Blindspott
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1997 |
| Headquarters | West Auckland , New Zealand |
| Products | Music albums, singles |
| Website | http://blindspott.org/ |
Blindspott is an alternative metal group originating from West Auckland, New Zealand. Following several years performing under the name Blacklistt, the original members came back together in 2018.[1][2] Established in 1997, the lineup consisted of Damian Alexander (vocals), Marcus Powell (guitar and backing vocals), Shelton Woolright (drums), Gareth Fleming (bass), and Karl Vilisini (known as DJ Dlay) handling turntables and keyboards.[2]
Origins and debut release (1997–2004)
Before unveiling their self-titled debut album, Blindspott had already cultivated a dedicated fanbase. Although frequently categorized as "nu-metal," the band regarded this label as an acknowledgment of their pioneering sound rather than mere adherence to a genre trend. Their initial single, "Nil By Mouth" (2001), enjoyed widespread exposure on television and radio throughout New Zealand. Between 2001 and 2003, they produced additional successful tracks including "Room to Breathe," "Phlex"—which reached number two on the charts—"Blank," "S.U.I.T," and "Lit Up." Released in 2002, the album Blindspott debuted at number one and achieved platinum certification within its first week in New Zealand.[2] It has since been awarded triple platinum status in the country.[2]
End The Silence era and personnel updates (2005–2007)
For their sophomore album, End the Silence, Blindspott underwent lineup changes by substituting Fleming and Vilisini with Dave McDermott on bass and Brandon Reihana as a second guitarist. McDermott had previously worked as a technician for the band, while Reihana had served as a touring replacement bassist in 2004.[3] This album represented a stylistic transition from their initial nu-metal roots toward a heavier hard rock sound, eliminating the scratching and hip-hop influences present earlier.[3]
The lead single, "Drown", was released on 1 May 2006 and entered the New Zealand charts at number four. The full album End the Silence followed on 29 May 2006, debuting at the top position nationwide and setting new records locally.[2]
In August 2006, Blindspott performed at Tokyo’s Summer Sonic Festival, sharing the stage with prominent acts such as Metallica, Deftones, Linkin Park, and Tool. The album saw its Australian release on 2 September 2006.
Disbandment and reunion event (2007–2009)
After ten years together and experiencing internal disagreements, Blindspott disbanded in 2007. Their final performance took place on 25 August at Auckland’s Powerstation venue. A live CD/DVD capturing this concert was subsequently issued on 27 July 2009.[4]
In November 2008, the band revealed plans for a one-time reunion show scheduled for Wellington’s Vodafone Homegrown Music Festival on 14 March 2009.
Reunion and recent developments (2010–present)
Founding member Marcus Powell unveiled "Sleep" in March 2015 through his side endeavor City of Souls.
On 15 May 2010, Blindspott declared their reunion featuring the original lineup and commenced crafting new songs. They were officially confirmed to appear at the Homegrown 2011. Later that year, Tristan Reilly joined as the band's new drummer.
Lead vocalist Damian Alexander announced on 5 March 2011 that due to legal conflicts regarding the Blindspott name with former drummer Shelton Woolwright, they would release fresh material under the name Blacklistt. Entertainment attorney Mick Sinclair acted on behalf of the group. By August 2011, the band committed to continuing under the Blacklistt moniker. A music video for "From the Blind Spot" was made public in January 2012.
On 31 August 2018, all original members, including Woolwright, revealed plans for a one-off performance in September as part of the Rock1500 Countdown, followed by a reunion tour scheduled for December with support from New Zealand band Devilskin. They also took part in Homegrown 2019.
Shelton Woolwright and Marcus Powell confirmed on 14 February 2020 that Blindspott had reformed and announced a New Zealand tour originally set for March–April but postponed to October–November due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The band performed at Homegrown 2021.
In 2025, Blindspott was honored with the Top Group Award by the Variety Artists Club of New Zealand.
Albums
| Year | Title | Details | Peak chart positions |
Certification |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NZ | ||||
| 2002 | Blindspott |
|
1 |
|
| 2006 | End the Silence |
|
1 |
|
| 2009 | Live at the Powerstation – Sold Out |
|
27 | |
| 2022 | Volume 1 |
|
— | |
| "—" indicates an album that did not chart or was not issued in that market. | ||||
Singles
| Year | Title | Highest Chart Positions | Certification | Album | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NZ | NZ Hot | ||||
| 2001 | "Nil by Mouth" | 38 | — | Blindspott | |
| 2002 | "Room to Breathe" | 32 | — | ||
| "S.U.I.T" | 36 | — | |||
| 2003 | "Phlex" | 3 | — |
| |
| "Blank" | 42 | — | |||
| 2004 | "Lit Up" | — | — | ||
| 2005 | "Yours Truly" | 9 | — | End the Silence | |
| 2006 | "Drown" | 4 | — | ||
| "Stay" | — | — | |||
| "Lull" (feat. Anika Moa) | — | — | |||
| 2009 | "Coma" | — | — | ||
| 2021 | "R.I.P. (Rest in Pieces)" | — | 11 | Volume 1 | |
| "Tonight" | — | 37 | |||
| "Pretty Violent" | — | 40 | Volume 3 | ||
| 2025 | "Burn Me Alive" | — | 15 | ||
| "Coming Home" | — | 37 | |||
External links
- ↑ http://blindspott.org/2011/08/20/whats-going-on-you-ask/Template:Fix/category[permanent dead link]
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 Kellman, Andy "[[[:Template:AllMusic]] Blindspott Biography]", Allmusic, Macrovision Corporation
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Cite error: Invalid
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- New Zealand nu metal musical groups
- New Zealand heavy metal musical groups
- New Zealand rap rock groups
- Rap metal musical groups
- Musical groups established in 1997
- Musical groups disestablished in 2007
- Musical groups reestablished in 2018
- Musical quintets
- 1997 establishments in New Zealand
- EMI Records artists