 June 2024.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Tilkin, Laureline (25 May 2021). "Interview with Vexed — "I use my anger and pain to push it to a positive place."". Tuonela Magazine. Retrieved 21 August 2024.
  4. ^ a b c d Loffredo, Fabio (20 August 2023). "VEXED – Intervista alla cantante Megan Targett" [Interview with singer Megan Targett]. TuttoRock Magazine (in Italian). Retrieved 23 August 2024.
  5. ^ Marshall, Will (24 May 2021). ""It does peel the skin off and rip into the ears a bit!" | An interview with VEXED". Noizze UK. Archived from the original on 24 August 2024. Retrieved 21 August 2024.
  6. ^ robilaz (28 May 2019). "New Band of the Week: Vexed". GigRadar. Archived from the original on 21 August 2024. Retrieved 21 August 2024.
  7. ^ Thorley, Andy (1 May 2019). "Band of the Day: Vexed". Maximum Volume Music. Archived from the original on 24 August 2024. Retrieved 24 August 2024.
  8. ^ a b Anon. (8 April 2019). "News: Vexed drop debut single "Elite"!". Metal Noise. Archived from the original on 23 August 2024. Retrieved 23 August 2024.
  9. ^ Hughes, Russell (25 April 2019). "Vexed release brand new music video for debut single Elite". Rushonrock. Archived from the original on 18 June 2024. Retrieved 23 August 2024.
  10. ^ a b c DJ Vapour (13 July 2019). "Exclusive Interview: Vexed on Tech-Fest and all the rest!". Metal Noise. Archived from the original on 18 June 2024. Retrieved 21 August 2024.
  11. ^ a b Hughes, Russell (31 May 2019). "Exclusive interview: Vexed chat Whitechapel and playing music they hate". Rushonrock. Archived from the original on 2 August 2023. Retrieved 23 August 2024.
  12. ^ a b BraveWords (28 January 2021). "Vexed Sign Worldwide Record Deal With Napalm Records". bravewords.com. Archived from the original on 24 August 2024. Retrieved 21 August 2024.
  13. ^ a b DJ Vapour (23 May 2019). "News: Vexed are here to "Dominate"?". Metal Noise. Retrieved 24 August 2024.
  14. ^ Redrup, Zach (2 May 2019). "News: TTNG, Annotations of an Autopsy, and more join UK Tech-Fest 2019!". Dead Press!. Archived from the original on 15 June 2021. Retrieved 24 August 2024.
  15. ^ DJ Vapour (12 February 2022). "Exclusive Interview: 20 Questions with Megan Targett from Vexed!". Metal Noise. Archived from the original on 18 June 2024. Retrieved 24 August 2024.
  16. ^ a b Bowar, Chad (22 May 2021). "Meet The Band: Vexed". Heavy Music HQ. Archived from the original on 28 November 2023. Retrieved 21 August 2024.
  17. ^ Dave (9 June 2021). "Interview: Megan Targett of Vexed". Devil's Gate Music. Retrieved 23 August 2024.
  18. ^ a b Heath, Michael (15 June 2021). "Track-by-Track: Vexed - 'Culling Culture'". Dead Press!. Archived from the original on 16 June 2021. Retrieved 21 August 2024.
  19. ^ "Vexed (UK) - "Erfolg und Glück sind die beste Rache"" ["Success and happiness are the best revenge"]. metal.de (in German). 25 May 2021. p. 1. Retrieved 23 August 2024.
  20. ^ a b Parr, George (1 August 2021). "Toxicity, Self-Loathing and Cancel Culture: Why Vexed Are Pissed Off". Astral Noize. Archived from the original on 21 August 2024. Retrieved 21 August 2024.
  21. ^ Sercifer (23 August 2023). "Entrevista a Vexed (Megan Targett)". Metallerium (in Spanish). Retrieved 23 August 2024.
  22. ^ Redrup, Zach (13 March 2020). "News: Whitechapel cancel UK/European tour due to coronavirus!". Dead Press!. Archived from the original on 12 June 2021. Retrieved 23 August 2024.
  23. ^ Weaver, James (23 February 2021). "Vexed announce debut album 'Culling Culture'". Distorted Sound Magazine. Retrieved 23 August 2024.
