Began in February of 1996, rising from the ashes of a previous band, Basic Enigma (which included future Spineshank members Jonny Santos on vocals, Mike Sarkisyan on guitars, and Tom Decker on drums). Basic Enigma broke up but soon reformed with a different sound and moniker, and a new bassist (Robert Garcia).
The band soon befriended Fear Factory guitarist Dino Cazares, who upon hearing their demo, offered the new band to open a show for F.F. at the Whiskey A-Go-Go in Los Angeles. This led to other coveted opening slots (with such popular acts as Coal Chamber, Snot, Soulfly, Sepultura and Danzig, among others), and label interest, with Roadrunner eventually signing the band. Their debut, Strictly Diesel, was released in September of 1998, and featured yet another tie-in with their favorite band, Fear Factory vocalist Burton C. Bell sings on the track Stain. The Height of Callousness followed two years later. Two singles were released off of this album (as well as became available in video form); Synthetic & New Disease. The band would hold a second stage slot on Ozzfest 2001 for the majority of that summer as well as touring with the likes of Disturbed, (Hed) P.E., Orgy& Mudvayne.
2003 saw the release of the much anticipated Self Destructive Pattern, as well as the single Smothered.
After the departure of Jonny Santos in 2004, the remaining members searched for a new vocalist and stated earlier in 2005 they have been working with a new vocalist. No name was given and no other news has been reported since then. Jonny Santos has since re-emerged in a new band dubbed Silent Civilian.
After a very long wait, Spineshank updated their official website (11/7/2005) with news that the band had found a new vocalist in Brandon Espinoza and that they had been working together for a month and had recorded 5 songs during this time. The band goes on to say that their new music is: "still heavy and dynamic with melody, but its a little darker and more raw. Our sound is a little different from what a lot of bands are doing these days and we wont be jumping on any bandwagons to fit in, we're just writing what feels right to us. So far there are no loops or electronics, and no plan to use them any time soon." It also went on to say that the future of the band was very much in doubt, unless they found the ideal replacement for Jonny Santos.
Almost 3 years later, on September 18, 2008, the band issued a press release from their myspace page, stating that the issues that led to the break up have been put behind them and they are working together better than they have before. The band has completed 5 songs since reuniting and plan to write 15 more before recording their new album. One of the new songs, "Born Conform Repent" can be heard at the band's myspace page.
Spineshank's long-awaited fourth studio album "Anger Denial Acceptance" is set to be released June 19, 2012 through Century Media.
After years of silence, The band's Facebook page responded to a post on July 26, 2017 when a fan had asked about Spineshank's status, simply stating "Sorry, Spineshank is broken up. Thanks for the support over the years."
God Complex
Spineshank Lyrics
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The lyrics of Spineshank's "God Complex" delves into themes of inner turmoil, self-destruction, and rebellion against religious beliefs. The song begins with the singer expressing a desire to forget a past self, as memories are becoming distant and fading away. He or she feels trapped in a perpetual state of self-inflicted harm, likened to an endless suicide. The line "Degenerating Withdrawal Rewrite" could signify an internal struggle to escape destructive patterns, attempting to rewrite one's behavior.
The singer accuses someone, potentially a religious figure, of overcompensating and pretending, urging them to suspend their beliefs. This could imply a disdain for blind faith or religious adherence without questioning. The concept of a God complex surfaces, suggesting that the person in question believes themselves to be god-like or superior. The singer then declares the need to destroy this God figure and bleed out, challenging their authority and questioning their power.
The lyrics demonstrate a strong sense of anger and frustration towards organized religion or the abuse of power within it. The idea of skinning the soul and exposing the core implies a desire to strip away pretenses and see things for what they truly are. The act of medicating, raping the heart, and being a "whore" symbolizes a rebellion against societal and religious expectations, refusing to conform. The final lines highlight the sense of desperation and isolation, clinging to a reality that may be harsh but known, suggesting that destruction is all the singer knows.
Overall, "God Complex" reflects a rebellious cry against oppressive systems, challenging established beliefs and seeking personal liberation.
Line by Line Meaning
Bury the one I used to know
Conceal and bury the person I once knew, as their memory becomes faint in my mind.
The memory is fading
The recollection of that person is gradually diminishing.
Feels like an endless suicide
It gives the sensation of a perpetual self-destruction, a never-ending internal struggle.
Degenerating Withdrawal Rewrite
Declining into deterioration, withdrawing from reality, and seeking to rewrite past experiences.
You're overcompensating
You are excessively compensating for something lacking or missing within yourself.
Suspend belief
Put aside your doubts and uncertainties.
Your faith is so persuading
Your strong belief system is highly influential and convincing.
Anger God Complex
Feeling enraged, possessing an inflated sense of power and control similar to that of a god.
Destroy your God and bleed out
Eliminate your self-appointed deity and let your essence drain away.
Just skin the soul
Merely scrape the surface of one's true self, not reaching the depths of the soul.
Expose the core
Reveal the innermost essence or heart of the matter.
And medicate it
Administer substances or actions to numb or alleviate the pain within.
Then rape the heart and be the Whore
Violently manipulate and exploit the emotions, becoming a metaphorical prostitute.
You animate it
You bring it to life, infusing energy and vitality into the corrupted state.
Devise Destroy
Invent destructive mechanisms or strategies.
These dreams have long but faded
These aspirations have long since vanished and lost their significance.
It's true It's pure It's not just real
It is authentic, untainted, and goes beyond mere reality.
It's all I know
It is the sole understanding and familiarity I possess.
Destroy your God
Annihilate the deity you worship or adhere to.
Anger God Complex
Experience wrath and possess an inflated god-like mentality once more.
Destroy your God and bleed out
Eradicate the perceived higher power and let your life force drain away.
Lyrics © RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC
Written by: JONATHAN J SANTOS, ROBERT ANDREW GARCIA, SOREN SUREN SARKISYAN, THOMAS DECKER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind