Currently, RAZED IN BLACK has released five solo records and have appeared as a remixer, producer, or guest artist on more than a hundred albums. Notable high profile albums include providing remixes for Berlin, Information Society, Bowowow, Switchblade Symphony, Gary Numan, and more; as well as contributing to tribute compilations to such artists as Depeche Mode, The Cure, Metallica, Skinny Puppy, and more.
RAZED IN BLACK's most recent offering, ‘DAMAGED,' has created quite an impact since its release. A pristine amalgamation of industrial, Goth, trance, synthpop, and metal, encompassed with the heart-clenching emotions delivered only the way Romell Regulacion could. ‘DAMAGED’ is definitely his best work to date, taking electronic music to the next level.
The music on this 2-CD full length is enhanced with a slew of underground star appearances, all executed through Internet connections – possibly the first effort of it’s kind. With the album written and recorded from Hawaii, Los Angeles, and Florida, having guests from as far as Japan to London would be quite a trek. Guests include Inertia, Gosumi, Spahn Ranch, Soil & Eclipse, Dj MissGuided, and Vicci Neptune. The second disc also includes remixes by Assemblage 23, Haruhiko Ash, Sonic State, and more. It doesn’t stop here. Pop the second disc in your computer to view Razed In Black ‘live in concert’ – a track filmed in Hollywood, and another compiled from video clips from fans! All of this is cuddled within a gorgeous special-fold digipak complete with a full color booklet.
Introducing RAZED IN BLACK to the cutting-edge scene in Japan, Dolphin Entertianment proudly licensed a collective entitled "Unearthed." With the success of its release, RAZED IN BLACK kicked it up a notch with a few shows in Tokyo, thus sparking interest in Romell's techno side-project, TRANSMUTATOR (which resulted in Japan licensing and more concerts in Tokyo). Currently, RAZED IN BLACK is working on increasing its worldwide exposure seeking out licensing with record labels in Europe. With numerous appearances on compilations, remix albums, and press in the region, the endeavor looks very promising.
Romell has even been awarded Best Rock Vocalist in the 1996 and the 1997 Hawaii Music Awards, and an AVN AWARD for 1999 Best Music in an Adult Film (Strange Life:The Breech). Video game mogul SONY PLAYSTATION has even caught its eye including 4 Razed In Black tracks on a game called "VS.". Blockbusters CARRIE 2:THE RAGE and MYSTERY MEN excite the screen with tracks from Romell as well, teasing viewers with a sonic edge only he can deliver.
TRANSMUTATOR arose with Romell's desire to explore more avenues of electronic music. Incorporating elements of trance, breakbeat, and drum&bass, this side-project has had three albums released, two US tours completed, and three music videos produced, one of which made its appearance on MTV. While it's compilation appearances number over 50 albums, guest appearances and collaborations exploded with artists in its home at HYPNOTIC RECORDS and its Japanese affiliate DOLPHIN RECORDS. TRANSMUTATOR has even caught the attention of media producers with music appearing in the NBC TV show "HOMICIDE" and SEGA's SONIC ADVENTURES.
TRANSMUTATOR's latest offering is entitled "The Colony of Sluts," twisting the eroticism of thumping beats and the trance-induced sonics into a sex crazed frenzy. This one definitely pushes techno to the hard edge of sensuality, a record destined to release the lustful beast within onto the dancefloor!
Taking his custom mixes and exclusive plates to the dancefloor, Romell takes on another avenue spinning as Dj RB. Since his debut on the scene as a deejay, he has already headlined and co-headlined events with the likes of Alice Deejay, Carl Cox, Simply Jeff, Neosoul, Daniel Myer, Dj Evil, G-Spot, and more. Dj RB has also been commissioned by record labels to provide continuous mixes of select tracks. Though the variety of genres expand from drum & bass to hardcore (spinning under Dj RB or Dj SkOOBY), the mixes are flawless and showcase the label's tracks very well. Keep your eyes peeled for compilations like This Is NeoGoth, This Is Electroclash, or Gothika, ... or even a guest appearance at your club!
For RAZED IN BLACK's recent US TOUR with SWITCHBLADE SYMPHONY, Ivan Delaforce primary performer for the hit broadway showstopper STOMP, will aid Romell in transcending the heartstopping beats on stage. The creative performance style of Ivan's percussion playing promises concert goers a full show and not the usual hum drum of electronic outfits playing to a tape. The guitars are driven with the sound and fury of grinding machinery due to Mesa/Boogie's support and the incredible wall of sound the two guitarists, Romell and George, deliver on stage. Collectively, Romell with his emotional driven voice and his coherts on stage deliver a show best described through the experience.
