Bullet For My Valentine

Bullet for My Valentine are a Welsh metalcore band from Bridgend, formed in 1998. The band is composed of Matt Tuck (lead vocals, rhythm guitar), Michael Paget (lead guitar), Jason James (bass guitar, backing vocals), and Michael Thomas (drums). They were formed under the name Jeff Killed John and started their music career by covering songs by Metallica and Nirvana. Jeff Killed John recorded six songs which were not released; two of these tracks were reworked later in their career as Bullet for My Valentine. Financial difficulties dictated the name change, which was followed by a change in music direction. In 2002, the band secured a five-album deal with Sony BMG. The band has stated that their music is influenced by classic heavy metal acts such as Metallica, Iron Maiden, and Slayer.

Bullet for My Valentine's debut album, The Poison, was released on 3 October 2005 in the United Kingdom and on 14 February 2006 in the United States to coincide with Valentine's Day. The album entered the Billboard 200 in the US at number 128. It was certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of America. The band made appearances at the Download Festival and Kerrang! XXV, and undertook a US tour with Rob Zombie. Bullet for My Valentine's second studio album, Scream Aim Fire, was released on 29 January 2008 and debuted at number four on the Billboard 200. The band's third album, Fever, will be released on April 27 2010.

Jeff Killed John and record deal (1998–2005)

Jeff Killed John was the forerunner band to Bullet for My Valentine and was formed in 1998 by Matthew "Matt" Tuck, Michael "Padge" Paget, Nick Crandle, and Michael "Moose" Thomas while studying music at Bridgend College. Playing Nirvana and Metallica cover songs, the band released a two-track EP in 2002, You/Play with Me, which was produced by Greg Haver. The EP was financed through the Pynci scheme for new Welsh musicians and the release garnered radio airplay on BBC Radio 1's broadcast at Newport's T.J.'s.[1] Jeff Killed John's music followed the nu metal trend set by bands such as Korn and Limp Bizkit.[1] Bassist Crandle left the band on the eve of entering the recording sessions for You/Play with Me and was replaced by Jason James.[1] The band then changed their name to Bullet for My Valentine and reworked their musical strategy; they decided to play thrash metal songs with "harmony guitars and big angelic choruses" according to frontman Tuck.[2]

Roadrunner Records showed interest in Bullet for My Valentine and offered the band a deal. The offer was ultimately turned down, and the band signed a five-album record deal with Sony BMG and a UK licensing deal with Visible Noise. According to Tuck, they chose Sony because, "We thought that a lot more doors would be open to us."[2] A self-titled EP was released on 15 November 2004 in the UK. Produced by Colin Richardson, it featured five tracks and marked the band's first official release.[1] A second EP, Hand of Blood, was released on 22 August 2005 through Trustkill Records and was only available in the US; the release contained one extra track than the self-titled EP, "4 Words (To Choke Upon)". Daniel Lukes of Decibel Magazine reviewed the EP by stating, "The worst part is that the music itself isn’t all that bad, for the genre." He went on to comment that the band should be "embarrassed" about the release.[3] Zeromag's Josh Joyce complimented the band on "how technical they can get without confusing the kids".

The Poison (2005–2007)

The Poison (2005–2007Bullet for My Valentine's debut album, The Poison, was released on 3 October 2005 in the UK and on Valentine's Day, 2006 in the US. It entered the Billboard 200 at number 128,[6]Independent Albums chart.[7] On 30 January 2009, the album was certified gold by the RIAA after 500,000 copies were sold in the US.[8] Four singles were released from The Poison: "4 Words (To Choke Upon)", "Suffocating Under Words of Sorrow (What Can I Do)", "All These Things I Hate (Revolve Around Me)", and "Tears Don't Fall".[9] Bullet for My Valentine promoted the album by touring across the world. In 2005, with increased popularity, they played on the larger Download FestivalSnickers stage;[10] in 2006, the band were moved to near the top of the main stage bill.[11] Other tours included opening for Metallica and Guns N' Roses in the summer of 2006,[12] the Vans Warped Tour, Kerrang! tour, and Earthday Birthday.) and attained number 11 on the.The band's performance at the Brixton Academy in London on January 28, 2006, was filmed for their first DVD, The Poison: Live at Brixton.[13][14] During June 2007, Tuck suffered from laryngitis, which let to an emergency tonsillectomy in July.[15] Bullet for My Valentine were forced to cancel several shows, including supporting Metallica for three dates on their Sick of the Studio '07 tour on 29 June in Bilbao, 5 July in Vienna, and 8 July at the recently completed Wembley Stadium in London.[16] Unable to speak, Tuck wrote that as soon as doctors cleared him he would be in the studio working on the band's next album.[17]

Scream Aim Fire (2007–2008)

Bullet for My Valentine's second studio album, Scream Aim Fire, was recorded at Sonic Ranch Studios and was produced by Colin Richardson.[18] Tuck commented at the time, "It's a lot more up tempo, a lot more aggressive".[19] The album was released in the US on 29 January 2008.[20] It sold 53,000 copies in its first week and peaked at number four on the Billboard 200.[21] Three songs were released as singles: "Scream Aim Fire", "Hearts Burst into Fire", and "Waking the Demon".

