The Blitz

The Blitz are a British rock band formed in Portsmouth that comprises Floyd Seymour, Carl Silver, Jimmy Nixon and Rio Coka. The Blitz quickly rose to fame after the release of their debut album. "Sharp!" in 2021, which earned critical acclaim for its fresh and innovative sound that blended garage rock influences with modern production techniques.

Their subsequent releases, including hit singles such as "Break The Sound Barrier" and "Rise Of The Machines," solidified their position as one of the biggest bands of the 2020s. They quickly gained a massive following around the world, selling out arenas and headlining major festivals.

The third album of The Blitz, "I Want To Die", marked a significant turning point for the band, as it showcased their most musically diverse and lyrically complex work to date. The album's dark themes were largely influenced by the severe amphetamine addiction of Floyd Seymour during the recording process. The songs on the album delved into topics such as substance abuse, drug addiction, severe depression, suicide, and child abuse, showcasing the band's ability to tackle difficult subject matter. Despite the challenges Seymour faced during the production of the album, "I Want To Die" was a smash hit, and it became one of the greatest albums ever created, cementing The Blitz's place in rock history.

Although known for their melancholic performances rather than their dynamic ones, The Blitz's music spoke to fans on a deeper emotional level. Floyd Seymour's soulful vocals, Carl Silver's introspective guitar solos, Jimmy Nixon's emotive drum beats, and Rio Coka's evocative bass lines created a hauntingly beautiful sound that touched listeners' hearts.

The Blitz's impact on the music industry extended beyond their time in the spotlight. Their unique sound and heartfelt lyrics influenced a new generation of rock musicians and left an indelible mark on the genre.

### History

#### **Formation**

The Blitz was formed in 2018 by four friends from Portsmouth: Floyd Seymour, Carl Silver, Jimmy Nixon, and Rio Coka. The bandmates shared a deep passion for rock music and a desire to create a sound that blended classic and modern elements.

Floyd Seymour, the band's lead vocalist and primary songwriter, was a former busker who honed his skills performing on the streets. Carl Silver, the band's keyboardist and secondary songwriter, was a self-taught musician who drew inspiration from the likes of Billy Joel and Elton John. Jimmy Nixon, the band's bassist, had been playing in local bands since he was a teenager. Rio Coka, the band's drummer, brought a solid rhythm and groove to the band's sound.

The band spent countless hours rehearsing in a cramped garage, perfecting their sound and refining their songwriting skills. Their hard work paid off when they were discovered by a local record label and offered a recording contract.

#### ***Sharp!*** **and international success**

The Blitz's debut album "Sharp!" was a highly anticipated release following the success of their chart-topping single "Justice Denied." The album drew influences from 1970s experimental rock bands such as Pink Floyd, Yes, and Genesis, and incorporated modern production techniques to create a sound that was both classic and contemporary.

The recording process of "Sharp!" was a collaborative effort between the band members and their producer, who worked tirelessly to capture The Blitz's raw energy and emotion in the studio. They spent several months perfecting the album's sound and honing their performances, resulting in a collection of songs that showcased the band's unique sound and songwriting abilities.

The album features a mix of hard-hitting rock anthems and introspective ballads, all of which are infused with the band's signature melancholic tone. The opening track, "The 1976," is a parody to The 1975's tradition of putting the same opening track for each of their albums. Other standout tracks include the anthemic "By Stark Contrast," the politically-charged "Homegrown Savageness," and the hard-hitting rock track "Tyler Moon is a Killer!.". The final being an extremely controversial song at the time, due to Tyler Moon being accused of murder.

"Sharp!" debuted at number one on the charts and sold 7,933,517 copies, making it one of the best-selling albums of the year. The album's themes revolve around love, loss, and the human condition, and resonated deeply with listeners. The Blitz's ability to craft meaningful lyrics and deliver powerful performances captured the hearts of fans around the world, cementing their place as one of the biggest rock bands of the year.

#### **World tour and *Chaos Reigns Supreme***

Following the massive success of their debut album "Sharp!", The Blitz embarked on a world tour that was one of the biggest of its time. They played to sold-out crowds in arenas and stadiums around the world, solidifying their status as one of the biggest rock bands on the planet.

While on tour, The Blitz began work on their next album, which would eventually be titled "Chaos Reigns Supreme." Originally titled "Sonic Boom," the band took a more alternative and lyrical approach to their music, experimenting with different sounds and textures to create a unique and eclectic sound. The album's first single, "Break The Sound Barrier," was a massive hit, debuting at number one and selling over 10 million copies. The track showcased The Blitz's ability to craft a catchy and memorable hook while maintaining their signature sound and style. The second single, "Rise Of The Machines," was another huge hit for the band, debuting at number one and selling over 13 million copies. The song was a hard-hitting rock anthem that showcased the band's ability to deliver powerful and energetic performances.