  24. ^ Travers, Paul (19 May 2021). "Album review: Vexed – Culling Culture". Kerrang!. Archived from the original on 17 April 2024. Retrieved 23 August 2024.
  25. ^ Knauß, Luisa (3 May 2021). "Vexed - Culling Culture". metal.de (in German). Archived from the original on 17 April 2024. Retrieved 23 August 2024.
  26. ^ a b Maughan, Sophie (June 2021). "Album Reviews". Metal Hammer. No. 348. UK: Future plc. p. 99.
  27. ^ Weaver, James (3 October 2021). "Vexed: A Baptism Of Fire". Distorted Sound Magazine. Retrieved 23 August 2024.
  28. ^ Weaver, James (7 October 2021). "Vexed announce UK tour". Distorted Sound Magazine. Archived from the original on 17 April 2024. Retrieved 23 August 2024.
  29. ^ In Flames supporting tour:
  30. ^ Team, Metal-Rules com UK (19 June 2022). "Spiritbox + Caskets + Vexed @ O2 Academy Islington, London". Metal Rules. Retrieved 23 August 2024.
  31. ^ Edwards, Joe (16 June 2022). "Live Review: Spiritbox, Static Dress & Vexed at O2 Islington, London". Boolin Tunes. Retrieved 23 August 2024.
  32. ^ a b Swingle, Emily (19 September 2023). ""Negative Energy destroyed me in the best way": How Vexed turned tragedy and trauma into one of 2023's most emotionally explosive albums". Metal Hammer. Archived from the original on 17 April 2024. Retrieved 21 August 2024 – via loudersound.
  33. ^ a b Woodworth, Woody (5 October 2023). "Interview: Megan Targett and Jay Bacon of Vexed Talk 'Negative Energy'". New Noise Magazine. Archived from the original on 6 August 2024. Retrieved 24 August 2024.
  34. ^ a b McGinn, Katarina (9 July 2023). "Vexed – Music is Nonbinary". Dead Rhetoric. Archived from the original on 18 June 2024. Retrieved 23 August 2024.
  35. ^ Edwards, Joe (8 June 2022). "Vexed - The UK's Dark Horse Firmly Finding Their Stride". Boolin Tunes. Archived from the original on 23 August 2024. Retrieved 23 August 2024.
  36. ^ a b c David, Maximo (14 June 2023). "In Conversation: Megan Targett of Vexed". Boolin Tunes. Archived from the original on 17 April 2024. Retrieved 23 August 2024.
  37. ^ a b c d Kupetz, Arne (June–July 2023). "The simpler the better". Ox-Fanzine (in German). Archived from the original on 18 June 2024. Retrieved 21 August 2024.
  38. ^ a b c Hingle, James (29 June 2023). "Vexed: "This album was the most cathartic, therapeutic thing we could have done"". Kerrang!. Archived from the original on 18 June 2024. Retrieved 21 August 2024.
  39. ^ a b c d Borghi, Maurizio (8 July 2023). "Vexed - La grinta sotto il dolore" [The Grit Beneath the Pain]. Metalitalia.com (in Italian). Archived from the original on 18 May 2024. Retrieved 21 August 2024.
  40. ^ Bradshaw, Josh (27 October 2023). "Interview: Vexed @ Misery Loves Company". The Scene. Archived from the original on 18 June 2024. Retrieved 24 August 2024.
  41. ^ MetalSucks (23 June 2023). "Exclusive: Vexed Breaks Down the Aggressive Output of Their New Album Negative Energy". MetalSucks. Archived from the original on 18 June 2024. Retrieved 23 August 2024.
  42. ^ Roberts, Rachel (20 June 2023). "Album review: Vexed – Negative Energy". Kerrang!. Retrieved 24 August 2024.
  43. ^ Swingle, Emily (August 2023). "Album Reviews". Metal Hammer. No. 376. UK: Future plc. p. 93.
  44. ^ a b Kleemann, Jannik (16 June 2023). "Vexed - Negative Energy". metal.de. Archived from the original on 17 April 2024. Retrieved 21 August 2024.
  45. ^ Kupetz, Arne (June–July 2023). "Review - Vexed - Negative Energy". Ox-Fanzine (in German). Archived from the original on 24 August 2024. Retrieved 24 August 2024.
  46. ^ Weaver, James (7 August 2023). "Vexed announce UK tour". Distorted Sound Magazine. Archived from the original on 7 August 2023. Retrieved 24 August 2024.