In support of the new album, the band toured North America and Australia in the spring of 2008 for the Taste of Chaos tour alongside Atreyu, Blessthefall, and Avenged Sevenfold. Bullet for My Valentine cut short the Canada portion of the tour and flew back home to support the daughter of James who was in hospital.[22] The band performed in North America again in the summer of 2008 as part of the No Fear Tour with Bleeding Through, Cancer Bats, and Black Tide.[23] In late 2008, the band toured Europe, supported by Lacuna Coil, Bleeding Through, and Black Tide.[24] In December 2008, Scream Aim Fire was re-released with four bonus tracks that were recorded during the album's studio sessions, but with re-recorded vocal-lines.[25]

Fever (2009 onward)

Matt Tuck spoke to Daniel Marez of Metal Hammer in March 2009 about the band's progress on writing and recording their third album. He stated that there were four or five songs that were finished and that "usually we write and record 14 tracks that I then have to write vocal lines for, but this time I’m trying to write the vocals as I write the music".[25] Bullet for My Valentine confirmed in August 2009 that they were aiming for an early 2010 release for the new album, while Tuck stated that the upcoming record is "a lot more mature-sounding, it's a lot more classic. It'll stand the test of time [more] than both the previous things we've done".[26] In a January 2010 interview with Rock Sound, frontman Matt Tuck said the planned release date for Fever, the 11-track album is in late April 2010. He also said the album would sound more like The Poison than Scream Aim Fire and would contain no ballads.[27]

During the summer of 2009, Bullet for My Valentine toured across the United States as part of the Mayhem Festival,[28] alongside Killswitch Engage, Slayer, and Marilyn Manson on the main stage;[29] they also appeared on the UK leg of the Sonisphere tour at Knebworth, headlining the second stage.[30] The band will be headlining the second stage at the Download Festival 2010. It is unknown as to which day they will be playing yet.[31] The band have also been confirmed for Nova Rock,[32] Metaltown,[33] Rock am Ring,[34] Rock on the Range,[35] The Bamboozle,[36] Bilbao Live Festival,[37] Fortarock[38] and Graspop.[39] The band has also been confirmed to be playing alongside the Big Four on the Greek leg of Sonisphere.[40]

The album will be available on April 27 2010 and will be titled Fever.[41] A download of a new track called "Begging For Mercy" was released on the band's website on February 16.[42]

A second single, "The Last Fight", will be released on April 19.[41]

Style and influences

Bullet for My Valentine's music has been described by critics as metalcore,[41][43] heavy metal,[44][45] and thrash metal.[46][47] The band has cited being influenced by bands such as Metallica, Annihilator, Pantera, Machine Head, Iron Maiden, Testament, Stuck Mojo, Slayer, Judas Priest, and Megadeth.[48] These bands inspire Bullet for My Valentine's "catchy vocals, aggressive riffs and melodies" according to Thomas.[49] The band themselves consider their music as hard rock[50] with Tuck went on to state that "…we’re a hard rock band with metal influences, and I’ve said that from Day One.”[27] Kirk Miller of Decibel Magazine praised the band for the effort in synchronised song structures.[51] When asked of their views on their looks, members of the band have stated that they would not change their sound or image for a commercial approach; Tuck commented that, "Without sounding harsh, we're more interested in what our music sounds like than what our fucking hair looks like."[52]

Awards and achievements

  • Welsh Music Award
    • Best Newcomer (2004)[53]

Band members

Former members

  • Nick Crandle – bass (1998–2003)

