So how did five guys from West Auckland make one of the most keenly anticipated albums of 2002?

Blindpsott formed in 1997 before anyone in New Zealand had even heard of Linkin Park or of using a DJ with rock music. With a staunch commitment to bad language, uncompromising in-your-face lyrics and all things West Auckland, Blindspott set out on an assault course to win hearts and minds over with their trademark heavy rock sound.

Debut single Nil By Mouth sold the initial first pressing on day of release in New Zealand. Despite being told to change the lyrics to make the song work at radio, the band stuck to their instincts. "Nah, we thought fuck it, we'll just blank it," laughs Shelton. Right they were - even with its limited production budget, music critics called it "an anthem waiting to happen."

Three radio hits later, with Room to Breathe, S.U.I.T and Lit Up the band is set to explode.

Blindspott started the hype themselves, and eventually it turned in their favour. "Back in the day when we first started, we got stickers and we'd cruise around town all day, just plastering them everywhere we went," explains Damian. Heaps of people didn't have a clue, didn't understand, but eventually it got familiar."

Marcus (guitarist) says their music has an audible honesty for fans. "It's doesn't have that fake element about it, I think that people can pick up on the fact that we enjoy our music, and they can feel that."

Then there's the diverse 'throat' of Damian Alexander. "From the vocal side of things, I've grown up listening to rap, metal, and Cat Stevens and Coldplay," he explains. "Whatever I feel that part of a song needs, I'll give it. If it's a real punchy fast riff, you do a rap, there's no point singing because it's not going to fit."

It's not just the fans that are eagerly anticipating the new album. M2 programmer, Leanda Barrett, enthuses "Anybody who thinks that these guys are just a copycat band are sorely mistaken, these guys are stinking hot! They are absolutely huge with our viewers."

Since the band provided their first video to M2, their singles have remained in the Top 10 and stand-out as favourites amongst viewers. This, along with significant radio play and support has seen the band garner a significant and loyal following. Recording for the album took place in York St, Auckland during 2002 - after signing a deal with Capitol Records earlier this year. EMI Music (NZ) Managing Director Chris Caddick was "beyond thrilled" when the group decided to join the roster.

Produced by Paul 'he's a fucking legend' Matthews, the album takes on a new range and diversity from what fans recognize as their trademark sound.

There are beautifully heavy songs, like the eight-minute closing track Ilah, and the different textures and experimental effects will surprise some people. Paul at one point resorted to tying wooden blocks on his shoes to create the footsteps effect on Plastic Shadow.

"There's a few tracks that don't have the word fuck in them," says Damian. "Many songs are epic and intricate, although no less hard."

Shelton adds "We've got stuff that's beautiful and some songs are just downright rotten, dirty metal, and there's even some dub in there"

People are constantly telling us that 'Nah, you can't do that. You can't swear like this, you can't say fuck.' Maybe we can't do it, but we're going to do it anyway," reasons Shelton.