What a pleasant surprise I had when I wandered over to the Indie Stage a Heaven Fest 2011, when Random Hero was about to take the limelight.
The band out of Northern Colorado rocks heavy — if you like Skillet, you will enjoy Random Hero. This band is refined and on the verge of a huge breakout.
The driving licks of lead guitarist Josh Bertrand greeted the crowd that had gathered at the stage. With Bertrand’s dreadlocks flying, bassist Derek Arosemena running about, guitarist Alex Salinas’ head banging and Aaron Watkins edgy vocals, it’s easy to see that these guys take their cue from Skillet.
Their set was powerful — big energy — a head-banging style with catchy rhythms along with meaningful lyrics. I can’t imagine how powerful it would be on a bigger stage with much more real estate for the band to cover.
In the fall of last year, the band hooked up with Ben Kasica, former Skillet guitarist, to produce its current CD with Kasica’s Skies Fall Studios. You can hear Ben’s influence on Random Hero’s “Freak Show.”