2) Bludgeon is a unique metal entity from Chicago that is not afraid to cause mayhem. The first band signed to Magic Circle Music, Bludgeon takes extreme metal by the balls and doesn’t let go. Their sophomore album, “World Controlled” is a brutal assault on the senses that is sure to leave a lasting impression on fans of death, thrash, hardcore and speed metal.
Bludgeon has earned several distinctions in their relatively young career. When Manowar bassist and Magic Circle Music founder Joey DeMaio discovered the band, he agreed to produce their debut album, Crucify The Priest - an honor never before bestowed upon a band other than his own - and signed them to his label. DeMaio then introduced the band to Metal Blade Records CEO Brian Slagel, who recognized that the band had immense potential and agreed to distribute their debut album worldwide. Such signs of confidence from metal elite speak volumes about Bludgeon.
The Bludgeon beast is no stranger to touring. Having performed at the Metal Meltdown III in Asbury Park, NJ and as support act to the legendary Manowar on the Warriors Of The World Tour 2002, Bludgeon is a band that has spread the crusade of metal.
On the new album, World Controlled, Bludgeon further evolves the sound and attitude that helped them to make such an impressive start. By incorporating hardcore influences into their already powerful death/thrash metal sound, the band has reached a new level of anger and brutality. Vocalist/guitarist Mark Duca explains, “I always write what I feel; half the record was written when I was going through pain and suffering. But I don’t see that as a bad thing.” Songs like “Carnage Begins” and “Consumed By Anger” illustrate the thoughts and feelings of a band that faces the challenges of everyday life with the aggression and persistence needed to come out on top. “You have to suffer to move forward. It’s like you have to prove how faithful you are.”
Bludgeon has not only grown musically, but the lineup has also changed. This evolution was not an easy process, but it truly helped to shape the lyrics and themes of World Controlled. “The band was going through personal problems with the lineup change when I was writing the lyrics,” says Duca. “I felt like people were trying to control me and that is where the album title comes from. You might go through changes, but Bludgeon will always stay true to metal.”
Here is what the press is saying about BLUDGEON:
“On World Controlled, Chicago’s Bludgeon delivers a pummeling that’ll rattle the most veteran death/thrash fan. Brutality unleashed!” – UNRESTRAINED! Magazine
"If ever a band was aptly named, it's Bludgeon. This band is brutal power rock personified." – Hit Parader Magazine
A track listing for World Controlled comprises
1. Unholy Murder
2. Carnage Begins
3. Bitter Emptiness
4. Consumed By Anger
5. Infidel
6. World Controlled
7. Save Your Servant
8. Refuse The Truth
9. Hunt Or Be Hunted
10. Awakening
11. Out Of Reach
World Controlled also contains approximately 20 minutes of video footage
showcasing the Bludgeon production cycle.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bludgeon UK
ESSEX BRUTAL DEATH METAL
Zach White
Tim Leigh
Chris Mansfield
http://www.myspace.com/bludgeon213
BIO:
Way back in 1996, Zach White (vokills) and Tim Leigh (guttars), broke away from their previous band members to form a new outfit which was more extreme than their previous efforts. Around a year after forming they recorded a 2 track demo titled ‘Mainstay of Hatred'. This was recorded in Zach's old flat on a 4-track. Bludgeon never released this due to a bad sound. They mainly just passed it around friends and such for their own amusement! With many members coming and going over the next few years, it wasn't until early 2000 that Bludgeon entered the studio to record their next demo entitled 'A Cannibals Fixation'. The 3 track promo was recorded in there local home town at a small 16 track analogue studio. The band yet again suffered a poor production, but this time the material was tighter and way more technical. Bludgeon did release this demo, but only had around 100 copies of it printed. Various cool guys throughout the underground made copies of it and distributed it. This also received some airplay in the U.S on many underground radio stations. As far as Bludgeon is concerned, to this date the demo is no longer available and they have no plans to make it resurface. In March 2001 Bludgeon entered the studio again, this time to record the 'Realm of Decay' promo. This was the first time that the band had really thought of the material as being