Enter Shikari are a British Rock band from St. Albans, England. They were recently announced to headline RAMfest 2023 in South Africa and they have been around for more than 20 years.
The band’s musical style has been categorized in multiple ways, including alternative rock, electronic rock, post-hardcore, electronicore (which they are credited with pioneering), experimental rock, post-rock, and, in their early releases, metalcore and synth-metal.
There’s probably a lot that you don’t know about this band, but today my aim is to change that…
Here are 19 Interesting Facts You Might Not Know About Enter Shikari
1. The band was originally formed as Hybryd in 1999 by Rou Reynolds (on vocals and guitar), Chris Batten (on bass) and Rob Rolfe (on drums).
2. Guitarist Rory Clewlow joined the band in 2003 and they changed their name to Enter Shikari.
3. The band was named after Shikari, a boat belonging to Rou Reynolds’ uncle. In a 2011 interview, Rob Rolfe explained that: “Shikari is a Hindi word for hunter.” After the band’s line-up and name change, Reynolds focused his musical efforts on vocals and electronics instead of guitar.
4. On 4 November 2006, they became only the second unsigned band to ever sell out London Astoria. The first band to do this were The Darkness.
5. Their first single (“Mothership”) was released on March 20, 2006, as the lead single from their debut album, Take to the Skies. The song explores themes of escapism, urging listeners to break free from societal constraints and find solace in music and unity. It embodies Enter Shikari‘s message of challenging the status quo and promoting positive change.
6. Their debut album (Take to the Skies) touches upon various themes, such as political activism, social commentary, and personal struggles. The band’s lyrics often reflect their dissatisfaction with the state of the world and their desire to inspire positive change and unity among listeners. The album reached #4 on the Official UK Album Chart, selling 28,000 copies in its first week of release.
7. To date the band have released 7 studio albums: Take to the Skies (2007), Common Dreads (2009), A Flash Flood of Colour (2012), The Mindsweep (2015), The Spark (2017), Nothing Is True & Everything Is Possible (2020) and A Kiss for the Whole World (2023).
8. Enter Shikari‘s second album (Common Dreads) delves into various political and social issues, with lyrics that address topics such as government corruption, environmental destruction, war, and societal apathy.
9. “Juggernaughts” (the lead Common Dreads single) peaked at number 28 on the UK Singles Chart. The song encourages listeners to challenge oppressive systems, break free from conformity, and rise up against injustice. It serves as a rallying cry for social change and empowerment.
10. Enter Shikari‘s 2012 album A Flash Flood of Colour tackles contemporary issues, notably the impact of the Great Recession. It confronts government inadequacies in addressing the global economic crisis, while also addressing the political landscape in Israel and the urgency of climate change. The album exemplifies Enter Shikari‘s persistent blending of electronic and rock genres. Its cover art portrays an inverted social hierarchy, symbolizing the album’s themes and messages.
11. “Sssnakepit” (the lead A Flash Flood of Colour single) reached number 82 on the UK Singles Chart. The song’s lyrics addresses the band’s frustration with societal norms, conformity, and the dangers of apathy.
12. Their 2015 album (The Mindsweep) built upon Enter Shikari‘s established sound while incorporating new experimental elements. The album features a diverse range of musical styles, including aggressive guitar riffs, electronic samples, intricate drum patterns, and atmospheric soundscapes.
13. “The Last Garrison” was the lead The Mindsweep single. The song’s lyrics touch upon themes of resilience, defiance, and the human spirit. The song conveys a sense of determination in the face of adversity, encouraging listeners to fight for what they believe in and resist oppressive forces.
14. Enter Shikari‘s 2017 album The Spark sees the band exploring a more melodic and accessible sound compared to their earlier works. While still incorporating elements of rock, electronic, and post-hardcore, the album incorporates more pop sensibilities and anthemic hooks. The band experiments with different production techniques, creating a polished and dynamic sonic landscape. The album reached number 5 on the UK Albums Chart and won the Best Album award at the 2018 Kerrang! Awards.
15. “Live Outside” (the lead The Spark single) reached number 38 on the UK Singles Chart. The song conveys a message of escapism and finding solace in music. The song encourages listeners to break free from societal constraints, embrace their individuality, and create their own reality. It serves as an anthem for those seeking refuge and empowerment through music and personal expression.
16. Their 2020 album Nothing Is True & Everything Is Possible explores themes of the information age, the erosion of truth, political unrest, technological advancements, and the existential questions arising from these circumstances. The album tackles topics such as social media, artificial intelligence, climate change, and the fragility of democracy.
17. The music video for “The Dreamer’s Hotel” (the lead single off their 2020 album) features a visually striking and surreal narrative. It incorporates vibrant and contrasting imagery, symbolizing the clash between dreams and reality. The video’s aesthetic and imaginative visuals complement the song’s themes and enhance the overall impact of the music.
18. A Kiss for the Whole World (their 2023 album) made its debut at number one on the UK Albums Chart. It’s the band’s first number-one album.
19. Enter Shikari played at Oppikoppi Festival in South Africa in 2012. In fact, they’ve played at almost every major festival in Europe over the years (including Download Festival, Reading & Leeds Festival, Graspop Metal Meeting, Hurricane Festival, Southside Festival and others).
Well, there you have it, 19 interesing facts you might not have known about Enter Shikari. If I’ve left out something important. feel free to comment below.
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