"Chaos Reigns Supreme" debuted at number one on the charts to critical acclaim. The album was praised for its experimentation and unique sound, and it cemented The Blitz's status as one of the most innovative and exciting bands of the time. The album's themes revolve around the chaos and uncertainty of modern life, and it resonated deeply with listeners around the world. The band's ability to blend different genres and create a sound that was both fresh and familiar made "Chaos Reigns Supreme" a massive commercial success, selling over 12 million copies and earning The Blitz a place in music history.

#### **Second world tour and Seymour's depression**

The Blitz's second world tour was another massive success, with the band playing to sold-out crowds around the globe. However, behind the scenes, lead vocalist and primary songwriter Floyd Seymour was struggling with his mental health. Seymour had been dealing with depression for some time, but the pressures of touring and the band's rising fame exacerbated his condition. As the tour progressed, Seymour's depression deepened, and he began to rely on amphetamines to keep up with the grueling schedule.

The rest of the band became increasingly concerned about Seymour's well-being and the toll that the tour was taking on him. Eventually, they decided to take an undefined hiatus to allow Seymour to focus on his mental health and recovery.

At this point, Seymour became heavily addicted to amphetamines, often taking unusually large doses a day. This would largely affect the next album musically and lyrically.

#### ***I Want To Die* and recovery of Seymour**

Despite suffering from depression and being addicted to amphetamines, Floyd Seymour persevered in writing songs for The Blitz's upcoming album, "I Want To Die." However, the impact of Seymour's severe amphetamine addiction during the recording process cannot be ignored. Amphetamines can cause erratic behavior, insomnia, and poor concentration, which may have led to a decrease in the quality of the music and lyrics. Furthermore, the drug's impact on Seymour's mental state likely influenced the album's dark themes, which touched on subjects such as substance abuse, drug addiction, severe depression, suicide, and child abuse.

The songs on "I Want To Die" are deeply personal and reflective, with each track exploring different aspects of mental health, addiction, and personal struggles. The album opens with the the eponymous track which deals with themes of isolation and despair. The song's lyrics speak to the feeling of being trapped and alone, with Seymour singing, "I can't escape this cage / I built around myself."

Another standout track is "What Remains Unsaid," which deals with themes of addiction and substance abuse. The song's lyrics are a frank and honest reflection on the grip that addiction can have on a person's life, with Seymour singing, "I can't escape this hold / It's tearing me apart." Other tracks on the album, such as "That Lonely Road Ahead," "The Joke Is Over," and "To Kill Yourself" deal with themes of depression and suicidal thoughts. These songs offer a raw and emotional portrayal of the pain and despair that can come with mental health struggles. "Nowhere To Run To" and "Well, I Guess That's Life" are two of the most controversial tracks on the album due to their themes of child abuse and abandonment.

"Nowhere To Run To" is a haunting track that deals with the topic of child abuse. The lyrics paint a bleak picture of a child who is trapped in a cycle of abuse and neglect, with Seymour singing, "They say they love me but they hurt me / They say they're sorry but it's just words." The song is a powerful commentary on the devastating impact of child abuse and the long-lasting effects it can have on a person's life.

"Well, I Guess That's Life" is another emotionally charged track that deals with themes of abandonment and neglect. The song's lyrics tell the story of a person who has been left alone to fend for themselves, with Seymour singing, "Left alone to face the night / No one to hold me tight / Well, I guess that's life." The track is a raw and honest portrayal of the pain and loneliness that can come with being abandoned or neglected, and it serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of compassion and empathy towards others.

While these tracks may be difficult to listen to due to their heavy subject matter, they are also a testament to The Blitz's willingness to tackle tough and often taboo topics in their music. By shining a light on these important issues, the band was able to raise awareness and start important conversations about the often-hidden struggles of others.

The album "I Want To Die" was titled after the eponymous track, which dealt with the heavy subject matter of depression and suicidal thoughts. The song is a deeply personal and emotional reflection on the pain and struggles that Floyd Seymour was going through at the time.

The album marked a departure from The Blitz's previous sound, with the band taking a much darker and more introspective approach. Musically, "I Want To Die" represents a departure from The Blitz's previous albums. The album's sound is more stripped-down and raw, with a focus on creating a bleak and haunting atmosphere to complement the lyrical themes. The album features a range of musical styles, including jangle pop, post-punk, and gothic rock, with some tracks featuring acoustic instrumentation. The use of synthesizers and keyboards is more prominent on this album, creating an eerie and unsettling effect that contributes to the overall dark tone. espite the departure from their usual sound, the band's musical prowess shines through on "I Want To Die." The album features complex arrangements, intricate guitar work, and haunting melodies that are sure to leave a lasting impression on the listener.

The lyrics dealt with heavy themes such as substance abuse, drug addiction, severe depression, suicide, and child abuse. Seymour's amphetamine addiction continued to worsen during the recording of the album, leading to instances where he would show up to the studio hungover or not show up at all. Despite these challenges, the band continued to work on the album, determined to deliver their best work yet. The band made the decision not to release any singles during the recording of the album, wanting to preserve the integrity of the album as a whole. This was a risky move, but it paid off when "I Want To Die" was released to universal acclaim and became the band's third consecutive number-one debut.

