After playing music for years together whilst growing up in New England, Justin Colangelo and Dan Rubin found a common interest in riff-powered acoustic music. In sharing a very similar musical upbringing, as well as a drive to uncover new, complex and emotional music, they embarked on a musical journey that hopefully has no conclusion. After playing in a successful death metal band for years, their lives were both shaken by the sudden and tragic passing of a very dear friend and fellow bandmate. In response to this, they both worked together on a dirge for this friend. It was here that Focused and Blinded began.