The Blamed

The Blamed
Company type	Band
Industry	Music
Founded	1994
Defunct	2003 (initially)
Fate	Reunited in 2016
Headquarters	Chicago, United States
Products	Albums, EPs

The Blamed is a Christian hardcore punk group hailing from the United States, specifically based in Chicago. Their sound incorporates elements of hardcore punk, pop punk, punk rock, and emo, with occasional metal undertones. Initially originating from California, the band moved to Illinois after guitarist Bryan Gray relocated to Chicago. Established in 1994, they ceased activity in 2003. Prominent members throughout their history included Bryan Gray, Christopher Wiitala, Trevor Wiitala, Jeff Locke, Jim Chaffin, John Hansen, and Matt Switaj.

The group produced three albums under Tooth & Nail Records: 21 (1994), Frail (1996), and Give Us Barabbas (2002). In addition, four records were issued through Grrr Records: ...Again (1998), Forever (1999), Germany (2000), and Isolated Incident (2001). After reuniting in 2016 for a performance at the Audio Feed festival, they fully reformed and released a split EP with Chicago-based hardcore band The Satire in November 2018 via Indivision Music.

Background

The Blamed functioned as a Christian hardcore and punk ensemble with roots in both California and Illinois. Over time, the lineup featured Bryan Gray, Christopher Wiitala, Jeff Locke, Jim Chaffin, John Hansen, Matt Switaj, along with siblings Chris and Trevor Wiitala.

Music history

Formed in 1994, the band’s first studio album, 21, was launched on May 29, 1996 through Tooth & Nail Records. They followed up swiftly with their sophomore release, Frail, on June 7, 1996 via the same label. Transitioning to Grrr Records in 1998, they delivered ...Again, succeeded by Forever on January 1, 1999. Staying with Grrr Records, they put out Germany in 2000 and then Isolated Incident on January 1, 2001. Returning to Tooth & Nail for their concluding album, they released Give Us Barabbas on June 7, 2002. The band reunited for a show at the Audio Feed Festival in 2016.

Members

Current

Bryan Gray – guitar (1994–2003, 2012, 2016–present) (previously with Blenderhead, Left Out, Rocks in Pink Cement, the Satire)
Jeff Locke – vocals, guitar (formerly part of Left Out)
Sid Duffour – bass (2012, 2016–present) (ex-member of Headnoise, Brick Assassin, the Satire, October Bird of Death)
Jim Chaffin – drums (1994–1999, 2012, 2016–present) (associated with Deliverance, the Crucified, formerly of Left Out, the Satire)

Former

Christopher Wiitala – bass (the Wiitala Brothers)
John Hansen – bass
Jacob Landrau – guitar, vocals
Mark Aceves – bass (1994)
Justin Winokur – guitar
Matt Switaj – vocals, guitar
Trevor Wiitala – drums (the Wiitala Brothers)
Jeremy Moffett – vocals (ex-Stavesacre)
Eric Churchill – bass (1994-1996)
Gary Ottosi – bass
Aaron Bradford – guitar (1994-1996)

Live musicians

Jason Seiler – bass (previously with Headnoise)
Jason Truby - vocals, guitar (1996) (formerly of Living Sacrifice, P.O.D.)
Lance Garvin – drums (1996, 1999) (member of Living Sacrifice, Soul Embraced)
Glenn Wiley Willis – vocals (2016) (2Minute Minor, October Bird of Death, What's Your Damage)
Johnny Vasquez – drums (1995) (formerly associated with Vengeance Rising, Time Spent Burning)
James Barnett – drums
Darren "Klank" Diolosa – guitars (Klank; ex-member of Circle of Dust and Six Feet Deep)

Discography

Albums

21 (1994, Tooth & Nail)
Frail (1996, Tooth & Nail)
...Again (1998, Grrr)
Forever (1999, Grrr)
Germany (2000, Grrr, Burnt Toast Vinyl)
Isolated Incident (2001, Grrr)
Give Us Barabbas (2002, Tooth & Nail)
Split (EP with The Satire) (2018, Indie Vision Music)
The Church Is Hurting People (2019, Indie Vision Music)

External links

Cross Rhythms artist profile