To date, they have released four studio albums and four EPs.
History
Early Years and The Approach (2002-2004)
I:Scintilla was conceptualized in Champaign, IL in Jim Cookas' bedroom in October 2002. In January 2003, Chad Mines joined the group as bassist followed shortly by Jason Allen on guitar and programming in March. Upon formation, they immediately began writing their debut album, The Approach while still searching for a vocalist. Many singers were auditioned before finding Brittany Bindrim, who they found to be a perfect fit. The album was finished and self-released on July 29, 2004. The album contained early versions of many songs that would appear on later albums.
Alfa-Matrix and Havestar (2005-2006)
After a previously full year of nonstop live performances, I:Scintilla was discovered and signed by Belgian electro label Alfa-Matrix. In March 2005, Jason Allen left the band and Chad Mines moved to guitar. Bethany Whisenhunt was brought on to play bass.The band continued to work on the release of its first EP, Havestar, while providing material for a future full-length album.
The Havestar EP was released by Alfa-Matrix in the summer of 2006. In addition to a few re-mastered songs from The Approach, remixes by Combichrist, Diskonnekted, Neikka RPM, Implant, and Klutae are included.
The Havestar EP also highlights the first collaboration with producer and artist Wade Alin, who is known for music works Christ Analogue, The Atomica Project, and Scanalyzer. This collaborative process adds a consistent working sound quality that carries forward to I:Scintilla's following full-length album Optics.
After its release, Havestar peaked at #13 on the Deutsche Alternative Charts Top 20 Singles list.
Optics and The Immortal Tour (2007-2008)
I:Scintilla released their second full-length album Optics in June 2007. The album consisted of many older, reworked songs as well as multiple new releases. Optics was released in single-CD format as well as a two-disc edition, containing a second disc entirely of remixes by bands such as Combichrist, Clan of Xymox, and Ego Likeness.
While this album was being made, Mines and Whisenhunt departed the band. Instead of replacing the members, Jim Cookas began programming the bass parts and played all of the guitar parts.
Optics peaked at #6 on the Deutsche Alternative Charts Top 10 Albums list, and was featured in multiple alternative magazines. Preceding the album release, I:Scintilla performed at Wave-Gotik-Treffen in May 2007.
I:Scintilla joined with the then-Tallahassee-based darkwave band The Crüxshadows and Canadian electro act Ayria for the U.S. stretch of The Crüxshadows' Immortal Tour in 2008. At this point, the band incorporated two new members, Justin Pogue (keytarist) and Vincent Grech (drums). Up until then, the drums had all been done through a drum machine.
Dying & Falling (2009-2011)
In 2009, keytarist Justin Pogue left the band and moved to Florida, where he was a DJ under the name DJ Halon at the now-closed Club Rayn's popular Industrial music and Alternative Rock night, Blue Monday. In the band he was replaced by Brent Leitner (guitar/programming).
On December 4, 2009, I:Scintilla released an EP titled Prey On You. The EP contained three new songs and five remixes of these songs. Two songs, Prey On You and Ammunition, were later released on I:Scintilla's third full-length album Dying & Falling (formerly called Redshift), which was released on November 26, 2010. Like Optics, this album was released with a single disc version and a limited edition containing a second disc. This second disc contained the third song from the Prey On You, another previously unreleased track, and nine remixes.
Over the next year I:Scintilla toured lightly, with most of their shows being in their hometown of Chicago. Around December 2012, Brandon Chase was brought in to fill the long empty bass position, making the band a quintet. However, he left I:Scintilla the following August to focus on his own bands.
The Marrow EPs (2012-Current)
In 2012, I:Scintilla announced they would be releasing a series of EPs entitled "Marrow". The first of these EPs, Marrow 1, was released on October 15, 2012. This album was a dramatic change in musical styles. Abandoning their signature metal-electronica style, this album had a more acoustic sound to it. With five tracks, Marrow 1 contained one new song, Drag Along, two reworked versions from songs previously on Dying & Falling, as well as two covers.
Shortly after the December 12, 2012 release of Marrow 1, a new single was digitally released containing a new song, Skin Tight, and two remixes of Skin Tight. A month later, I:Scintilla announced a remix contest for Skin Tight as well as a new album, Marrow 2. The winning remix artist would have their song featured on the upcoming album. The band received 64 submissions and allowed their fan base to vote on which song should be included on the album. The votes were cast in a unique fashion counting cash donations as votes. All proceeds from the votes were donated to the Amnesty International charity.
Marrow 2 was released on May 2, 2013 and marked a return to their signature style. The album contains four new studio recordings as well as four remixes.
In January 2013, Brittany Bindrim launched her own company, Black Dove Design Company. The company focuses on graphic design, programming, and fine arts. The Marrow series album covers are all illustrated by Brittany and are part of her illustration portfolio for Black Dove.
On September 21, 2018, i:Scintilla released Swayed, their first full-length studio album in nine years.
