Bullet for My Valentine Albums- Rock and Metal in One
The musicians that are the subject of Bullet for My Valentine merch and albums are almost the anti thesis of rock stars. Unlike other musically inclined stars, the members of this band prefer to focus on their music instead of reinventing their appearances for commercial packaging. This in itself suggests that the group makes for an interesting case study.
The founding band members hail from the UK but were originally known under the moniker Jeff Killed John. Lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist Matthew Tuck; lead guitarist Michael Paget; drummer Michael Thomas and bassist Nick Crandle came together in 1998 and, at the outset, began playing nu metal music. In 2002, the group released the EP You Play With Me. Before the release Crandle left and Jason James took over bass and backup vocals.
Because of problems with finances, the band had to adopt its current name. At the time that they did this, a more crucial shift happened for them as they changed labels and music genre. They released two new EPs under Sony BMG. It didn’t take long before the first Bullet for My Valentine album, Poison, emerged. This came out in 2005 and hit the Billboard 200 at 128. One year after its release, it achieved gold status and continues to be a hit among fans to this day. Clearly the group had found a permanent name for its band patches.
Critics don’t argue much about the brand of music the group plays. Their tone has been categorized as metal under the sub categories of either thrash or heavy. The band stresses however that they are primarily a rock band with metal influences. Among the major influences they have cited are Metallica, Iron Maiden and Judas Priest.
The band followed through the success of their first album with the release of Scream Aim Fire in January 2008. Although the work followed much of the same tone pattern as the first one, it is considered a bit more forceful. The band however seems to have moved back to the original musical elements of their third release, Fever. Nonetheless, the marked aggression is still present especially with the absence of slow beat songs. The group considers this piece of work to be an indication of how far the band has matured. Of all their albums, this third one is perhaps the most enduring in quality and style.
The group has not been all agog over being packaged in a more saleable manner. They have nevertheless not escaped mainstream recognition. In 2004, the Welsh Music Awards recognized them as Best Newcomer. The Metal Hammer Golden God Award went on to name them Best British Band in 2006. They also have a number of recognitions from the Kerrang! Awards. Their single Tears Don’t Fall was named Best UK Single in 2006 while the group itself was recognized as Best British Newcomer in 2005 and Best British Band in 2008 and 2009.
Depending on your perspective, there are different ways of perceiving the musical approach of the Bullet for My Valentine albums. One thing is certain though. All that matters for the band members is playing music for music’s sake.