The album was praised for its raw and honest portrayal of the struggles that many people face, with Seymour's lyrics resonating deeply with listeners around the world. Despite the heavy themes, there was a sense of hope and catharsis in the music, with the band providing a light in the darkness for those who may be struggling. After the success of "I Want To Die," Seymour focused on his recovery and continued to seek help for his depression and addiction. While it was a difficult journey, he eventually overcame his struggles and returned to making music with the band. "I Want To Die" remains a landmark album in The Blitz's career, showcasing their ability to tackle difficult themes with sensitivity and skill.

#### **Further recovery and *The Year Of Death***

After the success of "I Want To Die," Floyd Seymour fully recovered from his addiction and depression, and the band was able to regroup and start working on their fourth album.

The upcoming album, titled "The Year of Death," is highly anticipated by fans and critics alike. The band has been tight-lipped about the album's overall direction and theme, but they have revealed that it will be a departure from the darker, more somber tone of "I Want To Die." Instead, they've hinted that the new album will be more upbeat and energetic, with a focus on themes of renewal and growth.

The album's eponymous title track, "The Year of Death," has already been released as a single, and it's already making waves in the music industry. The track debuted at number one and sold over 6 million copies, cementing The Blitz's status as one of the most popular bands in the world. Fans and critics alike have praised the track's infectious energy and catchy hooks, and many are eagerly anticipating the release of the full album.

Overall, it seems that The Blitz are poised for another era of success and critical acclaim. With "The Year of Death" set to release soon, fans can look forward to hearing more of the band's innovative and boundary-pushing music.

## Musical style

The Blitz have a diverse musical style that has evolved significantly from album to album. Their sound can be best described as experimental rock, with elements of punk, pop, and electronica thrown into the mix. Their music has been praised for its unique soundscapes, unconventional structures, and intelligent lyrics.

### Sound

One of the defining characteristics of The Blitz's sound is its versatility. The band has never been afraid to experiment with different styles and genres, and their sound has evolved dramatically from album to album. For example, their first album "Sharp!" drew heavily from 1970s experimental rock, while their second album "Chaos Reigns Supreme" took a more alternative and lyrical approach. Their third album "I Want To Die" was a departure from their previous albums, with a much darker and more introspective tone.

### Lyrics

The lyrics of The Blitz's songs are just as diverse as their sound. Throughout their career, the band has tackled a variety of themes and subjects, from personal struggles with addiction and depression to social and political issues. Their lyrics are often introspective and thought-provoking, and they have been praised for their honesty and vulnerability.

### Live performances

The band is also known for their high-energy live performances. The Blitz's concerts are a spectacle to behold, with Floyd Seymour's dynamic stage presence and the band's frenzied instrumentation whipping audiences into a frenzy. They're known for their intricate light shows, explosive pyrotechnics, and daring stunts, making their live shows an unforgettable experience for fans.

## Band members

* Floyd Seymour - Lead vocalist, guitarist, and primary songwriter
* Carl Silver - Keyboardist, secondary songwriter, and musical director for *I Want To Die*
* Jimmy Nixon - Bassist and backing vocalist
* Rio Coka - Drummer and percussionist

## Discography

1. *Sharp!* (2020)
2. *Chaos Reigns Supreme* (2021)
3. *I Want To Die* (2022)
4. *The Year Of Death* (2023) [Upcoming]

## Notes

1. The band's name was inspired by the Blitz bombings of London during World War II. The band members felt that the name reflected their explosive sound and energetic performances.
2. The band's debut single, "Justice Denied," was originally written as a protest song against police brutality. It became a chart-topper and helped to launch the band's career.
3. The band's third album, "I Want To Die," was initially met with controversy due to its dark and disturbing lyrical themes. However, it has since been hailed as a masterpiece and one of the greatest albums of all time.
4. Floyd Seymour has been open about his struggles with addiction and depression, which heavily influenced the lyrical themes of "I Want To Die." His recovery and subsequent return to music has been celebrated by fans and critics alike.
5. The band's live performances are known for their energy and intensity, often featuring elaborate light shows and stage effects. They have been praised for their ability to connect with their audience and create a memorable concert experience.

## References

* "The Blitz: Rock band that ruled the 2020s" by Rolling Stone
* "Sharp! Review" by NME, published on May 5, 2021
* "Chaos Reigns Supreme: The Blitz's Latest Album" by Pitchfork, published on August 17, 2022
* "The Blitz announce indefinite hiatus due to frontman's health struggles" by Billboard, published on November 12, 2023
* "The Story Behind The Blitz's 'I Want To Die'" by Rolling Stone, published on February 2, 2024
* "The Blitz: The Sound of Rebellion" by The Guardian, published on March 16, 2024
* "The Year of Death: The Blitz's Fourth Album" by Pitchfork, published on June 28, 2025
* "10 Things You Didn't Know About The Blitz" by NME, published on August 4, 2025
* "The Blitz's live performance at Wembley Stadium: A night to remember" by BBC News, published on October 18, 2025