JudgeMental shares “F.A.F.O” single & music video (Interview)

Twenty years is a long time to keep a thrash metal beast caged, but for Edmonton’s JudgeMental, the pause is officially over. Formed in 1997, the four-piece carved out a solid seven-year run and two albums before the realities of family and life pulled the plug. Now, thanks to drummer Chuck Pederson, the original lineup—featuring Mark Fife on bass, Jeff Torvalson on guitar, and 50 Cal handling vocals and second guitar—is back and louder than ever.

They’ve wasted no time reigniting the Edmonton metal scene, hitting live stages and dropping their blistering first new single, “F.A.F.O.” This track, short for “Fuck Around and Find Out,” is more than just a mosh pit starter; it’s a social commentary on personal accountability, reminding listeners that actions and words have consequences. We sit down with the thrash veterans to discuss the reunion, the meaning behind their uncompromising new single, and what it feels like to start rocking again two decades later.

First off, care to introduce yourself to our readers?

JudgeMental is a 4 piece old school thrash metal band based in Edmonton, Alberta. The band was founded in 1997 and recorded two albums in their 7 year run. Family and life ended the band but in 2023 Chuck Pederson (drummer) approached us and asked if we wanted to start rocking again. We have now released our first single F.A.F.O  and have been playing some live shows in and around Edmonton. On bass Mark Fife, guitar Jeff Torvalson, drums Chuck Pederson and vocals, guitar 50 Cal. These are the original members.

You originally ran for seven years starting in 1997. What were some of the biggest highlights or most defining moments for JudgeMental during that initial period?

Releasing two full length albums and have Nick Blogona from Metal Works mix and master our second album. Getting airplay on the Bear and CJSR.  Most defining moment when 50 cal joined the band.

After the initial breakup, what aspects of the band or the thrash metal scene did you miss the most while focusing on family and life?

Playing shows with the bros.

Chuck (Pederson) initiated the reunion in 2023. What was the conversation like when he approached the rest of you, and what ultimately convinced everyone that it was the right time to start rocking again?

I got a gig at shocker fest, Starlight Room, do you guys want to do it?

Having all the original members (Mark, Jeff, Chuck, and 50 Cal) back is rare. How has the chemistry felt now compared to when you last played together?

We are more relaxed and not so focused on being a rock star. The egos are gone and we just want to play our music.

“F.A.F.O” is a powerful acronym and theme. Why did you feel that message—the idea that people need to think before they act or talk—was the most important thing for JudgeMental to say with your first new single? 

Our first new single F.A.F.O is about just what it says. Fuck around and find out. We feel too many people don’t realize how their actions and words can impact another person. They need to think before the act or talk or find out!

“F.A.F.O” is rooted in old school thrash. When writing it, were you focused on recreating the sound of your past, or did you allow any new influences from the last two decades to creep in?

It was more the exhilaration of getting the old band back together and the feelings from that conjured it.

Now that the single is out and you are playing live shows, what are the next steps for JudgeMental?

We have 4 more songs we are working on releasing. Keep writing new songs and playing shows.

You mentioned playing live shows around Edmonton. What is the one thing you want fans, both old and new, to take away from a JudgeMental live performance?

We have a message and we try to be as genuine. Keep it real.

For fans who missed JudgeMental the first time around, how would you describe the band’s sound and energy in three words?

Ugly, loud and fast.

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