Bullet For My Valentine: 'We Just Wanted To Write A Harder Record'

After being named “Best British Newcomer” by Kerrang and earning the Metal Hammer Golden God Award, you might think that Bullet For My Valentine would be feeling fairly confident going into its 2nd full-length release, Scream Aim Fire.

But even with all of the accolades received since 2005’s The Poison, guitarist Michael “Padge” Padget said that his band has often been the target of criticism. And talk about hitting them where it hurts – apparently some have claimed that the band is more emo than metal. For a quartet with strong metal influences, being told you’re closer to Fall Out Boy’s genre than Metallica’s is not an easy pill to swallow.

But despite all of the jabs, Padge has reason to be feeling good right about now. Aside from landing a coveted slot on the successful Taste Of Chaos Tour, Padge is also premiering 2 new custom ESP models this year. The MP-600 and the Michael Padget V are directly inspired from Dave Mustaine’s DV8 model, but they now have Padge’s own graphic interpretation. When Padge talked with Ultimate-Guitar, he said that he was blown away by being endorsed by ESP, let alone creating his own models. So how does the MP-600 and MP V sound? Well, Padge had not actually played his new ESPs at the time of the interview, but he was counting down the minutes until he could bring them onstage.

UG: You spent a good deal of time touring in support of The Poison. Did you write the bulk of material from Scream Aim Fire during that tour?

Padge: Maybe a third of the songs’ riffs and ideas and random stuff came on the road. Another third or maybe half was completed in a real studio in London. We wrote 6 track in London, so that was the majority. The rest of it was kind of written on the road from playing around, past and present.

I recall reading a quote from Matt stating that the band wanted to be more metal all the way across the board. Did you approach the album in the same way?

I think so, yeah. I think a few bodies wouldn’t agree, and those sorts of things do kind of get to you and gets under your skin slightly. You just kind of want to prove them sort of wrong and prove that we are metal in a way. We just wanted to write a harder record.

Do you get pretty fired up when you hear negative comments?

Yeah! We’ve had our fair share of really, really bad and cruel gigs. There’s no need in moaning about it, and we just kind of get on with it. It does kind of lead to thicker skin. At the end of the day, we are quite a new band and we’ve only put our 2nd full-length album. We’ve had to learn quite a bit in the last few years.

Considering that you are in a fairly new band, it’s pretty impressive that you have 2 custom ESP models already.

When ESP approached me, I was totally blown away. We’re new to this sort of thing. For someone to say they want to put your name on a guitar, that’s just ridiculous for a young guy from Wales! I’m still totally blown away. I’ve seen it in photos, but I haven’t actually played on it yet. My guitar tech is saying tomorrow.

What kind of specifications did you ask for on your ESPs?

Because ESP had given me the endorsement, they have given me loads of guitars and I’ve been able to check out a lot of guitars. I was able to find out what I sort of like and what is comfortable to my style of playing. They had given me the DV8 Dave Mustaine, I believe. I think that was about a year and a half ago, and I just kind of jammed with that ever since. It was just really comfortable to play, fully equipped with EMGs as well. It’s a flying V, which is totally metal. I just kind of stuck with that one.

It was amazing that they approached me because they had said that Dave had left, and they wanted to offer me that sort of model. So the work was kind of done, but it was kind of wiping Dave’s graphics off it and adding my own touches to it.

Was Megadeth a big influence for you?

Yeah, I would say in the last 3 or 4 years. Especially the older stuff – the older stuff tends to be my cup of tea more than the newer stuff. But back in the day, I wouldn’t say that I was a big Megadeth fan. I was more of a Metallica fan back years ago.

You have some incredible dual guitar work on the new record, particular on “Waking The Demon.” How did you and Matt work out the parts on that track?

I believe on that one, we were searching for a really heavy track for the album. Matt sort of came up with this really hardcore, downpicking shreddy riff. It actually took me a couple weeks to get my downpicking up to speed! It was interesting because it was a challenge as well. That song was kind of born from that riff. We kind of worked on a load of harmonies, which come in late in the song. Matt adds in the lyrics once everyone is happy with the music.

Is “Waking The Demon” the primary song that you’ve had to downpick on?

It was really that one riff in particular. It is just furious downpicking.

The new record marks the 2nd time you’ve worked with producer Colin Richardson. What is it about him that has worked so well with the band?

Ultimately, it was Burn My Eyes by Machine Head that totally blew everyone in the band away years ago when they released that album. The production just sort of blew our minds. We’re all big fans of Colin’s work and we have been for years. When we actually landed a deal, he was kind of the obvious choice – our only sort of choice. He was well within our range, so that was kind of cool. He came in and he’s pretty much stuck with us ever since. He did The Poison, and he’s now done Scream Aim Fire. He’s like the 5th member of the band. He really nails it and he knows exactly what we’re after. He doesn’t mess with anything, which is great.

So he never offered advice on the actual songwriting or arrangements?

No, as far as production is concerned, there is always one of the band there monitoring it. But Colin would never do anything before asking us first. He’s more of a real producer, and he saves the effects more for vocals.

Did you try out any new guitars or amps on Scream Aim Fire?

We used a Bogner on this album, which is pretty cool. We used a Bogner on one side of the rhythm guitars, and that worked out well. We used a different guitar, too. I think the main guitar was an ESP Eclipse during The Poison, but this time around was a Gibson Les Paul Raw Power with EMGs. That was like the main tracking guitar. I did all my solos on that, too, because we couldn’t find another guitar to beat that tone.

I had no idea that you played Les Pauls.

Only in the studio!

Do you think you’ll take the Bogner on the road?

Maybe. We haven’t actually played them live, so there is always a possibility. We were lucky enough to keep the one that we used in the studio, so maybe. At the moment, I’m with Mesa. Maybe, I can’t say.

There is some really nice acoustic work on the song “Say Goodnight.” Did you and Matt share acoustic duties on the album?

No. I think Matt is really big fan of the acoustic. I’m definitely an electric guy! I let Matt get on with his creativity, so to speak. He’s really good. He’s got a great rhythm to him.

I understand that you made 2 videos for “Scream Aim Fire,” but the first one ended up being scrapped. What happened?

