Hailing from Central Virginia’s 434 area code, Four Thirty Four has been making waves down south and has recently begun venturing into the 717 music arena. After playing a few shows in the area, they quickly realized that Central PA’s music scene was worth exploring—and a great place to start spreading the love.
Linking up with Nick from 717 Entertainment, the band quickly saw that the fan base for original heavy rock music was alive and well in the region. They appreciate the energy and enthusiasm of the audience and know that every 717 Entertainment show is worth the effort. This four-piece powerhouse has a distinctive, original style and sound that makes each of their songs instantly recognizable. With powerful lyrics and heavy, resonating guitar riffs, they hook listeners in for the ride—an apocalyptic joyride that’ll have you cranking the volume to the max.
Four Thirty Four got their start back in 2019 when former members of the band Sedamentreous—Mike Vernon (vocals), Scott Jordan (guitar), and Craig Coyner (bass)—joined forces with Greg Baker (drums) from Crab Action. The band came together after some conversations between Scott and Greg at church, soon converting Greg’s basement into a practice room and buying an old PA system from the church to get started. A few months later, they found themselves winging it through their first live show.
Then the pandemic hit. Not to be deterred, the band shifted gears and hit the studio, releasing singles like “Eat The Sun,” “TenFo,” and “Marine (Ode to R. Lee Ermey)” in 2020—three songs that laid the foundation for what was to come. These tracks are heavy with a wartime, military feel—like a battle between man, machine, society, and humanity itself;
“When the aliens are taking over, they want to come and eat you, The human scent they can’t resist. Don’t call the police, it will just make a scene, Don’t call 911—just call the Marines! Semper Fi!”
Backed by pounding bass and guitar riffs echoing the late ‘80s/early ‘90s metal and punk scenes, the music is a one-of-a-kind mash-up of intensity and grit.
That led to the release of The Gold EP in 2021. This four-song collection quickly gained attention, with “Whiskey Fist” blowing up the charts. The opening guitar riff pulls you in, and the lyrics keep you there—an instant whiskey-fueled trip full of alcohol, drugs, sex, and rock and roll, all wrapped in distortion. It’s a sonic experience that flows through the entire EP. “Red Eye,” another fan favorite, has you racing alongside a pack of mechanical dogs in a high-speed, throttle-smashing joyride that demands to be played loud.
Riding high on the success of The Gold EP, the band performed at the Blue Ridge Rock Festival, Shred Fest, and Trash and Splash. With live shows back post-pandemic, the band finally got to reconnect with fans onstage. They love performing and pour everything they have into each show, fully respecting the time and money fans invest. They consider it their duty to deliver a professional-level experience every single time.
In 2023, they released the single “High Roller,” another chart-topper that reached #26 nationally on the SMR Top 50 and debuted as the #1 most-added single to secondary radio markets. The song places you right in the club with the “High Roller.” While the lyrics may carry hidden meanings, one thing’s for sure:
“He’s on a roll and is always up to get down… He can be a stone-cold killer—but he’s really just a son of a bitch.”
Driven by pounding drums and a powerful theme, this track stands tall alongside the band’s previous work.
In 2024, Four Thirty Four dropped “She Knows Hotta Die”—another heavy hitter that reaffirms their mantra: No fads. No gimmicks. No trends. Just pure heavy rock, written and performed by a band who live what they preach.
Looking ahead to 2025, they’ve teamed up with renowned producer Kevin McNoldy (who has worked with the Dave Matthews Band, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Seven Mary Three, and thousands more). Kevin produced, engineered, mixed, and mastered a new series of singles, starting with the release of “Dope Bag” and “Energetic Opposition.” And these are just the beginning. Scott expressed that “We are going to continue dropping bombs until the whole world notices”.
“Dope Bag” carries a deeper meaning for the band. Scott explains that for him, it’s about the “Music Man” who holds all the songs in his pouch, releasing them only when he thinks the time is right—and holding back the ones you’re craving most. Whatever your interpretation, this song will help you find what’s in your own “dope bag.”
“Energetic Opposition” is a war cry—a call to rise up and do what you must. It’s a raw, high-octane dose of metal that will leave your blood pumping as the band takes you deeper into the realm of the 434. It’s a sonic onslaught you won’t forget.
If bands like The Cult, Alice in Chains, System of a Down, Rob Zombie, Clutch, GWAR, and Monster Magnet mixed with Dead Kennedys, Black Flag, and Circle Jerks are your thing—Four Thirty Four needs to be in your playlist. You can find them on all streaming platforms and on YouTube, including an impressive performance from the Blue Ridge Rock Festival.
Catch them live at Scandals Live in Virginia Beach on June 6th alongside The Soap Girls. Be sure to visit the band’s website (linked below) and join the mailing list for updates on new singles and upcoming shows in the area. And keep your eyes peeled—rumor has it 434 will be playing a show in the 717 soon… if you know what I mean.
Four Thirty Four would like to thank all their fans for giving them the opportunity to fill the space and perform, for every hello after a show, and for everyone who’s ever bought a T-shirt. Special thanks to Kevin McNoldy and his team for producing the new singles, Russell Bartley for additional engineering, Tony DiStefano for photography, and Gary Hawthorne for web mastering.
