Lead singer/guitarist Nick Blinko is notorious for his witty macabre lyrics and dark pen-and-ink artwork, prominently featured on all of Rudimentary Peni's albums. Blinko is also rumored to have written the band's Pope Adrian 37th Psychristiatric album whilst resident in a psychiatric hospital, having suffered from mental illness most of his life, as such, the subject matter of the album relates to the delusions Nick was experiencing at the time, particularly the idea that he was said Pope. Nick's subject matter has been influenced by the work of H.P. Lovecraft who he had studied after having delusions of the macabre element of life and hereafter. Bassist Grant Matthews has also written a number of songs for the band, though his lyrics primarily focus on sociopolitical themes. The band also features drummer Jon Greville.
Very few photos exist of the band, as their albums feature Blinko's drawings, but artist and record label owner Pushead published a few photos of the band in an early edition of his magazine.
The band had early connections with Crass, and released their Farce EP on Crass Records. Though they stopped performing in the 1980s after bassist Grant Matthews was diagnosed with cancer, they continue to record and release material today, though they rarely give interviews. Nick Blinko has also become increasingly popular in the Outsider Art scene, and wrote an autobiographical novel entitled "The Primal Screamer", revered amongst his fans to be a literary masterpiece.
Musicians of a variety of genres (from thrashcore to death metal to apocalyptic folk) have taken influence from the work of Rudimentary Peni. There is even an all-girl high school cover band that does all Rudimentary Peni. The legend created by Rudimentary Peni is part in thanks to their evasion of media coverage and the spread of misinformation.
A new album, No More Pain EP was released on May 5th 2008. Nick Blinko has also finished a new untitled novel, due out sometime in the near future.
Womb So Scorned
Rudimentary Peni Lyrics
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The lyrics of Rudimentary Peni's "Womb So Scorned" convey deep pain and abandonment. The singer is mourning the loss of something that gave their life meaning and purpose. However, instead of finding comfort and support from those around them, they are being punished and blamed for their pain. The phrase "bereaved of that for which I live" suggests that whatever the singer has lost was fundamental to their existence, and its absence has created a void that cannot be filled. This loss has made the singer vulnerable and exposed, as symbolized by the "womb so scorned" which is now raging with emptiness and bitterness. The fact that this rage is directed towards the singer only makes their suffering more intense.
The use of the word "chastised" highlights how the singer is being punished for something beyond their control. They are being made to feel guilty for their pain, as if they should have been able to prevent the loss that has caused it. The phrase "hollow rage" also suggests a sense of futility and impotence in the face of overwhelming emotions. The combination of grief and self-blame creates a sense of despair that permeates the entire song.
Line by Line Meaning
bereaved of that for which I live, you have chastised me.
Without the thing that gives me purpose, you have punished me.
womb so scorned, with hollow rage, you have chastised me.
You mock my reproductive capabilities, fuelled by an empty, meaningless anger, and continue to punish me.
Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
CosmeticPlague104
I don't think people like Echoes of Anguish very much... =/ I love all Rudimentary Peni albums.
Jacob RedElk
Me too man, i love all the albums even their most recent one which was pretty haggard. greatest band ever
Daniel Cox
I think all of their records hold weight. Echoes of anguish is perfect death rock. Womb so scorned mfer