Venom (Bullet for My Valentine album)

Last updated

Venom
BFMV Venom.jpg
Studio album by
Bullet for My Valentine
Released14 August 2015
Recorded2014–2015
Studio Metropolis Studios, London, England [1] [2]
Genre
Length41:07
Label Sony Music • RCA [4]
Producer
Bullet for My Valentine chronology
Temper Temper
(2013)		Venom
(2015)		 Gravity
(2018)
Singles from Venom
  1. "Raising Hell"
    Released: 18 November 2013
  2. "No Way Out"
    Released: 18 May 2015
  3. "You Want a Battle? (Here's a War)"
    Released: 29 June 2015
  4. "Army of Noise"
    Released: 17 July 2015
  5. "Venom"
    Released: 16 October 2015
  6. "Worthless"
    Released: 8 February 2016

Venom is the fifth studio album by Welsh heavy metal band Bullet for My Valentine. The album was released on 14 August 2015 via RCA Records, their second and last album under the label. It is the first album by the band since the departure of bassist Jason "Jay" James, which was announced in February 2015 while the band was recording the album. [5] Jamie Mathias was announced as his replacement on 18 May 2015, along with the album's title, release date and release of the album's first single, "No Way Out". [6] This would also be the final album with founding drummer Michael "Moose" Thomas who parted ways with the band officially in 2017.

Contents

"No Way Out" and "Broken" were premiered live during the band's headlining performance at the Camden Rocks Festival in London on 30 May 2015. The second and third singles, "You Want a Battle? (Here's a War)" and "Army of Noise", were released on 29 June and 17 July 2015, respectively. Another two songs, "Playing God" and "Worthless" were released respectively on 10 and 13 August 2015. The whole album was made available for streaming on YouTube on 14 August 2015.

Jamie Mathias is credited as a band member but did not perform on this album; Tuck recorded all bass guitar parts instead. Mathias later said in an interview that he hopes to be involved in future band projects. [7] [8]

Reception

Professional ratings
Aggregate scores
SourceRating
Metacritic 58/100 [9]
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar half.svgStar empty.svg [10]
DIY Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svg [11]
Exclaim! Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svg [12]
The Guardian Star full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svg [13]
Louder Sound Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svg [3]
NME Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svg [14]
SputnikmusicStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svg [15]
Metal Hammer Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svg [16]
Kerrang! Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svg
Evening Standard Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svg [17]

Venom received mixed reviews from music critics. At Metacritic, which assigns a rating out of 100 to reviews from mainstream critics, the album has an average score of 58/100 based on 8 reviews, indicating "mixed or average reviews". [9] British magazine Kerrang! awarded the album 4 stars, saying that "Venom has injected a whole new life into the British metal heroes." Alternative Press and AllMusic both gave the album 3.5 stars. [10] However, a negative review came from Bradley Zorgdrager of Exclaim! who gave the album a 3 out of 10. The critic wrote that "the lack of quality choruses leaves something to be desired. While their heaviest output won't win over any elitists, fans will also have trouble finding something here to sing along to." [12]

The album was included at number 37 on Rock Sound 's top 50 releases of 2015 list. [18]

Track listing

All lyrics are written by Matt Tuck; all music is composed by Tuck, Michael Thomas and Michael Paget

No.TitleLength
1."V"1:26
2."No Way Out"3:53
3."Army of Noise"4:18
4."Worthless"3:18
5."You Want a Battle? (Here's a War)"4:14
6."Broken"3:39
7."Venom"3:54
8."The Harder the Heart (The Harder It Breaks)"4:00
9."Skin"3:59
10."Hell or High Water"4:36
11."Pariah"3:46
Total length:41:07
Deluxe edition bonus tracks
No.TitleLength
12."Playing God"3:52
13."Run for Your Life"3:34
14."In Loving Memory"4:02
15."Raising Hell"4:35
16."Ace of Spades" (Motörhead cover)2:35
Total length:57:08

Personnel

Bullet for My Valentine

Additional personnel

Charts

Certifications

Certifications for Venom
RegionCertification Certified units/sales
United Kingdom (BPI) [42] Silver60,000‡

‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bullet for My Valentine</span> Welsh heavy metal band

Bullet for My Valentine, often abbreviated as BFMV, are a Welsh heavy metal band from Bridgend, formed in 1998. The band is currently composed of Matthew Tuck, Michael Paget, Jason Bowld (drums) and Jamie Mathias. Former members include Michael Thomas, Jason James and Nick Crandle; the latter were on bass. 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. A change of style from that of Jeff Killed John led the band to change their name. In 2002, the band secured a five-album deal with Sony BMG. The band has stated that their music is influenced by classic metal acts such as Metallica, Iron Maiden and Slayer. The band is part of the Cardiff music scene.

