Pit Fiends
Mix in equal parts of all styles of Metal Music, hard work, and focus, and you have the basis of Northern California's own Pit Fiends. A band created by Frank Bedene, bassist and vocalist of Northern California's long running metal act FALLON.
Tell me about your history? How did you get where you are now?
Less than a year ago, Frank Bedene (Bassist and Vocalist for The Norcal Act FALLON), sat down with a few friends after watching a PPV Ultimate Fighting Event. Bedene, an original member of FALLON, has been a part of the NorCal Metal Scene for over 10 years. Bedene had the idea of putting together a side project that would create music using all styles within the metal genre. Old School Heavy Metal, Death, Progressive, Grindcore, Trash, Power Groove, and NuMetal. Take what the band likes of each and create our own monster. This would allow anyone who is a fan of Metal to find something they like within the bands created style.
Frank's friends agreed that it sounded like a cool idea and started talking about different metal styles and how they would mix as they all drank Jack Daniels. After a few shots, Frank looked at his friends and said, "Now, all I have to do is find a technical lead guitarist type and a totally "feeling" based 2nd Guitarist." Both his friends started popping off names of locals as they drank. Frank stopped them after a few minutes and said, "I am looking at the 2 guys I want on guitars right in front of me. Lets do this guys. Are you up to it?"
Both Todd Williams and Dimitri Kafantaris accepted the challenge and together they began to write music. During this time the band went through many drummers. Some were good friends, others were from out of town. It seemed that the band was writing material dependent on the drummers style. This would not work due to the variation of styles used in writing by the band. The band agreed that all of their songs should be "aggressive" regardless of style during some point in the song. Pit Fiends was decided upon as a name fitting the band.
While at a local metal show in Chico, the band caught a glimpse of a loud aggressive band named, Bloodwork. Bloodwork's drummer, (known as Ken B), seemed just the fit for the multi-styled music being written by Pit Fiends. Pit Fiends met with Ken and after several jams, the 4 decided to go into lock down and work hard.
Have you performed live in front of an audience? Any special memories?
Pit Fiends has been doing live shows since the bands creation. Living in Chico, CA., there are many opportunities to play keg parties, and that is where Pit Fiends have tried out new songs and riffs. The band began playing bars and halls in July of '04.
Your musical influences
Bands include(not in specific order): Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, Death, King Diamond, Morbid Angel, In Flames, Six Feet Under, Testament, Carcass, Slayer
What equipment do you use?
Ibanez, Jackson, and BC Rich Guitars. Yamaha Drums. Marshall, Line 6, and Hartke Amps. Roland Effects and Digital Recording Devices.
Anything else?
Support your local Metal and Aggressive Music Bands and Venues!
