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False Icons *False Icons making cybercore in central PA. Local musicians John Bechdel, Brian Broadt and Rob Blankenship launch their new project False Icons with a debut CD. John Bechdel, a local resident is a keyboardist and international recording artist who has toured the world and recorded with some of the hard rocks heaviest and most influential bands. For the last five years he has been keyboardist for the Los Angeles based "Fear Factory", who's biggest accomplishments include GOLD RECORDS in the U.S.A. and Australia, touring with Ozzy Osbourne on the Ozzfest and opening for Metallica, Slayer, Pantera, Rob Zombie, Eminem,
Marilyn Manson, Rammstein, System of a Down, Staind, Godsmack, and many more. He has also played in Prong, in which he recorded on "Epic Records", appeared on MTV videos, and the Beavis and Butthead show. In 1989 he became the keybourdist for Killing Joke, based in London England, one of his favorite bands growing up in rural Pennsylvania. Throughout his career, he has always desired to have a band to feature his own music.
*"Although , I have enjoyed great successes in music, I have always been integrated into established bands, already well into their careers. In the back of my mind, I always had a desire to have my own band. I've been composing music my entire life and wanted to be part of something from the beginning". That vision began to come true in 1994 when he relocated to central PA and met Brian Broadt. After meeting Brian by chance, they discovered that not only did they share an interest in electronic music, but they also have similar musical styles. After Prong in 1995, John knew it was time to branch out on his own. He wrote two songs, Neo-Slug and Deterioration, which are the earliest works from False Icons. John and Brian had discussed working together, but were not sure which musical direction to go. John's work was leaning towards an industrial edge whereas Brian had a more Techno influence. We decided to combine the two styles.
*A lot of heavy bands were beginning to add samples and keyboards to their music and Techno bands were starting to add guitars. They did not want to get caught up in that craze." We wanted our music to stand apart and have strong songs that could stand on their own without electronics or guitars". Everything was put on hold when John received a call from Fear Factory in early 1998. He spent nearly two years on the road, but he and Brian kept working on False Icons. In early 2000 they continued to develop the new False Icons sound, but as luck should have it was put on hold again due to another year of touring with Fear Factory. By early 2002 things settled down and the plan was continued. A long time collaborated friend, Rob Blankenship had also relocated in PA. Rob, whom formed the band Die, was asked to join False Icons as the lead guitarist. Rob had a very heavy guitar influence and encouraged John and Brian to incorporate this heavy edge to this new sound. Three influences all wrapped up in one. This new mix of music has the music industry in a buzz and rightfully so.
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