FM
History
Tried For Treason spawned from three different bands in the Southeast Missouri area in an effort to create an all-original heavy metal band. The band's primary songwriter, Jake Franks (Vocals, Guitar), formerly of the masked metal band Audio Sideshow, had a catalog of original material that needed a full band. He met Randy Mallett (Drums) in September 2012, and the two began to collaborate and toss ideas around. Although Mallett had been idle since the split of his prior band, grunge rockers Inkognito in 2006, he was more than ready to join up with Franks. Especially after realizing how talented he was on the guitar (a talent initially disregarded by Mallett due to Franks' younger age). Filling out the band was Brandon Reeder (Bass), formerly of Butchered, a death metal band Mallett managed years earlier. Although Reeder was primarily a drummer, he also played bass and was looking for a band to join. The trio got together for a few practices, and in October 2013, Tried For Treason (a name inspired by a dream Mallett's mother had) was officially born.
The band began piecing together original songs one by one, and combined them with cover songs to have enough material to begin booking shows. So in December 2012, TFT played its first gig - at a VFW hall in Kennett, MO to around 100 people.