The original concept was to do a war video. There wasn’t a tiny budget, but it was a small budget. It wasn’t enough to reach the other war videos that have been released by other bands. My Chemical Romance released a big one, and Green Day released a big one. They spent millions of dollars doing their videos. Our budget was just so tiny that we couldn’t really compare to these other videos. We just decided to go with something a little bit more real and raw, I guess.

Do you ever get nervous when your album is about to be released?

No, I just go with the flow. We’re just going to have a little drink with the crew tonight. We’ll all get together before the tour starts. The album is released, but it’s been so long waiting for it to be released that we’re just so happy for it to be out there now.

Do you thrive being on the road?

I do, yeah. But it is tough because we’re all human and we’ve got lives back at home, families, friends. It does get hard, but once you’re away you just sort of go with the flow. You’re among friends, so you feel safe and confident anyway.

Will one of the new ESPs be the main guitar you use on the tour?

Yeah. I’ve been informed that it’s arriving tomorrow, so it’s going to make the whole tour. It’s great because we have a video shoot on Friday. I can’t wait. It looked really good in the photos at NAMM. It looked brilliant.

Do you look forward to multi-bill tours like Taste Of Chaos?

Yeah, it’s going to be amazing. We’ve probably got the best slot of the whole tour. We should be offstage technically by 8 or 9 o’clock, so expect the band to be drunk by then! We get to watch 2 bands, and it’s going to be good. It’s going to be 2 months of partying.

Expect some of the crew from Ultimate-Guitar to make an appearance at a few of the dates.

Yeah, Ultimate-Guitar.com – I use Ultimate-Guitar! I’ve got it as a bookmark in my computer!

Interview by Amy Kelly
Ultimate-Guitar.Com © 2008

Stream the entire "Scream Aim Fire" album on the band's UG Profile.

Comments

[lastroseonstage]

bfmv arent emo.

i wouldnt think they were even if i hated them

[imretarded]

yea der not emo as far as i know

[hawk_kst]

the musics deffinatly not "emo" as such a term exists but the lyrics arnt exactly happy and enthralling, i mean, suffocating under words of sorrow? for someone who didnt know what the band were about that would seem quite emo...
awesome band though (y) seen em twice and both times they were amazing

[tdrules]

I think the main guitar was an ESP Eclipse during The Poison, but this time around was a Gibson Les Paul Raw Power with EMGs.

Has anyone seen this guitar around?
I google imaged it and it looks rather snazzy

[Reages]

nevertheles this album is less metal than poison

[Jawkster]

great band, decent album

[steve_6661]

they are not emo at all, i will fight you if you claim that.

[Jordmo]

i wonder if he's 'Blown' anyone away...

[Dark Artist]

ther are some awesome tracks on the new album e.g. TIOOM and WTD, but otherwise it's the same old shite. not bad but not unbelievable

[Dark Artist]

I like the kind of happier vibe on some of the songs though

[lexaah]

this album rocks, this band rocks. they're not emo, neither are they metal like pantera was, they're sort of in between

[Td_Nights]

Yeah, Ultimate-Guitar.com – I use Ultimate-Guitar! I’ve got it as a bookmark in my computer!

I'm praying he's just being nice and doesn't actually. Not that I have a problem with it, but now we're going to see tons of people claiming this is who they are.

[Mangisog]

he probably wont say that he is who he is. those claiming that he is him is not really him....

you know what i mean.

[metallee923]

BFMV aren't emo, persay, but their songs do strike certain emotions (note: EMOtions). Maybe emo-metal is a better way to describe them.

[ytse Jammer]

lexaah wrote:

this album rocks, this band rocks. they're not emo, neither are they metal like pantera was, they're sort of in between

maybe thats a good thing that they aren't easier to class. I'm not a huge fan theyre okish.

[lexaah]

ytse Jammer wrote:

lexaah wrote:

this album rocks, this band rocks. they're not emo, neither are they metal like pantera was, they're sort of in between

maybe thats a good thing that they aren't easier to class. I'm not a huge fan theyre okish.

me thinks so to, used to be a big fan, not that big on em anymore

[electrickeye91]

If someone had never heard them and then saw The Poison on a shelf at target, looked at the art and song titles, then yes they'd think BFMV is an emo. Pop the disc in the cd player, however, and you know their not at all...

[Mikey1989]

I loved The Poison. But this album is pretty crappy.

Another band thats giving into the 80's trend.

[goon316]

I think the 80's trend (Talented playing, great solo's, good song structure) is something music has been severely lacking and its comeback is the best thing to happen to music in quite some time.

I think there are some great riffs and very nice songs on this album. I think I am in the minority to think this is better than their previous stuff.

[phenom1991]

Meh...i like the poisons some tracks. Didn't really like the new stuff though.

[Gibson_Player93]

goon316 wrote:

I think the 80's trend (Talented playing, great solo's, good song structure) is something music has been severely lacking and its comeback is the best thing to happen to music in quite some time.

I think there are some great riffs and very nice songs on this album. I think I am in the minority to think this is better than their previous stuff.

I agree with 100%

[ChrissyChiChi]

Whilst i would not call them emo you cannot deny that if someone had just heard the chorus's of each of their old songs you would assume they were one of those pop rock bands, the chorus's are pop tastic. I would call it pop metal really..its not heavy enough to be properly metal but more agressive than the usual pop rock. I assume this is why they removed pop sections from the new album, although i have not checked it out.

[littlebigjames]

goon316 wrote:

I think the 80's trend (Talented playing, great solo's, good song structure) is something music has been severely lacking and its comeback is the best thing to happen to music in quite some time.

I think there are some great riffs and very nice songs on this album. I think I am in the minority to think this is better than their previous stuff.


I agree with 100%

same.
but i think that "the Poison" is probably
the most EMOTIONAL
we'll see out of these guys
but other than that
PURE METAL

[St.Loony]

being told you’re closer to Fall Out Boy’s genre than Metallica’s is not an easy pill to swallow.

No comment o.O

[tim311mahoney]

the flashback to the 80's material isn't a good thing. the future of metal isn't in the past with the likes of 80's metal bands... the only good 80's metal bands that didn't sound like 80's metal were metallica, ozzy, slayer. megadeth is on the fence only because they're pretty cheesy.

[dooncan]

but i think that "the Poison" is probably
the most EMOTIONAL
we'll see out of these guys
but other than that
PURE METAL

totally agree

[guitarhead93]

well, they failed!

