The band's journey began in January 2000 when guitarists Johan Blomström and Tobias Olsson, along with original vocalist Niklas Svensson, formed the group under the moniker "Stigmata." Two demos, "Painreceiver" and "Tribute to Chaos," were released by 2002, with the latter catching the attention of Italy-based Scarlet Records. As a result of this new record deal, the band officially adopted the name Blinded Colony. In 2003, they self-produced their full-length debut album, "Divine," released on Scarlet Records with additional distribution in Japan through Soundholic Records. The band later amicably parted ways with Scarlet Records, marking the introduction of new vocalist Johan Schuster.
Blinded Colony took charge of their musical destiny, opting to record their second full-length album, "Bedtime Prayers," independently in 2006 at their home studio, SoundPalace. This decision aimed to preserve the band's organic sound while sidestepping external influences. The album featured tracks like "In Here," "Need," "Aaron’s Sons," "Bedtime Prayers," as well as the singles "Heart" and "Once Bitten, Twice Shy." Their promotional efforts included using online platforms such as Myspace, Helgon, and Garageband. The band collaborated with director Thomas Tjäder (In Flames) for music videos, planning to captivate audiences not only sonically but also visually.
Blinded Colony's commitment to their unique sound and refusal to succumb to Swedish metal clichés set them apart. Their determination led them to share stages with international acts like Hammerfall, Dark Tranquillity, Evergrey, and Mercenary. With their Pivotal Rockordings worldwide debut slated for January 12th in Europe and January 9th, worldwide, Blinded Colony embarked on a European tour in early 2007, poised to make a significant impact on the global metal scene.
The band wrapped up the 'Outcasts Over Europe' tour, supporting Ektomorf and former Scarlet Records label-mates Kayser, again, in 2007. They have also shared stages with notable acts like Sonic Syndicate and Dark Tranquillity.
In 2010, Blinded Colony changed their name to The Blinded and began a new discography.
In Here
Blinded Colony Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Gave me a name followed by a number
In here we cannot run away
In here we are meant to stay
In here, until we fade away
In here we are held back
I don't know where I want to go, but I won't stay here
Late racists drew these lines
Locked up by your name in modern time
I eat, I sleep, I guard what's mine
What they call freedom I cannot find
Forced to complete in this bloody game
It's fucked how we don't complain
I cannot live with the end when I can't play
In here we cannot run away
In here we are meant to stay
In here until we fade away
In here we are fucked
What's the price of the sun?
When you own it you?ll charge us all
What's the price of this earth?
Since you own it you charge us all for living, for breathing...
I can no longer breathe in here
Late racists drew these lines
Locked up by your name in modern time
I eat, I sleep, I guard what's mine
What they call freedom I cannot find
The lyrics to "In Here" by Blinded Colony are a powerful commentary on the state of society and the oppressive systems that hold us back. The opening lines, "Cut me out from the belly, first light dazzling me, gave me a name followed by a number" speak to the idea that we are born into a world where we are immediately categorized and labeled. From the moment we enter this world, we are assigned identities and expected to conform to societal norms.
The chorus of the song emphasizes the idea that we are trapped within these systems and cannot escape them. The repetition of "In here we cannot run away, in here we are meant to stay" emphasizes the feeling of being held back, of being trapped within a system that we did not choose. The line "until we fade away" suggests that we will be held back until the end, until our lives inevitably come to a close.
The second verse addresses the idea of borders and the way they restrict our movement and our freedom. The lines "late racists drew these lines, locked up by your name in modern time" reference the way that borders are often used to enforce racial and ethnic divisions. The line "what they call freedom I cannot find" is a scathing critique of the way that the concept of freedom is often used as a justification for oppression and exploitation.
Overall, "In Here" is a powerful commentary on the way that societal systems hold us back and restrict our freedom. The lyrics are a call to action, urging listeners to recognize these systems and work to dismantle them.
Line by Line Meaning
Cut me out from the belly, first light dazzling me
I was born and taken from my mother at an early hour, confused and disorientated
Gave me a name followed by a number
They gave me an impersonal identification, leaving no room for individuality
In here we cannot run away
We are trapped in a place where we cannot escape
In here we are meant to stay
We are not allowed to leave, forced to stay in confinement
In here, until we fade away
We will continue to be imprisoned until we die or lose our sense of self
In here we are held back
We are being restricted from achieving our full potential
Borders everywhere, musts everywhere
We are surrounded by strict regulations and limited freedoms
I don't know where I want to go, but I won't stay here
I am uncertain about my future but I know I cannot remain in this oppressive environment
Late racists drew these lines
The imposition of boundaries has been shaped by bigotry and prejudice
Locked up by your name in modern time
Our identity is confined by society's expectations and judgments
I eat, I sleep, I guard what's mine
Our daily routines revolve around preserving our basic needs
What they call freedom I cannot find
Our so-called freedom is a facade, as we are still imprisoned emotionally and mentally
Forced to compete in this bloody game
We are made to fight against each other to survive, creating a cutthroat environment
It's fucked how we don't complain
Despite the inhumane treatment, we have become so used to it that we no longer protest
I cannot live with the end when I can't play
I do not want to be resigned to a fate that I have no control over
In here we are fucked
We are doomed to suffer within these walls
What's the price of the sun?
What is the cost of basic necessities that should be freely available to all?
When you own it you'll charge us all
Those in power will exploit our needs for their own gain
What's the price of this earth?
Why should we have to pay to exist on a planet that we all share?
Since you own it you charge us all for living, for breathing...
Those in power have monetized every aspect of our existence, profiting from our most basic needs
I can no longer breathe in here
The oppressive atmosphere makes it difficult for me to even take a breath
Contributed by Jordan H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.