Discography

Main article: Bullet for My Valentine discography

References

  1. ^ a b c d "Bullet for My Valentine biography". BBC News. http://www.bbc.co.uk/wales/music/sites/genres_artists/rock_pop/bfmv.shtml. Retrieved 2009-04-08.
  2. ^ a b "Bullet for My Valentine Interview". Room Thirteen. July 8, 2005. http://www.roomthirteen.com/cgi-bin/feature_view.cgi?FeatureID=185. Retrieved 2007-10-30.
  3. ^ Lukes, Daniel. "Screamocore takes a dump where it eats". Decibel. Archived from the original on 2006-05-06. http://web.archive.org/web/20060506025905/http://www.decibelmagazine.com/reviews/sep2005/bullet_for_my_valentine.aspx. Retrieved 2007-11-09.
  4. ^ Joyce, Josh. "Bullet For My Valentine - Hand of Blood EP". Zero Magazine. http://www.zeromag.com/articles/cd_view.php?id=924&pi=0. Retrieved 2007-11-09.
  5. ^ Alisoglu, Scott (August 22, 2009). "The Poison". Blabbermouth.net. http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/showreview.aspx?reviewID=604. Retrieved 2009-08-22.
  6. ^ "Chart Listing for the week of Mar 04 2006:". Billboard. March 4, 2006. http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/esearch/chart_display.jsp?cfi=305&cfgn=Albums&cfn=The+Billboard+200&ci=3064550&cdi=8553281&cid=03%2F04%2F2006. Retrieved 2007-11-02.
  7. ^ "Bullet for My Valentine - Albums". Billboard. http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/retrieve_chart_history.do?model.chartFormatGroupName=Albums&model.vnuArtistId=690285&model.vnuAlbumId=914137. Retrieved 2007-11-02.
  8. ^ "RIAA - Gold & Platinum - August 12, 2009". Recording Industry Association of America. http://www.riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?resultpage=1&table=SEARCH_RESULTS&action=&title=The%20Poison&artist=&format=&debutLP=&category=&sex=&releaseDate=&requestNo=&type=&level=&label=&company=&certificationDate=&awardDescription=&catalogNo=&aSex=&rec_id=&charField=&gold=&platinum=&multiPlat=&level2=&certDate=&album=&id=&after=&before=&startMonth=1&endMonth=1&startYear=1958&endYear=2009&sort=Artist&perPage=25. Retrieved 2009-08-12.
  9. ^ "Bullet for My Valentine - Singles". Billboard. http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/retrieve_chart_history.do?model.vnuArtistId=690285&model.vnuAlbumId=914137. Retrieved 2007-11-07.
  10. ^ "Download Festival 2005 line-up". Download Festival. http://2005.downloadfestival.co.uk/lineup/index.asp. Retrieved 2007-11-07.
  11. ^ "Download Festival 2006 line-up". Download Festival. http://2006.downloadfestival.co.uk/lineup/index.asp. Retrieved 2007-11-07.
  12. ^ "Bullet for My Valentine - Matt Tuck, Vocals/Guitars". SMN News. April 1, 2006. http://www.smnnews.com/2006/04/01/bullet-for-my-valentine-matt-tuck-vocalsguitars/. Retrieved 2007-11-07.
  13. ^ "Bullet For My Valentine DVD Slated For December Release". The Gauntlet. November 2, 2006. http://www.thegauntlet.com/article/1203/6254/%09%09%09Bullet-For-My-Valentine.html. Retrieved 2009-08-22.
  14. ^ Arto (January 3, 2006). "Bullet for My Valentine interview - Moose". HardcoreSounds. http://www.hardcoresounds.net/modules.php?name=Interviews&func=view&id=6. Retrieved 2007-11-07.
  15. ^ Wood, Mikael. "BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE". Revolver. http://www.revolvermag.com/content/bullet-my-valentine-0. Retrieved 2009-08-22.
  16. ^ "Machine Head Added To Metallica's Wembley Bill". Blabbermouth.net. June 27, 2007. http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=75664. Retrieved 2007-11-07.
  17. ^ Chris (June 21, 2007). "Bullet update". bulletformyvalentine1.com. http://www.bulletformyvalentine1.com/website/html/news.php?page=2. Retrieved 2007-11-07.
  18. ^ Graff, Gary (April 12, 2007). "Bullet for My Valentine in the thick of new album". Billboard. Archived from the original on 2007-04-25. http://web.archive.org/web/20070425125256/http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/news/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003571071. Retrieved 2007-11-31.
  19. ^ "Bullet for My Valentine frontman says new album is 'More commercial than the last one, we're all gonna cut our hair and wear more makeup'.". Blabbermouth.net. October 15, 2007. http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=82814. Retrieved 2007-10-30.
  20. ^ Harris, Chris; Wiederhorn, Jon (November 16, 2007). "Hate Eternal Do Some Soul-Searching; Plus Shadows Fall, Blut Aus Nord & More News That Rules, In Metal File". MTV. http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1574461/20071115/id_0.jhtml. Retrieved 2009-08-13.
  21. ^ Hasty, Katie (February 6, 2008). "Keys Notches Fourth Week At No. 1". Billboard. Archived from the original on 2008-02-08. http://web.archive.org/web/20080208021000/http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/news/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003707091. Retrieved 2008-02-07.