[~IronUp~]

....I cant believe ppl compare them to fallout boy. That just goes to show you people are musicaly illiterate. Anyway i feel that as long as bands dont go to far into the 80's it wont be so bad.

[Kanthras]

"the flashback to the 80's material isn't a good thing. the future of metal isn't in the past with the likes of 80's metal bands... the only good 80's metal bands that didn't sound like 80's metal were metallica, ozzy, slayer. megadeth is on the fence only because they're pretty cheesy."
Maybe you should look further than just the mainstream metal bands of the 80's. I can assure you there was tons of fantastic metal made in that period.

[mjmillard]

littlebigjames wrote:

goon316 wrote:

I think the 80's trend (Talented playing, great solo's, good song structure) is something music has been severely lacking and its comeback is the best thing to happen to music in quite some time.

I think there are some great riffs and very nice songs on this album. I think I am in the minority to think this is better than their previous stuff.


I agree with 100%
same.
but i think that "the Poison" is probably
the most EMOTIONAL
we'll see out of these guys
but other than that
PURE METAL

instead of PURE METAL I think you mean PURE TRIVIUM. because unless someone can prove me wrong, those albums sound the exact same. Bullet for my Valentine aren't doing anything new, I don't get why so many people are in love with the same washed up sound being repeated over and over again. Go listen to Between the buried and me, the Dillinger Escape Plan, Protest the Hero, the Human abstract, Misery signals, AND EVEN AVENGED SEVENFOLD if you want to hear something different. this should start the whole **** a7x they aren't metal debate, but you know what... at least they are more original then Bullet for my Valentine.

[p5Ych0]

oO he gets an ESP! someday ill have my own too xD

[a7xsoad]

BFMV are clearly closer to Emo than they are metal. (Oh no we get called an emo band!!! Maybe we should make decent music instead).

mjmillard wrote:

littlebigjames wrote:

goon316 wrote:

I think the 80's trend (Talented playing, great solo's, good song structure) is something music has been severely lacking and its comeback is the best thing to happen to music in quite some time.

I think there are some great riffs and very nice songs on this album. I think I am in the minority to think this is better than their previous stuff.


I agree with 100%
same.
but i think that "the Poison" is probably
the most EMOTIONAL
we'll see out of these guys
but other than that
PURE METAL
instead of PURE METAL I think you mean PURE TRIVIUM. because unless someone can prove me wrong, those albums sound the exact same. Bullet for my Valentine aren't doing anything new, I don't get why so many people are in love with the same washed up sound being repeated over and over again. Go listen to Between the buried and me, the Dillinger Escape Plan, Protest the Hero, the Human abstract, Misery signals, AND EVEN AVENGED SEVENFOLD if you want to hear something different. this should start the whole **** a7x they aren't metal debate, but you know what... at least they are more original then Bullet for my Valentine.

YOU ARE SO RIGHT.
YOU ARE SO RIGHT.
YOU ARE SO RIGHT.
YOU ARE SO RIGHT.
YOU ARE SO RIGHT.
YOU ARE SO RIGHT.

BMFV will be gone in a few years time. They're so unbelievably generic, repetitive, and are a lot less talented than they think they are. If I remember correctly, they try to rehash Metallica with every album. What? They could never even sound remotely similar or remotely as good as Metallica.

[ChrissyChiChi]

'the flashback to the 80's material isn't a good thing. the future of metal isn't in the past with the likes of 80's metal bands... the only good 80's metal bands that didn't sound like 80's metal were metallica, ozzy, slayer. megadeth is on the fence only because they're pretty cheesy.'
What a load of bullshit. Never heard of Testament?Kreator?Forbidden?Motorhead?Judas Priest...not going to lecture you but man...check out what you say before typing it.

[a7xsoad]

littlebigjames wrote:

goon316 wrote:

I think the 80's trend (Talented playing, great solo's, good song structure) is something music has been severely lacking and its comeback is the best thing to happen to music in quite some time.

I think there are some great riffs and very nice songs on this album. I think I am in the minority to think this is better than their previous stuff.


I agree with 100%
same.
but i think that "the Poison" is probably
the most EMOTIONAL
we'll see out of these guys
but other than that
PURE METAL

.
Pure, absolute and utter ignorance. I hope this doesn't sound like a personal attack. You'll learn. Maybe...

[a7xsoad]

steve_6661 wrote:

they are not emo at all, i will fight you if you claim that.

Oh, i'm simply mortified.

[Teufel]

I've listened to the newer album on the internet. Sounds pretty good minus the song "Hearts Burst Into Fire." I've never looked into "The Poison" due to many claiming it was poppy and borderline emo. But I'm going to listen to it anyways to make my own judgement.

[Bassplayer1234]

Yeah there is no way they're emo!

[2mins2midnite]

They are not emo, but they are certainly no metal

[2mins2midnite]

2mins2midnite wrote:

They are not emo, but they are certainly no metal

*Not metal*

[Teufel]

Okay, made my judgement on The Poison and I find it to be uttr crap. Scream Aim Fire IS WAY better.

[Teufel]

utter*

[joeybones]

They definetely are screamo-ish, thats why i hate there songs once i hear there chorus. But thats why im anxious to hear there "heavier" album

[Shread_6009]

goon316 :
I think the 80's trend (Talented playing, great solo's, good song structure) is something music has been severely lacking and its comeback is the best thing to happen to music in quite some time.

theres 80's metal(i.e. real metal writin in the 80's), then theres hair metal. i hope to god they aren't imitating hair metal

[jimicrakcrn]

I loved The Poison. But this album is by far the better album. Waking The Demon is probably one of their best tunes. Along with Take It Out On Me, with guest vox from Benji Webbe from Skindred!

[svac2113]

I really dont think that this is too bad of an album but they most definately pulled a trivium and thrived on sounding like old metallica. But the guitar work isnt really all too there are some pretty cool harmonies on this record. but really not too origanal at all. i pretty much completely agree with mjmillard bands like the human abstract and protest the hero are really original and extremely musically talented.