<i>The Poison</i> 2005 studio album by Bullet for My Valentine

The Poison is the debut studio album by Welsh heavy metal band Bullet for My Valentine. The album was released on 3 October 2005 through Visible Noise Records in the UK, and on 14 February 2006 in the United States, through Trustkill Records. The album included 11 new songs and two previously heard songs, "Cries in Vain", which was previously heard from the band's self-titled UK EP and from their US EP, Hand of Blood, as well as from "4 Words " was previously included on the same US release. Different editions of the album contain the song "Hand of Blood", previously heard from these EPs, replacing "Spit You Out".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">All These Things I Hate (Revolve Around Me)</span> 2006 single by Bullet for My Valentine

"All These Things I Hate (Revolve Around Me)" is a song produced by the Welsh heavy metal band Bullet for My Valentine. The song was released as the third single from the band's debut album The Poison, through Sony BMG on 3 February 2006 in Europe and released in United Kingdom through Visible Noise on 7 February 2006. The band originally recorded the song on their 2003 Jeff Killed John EP. It is their highest-charting single in the UK, peaking at number 29. It is arguably the softest song on The Poison due to its use of an acoustic guitar and minimal screaming.

<i>Scream Aim Fire</i> 2008 studio album by Bullet for My Valentine

Scream Aim Fire is the second studio album by Welsh heavy metal band Bullet for My Valentine. The album was released on 28 January 2008 in the United Kingdom and the preceding day in the United States through Jive Records. Since its release, Scream Aim Fire has sold over 1,400,000 copies worldwide. It is the band's most commercially successful effort in Australia, earning a gold certification by the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) in addition to a gold certification from both the band's native British Phonographic Industry (BPI) in the United Kingdom and the Bundesverband Musikindustrie (BVMI) in Germany.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Scream Aim Fire (song)</span> 2007 single by Bullet for My Valentine

"Scream Aim Fire" is a song by Welsh heavy metal band Bullet for My Valentine. The first single from their second album, Scream Aim Fire, the song was released on the American iTunes store on 18 December 2007, and has also been released on the band's MySpace profile. Featured in the video games Guitar Hero World Tour and non-US versions of Guitar Hero Modern Hits, it is the band's highest charting single worldwide. It is also available as downloadable content in the video game Rock Band 3. A live version of the song recorded at BBC Radio 1's Live Lounge show was included as a bonus track on deluxe editions of the band's 4th studio album Temper Temper.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hearts Burst into Fire</span> 2008 single by Bullet for My Valentine

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<i>Fever</i> (Bullet for My Valentine album) 2010 studio album by Bullet for My Valentine

Fever is the third studio album by Welsh heavy metal band Bullet for My Valentine. Containing eleven tracks, the album was released on 26 and 27 April 2010 in the UK and in the US, respectively. The album sold 71,000 copies in the US and 21,965 in the UK in its first week of release to debut at position No. 3 on The Billboard 200 and No. 1 on Billboard's Rock and Alternative charts, making it the band's most successfully-charting record to date. Since its release, Fever has sold over 600,000 copies worldwide. It also went gold in the UK in late 2013.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Your Betrayal</span> 2010 single by Bullet for My Valentine

"Your Betrayal" is a song by Welsh heavy metal band Bullet for My Valentine and was released as the first and lead US single from their third album, Fever. The song was set for release on 8 March 2010 to the radio; and, unexpectedly, was released early as a Digital 45 on iTunes along with the track "Begging for Mercy" on 2 March 2010. Before that, "Begging for Mercy" was offered for free download on 14 February 2010 from the band's official website for a limited time. "Your Betrayal" was nominated for the Kerrang! Award for Best Single.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bittersweet Memories</span> Song by Bullet for My Valentine

