When you think of Louisiana, you think of a few things, New Orleans, Jazz, good food, and hardcore, what? hardcore, yup, that’s right. If you have never heard of The Blindfolded War Routine, you have got to read on. This 4 piece is out of Baton Rouge, Louisiana and they are full of talent. They originally started as a death metal band but evolved into a serious hardcore sound. Their message is strong in the word and you will not be disappointed if you check them out in concert, or go and pick up their demo (see details below). I think you will enjoy The Blindfolded War Routine as much as I do, Louisiana hardcore is alive and well!
Band Name: The Blindfolded War Routine
Music Style: Hardcore
Location (Home Base): Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Q: How long has the Blindfolded War Routine been playing together?
A: Well, we have been collectively playing since 1999, and currently the band consists of: Josh on guitar, Steve on guitar, Chris on bass, Austin on drums, and Garry on vocals. We started off as a death metal/hardcore hybrid band name Fleshkill, and a few lineup changes and name changes, and musical progressions, we are doing what we are doing now.
Q: Interesting name, where did you come up with The Blindfolded War Routine?
A: Haha, honestly, in 2003, we were contemplating a name change, and our bassist Josh found this web page that creates random band names and after a few button clicks the name “The Blindfolded War Routine” popped up. At fist we opposed it, but in 2005 our genre changed and so we made the name change.
Q: How is the hardcore scene in Louisiana?
A: Its growing! When we initially started in the Baton Rouge area , there were a few bands, us (using the name Fleshkill), Dead to Life, Lucid Soule, Chapter 11 Bankruptcy, Twiceborn, Liberated Minds and few others . Now there are a TON of great bands such as, Wake Into The Nightmare, Audette, Torn Apart By Horses, The Positive Place For Kids, Amongst The Dead, Awaiting Trial, Jabber Jaw, and others. All great dudes with tons of talent!!
Q: What does everyone do in their downtime (when you guys are not playing)?
A: Typically were out eating steaks or just hangin’ at someone’s house. All of us work. Steve and Josh are married. so they chill with their wives, and hang with us when they get spare time. other than that we’re pretty much laid back dudes who make up really obnoxious inside jokes and play video games, lol.
Q: The Blindfolded War Routine is a Christian hardcore band, has anyone in the scene ever questioned you, or ridiculed the band for that?
A: Not really, here in Baton Rouge there are few other Christian bands in our scene. For the most part the kids in our scene are pretty respectful to differing view points.
Q: Have you ever had people at shows come to you after word to discuss Christ?
A: Ironically that usually happens in places that are not’t venues, lol. Like just the other night we got together with some of the other local Christian bands and had a bible study. Had great food and had good fellowship. Also when we perform, we definitely let people know where we’re coming from.
Q: Do You consider what you do a ministry? If so, why?
A: Most definitely. However we also view everyday life as a opportunity for ministry. To put it another way, when a believer wakes up in the morning that’s when his ministry begins. Any band can claim Christ and prefab some words to say. The truth shines the second your off the stage, and that for us is where ministry begins. If your life doesn’t line up with what your preaching, people will notice a fake.
Q: Share some info on the Brother’s in War web site, how do you use that to reach out to the hardcore community?
A: Well the Brother’s In Arms site is a vision that Josh had. It’s basically a place for people to get information on different issues, and its a way to reach out and raise awareness about certain
issues. Also its an opportunity to sow into the lives of hurting individuals, and to promote unity within our collective scenes.
Q: How does Christ influence your music and lyrics?
A: Our music typically comes from different experiences we have had and how through them God has revealed many things. For example, our lyrics deal with heartache, having to overcome hate, the state of the modern church, the hardcore scene in general, etc.
Q: What other bands does The Blindfolded War Routine draw its influences from?
A: Wow, I have to say musically we’re influenced by bands like, Sleeping Giant, Full Blown Chaos, Madball, Jesus Wept, Hatebreed, Shockwave, No Innocent Victim, Cannibal Corpse, Seventh Star, Embodyment (embrace the eternal era), Point of Recognition, waaaay to many more to list here, lol!
Q: Who is obsessed with GI-Joe?
A: Lol! The GI-Joe thing was something we just started kicking around at practice one day, lol. We thought it would be cool for imagery! We grew up loving GI-Joe as well as various 80’s cartoons. Yes, we’re nerds, lol.
Q: What other bands has The Blindfolded War Routine played with, what bands were the most memorable and why? 
A: Lets see, through the years we have shared the stage with: The Classic Struggle, Dead Hands Rising, As Cities Burn, Soilent Green, Bloodlined Calligraphy, Through The Eyes Of Dead,
August Burn Red, Showbread, As I Lay Dying, The Red Cord, and many others. And also phenomenal locals. One memorable moment was with the Acacia Strain. We all went to Steve’s house after the show, and watched the Cannibal Corpse “Live Cannibalism” dvd. We all just had a great time laughing and making stupid jokes. Those guys are great. The most memorable moment was many years ago when we were Fleshkill. It was our first show and it was with the band Disciple. We were playing at a “mega” church named Bethany World Prayer Center in Baton Rouge. There were a lot of people there. We started to play, the crowd started moshing, the church leadership got reeeeally nervous and in the middle of our second song one of the youth pastors pulled the plug on us and turned down the PA. Good times from small minded people. We got it all on tape.
Q: Any bands ever refuse to play with The Blindfolded War Routine because they found out you were Christian?
A: Umm, not that we’re aware of.
Q: Will The Blindfolded War Routine be touring any time soon?
A: Sure!! But we’re looking for places to play so book us!! We’d love to come out and play!! Look for us a town near you! Bring us candy, we’ll bring the mosh!
Q: Any plans for a full length album?
A: We are currently writing new material for a new album. Not sure on a date but things are working pretty smoothly. Come check out our music on our myspace you can pickup our most recent release “Frontline Anthem.”
Q: Does The Blindfolded War Routine draw inspiration from any particular verses or books in the bible?
A: The whole book of Romans and Philippians 1:21.
Q: If you could convey one message to the hardcore community, what would it be?
A: The message we would convey is that God’s grace is sufficient and that you ARE loved unconditionally.
No matter what you have been through, what you have done, or the trials you face, Jesus is there.
Q: Thanks for this awesome opportunity, I really enjoyed your answers, I wish you the best of luck and God bless!
A: Thank you guys!
You can reach The Blind Folded War Routine to book them through there myspace page HERE, you can also order their awesome demo called “Frontline Anthem” which I highly recommend, on their myspace page. Keep an eye on these guys, they have a great message and are going places!