[Riffer_maddness]

why does everyone think there emo yea not the happies lyrics but i mean come on lyrics arent the only part of music open ur ears and ull hear good music and if not u must either not like metal or ur a close minded fucck

[zantimas]

i dun think u can slap a label on anybody, bfmv is f****ing awesome, but some of their lyrics are rly deep

[The Spoon]

The Poison was great, this one seems a little more cliche. The intro to hearts burst into fire sounds like every clean section that was on the poison

[david_safc]

Happy to hear Padge is getting a custom guitar, he deserves one.

svac2113 wrote:

I really dont think that this is too bad of an album but they most definately pulled a trivium and thrived on sounding like old metallica. But the guitar work isnt really all too there are some pretty cool harmonies on this record. but really not too origanal at all. i pretty much completely agree with mjmillard bands like the human abstract and protest the hero are really original and extremely musically talented.

I don't see your point. I just listened to songs from both of those bands on youtube and they didn't sound like anything special. How come Bullet are generic and these bands aren't?

[korbhag]

I kinda liked their new album but trying to sound heavier just for the sake of not being called an "emo" band is just plain lame...

[Shredder Guitar]

in some pictures of padge, in only the most correct of lighting, he strongly resembles a young James Hetfield, i think.

[^^A7X^^]

they are NOT in any way like Fall Out Boy

[SlapMeWithBacon]

Who cares if their emo or 'tallica wannabies. It must be working because people have bought the music. Now until you do something better shut it

[2mins2midnite]

People might think they are emo becasue of the bloody fans, people who listen to fall out boy, my chem and other shite, are also the fans of bfmv
where is the metal seperation?

[Guitar_Dan_666]

BFMV are ****ing great!

Good interview.

[diditfortehlulz]

SlapMeWithBacon wrote:

Who cares if their emo or 'tallica wannabies. It must be working because people have bought the music. Now until you do something better shut it

Let the record show that just because a band is popular, does not mean that they're good.

[Caseyizzle]

i hate these guys, i hate metal, no one plays with soul anymore, its just metal faggots

[jetfuel495]

diditfortehlulz wrote:
Let the record show that just because a band is popular, does not mean that they're good.

let the record show that 'good' is an opinion, therefore your statement is voided due to the fact that opinions cannot be verified and accepted as facts.

[pyritmann]

lol i like that, emo-metal. thats a new one, i like bullet a lot thought the poison was better than this. 4 Words to choke upon is the best song by faaaarrrrr and none of their other songs even come close to comparing with that one

[Funeral Moon]

They still are not Metal.

[AA00P]

Good record, the guitar's certainly a lot faster and stuff, but I like the Poison better.

[gr1170]

Could somebody PLEASE explain to me how people think they are emo? And do not just mention lyrics. After doing that, please explain how they are not metal. Even if you don't like them, even if whatever subgenre someone wants to call them is disputed, they are still under some catagory of metal. Do not respond to this in some dumb way, I really want to know the reasons behind some people calling them either emo or not metal.

[shut_up_n00b]

He seems like a pretty cool guy. And they're in NO way emo. Metalcore. And still their EP is my favorite.

[heartagram256]

theyre not emo!!!!! and the new album is my favorite album EVER!!!

[rebofthetemple]

it was Burn My Eyes by Machine Head that totally blew everyone in the band away years ago when they released that album

Burn My Eyes beats Scream Aim Fire to hell and gone.

[farhan_zul]

haha..
they are not metal,but far away from emo..
so what is the genre??

[gr1170]

farhan_zul
Please, explain to me how they are not metal. Give a legitament reason to. Everytime I have heared people say they are not metal, they do one (or more) of several things: They bash the band and don't even talk about the music; They say it is generic (that still doesn't say anything about the genre); Or they just say they don't sound like (put some random band here).

Someone give a real legitament sound argument why BFMV should not be considered metal (or any sub-genre thereof).

[the boogieman]

not emo at all

very metalcore, very generic

[Tim2233]

BMFV will be gone in a few years time. They're so unbelievably generic, repetitive, and are a lot less talented than they think they are. If I remember correctly, they try to rehash Metallica with every album. What? They could never even sound remotely similar or remotely as good as Metallica.

You are a ****ing retard, you try playing some of there songs as perfectly as they do. Metallica is one of there influence they arent trying to be them, and you think they will be gone in a few years....i really doubt it, and next time write BFMV not BMFV

[kartiff]

here's the deal for me. i dont believe that BFMV is in anyway the same as FOB. but i have to say, i did notice that in some of their songs there are moments where the verses sound rather emo. i guessing its due to the lack of "brutality" in those parts.

ill try to listen to "the Poison" album again so that i can recall which songs im talking about. ill get back to this topic once i do remember.

dont worry, all im saying is that some songs have tendencies to sound emo for a few seconds. i promise this isnt anything biased.

[baspvn]

Mikey1989 :
I loved The Poison. But this album is pretty crappy.

Another band thats giving into the 80's trend.



sooo true ^^

[facemelter]

i listen to a very wide range of music. but i must say kids, you can do a lot better than this ****in shit.

[dark_falco3000]

Riffer_maddness wrote:

why does everyone think there emo yea not the happies lyrics but i mean come on lyrics arent the only part of music open ur ears and ull hear good music and if not u must either not like metal or ur a close minded fucck

I love metal, and I'm incredibly open minded (I love just about every type of music aside from rap, pop and rnb), and all I hear is average music.

diditfortehlulz wrote:

SlapMeWithBacon wrote:

Who cares if their emo or 'tallica wannabies. It must be working because people have bought the music. Now until you do something better shut it

Let the record show that just because a band is popular, does not mean that they're good.

So ****ing true. And for the guy who said that "good" is an opinion, well let's compare Bullet For my Valentine to another band based on completely unbiased opinions... well, the only 2 I can think of are talent and originality... so let's compare BFMV's talent and originality to... say... Dream Theater's.

Talent? John Petrucci owns the **** out of the guys who play guitar for Bullet. No questions. John Myung is at least 10 times the bassist that Jay is, and Mike Portnoy could ****ing own "Moose" at drums.

Originality? Well... let's see. Dream Theater have extremely complex songs that include multiple strange time signatures including stuff like 7/8, 5/8, 9/4 and so on. A vast amount of their songs are over 10 minutes with extremely long, complicated and awesome instrumental sections and breakdowns. BFMV is just another generic Metalcore band... sure, compared to other Metalcore bands they are pretty good, but they're just so average in every way.