  22. ^ "Bullet for My Valentine Cancels Seattle, Canada Dates". Blabbermouth.net. April 14, 2008. http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=94842. Retrieved 2008-04-14.
  23. ^ Tjames Madison. "No Fear tour". LiveDaily. http://www.livedaily.com/news/14274.html. Retrieved 2008-08-11.
  24. ^ Pollstar (2008). "Lacuna Coil Concert Dates". http://www.pollstar.com/tour/searchall.pl?By=Artist&Exact=Y&Content=Lacuna+Coil. Retrieved 2008-08-30.
  25. ^ a b "Bullet for My Valentine’s Matt Tuck on new album". Metal Hammer. March 16, 2009. http://www.metalhammer.co.uk/news/bullet-for-my-valentines-matt-tuck-on-new-album/. Retrieved 2009-03-16.
  26. ^ "Bullet for My Valentine Drummer Interviewed By Swigged!". Blabbermouth. August 11, 2009. http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=125100. Retrieved 2009-08-12.
  27. ^ a b "Bullet For My Valentine Talk New Album". Rock Sound. January 21, 2010. http://www.rocksound.tv/news/article/bullet-for-my-valentine-talk-new-album. Retrieved January 21, 2010.
  28. ^ Castillo, Arielle. "Mayhem Festival". New Times Broward/Palm Beach. http://www.browardpalmbeach.com/events/mayhem-festival-828624/. Retrieved 2009-08-12.
  29. ^ "Mayhem Festival Press Release". Mayhem Festival. 2009-01-28. http://www.mayhemfest.com/2009-press-release.pdf. Retrieved 2009-01-28.
  30. ^ Chamberlain, Richard. "Sonisphere - the inthenews.co.uk review". Inthenews.co.uk. http://www.inthenews.co.uk/infocus/entertainment/sonisphere-the-inthenews-co-uk-review-$1316160.htm. Retrieved 2009-08-12.
  31. ^ "Download Festival 2010 url=http://www2.kerrang.com/2010/01/download_2010_is_go.html". Kerrang.
  32. ^ "HEAVEN & HELL, SLAYER, BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE Confirmed For Austria's NOVA ROCK Festival". Blabbermouth. December 9, 2009. http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=131707. Retrieved 2010-02-04.
  33. ^ "BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE, KREATOR, Others Confirmed For Sweden's METALTOWN Festival". Blabbermouth. February 3, 2010. http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Search&searchtext=bullet+for+my+valentine&x=85&y=11. Retrieved 2010-02-04.
  34. ^ "KISS To Play Germany's ROCK AM RING/ROCK IM PARK Festivals?". Blabbermouth. December 4, 2009. http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=131455. Retrieved 2010-02-04.
  35. ^ "GODSMACK, ROB ZOMBIE, LIMP BIZKIT, SLASH, DEFTONES Confirmed For ROCK ON THE RANGE". Blabbermouth. February 9, 2010. http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=134781. Retrieved 2010-02-10.
  36. ^ "New Jersey Bamboolze Festival Announces New Acts: Bullet For My Valentine, Motion City Soundtrack". The Silver Tongue. January 29, 2010. http://thesilvertongueonline.com/?p=8127. Retrieved 2010-02-11.
  37. ^ "BBK Live 2010 Festival line-up begins to take shape". EITB. February 10, 2010. http://www.eitb.com/news/detail/352766/bbk-live-2010-festival-line-up-begins-to-take-shape/. Retrieved 2010-02-11.
  38. ^ "KILLSWITCH ENGAGE, DEICIDE, KREATOR, BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE Confirmed For Holland's FORTAROCK". Blabbermouth. February 13, 2010. http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=135004. Retrieved 2010-02-13.
  39. ^ "BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE, KILLSWITCH ENGAGE, NILE Confirmed For GRASPOP METAL MEETING". Blabbermouth. December 8, 2009. http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=131652. Retrieved 2010-02-04.
  40. ^ "METALLICA, MEGADETH, SLAYER, ANTHRAX Confirmed For Greece's SONISPHERE". Blabbermouth. February 18, 2010. http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=135356. Retrieved 2010-02-21.
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  42. ^ ""Begging For Mercy" Free Download". Bullet For My Valentine. February 16, 2010. http://www.bulletformyvalentine.com/us/news/begging-mercy-free-download. Retrieved 2010-02-16.
  43. ^ "BFMV at NME". NME. http://www.nme.com/artists/bullet-for-my-valentine. Retrieved 2009-02-08.
  44. ^ Nettleton, Chris. "Drowned in Sound - Bullet for My Valentine: Scream Aim Fire review". Drowned in Sound. http://drownedinsound.com/releases/12569/reviews/2876423. Retrieved 2009-02-08.
  45. ^ "Absolute Radio - Bullet for My Valentine pull out of Metallica Wembley show". Absolute Radio. June 21, 2007. http://www.absoluteradio.co.uk/music/news/story/2294/Bullet_for_My_Valentine_pull_out_of_Metallica_Wembley_show.html. Retrieved 2009-03-22.
  46. ^ Stack, Eamonn (February 20, 2008). "BBC review Scream Aim Fire". BBC News. http://www.bbc.co.uk/music/release/8f4h/. Retrieved 2009-02-08.
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