Blindside

Blindside is a post-hardcore band from Stockholm, Sweden. They formed in 1994 as Underfree and kept that name for two years before releasing their debut EP in 1996.

History

In 1996 Blindside, released the Empty Box EP on Day-Glo Records. In 1997, Solid State Records got a hold of the EP and signed Blindside to their label. 1997 Blindside debuted in Sweden with their self-titled debut, a collection of old and new songs that were based on singer Christian Lindskog?s life at the time. The disc was released later that year in the U.S. by Tooth & Nail. In 2000, A Thought Crushed My Mind was released. A Thought Crushed My Mind was more harsh and hardcore than the band's debut, and vocalist/chief lyricist Christian Lindskog also voiced his pain of missing his wife, Elina, while touring. Due to lackluster sales of the two albums, it would be Blindside's final album with Solid State. Fellow group P.O.D. began actively endorsing Blindside and signed them to Elektra Records under the imprint 3 Points.

In 2002 Blindside released Silence. It generated hits such as "Sleepwalking", "Pitiful," and "Caught a Glimpse." They appeared on Late Night with Conan O'Brien and sang "Pitiful". In 2003, they toured with Hoobastank to support the album. In 2003, the Warner Music Group was sold to private investors, leading Elektra to drop Blindside. The Blindside Union and P.O.D. Warriors, the two bands' street teams, stepped in to help in promotion. Blindside sold out five of the shows they headlined in 2004. However, the headlining tour was marred by several incidents. First, their tour bus crashed and was in disrepair, forcing the band to rent a van. Secondly, their last show in Bartlesville, OK had to be canceled. After dining in a restaurant in Dallas, TX, they found everything in their rental van stolen, including passports and money.

In 2004, About a Burning Fire was released. It generated a minor hit in "All of Us." The album showed the band toying with their diversity, as they threw in techno elements in "Where The Sun Never Dies" and yodeling Swedish vocals in the ethereal "Shekina". "Shekina" is a Jewish and Christian name for the outer presence of God's glory, and this song title expresses Blindside's spiritual side in their music. "Shekina" was used on WWE DVD, Cheating Death, Stealing Life - The Eddie Guerrero Story. The track "Hooray, It's L.A.!" features the guitar and back up vocals of Billy Corgan During his recession from the band he normally sings and guitars for: The Smashing Pumpkins. Following in 2005, Blindside re-released their two Solid State LPs with bonus tracks and new cover art. A DVD titled Ten Years Running Blind was released on , 2005, and a new album, The Great Depression, was released , 2005. The Great Depression showcased Blindside experimenting with multiple new genres. Many jazzy elements were incorporated, such as "My Alibi" and "City Lights." Guest vocalists were incorporated, namely Ilkka from Benea Reach and Selfmindead, as well as J. Jamte. Ilkka sang alongside Christian Lindskog in "Come To Rest", while J. Jamte contributed to "You Must Be Bleeding Under Your Eyelids."

Blindside released a new EP, The Black Rose EP, on , 2007 and toured the United States in support of it in late 2007. This album included five new songs and three live songs, and was (and is) only available online, in Sweden and at Blindside's concerts.

Blindside has been performing a new song called "Remember December" from their upcoming album. Christian and Simon have also been performing in a side project named Lindforest (The English translation of Christians Swedish lastname "Lindskog"). Blindside took some time off throughout 2008 but also has written new songs and is expected to release a new album.

On , 2009, it was announced that Blindside will be performing at a free showcase that will be held in Las Vegas at the Thomas and Mack Center on August 29, 2009, along with Flyleaf, Brian Welch and P.O.D., among others.

On , 2009, Blindside announced that they were going to be making a new album, to be produced by Howard Benson. They hope to release the album in early 2010.

Discography