There are two bands using name "Dred", described below: 1) The band had its early beginnings in Sydney, Australia 2001, when two school friends Denis Vlachiotis (Lead/Rhythm Guitar) and Michael Conti (Bass/Vocals) collaborated to write and assemble material for what would soon become Dred. With Michael Conti initially performing both bass and vocal duties, the band's music began to take shape. Combining attributes of thrash and death metal, they were to spend the next two years developing the band's direction