"Bittersweet Memories" is a power ballad by the Welsh heavy metal band Bullet for My Valentine. It is the third single from the band's third studio album, Fever. The music video for "Bittersweet Memories" was released on 25 November 2010.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fever (Bullet for My Valentine song)</span> 2011 single by Bullet for My Valentine

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<i>Resolution</i> (Lamb of God album) 2012 studio album by Lamb of God

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<i>Temper Temper</i> (Bullet for My Valentine album) 2013 studio album by Bullet for My Valentine

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"Temper Temper" is a song by Welsh heavy metal band Bullet for My Valentine from their album Temper Temper. Its music video revolves around a group of people in a room with anger and fury issues. It is the only music video by the band without the members in it.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Riot (Bullet for My Valentine song)</span> 2012 single by Bullet for My Valentine

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Raising Hell (Bullet for My Valentine song)</span> 2013 single by Bullet for My Valentine

"Raising Hell" is a song by Welsh heavy metal band Bullet for My Valentine. It was released on 18 November 2013 as a promotional single to showcase what the band's future material would sound like. The song is featured as a deluxe edition bonus track on the band's fifth album Venom. This is the final song that featured Jason James on bass after the band and him parted ways in February 2015.

"You Want a Battle? " is a song by Welsh heavy metal band Bullet for My Valentine. It was released on 29 June 2015, as the second single from the album Venom.

<i>Gravity</i> (Bullet for My Valentine album) 2018 studio album by Bullet for My Valentine

Gravity is the sixth studio album by Welsh heavy metal band Bullet for My Valentine. The album was released on 29 June 2018 via Spinefarm Records, their first album under the label. It is the first album with former Pitchshifter drummer Jason Bowld, who joined in 2016 to replace founding drummer Michael "Moose" Thomas. It is also the first album to feature bassist Jamie Mathias as a contributing member. Gravity represents a significant change in sound compared to the band's previous releases, moving toward the nu metal sound similar to their early years as "Jeff Killed John".

<i>Bullet for My Valentine</i> (album) 2021 studio album by Bullet for My Valentine

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">4 Words (To Choke Upon)</span> 2005 single by Bullet for My Valentine

"4 Words (To Choke Upon)" is a song from Welsh heavy metal band Bullet for My Valentine. It was released on March 28, 2005, through Visible Noise Records, as the first single from their debut album The Poison.