So theoretically, if being popular also meant that a band was good, then Dream Theater would be so much more popular than BFMV... or, really, every popular contemporary artist/band. But are they? No. So, diditfortehlulz is definitely right.

[Anarchy_Ant]

Why the hell does everyone care soooo much about what genre they are. Music has become so damn split by genre's, it's rediculous.

Anyway, decent album though it certainly wasn't "heavier" or "harder" like they claimed it would be. On another note however, i completely agree with dark_falco3000's comparison to Dream Theater etc, as much as i like Bullet, they're nothing special.

[Deliriumbassist]

It's my opinion that SAF was written by 3 year old,s or monkeys at typewriters. It just isn't a mature, well thought out album. Plus, what the hell happened to Matt Tuck's vocals? Ewwwww....

Anyways, anyone else find it a tad silly that Padge's sig guitars are just the old Mustaine sigs under a different name? That's f*cking lazy. If I was getting a sig model, I'd want to be in the design room and in the lutheir workshop getting the best damn instrument I could.

[xAbyssusx]

Don't try and prove yourself to people.

Be Bullet for my Valentine, not the unoriginal metal riffs... scream aim fire... i've heard a 100 songs like it.

[david_safc]

gr1170 wrote:

farhan_zul
Please, explain to me how they are not metal. Give a legitament reason to. Everytime I have heared people say they are not metal, they do one (or more) of several things: They bash the band and don't even talk about the music; They say it is generic (that still doesn't say anything about the genre); Or they just say they don't sound like (put some random band here).

Someone give a real legitament sound argument why BFMV should not be considered metal (or any sub-genre thereof).

Thats the problem they don't. People just come to this and say how much they think Bullet suck and are generic and leave it at that. No one has explained how they think that they are a generic band. I mean there are obviously bands like Dream Theater and CKY who have very original music, but not everyone can have a totally unique sound. What about all other metal bands? Are they all generic too?

[shroomhound]

who gives a shit if something's emo. as the chaser said, part of being emo is to deny that you are emo until the day you die. so who knows, who cares. it is music and all these ****in labels being put on music is just for the sake of marketing. that guy from bathory made up the term "death metal" as a joke and the the fat suit wearing ****s got a hold of it and it became a genre. stop labeling shit and just listen to as much stuff as possible and decide if you like it. besides if you only like one genre then you are a naive **** anyway.

[shroomhound]

oi. you censored my swearing you ****in arseholes. how my statement lacks the impact that is was meant to. Fuck!

[mjmillard]

D-Fraz35 wrote:

a7xsoad, you are so ****in stupid. a7x sucks dick. they're a ****in commericial band. bfmv makes music that they love and that music is metal. a7x has good musicians but they're playin for success instead for what they love.

lol if you were smart and did your research you would see that a7x are doing what they love. they have had this plan since the beggining, they told everyone they wanted to make it big and they wanted to play catchy pop heavy rock songs. "america's next great american rock band" do you see metal in there once?

Funeral Moon wrote:

They still are not Metal.

exactly. metal is something more then ripping off band after band, or putting lyrics like "tears don't fall they wrap around me" in your songs. they aren't emo cause thats such a DEROGATORY term, but at the same time they def aren't metal.

[gr1170]

mjmillard wrote:

Funeral Moon wrote:

They still are not Metal.

exactly. metal is something more then ripping off band after band, or putting lyrics like "tears don't fall they wrap around me" in your songs. they aren't emo cause thats such a DEROGATORY term, but at the same time they def aren't metal.

So what is metal about? If you cannot take sounds of other bands then we would have like 10 Metal bands, I gurantee you like more then whoever those ten bands would be. Compared to most Metal bands out there today BFMV has more originality (though defenetlly not as much as some). And whats wrong with putting tears dont fall they wrap around me into songs...? You have said nothing for why they are not metal.

[pyrojt07]

lastroseonstage wrote:

bfmv arent emo.

i wouldnt think they were even if i hated them

umm.. I dont know what wrong with you guys but BFMV is emo. And they do have little metal in them. A popular song Tears Dont Fall. Umm EMO

[RuiMMSousa]

If the lyrics are very sad, its emo. If are very happy its because they are Pop... Oh God...
In The Poison i think they have much better lyrics that in this new album but well, for some ppl better lyrics (with some trues) means that the band is emo :O
Anyway, for my the best song keep being the "Cries In Vain". About the new record, Say Goodnight its really a good song, but the album in a global context i think the lyrics are a bit poor compared to The Poison and in my opinion more Solos are welcome but well, now is done, what can we do.
I see many ppl say that they are not Metal or even they are Emo... but they never never explain why.

So for the ppl that know much about Metal, explain to me what a band need to have to be considering a Metal band?

[The Jenks]

metalcore=rubbish

[Bobbito315]

dark_falco3000 wrote:

Riffer_maddness wrote:

why does everyone think there emo yea not the happies lyrics but i mean come on lyrics arent the only part of music open ur ears and ull hear good music and if not u must either not like metal or ur a close minded fucck

I love metal, and I'm incredibly open minded (I love just about every type of music aside from rap, pop and rnb), and all I hear is average music.

diditfortehlulz wrote:

SlapMeWithBacon wrote:

Who cares if their emo or 'tallica wannabies. It must be working because people have bought the music. Now until you do something better shut it

Let the record show that just because a band is popular, does not mean that they're good.


So ****ing true. And for the guy who said that "good" is an opinion, well let's compare Bullet For my Valentine to another band based on completely unbiased opinions... well, the only 2 I can think of are talent and originality... so let's compare BFMV's talent and originality to... say... Dream Theater's.

Talent? John Petrucci owns the **** out of the guys who play guitar for Bullet. No questions. John Myung is at least 10 times the bassist that Jay is, and Mike Portnoy could ****ing own "Moose" at drums.

Originality? Well... let's see. Dream Theater have extremely complex songs that include multiple strange time signatures including stuff like 7/8, 5/8, 9/4 and so on. A vast amount of their songs are over 10 minutes with extremely long, complicated and awesome instrumental sections and breakdowns. BFMV is just another generic Metalcore band... sure, compared to other Metalcore bands they are pretty good, but they're just so average in every way.

