BLIND HATE EXPERIMENT- HUMBLED
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September is considered to be a transitionary month each year. It brings about a change in environment and a change in mind, yet in 2000, the musical climate also began to change. This is the time of year that Blind Hate Experiment (BHE) was born unto the New Jersey independent scene.BHE began simply enough when vocalist Eric Portalatin, guitarist Tom McNamara, and bassist Mike Quindlen realized their destiny. They knew that they had more to offer this world then serving food or laboring in the local factories. In their minds, music was the only feasible future they had. Portalatin had been performing in various musicals since a young age; he clearly had the vocal presence to sing on a larger platform. McNamara was already playing in local bands developing his skills as one of the best guitarists around. He also became the winner of Limp Bizkit's guitar search contest in New York City 2001. Quindlen had been learning by ear, nurturing an ingrained knowledge of bass undertones and was ready to go a step further. Thus these schoolmates put their heads together, and the hard rock/metal hybrid BHE began to take root.After careful planning and many nights listening to a steady supply of Pantera, Tool and Jimi Hendrix, the group parted ways with their original drummer and welcomed percussionist Sean Christiansen into the fold, solidifying the backbone of the band. Dean Nugent became friends with Quindlen at a local concert, and this friendship quickly led to his placement as the band's manager. Nugent was respected in metal circles due to his involvement in recording groups such as System of a Down & Slipknot in the live environment. Though by August 2002, Nugent and the band realized that time necessitated a change. He laid down his managerial duties and became an integral cornerstone of BHE as their rhythm guitarist.The music of BHE tackles heavy subject matter such as self-hate, anxiety and depression. It seeks to find some meaning to the dark underbelly of our society, often portraying dark realms of thought while consistently striving to overcome the weight of reality. It allows listeners an opportunity to unleash their emotional baggage along with BHE. The music is thoroughly aggressive, yet has essential rock tones that stand out and transform each song into an electrifying mixture of sound. This is gritty hard rock infused with devilish undertones.The band's live show is where the group shines. With their intense performance, BHE offers fans a chance to let go of their daily struggles if just for one night. You're unlikely to find a soul leaving the venue each night without being drenched in sweat and a smile on their face. Portalatin is frequently found amidst the crowd, flourishing from the energy surrounding him. The group's close-knit relationship allows each musician to feed off his brethren on stage, driving each song to new heights and unforgettable intensity. In front of throngs of energized fans, these men are brothers in arms, rifling through uplifting songs of musical aggression fueled by past experiences.Over the past year, BHE have amassed a cult following in the New York/New Jersey area performing with such reputable acts as Disturbed, Taproot, Chevelle, Chimaira, SW1TCHED, Motogrator, Superjoint Ritual, Kittie, 40 Below Summer, Dope, My Chemical Romance, Thrice, Finch, Dry Kill Logic, Puya, Primer 55, Anthrax, Overkill, Fear Factory, Cold, Nonpoint and more. They have accomplished winning Disturbed's 2003 Music As A Weapon Tour Contest as well as placing number 6 of the year on New Jersey rock radio station 89.5 FM WSOU with their single "Deep Inside". Their message may be harsh in it's delivery, but it's intent is heartfelt and sincere. These men function as one unit, no one man is of higher importance in this collective. With the line-up complete, the band is feeling the innate unity amongst one another. BHE has stepped forth with renewed determination, and is ready to cause a commotion.
By: Jason David Taylor..
