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."
The Reckoning
Spineshank Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Cut! (Cut)
Cut, pain divides
Your descent
From all the damage that you have
Become, blame yourself
Damage done
No absolution from the ones you scar
You see you sorrow through the eyes of a victim
Contamination of the rising star
The anti-vision and design of a fractured intent
(Design of a fractured intent)
Spread! Your misery, conspiracy
The restitution for your life (Life)
Life!
The depravation of your hidden lie
A muted memory of the damage inflicted
Interrogation with a blinded eye
Creates the scapegoat that
Replaces the need to repeat
(Replaces the need to repeat)
Fall, begin descent
Cannot prevent this life
There's no redemption
For a life of this kind
And it will bleed out in time
The reckoning
Self-preservation
And the motives collide
It's just a matter of time
The reckoning
There's no reason now
There's no reason now
There's no reason now
There's no reason now
Design of a fractured intent
(Design of a fractured intent)
Fall, begin descent
Cannot prevent, prevent this life
Cannot prevent, prevent this life
There's no redemption
For a life of this kind
And it will bleed out in time
The reckoning
Self-preservation
And the motives collide
It's just a matter of time
The reckoning
Reckoning!
The lyrics to "The Reckoning" by Spineshank explore the concept of personal accountability and the consequences of one's actions. The song presents a bleak picture of a person who has caused harm to others and is now facing the aftermath of their choices. The repetition of "Cut!" at the beginning of the song sets a harsh and unrelenting tone, emphasizing the pain and division caused by the character's actions.
The lyrics also touch on themes of self-blame and victimhood, suggesting that the character sees their own suffering through the lens of a victim. However, the song ultimately rejects this outlook, implying that it is not an excuse for their behavior. The lines "No absolution from the ones you scar" and "The anti-vision and design of a fractured intent" highlight the irreparable damage caused by their actions.
The chorus of the song focuses on the idea of "the reckoning," or the moment when someone must face the consequences of their actions. The repetition of the phrase "There's no redemption for a life of this kind" reinforces the bleak outlook presented throughout the song, suggesting that the character is doomed to pay for their choices.
Overall, "The Reckoning" is a dark and introspective song that explores the weight of personal responsibility and the toll that harmful actions can take on both the individual and those around them.
Line by Line Meaning
Cut! (Cut)
A sharp command or the sound of a sharp object being used, possibly representing the violent and painful nature of the situation.
Cut, pain divides
The harm caused by the situation is causing pain and separation or division.
Your descent
Your decline or fall, possibly due to the damage caused by the situation.
From all the damage that you have
The harm that you have caused or experienced.
Become, blame yourself
Acknowledging responsibility for the situation and the part you played in it.
Damage done
The harm or destruction that has already happened.
There is no coming back from this
The situation is irreversible and cannot be undone.
No absolution from the ones you scar
Those you have hurt or damaged cannot give you forgiveness or redemption.
You see your sorrow through the eyes of a victim
You feel the pain and sorrow of the situation as if you were the victim yourself.
Contamination of the rising star
The harm or damage has affected someone who was previously successful or growing in some way.
The anti-vision and design of a fractured intent
The situation was caused by a flawed plan or intention, which has led to chaos or dysfunction.
Spread! Your misery, conspiracy
The situation has caused misery and pain, possibly as a result of a group or larger plan.
The restitution for your life (Life)
The harm caused will need to be repaid or repaired in some way.
The depravation of your hidden lie
A secret or hidden truth has been revealed, leading to a loss or deprivation.
A muted memory of the damage inflicted
The harm or damage caused is difficult to forget, but may be pushed aside or repressed.
Interrogation with a blinded eye
Questions or investigations are being conducted without a clear understanding or awareness of the situation.
Creates the scapegoat that replaces the need to repeat
Blaming or sacrificing someone else for the situation can prevent similar mistakes from happening again.
Fall, begin descent
A decline or fall has already started and cannot be stopped.
Cannot prevent this life
The inevitable nature of the situation cannot be avoided or changed.
There's no redemption for a life of this kind
The situation is too severe or harmful to be redeemed or forgiven.
And it will bleed out in time
The harm or damage caused will continue to cause problems or pain.
The reckoning
The time is coming for the consequences of the situation to be faced.
Self-preservation and the motives collide
Trying to protect oneself has led to a conflict with the true motives or intentions of the situation.
It's just a matter of time
The consequences or reckoning will happen eventually, without a doubt.
Reckoning!
The consequences or judgment for the situation cannot be avoided.
Contributed by Blake J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.