So theoretically, if being popular also meant that a band was good, then Dream Theater would be so much more popular than BFMV... or, really, every popular contemporary artist/band. But are they? No. So, diditfortehlulz is definitely right.

Who said anything about Dream Theater?

Just because a band makes complex music doesn't mean that they're good. And just because you're a badass doesn't mean you can write good tunes. This being said, I do think that DT is a much more talented band (even though I can't stand the vocals) but they're not mainstream-styled that's the only reason they're not as popular. So I agree with you, but kinda not is all.

[RuiMMSousa]

rubbish is the songs that you can even understand the lyric its like the vocalist are singing and at the same time. This is really rubbish.

About the Dream Theater some ppl talk about they are better that B4MV, well i agree 100% they have very elaborated songs, excellent songs in fact, but they lose in lyrics...

I know that already say that once but i go saying again, i dont understand why ppl associate sad lyrics=emo bands... dont make sense. So for some ppl the fact that the song Fade to Black have "I have lost the will to live", is sad so now Metallica are emo LOL what is the logic of that?!

[say5ss2]

ok look this band is currently a very mediocre band... that being said... And to be honest they are working towards the right direction i think... Although personally i would never listen to them as i prefer melodeath and power metal which have heavy neoclassical elements. Also there are ALOT of people who prefer thrash. That doesnt mean that thrash is great or bad, its just a preference. so i am sure some one out there does appreciate them hence they are still touring... And as far as copying bands goes... all of the greatest guitarist copied some one or another in some way and they all admit it....

[Vermilion755]

HAH, Listen to "forever and always" and tell me that is metal... Sounds like progressive-emo-metal to me, I wouldn't call it "metal" though

[gr1170]

RuiMMSousa wrote:

rubbish is the songs that you can even understand the lyric its like the vocalist are singing and at the same time. This is really rubbish.

About the Dream Theater some ppl talk about they are better that B4MV, well i agree 100% they have very elaborated songs, excellent songs in fact, but they lose in lyrics...

I know that already say that once but i go saying again, i dont understand why ppl associate sad lyrics=emo bands... dont make sense. So for some ppl the fact that the song Fade to Black have "I have lost the will to live", is sad so now Metallica are emo LOL what is the logic of that?!

EXACTLLY!!!
Lyrics are not the only defining thing in emo, emo music has sad lyrics sometimes, but not all sad lyrics are emo.

All P is Q
P
Therefore, Q

NOT

All P is Q
Q
Therefore P

The last one is what all of you are doing, it is a very stupid, yet very common fallacy. If you argue about lyrics here is what we get

Well, I think Ill go turn myself off,
And go on down
All the way down
Really aint no use in me hanging around
In your kinda scene

Music, sweet music
I wish I could caress, caress, caress
Manic depression is a frustrating mess

There ya go, Jimi Hendrix was emo.

On the music side, yea they have slow songs Vermilion, so what, Iron Maiden has some too, if you tell me they are not metal I think the gods might destroy you, but go ahead if you want.

[ghostofhendrix]

I think people should take influences from 80s metal- there were some seriously wicked bands back then- but they shouldn't just copy them. If bands were to build on the original format and create something fresh, it would be much cooler. If i want to listen to 80s metal, then thats what i'll listen to, not all the new bands trying to emulate it.

[david_safc]

pyrojt07 wrote:

lastroseonstage wrote:

bfmv arent emo.

i wouldnt think they were even if i hated them

umm.. I dont know what wrong with you guys but BFMV is emo. And they do have little metal in them. A popular song Tears Dont Fall. Umm EMO

Stop being ignorant. I am not flaming you here, but just because they have lyrics that are sometimes about love and are a bit emotional doesn't mean they are emo. If that was so, then Pantera would be emo for their song "This love"

[alliwant]

RuiMMSousa wrote:

rubbish is the songs that you can even understand the lyric its like the vocalist are singing and at the same time. This is really rubbish.

About the Dream Theater some ppl talk about they are better that B4MV, well i agree 100% they have very elaborated songs, excellent songs in fact, but they lose in lyrics...

I know that already say that once but i go saying again, i dont understand why ppl associate sad lyrics=emo bands... dont make sense. So for some ppl the fact that the song Fade to Black have "I have lost the will to live", is sad so now Metallica are emo LOL what is the logic of that?!

You sir have made the greatest point in this whole discussion.

[tonyocr]

If you know how bullet thinks and what they'r about you would never say they are emo, anyway i'm not really a guy that gives alot of attention to the lyrics i pay more attention to the guitar riffs and solos and i absolutely dont think they'r emo, i think their new album rocks : better, more structured longer guitar solos,somewhat new vocals in a few songs but you can clearly still hear good old bullet. Waking the demon is the best track in my eyes I love it.

[a7xsoad]

D-Fraz35 wrote:

a7xsoad, you are so ****in stupid. a7x sucks dick. they're a ****in commericial band. bfmv makes music that they love and that music is metal. a7x has good musicians but they're playin for success instead for what they love.

I'm not stupid. My name is three years old. I grew out of shit music lol, I'm a prog rock fan now.

[a7xsoad]

BFMV = In it for the fame/money. Repetitive, trying to rehash Metallica, failing.
A7X = In it for the music. Would they ditch the screaming on City of Evil and throw in orchestral and country sections and all sorts and include solos that slay the **** out of BFMV if they were in it for the fame and money as much as BFMV are? I DON'T THINK SO!

Now who's the stupid one.

[a7xsoad]

In conclusion, BFMV and A7X are both dreadful bands.

[EVL/666]

these guys are as EMO as it gets, just look at the poser attitude and the pathetic depressing lyrics

[Deliriumbassist]

EVL/666 wrote:

these guys are as EMO as it gets, just look at the poser attitude and the pathetic depressing lyrics

You have no idea what you're talking about, do you?

[dio_dude]

emo fags.

[RedX12]

the cd rocks its the best

[Metal0wns]

For all of you that think they're emo or aren't metal. WHATS WRONG WITH YOU!. What's so special about protect the hero. BFMV owns really bad and is totally a metal band. With that said... I personally like the poison better although both albums are really good. I just wish bullet would go back to the poison and hand of blood ep type music they used to play..... They are definately more mainstream. No doubt the band is talented though and pulls off both styles.

