Biography

Since their inception more than 15 years ago Dreadnaught have established themselves as a cornerstone for Australian heavy rock audiences. The city Dreadnaught call home, Melbourne, Australia, has spawned several “next big things” over the last decade as genres came and went, most recently Jet and Wolfmother. Meanwhile Dreadnaught have never failed to provide their loyal fans, both new and old alike, with diverse offerings rooted in the brand of Australian rock and metal that, as other bands have come and gone, the band have become an historic part of.

Before signing to Roadrunner Australia subsidiary Dark Carnival Records in 1999 Dreadnaught self-financed and released Body.Blood.Skin.Mind (1996) and Idiosyncrasy (1998). After the Dark Carnival signing Dreadnaught’s next, “Down To Zero” (1999), received critical acclaim, U.K., European and U.S. airplay, and release through the U.S. and Europe through Music Cartel. 2002 saw the release of an EP, “One Piece Missing”, again through Dark Carnival. This release was also well received and was the last Dreadnaught release on Dark Carnival before they moved over to Roadrunner Australia proper.

Headlining tours, high profile supports, and mainstay slots on leading Australian metal and rock festivals have earned Dreadnaught the reputation as one of Australia’s finest and hardest working live acts.

The band’s evolution, and the associated evolution of Australian rock and metal, entered it’s next era when Dreadnaught emerged from the studio in 2005 with their first studio release in four years under their arms. Never before have Dreadnaught caught the power and intensity of their live show and blended it so well with their unique hard rock power and dynamic versatility, the resultant recording 11 massive raw rock anthems that make up 2005’s “Dirty Music”. Helped along by production from DW Norton ( Superheist, Frankenbok , Days End, Mind Snare) the critical acclaim that met “Dirty Music” beyond compare for any Australian hard rock release or recent times.

Soon after the release of “Dirty Music”, came one of the most important releases for Australian hard rock this decade. “Dirty Music 2” is a 2 CD reissue featuring different artwork, previously unreleased material from Dreadnaught’s past, tracks from early releases, and videos for “Cut Throat Blues” and “Pushed To The Limit” from “Dirty Music”. “Dirty Music 2” is both a fan must-have and perfect first foray for newcomers into the world of Dreadnaught.

2008 sees the departure of Sandy Bettenay on drums and the inclusion of Matt Racovalis (Alarum, The Berzerker). Matt brings a definitive metal edge and high degree of technical ability to the band, perfect for the recording of the new LP (as yet untitled). Due to be recorded in May-July this year the record is shaping up to be a return to the more metallic Body.Blood.Skin.Mind days of the early to mid nineties.