Waitakere, New Zealand

Blindspott, an alternative metal band from Waitakere, New Zealand, formed in 1997. The lineup initially featured Damian Alexander (vocals), Gareth Fleming (bass), Marcus Powell (guitar), and Shelton Woolright (drums), but Dave McDermott eventually took over on bass, and a second guitarist -- Brandon Reihana -- was added. Their self-titled debut album, released in 2002, debuted at number one on New Zealand's national chart and eventually went triple platinum. By the time the band recorded its second album, End the Silence, it had toured extensively, including gigs in Japan and Australia. The week End the Silence was released, it too went directly to the top of the chart. ~ Andy Kellman