Blindside

Blindside is a Swedish Christian metal group from Tumba, formed in 1994. The band originally uses the name Underfree for two years before issuing its debut EP in 1996. Its line-up includes Christian Lindskog, Simon Grenehed, Tomas Näslund and Marcus Dahlström.

Style and early releases

The band develops from hardcore roots into a sound that spans alternative metal, alternative rock, nu metal, post-hardcore and related hard rock and Christian rock influences. Its early work has a raw nu metal feel, and it builds a following among listeners of bands such as P.O.D. and Deftones.

Recordings and label history

In 1997, Tooth and Nail Records signs Blindside after hearing the debut EP. The first self-titled album is then issued for American audiences, followed by the EP Empty Box in 1998. A Thought Crushed My Mind appears in 2000 and presents a harsher, more hardcore direction. Because sales of those albums are weak, it becomes the group’s final release for Solid State.

Blindside then signs to Elektra Records under the 3 Points imprint, with P.O.D. backing the band publicly. Silence follows in 2002 and generates the tracks “Sleepwalking”, “Pitiful” and “Caught a Glimpse”. The band tours with Hoobastank in support of the album. About a Burning Fire is released in 2004 and includes “All of Us”, while also introducing techno touches and Swedish yodelling on “Where The Sun Never Dies” and “Shekina”. “Shekina” is later used on the WWE DVD Cheating Death, Stealing Life - The Eddie Guerrero Story.

Later releases and collaborations

In 2005, Blindside reissues its first two albums with bonus tracks and new artwork. That year also sees the DVD Ten Years Running Blind and the album The Great Depression. The album broadens the band’s sound further, adding jazzier and more atmospheric elements. It also features guest appearances from Ilkka of Benea Reach on “Come to Rest” and Jan Jämte of Khoma on “You Must Be Bleeding Under Your Eyelids”.

After leaving its record company in 2007, Blindside releases The Black Rose EP independently as a download from the band’s website. The EP contains eight songs, including five new recordings and three live tracks recorded at Hultsfred Festival in Sweden in 2006.

Side project

Christian Lindskog also begins a solo acoustic project called Lindforest, with Simon Grenehed performing a small number of unreleased songs at local gigs.