a good representation of what they are capable of. The production was better than all previous efforts, and Bludgeon wound up getting offers from various labels. The 'Realm' demo was officially released for the first time in 2005 by Australian label 'Life Fluid Productions', on a three way split cd featuring Bludgeon - Corpse Carving - and Twitch of The Death Nerve. During 2005 Bludgeon played many shows in and around the UK to much success, enhancing there brutal live reputation. The band set up and self financed a mini tour with Vomit Remnants (Japan) and Godless Truth (Czech Rep), as well as being added as a support band to shows with Goratory (USA) - Skinned (USA) - Visceral Bleeding (Swe) – Mortal Decay (USA) – Beheaded (Malta) – and Brutus (hol). Just recently Chris 'Manser' Mansfield became a member of the fold, after seeing him play in his previous band we knew that he had the skills to be at least due a try out, which he sailed through and is now ready to unleash the hatred of Bludgeon live. Devoted to Lunacy is now complete and Bludgeon continue the search for a label to release this. If you are interested in releasing this cd dont hesitate in getting in touch with the band. Prepare to be sickened.............................
Bitter Emptiness
Bludgeon Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The emptiness surrounds you
Reflecting on the past
Change the road you're on
Conditiones to live one way
Separate and break away
Break this mold they've made for you
We are all part of the same struggle
Just fighting to stay alive
We should be on the same level
Why can't we see eye to eye
Conditiones to live one way
Separate and break away
Break this mold they've made for you
Re-create and find the truth
Boundless and bare we struggle
Striving through obscurity
Our heritage battered half-sunken and shattered
All for one's fortune and greed
We're all part of the same struggle
Just fighting to stay alive
We should be on the same level
Why can't we see eye to eye
The lyrics of Bludgeon's song "Bitter Emptiness" convey a message of breaking free from the molds that society and others have formed for oneself. The first verse describes a feeling of being surrounded by emptiness, and the chorus urges the listener to change the road they are on by breaking free from the conditions and molds that have been placed on them.
The second verse speaks to a larger struggle, one that everyone can relate to- the struggle of trying to survive in a world that has set limitations and constraints. The line "Our heritage battered half-sunken and shattered/ All for one's fortune and greed" speaks to the idea that the struggle is not just an individual one, but one that exists on a societal level as well. The call to "see eye to eye" in the chorus is a call to unity and understanding, to recognize that everyone is working towards the same goal, and to break down the barriers that separate and divide us.
Overall, the lyrics of "Bitter Emptiness" are powerful and thought-provoking, urging the listener to break free from the limitations that society has placed on them and to work towards unity and understanding.
Line by Line Meaning
Cold stares shatter like glass
The intimidating gazes break apart as if they were fragile glass.
The emptiness surrounds you
A feeling of hollowness that engulfs you entirely.
Reflecting on the past
Meditating on your previous experiences.
Change the road you're on
Alter your current path to progress forward.
Conditiones to live one way
Taught and restricted to follow a single lifestyle.
Separate and break away
Distance yourself from their expectations and leave behind the established order.
Break this mold they've made for you
Shatter the constraints they've imposed on you.
Re-create and find the truth
Forge your own path and search for the genuine reality.
We are all part of the same struggle
We share a common experience of difficulties.
Just fighting to stay alive
Struggling to survive is the fundamental essence of living.
We should be on the same level
We must be equal, without social or economic disparities.
Why can't we see eye to eye
Why can't we grasp the same objectives and work together?
Boundless and bare we struggle
Our quest knows no bounds and is exposed.
Striving through obscurity
Endeavoring through the uncertainties of forging our future.
Our heritage battered half-sunken and shattered
Our legacy is damaged, sunk partly below the surface, and shattered.
All for one's fortune and greed
All due to one's quest for wealth and avarice.
Contributed by Lauren J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.