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.
Need
Blinded Colony Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Always the same as no one gains
when everything is perfect
It`s all manufactured with a defect
And since they can live on us we live through them
Yes we live through them
They`re making us needing them in a mental way
Now rebellion ain`t no longer old
Che`s face on children`s clothes
Make us never stop needing more
Make us never feel self-assured, `cos we ain`t for sure
And since they can live on us we live through them
I am perfect when naked and unleashed
They`re making us needing them in a physical way
They`re making us needing them in a mental way
Fuck that bloody idea
Take a culture and sell it expensive
It`s all so calculated, it's all so calculated
With perfection it gets so complicated
It`s broken again, it`s broken again!
Always the same as no one gains
And since they can live on us we live through them
Yes we live through them
They`re making us needing them in a physical way
They`re making us needing them in a mental way
The lyrics to Blinded Colony's song "Need" explore themes of consumerism, rebellion, and manufactured perfection. The first stanza comments on how everything in society is supposed to be perfect, yet there is always a defect. The second stanza suggests that we are being manipulated by corporations who create products that we believe we need in order to live. The lyrics also address the idea that rebellion is no longer a new concept, as symbols of past rebellion such as Che Guevara's image have become commodified and sold on children's clothing. The chorus repeats the idea that we are being made to need products in both physical and mental ways, contributing to a never-ending cycle of consumption.
The final stanza of the lyrics stands out as a call to action against the consumerist culture that the rest of the song critiques. The line "Take a culture and sell it expensive" suggests that commercializing culture has become an exploitative practice. The songwriter uses expletives to convey their frustration with these ideas and encourages listeners to push back against them.
Overall, "Need" is a song that critiques consumer culture and explores the ways in which corporations manipulate consumers into buying into their products. It also challenges the idea of perfection and encourages listeners to question the values they have been taught to prioritize.
Line by Line Meaning
It`s broken again, it`s broken again
Something is always out of place or malfunctioning
Always the same as no one gains
It's a repetitive problem that doesn't benefit anyone
when everything is perfect
The idea of perfection is often pushed on people
It`s all manufactured with a defect
Perfection is not real and often has flaws
And since they can live on us we live through them
We rely on external sources to find meaning in our lives
Yes we live through them
These external sources become a part of our identity
They`re making us needing them in a physical way
Our dependence on external sources is becoming physical
They`re making us needing them in a mental way
Our dependence on external sources is becoming mental
Now rebellion ain`t no longer old
Rebellion is still relevant and important
Che`s face on children`s clothes
Even revolutionary symbols are being commodified
Make us never stop needing more
The cycle of dependence must continue for those in power to maintain control
Make us never feel self-assured, `cos we ain`t for sure
The system is designed to keep us uncertain and insecure
I am perfect when naked and unleashed
True perfection comes from being raw and unfiltered
Fuck that bloody idea
Reject the idea of perfection and dependence on external sources
Take a culture and sell it expensive
Culture is often commodified to benefit those in power
It`s all so calculated, it's all so calculated
The system is designed to keep us dependent and consuming
With perfection it gets so complicated
The idea of perfection only makes things more complex
Contributed by Ellie C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.