  47. ^ Anon. (25 October 2023). "UK alt-metal trio VEXED announce UK and EU tour with Cabal". Hold Tight. Archived from the original on 24 August 2024. Retrieved 24 August 2024.
  48. ^ Kennelty, Greg (3 November 2023). "Carnifex, Aborted, Revocation & Vexed Announce European Tour". Metal Injection. Retrieved 24 August 2024.
  49. ^ Miller, George (19 December 2023). "Interview: Vexed "I know people say this, but 2024 is going to go off!"". Devolution Magazine. Archived from the original on 19 June 2024. Retrieved 24 August 2024.
  50. ^ a b Enis, Eli (7 February 2022). "Beyond Breakdowns and Pig Squeals: 10 Rising Bands Pushing Deathcore Forward". Revolver. Retrieved 21 August 2024.
  51. ^ a b c d Cordova, Daniel (23 June 2023). "THE WEEKLY INJECTION: New Releases From VEXED, TSJUDER & More Out Today 6/23". Metal Injection. Archived from the original on 24 August 2024. Retrieved 21 August 2024.
  52. ^ a b DiVita, Joe (23 February 2021). "U.K. Alt-Metal Brutalizers Vexed Are Sick of This World Too on New Song 'Hideous'". Loudwire. Retrieved 21 August 2024.
  53. ^ Howell, Maddy (21 June 2023). "The best policy: Vexed highlight honest conversation on their visceral new album, 'Negative Energy'". Knotfest. Archived from the original on 18 June 2024. Retrieved 21 August 2024.
  54. ^ a b Enis, Eli (20 May 2021). "Vexed's Megan Targett: My Top 6 Vocal Heroes". Revolver. Retrieved 21 August 2024.
  55. ^ Loudwire (9 July 2021). "The Hip-Hop Artists That Inspire Vexed Vocalist Megan Targett". Loudwire. Archived from the original on 17 April 2024. Retrieved 23 August 2024.
  56. ^ Knauß, Luisa (25 May 2021). "Vexed (UK) - "Erfolg und Glück sind die beste Rache"" ["Success and happiness are the best revenge"]. metal.de (in German). p. 2. Retrieved 23 August 2024.
  57. ^ a b Kleemann, Jannik (19 July 2023). "Vexed - "Metal macht mehr Spaß, wenn es mit anderen Stilen vermischt ist."" [Metal is more fun when mixed with other styles.]. metal.de (in German). Retrieved 24 August 2024.
  58. ^ Oakeshott, Will (6 July 2023). "Megan Targett – Vexed 'Something's Lost, But Something's Gained, In Living Everyday.'". Wall of Sound AU. Archived from the original on 18 June 2024. Retrieved 24 August 2024.
  59. ^ BraveWords (23 March 2021). "Vexed Release "Epiphany" Single And Music Video". bravewords.com. Archived from the original on 17 April 2024. Retrieved 24 August 2024.
  60. ^ Howkins, Jessica (22 April 2021). "Vexed release new music video for 'Misery'". Distorted Sound Magazine. Archived from the original on 17 April 2024. Retrieved 24 August 2024.
  61. ^ Weaver, James (19 May 2021). "Vexed release new music video for 'Fake'". Distorted Sound Magazine. Archived from the original on 17 April 2024. Retrieved 24 August 2024.
  62. ^ Kerrang! Staff (27 April 2023). "Rising Brit alt.metallers Vexed announce album with new song Anti-Fetish". Kerrang!. Archived from the original on 18 June 2024. Retrieved 24 August 2024.
  63. ^ Carter, Emily (24 May 2023). "Vexed drop ominous new single and video, X my <3 (Hope to die)". Kerrang!. Retrieved 24 August 2024.
  64. ^ Weaver, James (22 June 2023). "Vexed release new music video for 'Trauma Euphoria'". Distorted Sound Magazine. Retrieved 24 August 2024.
  65. ^ Weaver, James (17 September 2023). "Vexed release new music video for 'Lay Down Your Flowers'". Distorted Sound Magazine. Retrieved 24 August 2024.
  66. ^ Weaver, James (11 March 2024). "Vexed release new music video for 'It's not the end'". Distorted Sound Magazine. Archived from the original on 17 April 2024. Retrieved 24 August 2024.
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