[Wachunga]

St.Loony wrote:

being told you’re closer to Fall Out Boy’s genre than Metallica’s is not an easy pill to swallow.

whoever thinks BFMV is closer to Fallout Boy than Metallica is a frikin moron.

[svac2113]

For the love of god who cares what the music is labeled as. honestly if you like the music you like the music. and people who dont listen to a certain band because of what their music is labeled as is only hurting themselves and are closed minded and really might miss out on some great tunes. and hell what about the blues??? that whole style of music was about being sad. is buddy guy an emo fag? i wouldnt really say so

[farhan_zul]

Vermilion755 wrote:

HAH, Listen to "forever and always" and tell me that is metal... Sounds like progressive-emo-metal to me, I wouldn't call it "metal" though

yeah..damn right..
can u guys imagine if cannibal corpse play that songs??
damn cool,right??****!!!

[Man Overboard]

Who the hell cares if they're emo or not? Listen to them because you like them. Not because of what other people label them as. Not saying emo music is even bad...

[cloud041089]

Metal0wns wrote:

What's so special about protect the hero.

I will pretend I never heard read this in a comment defending BFMV.

[cloud041089]

heard/read*

and i just noticed - "protect" the hero XD

[jetfuel495]

everyones a faggot, labels are for faggots, genre disputes are for faggots, everyones opinions are all faggy in someone elses opinion, so everyone just shut the **** up and listen to whatever music you like.

and honestly, if you dont like something, ignore it. how the hell do you people get through life?

[tysongodden]

they were good BUT NOW THEY FUCKEN SUCK JUST LIKE TRIVIUM

GO AND EAT SOME DICK YOU FAGS

that is all

[Downfault]

I don't care if they sound emo or metal, I just like the album and I enjoy there music alot.

[Tim2233]

tonyocr wrote:

If you know how bullet thinks and what they'r about you would never say they are emo, anyway i'm not really a guy that gives alot of attention to the lyrics i pay more attention to the guitar riffs and solos and i absolutely dont think they'r emo, i think their new album rocks : better, more structured longer guitar solos,somewhat new vocals in a few songs but you can clearly still hear good old bullet. Waking the demon is the best track in my eyes I love it.

thats a really good point, and just on a side note, if you think there lyrics ar eemo bcause they r sad, well wtf are they meant to sing about, flowers and rainbows?? give me a break

[spursdude]

I think that 'emo' is a loose term nowadays, anything to do with anything sad is seen as emo. Would you call Sad but True emo?- no so why call these guys emo, it just makes no sence. BUT they do have 1 unbelievable emoish track on this album 'Hearts Burst Into Fire' which is 1 of the best songs on the album (joint with every other song)

[spursdude]

tysongodden wrote:

they were good BUT NOW THEY FUCKEN SUCK JUST LIKE TRIVIUM

GO AND EAT SOME DICK YOU FAGS

that is all

I don't like trivium, but they aren't bad. B4MV are far better than Trivium and this new album sounds so much like Metallica, and one part sounds like SOAD.

[spursdude]

farhan_zul wrote:

Vermilion755 wrote:

HAH, Listen to "forever and always" and tell me that is metal... Sounds like progressive-emo-metal to me, I wouldn't call it "metal" though


yeah..damn right..
can u guys imagine if cannibal corpse play that songs??
damn cool,right??****!!!

I'm sorry, but if you think thats a bad song listening to canibal corpse actually made me laugh at how bad it was, supposedly he has a good vocal range, (from mgrrr all the way to mgraa)

[bulletvk]

BFMV are definitly not emo... And yea the poison is a better album then scream, aim, fire but this album is pretty good to... i think that they have gone a little without a real inspiration to this album, altough i like every song in this album...but i think that they could do better and i expect that of them in the future, because they are a relatively young band, so i think that they have a bright future and will be one of the best bands in this millenium

[bulletvk]

and those who worry about their originality, i can say only that nobody can be 100% original. they are affected by metallica and maiden as you can feel when listening to their songs... and i think that, taht's what makes bullet so popular

[metaldud536]

spursdude wrote:

tysongodden wrote:

they were good BUT NOW THEY FUCKEN SUCK JUST LIKE TRIVIUM

GO AND EAT SOME DICK YOU FAGS

that is all

I don't like trivium, but they aren't bad. B4MV are far better than Trivium and this new album sounds so much like Metallica, and one part sounds like SOAD.

I think Trivium's songs are more memorable, and bullet doens't sound at all like metallica. The album has more melody to it than metallica.

[hersheybar255]

okay ive been f.uckin reading this whole entire arguement.. well most of you guys are repeating stupid f.uckin arguements and points.. i agree with the dude who talked about death metal. emo is similiar. it was started and all of a sudden almost every f.uckin new band in the world is being labeled as emo. it has nothing to do with lyrics.. as two people pointed out metallica and jimi hendrix (as well as almost every band in f.uckin history) wrote some sad songs, and even depressing ones. are they emo? go kill urselves and tape it, i havent had a good laugh in a while. i swear to god. so forget the term emo, and i hate these stupid genre debates. its about the music. listne to a band and decide if u like them. dont try to coin them. so far we got bfmv as being ewo, popish, rock, metal, emo-metal, harcore, i dont wanna ****in hear it. bfmv is bfmv, and thats it. they write music they like, and if u like it then thats good and listen to it! if u dont **** off and stop porposely clicking on these links and start flmaming. we dont need this. just ignore bands u dont like, and dont listen to them, and if asked about them simply state i just dont like them. ****in aye. this is metal, this isnt metal, theyre emo, look at the lyrics, your debate doesnt make sense. and yeah about them being generic, well everyband copies another. they all have the same elements, and thats why some bands are classified into the same genre. if everything was different there would be like three bands. they all play rock. i think emo also started by newbies listening to it. bfmv incorporate a new technique of music (screaming), and if u ask any non metal fan (or non scream for that matter), they are bound to tell u its emo just because they scream. i hate this word emo it should be banned out of life. i swear to god it needs to be destroyed its a stupid fad and it needs to stop. as for them trying to "copy" metallica and thats why they keep talking about them, you guys are wrong. theyre just an influence. they loved metallica, and its just an influence/ wanting to be like one of ur favorite people. and btw u dumbasses matt tuck's voice is different cause he had laryngitis. he was told hed probably never be able to sing again. but he went out there and did. so go kill yourselves sayin what happened eww.. he came back and im glad hes f.uckin singing no matter what it sounds like. u guys are pathetic, although many of u have made excellent points. the ones who keep mentioning emo and bashing bfmv, you guys have no role in life. stop clicking on these forums and get on with ur life. these never would happen if u didnt try to start shit on it. u dont like the band dont click on the article..god damn