Having a few U.S. tours headlining and supporting high profile acts, RAZED IN BLACK puts on quite a show. Concert reviews are always positive. Crowds ofen comment how much more intense and moving it is to experience RAZED IN BLACK live. The live line-up consists of Romell, who programs the music and show for the live performance, plays guitar, and delivers the vocals - often recalling the feelings when the lyrics were written, Romell never fails at exerting them with intense emotional expression, Ivan Delaforce, behind his custom trap of three snares, remote hats, and triggers, only compliment his energetic thrust of beats - for years an integral part of the percussive performing broadway show STOMP, Ivan makes his last name his definition … ‘a powerful force’, and Phil Guerrero, who aggressifies the delivery with guitars and back vocals - also popular for his appearance as a host on YTV, one of Canada's hottest youth shows. Various guest musicians take up residence to fill the fourth slot. Previous Razed In Black shows have featured members of Hate Dept, Soil & Eclipse, Dj Evil, Dj Ronnie E, Chris G, Shirley Dayton, and more. Key to the success of the shows are also Razed In Black's tour manager, Conor - exclusive piercer for the band and runs the best piercing shop in Hawaii, and Razed In Black's gear tech, Danny - who also happens to be Romell's long time bud. They're all from the islands and definitely deliver a show like no other.
Don't miss out! This is the year's freshest new music, with the first taste of what electronic bands will sound like in the next millenium. RAZED IN BLACK/TRANSMUTATOR - "Crawl into my world!"
Pursuit
Razed in Black Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
To pick out the chosen, wipe out the few
Shake off, the breath of the breathless
Beat off, the shields are down
take cover and lurch low, down on the ground
Stay hare, provisions in mind
reality present, fantasy to find
NO BULLSHIT
Searching for the kismet in my life
It's time, I've the right to gain
Searching for the kismet in my life
It's time, I've the right to pain
Case for the broke and the broken
So rich its defined and no payment is due
Weak law is left unspoken
If lost I'll break, I've got nothing left to lose
Strip down, confess your sins
Cleanse your soul, make room for more
Leave it to me I'll fill it in
Somebody's knocking, I'll open the door
NO BULLSHIT
The lyrics to Razed in Black's song "Pursuit" can be interpreted as a call to action in the face of danger and adversity. The creature approaching represents a threat, and the singer urges us to fight hard to protect ourselves and our chosen ones. The idea of wiping out the few suggests that the battle may be one of extreme importance, with high stakes for those involved.
The needle representing promises left untrue is a powerful image, suggesting deception and betrayal by those who were supposed to be trustworthy. In response to this, the shields are down and cover is sought, as the threat becomes more immediate. The mention of fantasy to find suggests that the singer may be looking for an escape from the harsh reality of the situation, but this is quickly countered with the command to stay aware and keep provisions in mind.
The second half of the lyrics suggest a sense of hopelessness and desperation, with the singer describing themselves as broke and broken. The idea that no payment is due suggests that they have given up on any sense of fairness or justice in their life, and the weak law left unspoken further reinforces the idea that those in power are not going to help them. The final lines, "Somebody's knocking, I'll open the door" can be seen as a last resort, an act of surrender to whatever fate may come their way.
Line by Line Meaning
Fight hard, creature's approaching
Brace yourself for a challenge as danger is drawing near
To pick out the chosen, wipe out the few
Eliminate the select few who have been chosen and marked for destruction
Shake off, the breath of the breathless
Cast aside the feeling of suffocation and reclaim your breath
The needle is poking, promises left untrue
The reality of lies and broken promises is being inflicted upon us
Beat off, the shields are down
Ward off the attack as defenses have been weakened and compromised
take cover and lurch low, down on the ground
Protect yourself by crouching down, lowering your profile, and finding cover
Stay hare, provisions in mind
Be alert and vigilant, preparing for what may come
reality present, fantasy to find
Face the truth of the world around us but remain hopeful for a better future
Searching for the kismet in my life
Looking for the fate or destiny that lies ahead
It's time, I've the right to gain
This is the moment to claim what is deserved and take it
Searching for the kismet in my life
Continuing to seek out what is meant to be, despite the obstacles
It's time, I've the right to pain
Accepting that pain is a necessary part of finding one's path
Case for the broke and the broken
Advocating for those who are poor and damaged
So rich its defined and no payment is due
The value of life and freedom cannot be bought, but must be earned
Weak law is left unspoken
Those in authority are failing to address the issues of those in need
If lost I'll break, I've got nothing left to lose
Feeling helpless and hopeless, with nothing else to lose if things go wrong
Strip down, confess your sins
Surrender yourself and reveal the faults and mistakes you have made
Cleanse your soul, make room for more
Purify your spirit and allow for new growth and change
Leave it to me I'll fill it in
Let me take charge and fill in the gaps that exist
Somebody's knocking, I'll open the door
Being receptive to new opportunities and possibilities that are presented
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA/AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind