SongVault Artist Profile

Strident was wrought from Hell-forged steel in 2008. They first unleashed their sonic fury on the 30th of May of that year at the Klein Libertas Theater, in support of the mighty Kobus!. Frustrated by the lack of epic, melodic metal in South Africa, guitarists Deon van Heerden and George van der Riet decided to take it upon themselves to form the band they had always wanted to see: old-school, headbanging, sword-thrusting, guitar-solo-drenched epic melodic power metal. Enlisting the help of brothers Piet and Johan Delport and drummer Marcel Christie (as well as too many potential vocalists count) they swore to leave no face unmelted in their quest for metallic conquest and glory. The line-up was finalised by the band’s second performance (at their spiritual home, the Eye of Horus), when Deon decided “to hell with it,” bought a microphone and learned to sing. It now stands as follows: Deon van Heerden – Lead vocals and guitar; George van der Riet – Rhythm guitar; Daniel Volgraff – Keyboards; Piet Delport – Bass; Marcel Christie – Drums. Today, Strident stands as South Africa’s defender of true steel, willing to live and die for their brand of heavy metal, in all its cheesy glory. As of this writing, Strident have commenced recording their debut EP, tentatively titled “Sacred Oath”, at Ruan Jordaan’s Stellenbosch studio.