References

  1. ↑ "BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE Begins Recording Fifth Album". Blabbermouth. 1 February 2015. Retrieved 20 May 2015.
  2. ↑ "Bullet for My Valentine Promotes Fifth Album in a New Teaser; New record to release in summer". Venture Capital Post. 7 May 2015. Retrieved 20 May 2015.
  3. 1 2 Morton, Luke (21 July 2015). "Bullet For My Valentine: Venom". Louder Sound . Retrieved 25 June 2020.
  4. 1 2 "BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE's MATT TUCK: 'We've Reinvented Who We Are' On 'Venom' Album". Blabbermouth. 18 May 2015. Retrieved 20 May 2015.
  5. ↑ "BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE Parts Ways With Bassist JASON JAMES". Blabbermouth. 9 February 2015. Retrieved 20 May 2015.
  6. ↑ Zadrozny, Anya (18 May 2015). "Bullet for My Valentine Unveil New Bassist, New Song and New Album Details". Loudwire. Retrieved 20 May 2015.
  7. ↑ "W:O:A - Wacken Open Air : Intro". www.wacken.com. Retrieved 18 January 2018.
  8. ↑ PureGrainAudio (24 September 2015). "Bullet For My Valentine Interview with Bassist Jamie Mathias on Joining the Band [NN008]" . Retrieved 18 January 2018– via YouTube.
  9. 1 2 "Bullet For My Valentine – Venom: Reviews". Metacritic. CBS Interactive . Retrieved 15 August 2015.
  10. 1 2 "Venom - Bullet for My Valentine - Songs, Reviews, Credits - AllMusic". AllMusic. Retrieved 18 January 2018.
  11. ↑ [ dead link ]
  12. 1 2 "Bullet For My Valentine Venom". exclaim.ca. Retrieved 18 January 2018.
  13. ↑ Lawson, Dom (13 August 2015). "Bullet for My Valentine: Venom review – unconvincing metallers retain bad habits". the Guardian. Retrieved 18 January 2018.
  14. ↑ "Bullet For My Valentine - 'Venom' - NME". NME. 30 July 2015. Retrieved 18 January 2018.
  15. ↑ "Review: Bullet For My Valentine - Venom - Sputnikmusic". www.sputnikmusic.com. Retrieved 18 January 2018.
  16. ↑ "Bullet For My Valentine: Venom". 21 July 2015. Retrieved 18 January 2018.
  17. ↑ "Bullet For My Valentine - Venom, album review". 14 August 2015. Retrieved 18 January 2018.
  18. ↑ Bird, ed. 2016, p. 24
  19. ↑ "Australiancharts.com – Bullet for My Valentine – Venom". Hung Medien. Retrieved 22 August 2015.
  20. ↑ "Austriancharts.at – Bullet for My Valentine – Venom" (in German). Hung Medien. Retrieved 27 August 2015.
  21. ↑ "Ultratop.be – Bullet for My Valentine – Venom" (in Dutch). Hung Medien. Retrieved 21 August 2015.
  22. ↑ "Ultratop.be – Bullet for My Valentine – Venom" (in French). Hung Medien. Retrieved 21 August 2015.
  23. ↑ "Bullet for My Valentine Chart History (Canadian Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved 17 December 2020.
  24. ↑ "Czech Albums – Top 100". ČNS IFPI. Note: On the chart page, select 37.Týden 2015 on the field besides the words "CZ – ALBUMS – TOP 100" to retrieve the correct chart. Retrieved 22 August 2015.
  25. ↑ "Dutchcharts.nl – Bullet for My Valentine – Venom" (in Dutch). Hung Medien. Retrieved 21 August 2015.
  26. ↑ "Bullet for My Valentine: Venom" (in Finnish). Musiikkituottajat – IFPI Finland. Retrieved 25 August 2015.
  27. ↑ "Lescharts.com – Bullet for My Valentine – Venom". Hung Medien. Retrieved 17 December 2020.
  28. ↑ "Longplay-Chartverfolgung at Musicline" (in German). Musicline.de. Phononet GmbH. Retrieved 21 August 2015.
  29. ↑ "GFK Chart-Track Albums: Week 34, 2015". Chart-Track. IRMA. Retrieved 21 August 2015.
  30. ↑ "グラヴィティ- ブレット・フォー・マイ・ヴァレンタイン". oricn ME inc. Retrieved 10 July 2017.
  31. ↑ "NZ Top 40 Albums Chart". 24 August 2015. Retrieved 21 August 2015.
  32. ↑ "Spanishcharts.com – Bullet for My Valentine – Venom". Hung Medien. Retrieved 17 December 2020.
  33. ↑ "Swedishcharts.com – Bullet for My Valentine – Venom". Hung Medien. Retrieved 21 August 2015.
  34. ↑ "Swisscharts.com – Bullet for My Valentine – Venom". Hung Medien. Retrieved 27 August 2015.
  35. ↑ "Official Scottish Albums Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 6 March 2021.
  36. ↑ "Official Albums Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 6 March 2021.
  37. ↑ "Official Rock & Metal Albums Chart Top 40". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 6 March 2021.
  38. ↑ "Bullet for My Valentine Chart History (Billboard 200)". Billboard. Retrieved 24 August 2015.
  39. ↑ "Bullet for My Valentine Chart History (Top Rock Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved 31 January 2021.
  40. ↑ "Bullet for My Valentine Chart History (Top Hard Rock Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved 24 August 2015.
  41. ↑ "Year-End Charts: Top Hard Rock Albums (2015)". Billboard . Retrieved 14 March 2024.
  42. ↑ "British album certifications – Bullet for My Valentine – Venom". British Phonographic Industry . Retrieved 30 June 2023.
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