If you’ve ever craved that late-90s rock swagger – big riffs, gritty groove and guitar solos that will melt your face- Four Dead Kings scratch that itch in the best way. Their blend of storytelling, tone and throwback attitude grabbed me immediately. Check them out on Bandcamp or YouTube, and don’t miss their set at SMAZFEST on August 22nd in Ballston Lake
Who is the best band or artist you’ve seen live?
Greg: Megadeth and Motorhead on the Gigantour in 2012 at theGlens Falls Civic Center.
Ziz: GWAR with original vocalist David Brockie in the early 90’s down at The Chance in Poughkeepsie.
Randy: The Tragically Hip when they played NYC Central Park’s Summer Stage in July of 2000
Eric: Stone Temple Pilots at SPAC right after Scott Weiland got out of jail and Black Sabbath with Ozzy at the first Ozzfest in 1997.
You’ve been around since 2024 - how did the band originallycome together?
After COVID, Greg (vocals) and our first guitarist Jerry, put out a Craig’s List ad that recruited our drummer, Randy. After sixmonths of jamming two guitars and drums, we put out an ad on Facebook for a bassist. Our now guitarist, Eric tried out for bass but didn’t quite fit at first.
We originally started out as an acoustic act. Our current bassist ,Ziz answered the ad and started pushing us into a heavier sound. We recorded our self-titled album with Jerry on guitar but splitshortly after we started playing live. After a short period with nobody on lead guitar we joined up with Randy’s longtime friend and original bandmate Eric Capron, in late 2024.
Your sound blends hard rock with storytelling lyrics, driving riffs, killer tone and is not afraid to throw down a nasty guitar solo. What are some artists that have shaped your influences as a band?
Aside from those bands that we listed in the live question, we pull a lot from late-90’s post-grunge bands. We pull influences from a lot of bands like Nirvana, Alice in Chains, John Mellencamp, Pearl Jam, The Black Crowes, Bad Company, Aerosmith, and The Tragically Hip
I was checking out your self-titled release on Bandcamp and I noticed there are a few new songs from this year. Are there plans for another album release this year?
We’re releasing singles throughout the year in anticipation for a new full album. We’re going to reprise some of the best songs from the original album while adding entirely new songs thissummer.
How would you describe the evolution of your sound from 2024 to now?
When Eric, our lead guitarist, joined the band, he helped completely transform our sound. While Greg originally started on acoustic guitar, the addition of Eric called for a second electric guitar. Greg switched to electric guitar and all of our songs immediately started getting a heavier feel.
You’re performing at SMAZFEST 3 in Ballston Lake August 22nd alongside a great collection of local talent. What are you looking forward to most about that show?
We’re really looking forward to meeting all the other bands playing. Being a relatively new band, we’re excited to play to a new a crowd at our first festival show.
What else has 4DK have planned for the summer?
We’re playing at least a show a month, writing and recording our new material and releasing some new songs. We’re looking forward to rocking hard and finding some new fans
