Christchurch band signs to US label after 'cathartic' album borne from trauma

Sunday, 20 June 2021

Christchurch band Blindfolded and Led to the Woods have signed to a prestigious United States record label.

The band, which first formed in 2010, has signed to metal label Prosthetic Records, which boasts some of the world’s biggest heavy metal acts on its roster.

Stuart Henley-Minchington, who is also a four-time New Zealand drag racing champion, said interest in the progressive technical horror death metal band had “blown up” after they independently released their third album Nightmare Withdrawals in March.

Born into the world during a global pandemic, he said the album was “definitely” a product of its environment.

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It features guest vocal contributions from Karl Sanders of Nile on Atop The Wings Of A Magpie and Callum Gay of Spook The Horses on Lucid Visitations.

“We released it independently,” Henley-Minchington said.

“It’s fuelled by trauma but really cathartic. We really stepped up the way we do things and massive metal publications around the world started picking it up. It all blew up from there.

“New Zealand is definitely getting a reputation around the world in the metal scene. We have a great reputationnow for pumping out music that’s a bit darker.

“Our songs were written from a place of trauma after going through the earthquakes, that played a massive part, and the terrorist attack has as well.”

The band’s big break is the latest success for Christchurch's music scene.

Earlier this year rock band Pieces of Molly signed to American heavy metal label Ripple Music, which Ozzy Osbourne bassist Rob “Blasko” Nicholson helps run as an executive vice president.

The next gig for Blindfolded and Led to the Woods is at Christchurch Town Hall on June 26, supporting Kora and Devilskin.

Henley-Minchington said the new label would give them global distribution for their forthcoming releases, including a new album next year.

The label could also help them organise tours in the United States and Europe when “the world opens up again”.

The album was not a concept album but was based around the same themes of “love, loss, depression, suicide”.

“Most of it is sparked by things which have happened in our lives. How crazy it is to be alive at this time. Most of the themes are around depression and natural disasters … death is a big part of it as well.”

Guitarist Ben Atkinson, known in Christchurch for his work as founder of the children’s charity Fill Their Lunchbox , agreed.

“From beginning to end the album tells a story of agony, trauma and release that is dark, unique and crushing, yet emotive.”

The album was recorded at The Sitting Room Studio in Christchurch with award-winning New Zealand producer Ben Edwards, who has worked with Marlon Williams, Tami Neilson and Nadia Reid, among others.

Henley-Minchington said the band had been offered deals by record labels “from around the world”.

“There were several labels trying to snatch us up,” he said.

“Different places were offering us different things, but we ended up going with Prosthetic Records in Los Angeles – they have a massive history of some of the world’s biggest bands.

“We are the only band from New Zealand signed to them. Labels like this can open those doors for touring and other connections.”

Metal is often a “misunderstood genre”, Henley-Minchington said.

“You talk to the security guards who work at our shows, they never have problems at metal shows. They have the most angry music but are usually the nicest and most genuine people.

“We couldn't do any of it without our friends and family who have supported us for more than a decade, they are such a huge part of making all of this happen.”