The band Red Fang first caught our attention when we came across their Premier Guitar Rig Rundown, where several Sunn Beta amps were prominently featured. Each amp was unique to its owner, with one even having a chassis made from an old school desk to match the color of their cabs at the time. When we finally met the band in person at a pre-tour rehearsal, our team handed over one of our first Beta prototypes and took one of theirs back to our factory for repairs. Bryan spoke with us and said, "The lovely folks at Sunn left us a prototype Beta Lead to play for the past couple of months and I’ll be damned if they didn’t nail it! It sounds just as good as our old ones, without the need for duct tape and prayer.” Since then, we haven't seen the prototype returned and continue to humorously berate the Red Fang team on social media, trying to get our amp back. It seems they love it too much to part with it.
We are excited to send them some 3X12s to try out as well. Our CMO, Mike, first saw the band perform live in Arizona on their latest tour. He recalls the awe of "seeing the machine come to life" and being blown away by the band's massive sound. According to their 2016 Rig Rundown with Premier Guitar, using the same amp creates a sense of unity within the band, and there's nothing more powerful than hearing those amps in a Red Fang set for the first time.
The Band’s Origins and Rise in the Rock Scene
Originally from Portland, Oregon, and formed in 2005, the band comprises of guitarist and vocalist Bryan Giles, bassist and vocalist Aaron Beam, guitarist David Sullivan, and drummer John Sherman. Known for their heavy riffs and energetic performances, Red Fang quickly gained popularity in the rock scene. Red Fang’s sound is a unique blend of various musical influences. They draw heavily from classic rock and metal bands, citing Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath as major inspirations. Their music also reflects influences from punk bands like Black Flag and stoner rock bands like Kyuss. The band members have diverse tastes, with some members mentioning more unexpected influences such as Ratt and Simon & Garfunkel, which contribute to their eclectic sound. This mix of heavy, urgent rock and melodic elements helps create Red Fang’s distinctive musical identity.
Their debut self-titled album was released in 2009, followed by "Murder the Mountains" in 2011, which solidified their presence in the rock world. They continued to release successful albums, including "Whales and Leeches" (2013), "Only Ghosts" (2016), and "Arrows" (2021). Red Fang's music videos, known for their humor and creativity, have also contributed to their fame. They have toured extensively, both as headliners and supporting acts for bands like Mastodon and In Flames. Their appearances on shows like the "Late Show with David Letterman" and participation in festivals like Soundwave have further cemented their reputation as a formidable force in the rock genre.
The Role of Sunn Beta Lead and Beta Bass Amplifiers
The Beta Lead’s dual-channel design allows for a wide range of gain structures, from crunchy overdrives to full-blown distortion, which is essential for their guitar tones. Meanwhile, the Beta Bass amplifier provides the deep, punchy bass tones that underpin their heavy grooves. The reliability and tonal integrity of Sunn amplifiers, whether in the studio or on stage, ensure that Red Fang’s sound remains consistent and impactful across all settings.
Looking Ahead with Red Fang and Sunn Amps
Red Fang's journey from a local Portland band to a renowned name in the rock genre is a testament to their unique vibe. The Sunn Beta Lead and Beta Bass amplifiers have become integral to Red Fang’s signature sound, providing the powerful and versatile tones essential for their heavy and dynamic musical style. The synergy between Red Fang and Sunn Amps is evident in the band's performances, where the Beta Lead's dual-channel design and the Beta Bass's deep, punchy tones create a cohesive and impactful sonic experience. As they move forward with new projects and tours, their partnership with Sunn Amps promises to bring even more electrifying performances and innovative sounds to their audience.
For fans of heavy music and innovative amplification, exploring the partnership between Red Fang and Sunn Amps offers valuable insights into the art of achieving a powerful live and studio sound. To dive deeper into Red Fang’s music, visit their website and see them on their EU/UK 2024 tour in August!