Song Connections 1- Integra Hellsing & Concrete Blonde

Writing these sort of infodump blogs mainly for myself… I think it’s definitely a more niche topic. Forgive the rambles.

  Out of the many songs and artists I connect to Integra’s character, Concrete Blonde’s music in general captures her so beautifully. Specifically their “Bloodletting” Album. 

  Concrete Blonde is a band that, while I’d say they aren’t unknown- they are certainly less talked about. Id even say they are a bit underrated in the goth scene. I believe they might have fell more into obscurity after True Blood was finished... They also had a bit of popularity with the song “Joey” in the 90’s scene. As they released more albums after Bloodletting they slowly garnered less recognition, leading up to the band breaking up.

 A few songs I want to highlight in short are “The Beast”, “Darkening of the Light” and “God is a Bullet”. An honorable mention being “Walking in London”.

Firstly, “The Beast”

“The Beast”’s lyrics have obvious connections. I view this song as Integra’s view of the general premise of Hellsing and the way she sees Alucard. I feel like this song also captures what I think Integra’s perspective of love and trust would be like. After multiple betrayals and her position it is hard to trust, even if one may want to.

A sidenote about her character I think many do not notice is her willingness to trust, forgive, and the subtle ways she keeps those around her and shows her care… and her fear of the extent of it… but- I will digress.

Next is “Darkening Of The Light”

  This song I relate to her in more of an isolated sense. The first in my playlist for her for a reason. It reminds me of the way she would operate in general. The overarching theme of not being alone also reminds me of the way Alucard lurks. An odd dark comfort. Perhaps to an extent reminds me of the 30 year gap, where his presence may have been felt, but of course he is absent. A ghost of his stronger presence- both physically and in her life. That lonely unsure aspect at play. I think she would obviously find comfort and companionship in her vampires.

  This song is one of my favorites from them. In my further characterization and analysis of her character I like to think of her as enjoying simple things. Still mornings for example, gardens, cups of tea of course. This song captures that as well.

The last song I chose is “God is a Bullet”

  Putting this one last, since I have the least to say. This one is more about her views in a religious way. Such as morals and her convictions. More of a tongue in cheek connection here, but knowing her character and the snarkiness she has it reminds me of her lines and monologues. Not to mention, the aspect dark aspect of God, accidental shootings, down to the female singer talking about being called Sir, it surprisingly gets on the nose.

  I could if I wanted, pick apart most of the lines of these songs, the inspiration and thoughts I have from them, but I do digress… I do not want this to get too lengthy.  

  I love analysis and making connections though. I’ll likely post more of these. And if you are interested in my character playlists, I have my spotify linked on my page.

11/24/2023