Blindspott

Blindspott
Origin Waitakere, Auckland, New Zealand
Genres Alternative metal
Rap metal
Nu metal (early)
Years active 1997–2007, 2009, 2010–present
Labels EMI
Capitol Records
Associated acts Blacklistt, I Am Giant, Forever Now
Members Damian Alexander
Marcus Powell
Karl Vilisini
Gareth Fleming
Tristan Reilly
Past members Brandon Reihana
Dave McDermott
Shelton Woolright

Blindspott was an alternative metal[1] band from Waitakere, New Zealand, now performing under the name Blacklistt.[2][3] The band was formed in 1997 with members Damian Alexander (vocals), Marcus Powell (guitar, backing vocals), Shelton Woolright (drums), Gareth Fleming (bass) and Karl Vilisini, also known as DJ Dlay (turntables, keyboards).[3]

History

Formation and debut album (1997-2004)

Blindspott was formed in 1997 and developed a loyal following in the years leading up to their self-titled album release. Often labelled as a "nu-metal" band, the band has insisted this genre label was a result of the world catching up to their early development, rather than capitalising on a popular sound at the time. Blindspott's first single, "Nil By Mouth", was a success in 2001 and gained major airplay on television and radio channels across the country. Other hits released during 2001-2003 were "Room to Breathe", "Phlex" (which reached No. 2 on the charts), "Blank", "S.U.I.T" and "Lit Up". Blindspott, their self-titled debut album, was released in 2002 and reached number 1, going platinum in New Zealand in its first week of release.[3] The album has since been certified 3× Platinum in New Zealand.[3]

Blindspott was voted New Zealand's favourite band by the public as part of an Air New Zealand competition in 2003. The band's songs have also been hits in Australia and in Asia.

End The Silence and line-up change (2005-2007)

Blindspott underwent a line-up change for the writing and recording of their second album, End the Silence. Fleming and Vilisini were replaced by Dave McDermott on bass and Brandon Reihana as a second guitarist.[4] McDermott had worked for the band as a technician, while Reihana first toured with the group as substitute bassist when they went to Japan in 2004.[5] The second album digressed significantly from the nu-metal style of their debut album, developing a darker hard-rock sound, without scratching and hip-hop influences.[5]

Their first single from the new album, "Drown", was released on 1 May 2006 and entered the official New Zealand music chart on 7 May 2006, going straight to No. 4. End the Silence was released shortly after in New Zealand on 29 May 2006 and broke New Zealand music records - in the first week of release it went straight to the top of the official New Zealand music charts.[3] Blindspott were the first New Zealand music act to have both their albums debut in the charts at the No. 1 position.

In August 2006, Blindspott played at the Summer Sonic Festival in Tokyo, Japan, alongside major acts such as Metallica, Deftones, Linkin Park and Tool.

End the Silence was released in Australia on 2 September 2006.

Break-up and reunion show (2007-2009)

In 2007, after 10 years together and many publicised band fallouts, Blindspott broke up. The band played its final concert on 25 August 2007 at the Powerstation nightclub in Auckland. On 27 July 2009 they released a live CD/DVD filmed at the Powerstation concert.[6]

In November 2008, Blindspott announced they were reuniting for a one-off performance at the Vodafone Homegrown Music Festival in Wellington on 14 March 2009 as one of three acts reforming to perform at the festival.[7]

Reformation and current events (2010-present)

Founding member Marcus Powell released a new track called "Sleep" with his side project - City of Souls in March 2015.

On 15 May 2010, it was announced on Facebook that Blindspott had reunited and were writing new material. The band had also reformed to include its original members. The same day they were confirmed for Homegrown 2011.[8] On 27 September a photo was posted by a band member showing Tristan Reilly as the new drummer for the band.

On 5 March 2011, lead singer Damian Alexander announced they would be releasing their new single "From The Blind Spot" under the name Blacklistt due to legal reasons. Currently the band members are in a legal battle with former drummer, Shelton Woolright, to keep releasing music under the name of Blindspott.[9] Entertainment lawyer Mick Sinclair is handling the case for Blindspott.[10] It August 2011, it was revealed that the band would continue under the name Blacklistt instead of giving into Shelton Woolwright's demands. A video clip for the band's single From the Blind Spot was released in January 2012.

Discography

Albums

Year Title Details Peak chart
positions
Certification
NZ[11]
2003 Blindspott
  • Released: 18 April 2003
  • Label: EMI
  • Catalogue: 5435292
1
  • NZ: Platinum x3[12]
2006 End the Silence
  • Released: 5 June 2006
  • Label: EMI
  • Catalogue: 7224082
1
2009 Live at the Powerstation - Sold Out
  • Released: 17 August 2009
  • Label: EMI
  • Catalogue: 2165372
27
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory.

Singles

Year Title Peak chart positions Certification Album
NZ[11] NZ singles
2001 "Nil By Mouth" 38 Blindspott
2002 "Room To Breathe" 32
"S.U.I.T" 36
2003 "Phlex" 3
  • NZ: Gold
"Blank" 42
2004 "Lit Up"
2005 "Yours Truly" 9 End the Silence
2006 "Drown" 4
"Stay"
"Lull" (feat. Anika Moa)
2009 "Coma"

References

External links

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