Blindside
SILENCE It probably bothers some of you that the same guys that bought Limp Bizkit's Chocolate Starfish And The Hotdog Flavored Water — the same guys that wear red baseball caps and visors backwards and upside down and seriously think it looks cool, the same guys that go to Nickelback concerts and come back reporting that they really "rocked out," and the same guys that wear cut off shirts when going out to social events — are going to buy the new Blindside record. This new crop of Blindside listeners will most likely encroach on the underground proud fans that have been there since the beginning and don't want to share Blindside with the mooks. Here's the bad news for those people (look for good news below) — MTV consumers of bland rock will indeed be buying Silence. But will the discerning hard music lover go out and purchase it, also, or will they discard Blindside as a "sell out?"
Well, I hope not, because here is the good news for all who are independent of corporate rock: Blindside has not suddenly turned its back on you. But do understand that Silence is sonically more universally appealing than any previous release from the Swedish rockers. And another thing, Silence is not a hardcore record. Whenever anyone talked of Blindside before the release of Silence, immediate comparisons to fellow Swedes, Refused, were inevitable. Now, whether ignorant or not, comparisons to any number of nu-metal bands are bound to be used to size up Blindside and Silence. Brandon Boyd and Linkin Park comparisons are not completely unfair for parts of the record. But that didn't scare me away, and it shouldn't necessarily scare you either, because the similarities are subtle. And in fact, the band's new aesthetic actually bears more resemblance to Thursday than anything "nu-metal." Except Blindside does not sink to a contrived emocore formula — Blindside's histrionics are more viral than staged. And even if Blindside is inevitably couched with the nu-metallers, Silence is smart and original enough that any nu-metal band would have been blessed to have written any of these songs.
"Caught A Glimpse" starts the whole shindig off with a gently picking guitar intro, reminiscent of some epic Metallica song, which then leads into a signature Christian Lindskog yelp which soon turns into variable singing and unusual screams (unusual for Christian, that is, who used to stick to a standard half scream/half yell). The chorus on "Caught a Glimpse" is catchy enough for radio, and contains layers of singing and harmonizing which had me singing along. "Pitiful" falls next, with another Metallica (I'll stop saying Metallica after this, I promise) Black-era guitar intro, and then waterfall-like guitar riffing with breathy vocals. The chorus on "Pitiful" is emotional, and displays Christian's dualistic vocal range abilities (screaming and singing). It all leads up to the bridge, when all the instruments are silent, and they leave a screaming Christian laid bare. The whole affair left me quite satisfied.
Some of the tunes, like "Midnight," "Thought Like Flames," and "You Can Hide It," could be accused of veering too far from the sound that has gotten Blindside this far. Their hardcore fans and DIY approach has indeed gathered Blindside a loyal following, and by potentially alienating those people Blindside may burn a bridge, never to return to their indie roots. But, in my opinion, this album does not do that. Deep, searching lyrics, quality, high energy song arrangements, and plenty of growth (some will call that "selling out," though, I'm sure) mark Silence as a good recording by a good band.
By signing to 3 Points/Elektra Records, Silence is an album that is going to reach a lot more consumers, and don't be surprised if you see Blindside regularly on MTV, like their friends and A&R in P.O.D. If one can deal with that, and just enjoy the music without any baggage, then one will do well to pop the dynamic Silence into the CD player. [3 Points/Elektra/ Jeffrey Ellinger]
This album review was originally printed in ISSUE 97 of HM Magazine. Order the Print Version of HM for tons more reviews of new albums.
©2002 HM Magazine - All Rights Reserved
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Comments
By Josh
I have been a blindside fan since day one. I always admired then guys for staying hard core all the way. In this new album "silence" i dont believe that in anyway did they betray that or us fans. Where they came from is always going to be a part of the band. Its awesome that they can do this. They can now send their message to new people and attract those searching for jesus. What good is the message if it only falls on die hard christian rockers anyway? I totally reccomend this cd.
P.S- But their old stuff is still better ;)
Josh
By Lauren
I have been a fan since "King of the Closet" video. (which actually freaked me out and I said I would never get into something like that...) Silence is for sure a whole lot different then their old stuff. Better... I wouldnt say that...(A Thought Crushed My Mind is still the best)A good move... yes! These guys deserve all the attention they are getting!
By Angie
Blindside is the Ultimate band. Not only do they follow God with immense expression in their music, but they also give you goose bumps with the electrifying sound in each of their awesome albums. Blindside's my favorite band and I don't think that they've "betrayed" anyone.-how could they when they've got God on their "blindside."
By MUFFIN
I am in LOVE with BLINDSIDE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By Josh
Blindside has no reason to be sorry for the albums they put out. They are in no way sell-outs. I have their first album, Silence, and About A Burning Fire, and I can tell a difference between the first and the last. Those who would say that have sold-out, or that they are conformist for singing well, are misguided. There is no mistaking the hardcore roots on all of their albums. They represent Jesus, and thats enough for me. In short, "Blindside, you guys are my heros."
By jake
dude, if you haven't checked out blindside's newest album, about a burning fire, do it. it's definetely an improvement on silence, and every song has a different level of originality.
By Chris
Silence is a masterpeice. I love hardcore i love almost anything with a christian label. I must say out of all the cd i've ever listened too it is by far thee best. Every single song on this cd is filled with pure awesomeness i never skip tracks i just listen to the cd in whole which is very rare that you can find a cd that you love every single song on the cd.
i will have to disagree though even though about a burning fire is a super duper album silence still is #1 on my list
By Justin
Blindside have always been up to par and Silence is no exception. The band opt for a more mainstream friendly sound but its not strange to hear Blindside do that. Theres not as much screaming as past efforts but that is'nt an issue once you hear the soaring melodies and fresh riffs that they have for you. Pick this up and be blessed.
By jacob
Dude, whats up with the curse word in horray it`s L.A. my parents think its sick to. their with them since the gecko and makes me sad come on guys shape up!!!
By katie
i saw blindside with pod back in 2000 i think. i dont beleive there is a god or heaven or hell but none the less i still always turn to their music when i am in need of some reasurance of life or just want to rock out. i know its a cliche to say that they "changed my life" or "saved my life", but you would have to understand my backround. i am a clinically depressed, manic depressive girl. i struggle with self-mutalation and they kept the blade away...
By Jessica
I have loved Blindside forever.The way they pound the stage with their jumping and rocking makes me wonder whythey don't fall through. The screams in every song have a sympathetic type of sound to t and that draws you in quickly. It is a shame they don't play them on Canadien radio and music stations .. at all..... I know it is sad...
