Iron ambition: Casper metal band readies big sound, big plans and its drone

Brian Gray bought his band a drone a few weeks back.

The lead singer of the Casper metal outfit Deadpass plunked down about $300 for the quad copter, which is controlled via a cell phone app. It will be perfect, he says, for getting video of people throwing down in the mosh pit.

Gray will tell you this casually, as if it's no big thing for a band to possess its own drone. But then considering his grander visions, a quad copter isn't all that extraordinary.

The 32-year-old has already succeeded in one goal booking the metal band to play the Beacon Club, the closest thing Casper has to a country-music landmark. Deadpass plays the club Monday.

As far as Gray is concerned, thats only an appetizer. The full meal includes a storefront recording studio, a practice space for other bands and a downtown Casper music venue.

I want to bring music back, Gray says. I want to bring metal back, for sure.

A grandiose statement perhaps, especially since his band has played a grand total of two gigs since forming in January 2013. But Gray isnt bashful about his plans -- or his group.

We've been running our mouth, he says. We've been out there telling everybody we are the best damn band in Wyoming. And if you don't believe it, come see it when we book the show.

Deadpass formed when Gray's childhood friend and former bandmate, Gene McCrimmon, contacted him about starting a new project. They recruited 42-year-old Tommy Lee Strange, a lifelong musician whose father is in the Rockabilly Hall of Fame,to play drums.

The band grew to a five-piece with the additions of Colton Krohn, a 19-year-old guitarist, and bassist Lane Dennison, who came on board after his girlfriend received a tattoo from Gray.

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Iron ambition: Casper metal band readies big sound, big plans and its drone