[hersheybar255]

okay ive been f.uckin reading this whole entire arguement.. well most of you guys are repeating stupid f.uckin arguements and points.. i agree with the dude who talked about death metal. emo is similiar. it was started and all of a sudden almost every f.uckin new band in the world is being labeled as emo. it has nothing to do with lyrics.. as two people pointed out metallica and jimi hendrix (as well as almost every band in f.uckin history) wrote some sad songs, and even depressing ones. are they emo? go kill urselves and tape it, i havent had a good laugh in a while. i swear to god. so forget the term emo, and i hate these stupid genre debates. its about the music. listne to a band and decide if u like them. dont try to coin them. so far we got bfmv as being ewo, popish, rock, metal, emo-metal, harcore, i dont wanna ****in hear it. bfmv is bfmv, and thats it. they write music they like, and if u like it then thats good and listen to it! if u dont **** off and stop porposely clicking on these links and start flmaming. we dont need this. just ignore bands u dont like, and dont listen to them, and if asked about them simply state i just dont like them. ****in aye. this is metal, this isnt metal, theyre emo, look at the lyrics, your debate doesnt make sense. and yeah about them being generic, well everyband copies another. they all have the same elements, and thats why some bands are classified into the same genre. if everything was different there would be like three bands. they all play rock. i think emo also started by newbies listening to it. bfmv incorporate a new technique of music (screaming), and if u ask any non metal fan (or non scream for that matter), they are bound to tell u its emo just because they scream. i hate this word emo it should be banned out of life. i swear to god it needs to be destroyed its a stupid fad and it needs to stop. as for them trying to "copy" metallica and thats why they keep talking about them, you guys are wrong. theyre just an influence. they loved metallica, and its just an influence/ wanting to be like one of ur favorite people. and btw u dumbasses matt tuck's voice is different cause he had laryngitis. he was told hed probably never be able to sing again. but he went out there and did. so go kill yourselves sayin what happened eww.. he came back and im glad hes f.uckin singing no matter what it sounds like. u guys are pathetic, although many of u have made excellent points. the ones who keep mentioning emo and bashing bfmv, you guys have no role in life. stop clicking on these forums and get on with ur life. these never would happen if u didnt try to start shit on it. u dont like the band dont click on the article..god damn

[hersheybar255]

its all about you people who do nothing with your lives but try to piss other people off by going into these forums and purposely talking about these bands in a negative way and repeating terrible arguements, and not listening to ours cause your so ignorant and stubborn, and then keep repeating it. I hate these long debates, everyone wants there own two cents to put in, and some people dont deserve it. You flamers are a waste of oxygen.

[hersheybar255]

srry bout posting twice

[Xerothunder]

Listen to it and enjoy it, or don't listen to it and no one cares.

Why does every single band need to be placed in a category? I think the real problem is you self-conscious posers who walk around telling anyone you can find "I only listen to REAL metal". Here's a unique concept: no one gives a damn.

Do you like the band? If yes, fine. If no, fine. Shut up about what they are... and does it matter what they call themselves? Britney Spears could call herself bluegrass for all I care, doesn't mean a thing. Let BFMV call themselves metal.

The problem isn't the band being one genre or another... the problem is you. You care way too much.

On the topic of the album... I like it. Anyone got a problem with that?

[gordonbombay]

hersheybar255, you my friend know what you're talking about...nothing pisses me off more than these dumb ass genre debates. Who makes all these up anyhow? It's all these dumb 17 year olds who have been playing for a year and all of a sudden think they deserve to determine that someone is post-hardcore-emo-crap...I can't stand it

[masterohumans]

a7xsoad wrote:

littlebigjames wrote:

goon316 wrote:

I think the 80's trend (Talented playing, great solo's, good song structure) is something music has been severely lacking and its comeback is the best thing to happen to music in quite some time.

I think there are some great riffs and very nice songs on this album. I think I am in the minority to think this is better than their previous stuff.


I agree with 100%
same.
but i think that "the Poison" is probably
the most EMOTIONAL
we'll see out of these guys
but other than that
PURE METAL
.
Pure, absolute and utter ignorance. I hope this doesn't sound like a personal attack. You'll learn. Maybe...

yea there are tons of good bands out today they just are not as popular. better wording would be something mainstream is lacking

[FLNagle]

Anarchy_Ant wrote:

Why the hell does everyone care soooo much about what genre they are. Music has become so damn split by genre's, it's rediculous.

i'm afraid its because music just isnt as original or innovative as it was... most bands are just too easy to categorize because they sound like X.

on the subject of my opinion of BFMV,
The Poison > Scream, Aim, Fire

[vIsIbleNoIsE]

i've heard them before, and i thought it was pretty metal. but every time i want to listen to new stuff, their band name just turns me off. i know it's dumb, but it's hard when there are so many other good metal bands out there with cooler names that i haven't gotten into yet.

[soulseeker_x]

bfmv is emo/bfmv isn't emo, in the end it doesn't matter. whether you like bfmv or not, or whether you approve of them or not, this whole thing is subjective. go ahead and listen to their music and judge for yourselves. go listen to bfmv without knowing it's them and then call it whatever you want.

this situation of labeling music is getting out of hand and if you enter wikipedia under metal you'll find an endless list of subgenres that potentially fight each other. the world would be rid of this issue if everything was just left at "music". also, what is this "bfmv is copying metallica" thing? you can't compare two bands. even metallica cover bands have different character than metallica themselves. in the end it's the people that make the band and not the band that makes the people.

i don't know if i made my point clear here, if people listened to music without prejudice they would discover many bands that they like. what i understand though is that people just want to dis one another.

[SeanHart213]

that song where he sings "i saw you run away" had me convinced that this was as emo of a band as they come when i saw the video debut on HBB. but i must say they really stepped up to the plate with the new stuff. i can safely say that this IS a metal band

[Hamham272]

Seeing as the last freaking 20 or 30 people have pretty much said what i'm abo