Hollowed
I:Scintilla Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Demigod followed by your trail of ants
Your role and soul – can’t tell ‘em apart
Enter centered decadence
Crush stunted chrysalis
Your kiss, choke, heat, makes them fall to your feet
Shallow dead kiss like a stagnant pool swallowed
Worshipped selfish lover leaving them hollowed
Self-portraits hung in your darkroom heart
Acid bath drip drowns empathy
Reflection, perfection can’t tell ‘em apart
Plastic cast, shape love into your needs
Echo as voice alone
You want them all to get you off get, get you off
Fake it for a little thrill, get your fill
Smile crushed porcelain and gloss, thick emboss
Cover up your city kills, petty thrills
The song "Hollowed" by I:Scintilla talks about a toxic relationship where one partner is being used and manipulated by the other, who is portrayed as a demigod with an army of followers. The abuser seduces and abuses the victim and leaves them hollow inside. The abuser is unable to distinguish between their role and soul and indulges in self-centered decadence, while the victim is left crushed and broken.
The first stanza of the song talks about the seduction and abuse of the victim. The abuser leaves their mark on the victim's life, creating a trail of ants that follow them. The abuser is portrayed as a demigod who is untouchable and without concern. The second stanza describes the emotional state of the victim who feels empty and hollow inside. The abuser has taken away their individuality and crushed their spirit, leaving them with nothing but a shallow dead kiss.
The chorus of the song talks about how the abuser has a self-centered mission and needs to get off on the victim. The abuser fakes interest in the victim for a little thrill and is only interested in their own pleasure. The abuser is depicted as a plastic cast that shapes love according to their own needs. The victim is left with a fake smile and a broken heart, while the abuser covers up their petty thrills.
Line by Line Meaning
Seduce me, abuse me, make your mark
You manipulate and hurt me for your own ego, leaving your mark on me
Demigod followed by your trail of ants
You see yourself as superior and have followers who blindly follow you like ants
Your role and soul – can’t tell ‘em apart
You lack a true sense of self and identity, becoming the role you play
Enter centered decadence
You indulge in your own pleasure and desires, without care for others
Crush stunted chrysalis
You destroy and inhibit growth, preventing transformation and change
Your kiss, choke, heat, makes them fall to your feet
You use physical touch to control and overpower others, making them submissive to you
Without weight of concern you float through the street
You lack empathy and concern for others, allowing you to move freely without guilt or remorse
Shallow dead kiss like a stagnant pool swallowed
Your kisses lack passion and emotion, like a stagnant pool that cannot sustain life
Worshipped selfish lover leaving them hollowed
You are a self-centered lover who leaves your partners feeling empty and hollow
Self-portraits hung in your darkroom heart
You have a distorted and self-centered view of yourself, reflected in the way you see others
Acid bath drip drowns empathy
Negative thoughts and emotions consume you, leaving you unable to feel empathy for others
Reflection, perfection can’t tell ‘em apart
You strive for perfection but cannot differentiate between your true self and the mask you wear
Plastic cast, shape love into your needs
You mold love to fit your own desires and needs, rather than accepting it for what it truly is
Echo as voice alone
Your words have no substance or meaning, lacking the depth and authenticity of a true voice
You want them all to get you off get, get you off
You use others for your own pleasure, without regard for their needs or feelings
Fake it for a little thrill, get your fill
You put on a false persona to achieve temporary satisfaction, never truly connecting with others
Smile crushed porcelain and gloss, thick emboss
Your smile is fake and artificial, like porcelain, with a superficial shine that masks the darkness beneath
Cover up your city kills, petty thrills
You hide the damage you cause in your pursuit of pleasure, seeking out shallow and meaningless experiences
Contributed by Ruby S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Lexie Whitehead
One of my most favorite songs from you guys! I love Prey On You and Optics! Can't wait for your new album!
Bheid Reborn
You guys are amazing. I became a fan of your music after hearing Taken on LastFM. You guys rock!!
kiriyama1
i also became a fan of yoru music after hearing Taken on LastFM a few days ago, you guys are awesome!
MOB
excellent ça
Rafael Morinel
remember me so much of Marilyn Manson, but is good.
Nick Forbes-Warren
Yep! Beautiful People and Disposable Teens!! But what the hell!
Rob Muerto
pocamadreeeee!!!
xelKrazy
Great buuuuuuuuuuuut...... The intro sounds a lot like a slower version of "The beautiful people" 0:20 to 0:35 and the rest of the song still reminds me a lot to it.
DireConsenquences
The only idiots here are the ones who are close-minded and not letting people just enjoy what they like.
No one has to like this music, don't be so pretentious.
Oh! And I do like this btw! But there's something about the vocals in this particular song that just don't mix well with the song.
Vilmar Luciano
Eu detesto estes slides. No youtube tem que ser vídeo e não essa porcaria de slides. Devia ser proibido publicar isso.