The musicians responsible for the Bullet for My Valentine albums are almost the anti thesis of rock stars. Unlike other musically inclined performers, 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.

Due to financial issues, the group eventually had to change their name to their current one. This also marked changes in their label and music direction. They signed up for five records for Sony BMG which gave way to the group’s first two EPs under their new name. The first official Bullet for My Valentine album however was The Poison which was released in 2005. It debuted at 128 in the Billboard 200. Despite the modest entry though, the album did reach gold status a little over a year after its release.

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 Tadacip third one is perhaps the most enduring in quality and style.

Despite seemingly veering away from image building, the group has not gone unnoticed. In 2004, they were hailed as the Best Newcomer at the Welsh Music Awards. They were then named Best British Band in 2006 at the Metal Hammer Golden God Award. The Kerrang! Awards has added to their string of recognitions, naming the group Best British Newcomer in 2005 and Best British Band in 2008 and 2009. The single Tears Don’t Fall was awarded by Kerrang! As the Best UK Single in 2006.

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.

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Category: Music
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