South Korean glam metal band Victim Mentality formed in 2009 in Seoul. The group was founded by vocalist Krocodile and guitarist Kyungho Sohn, who first bonded years earlier by jamming on Iron Maiden and Judas Priest covers. A veteran of South Korea’s metal scene, Sohn previously played in the melodic death metal band The Crescents and has been a member of symphonic black metal act Dark Mirror ov Tragedy since 2007.
Wanting to showcase their love of ‘80s glam-metal, Sohn and Krocodile teamed up to work on music that paid homage to the subgenre’s heyday. Taking their time, they crafted the songs for their first EP, “Magic Finger,” in 2009 and 2010 and recorded them as a duo in 2012 and 2013.
In February 2013, Krocodile and Sohn invited bassist Scorpion to join Victim Mentality. In July 2013, “Magic Finger” was released. The offering boasts the powerful, catchy cuts “Don’t Spit on Me” and “I’m Not Your Friend” along with the title track, a power ballad dealing with the anguish caused by impotence. The EP ends with Korean versions of “Don’t Spit on Me” and “I’m Not Your Friend.”
July 2013 also saw the band finally making their live debut. Not having a drummer, they relied on a drum machine for their initial gigs until drummer Tarantula was brought on board in February 2014. Deciding their style should match their sound, for concerts Victim Mentality sport plenty of leopard print, lip gloss, and eyeliner. And to keep audiences further entertained, flamboyant frontman Krocodile often brandishes a bullwhip while delivering his impassioned wails. Quickly winning over fans and capturing the attention of the Korean music industry, in May 2014 – less than a year after their first live show – the group played at Seoul’s Green Plugged festival and later that summer appeared at the Incheon Pentaport Rock Festival, one of the country’s most famed summer outings.
The beginning of 2015 will see Victim Mentality releasing their debut full-length offering, “Heavy Metal Is Back.” To promote the disc, the act will be embarking on their first American tour in March to perform at South by Southwest (SXSW).
Discography:
“Magic Finger” (2013)
“Heavy Metal Is Back” (2015)

Members:
Krocodile – Vocals
Kyungho Sohn – Guitar
Scorpion – Bass
Tarantula – Drums