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Warning! The sixth album from Bullet For My Valentine contains synthesizers. Get over it. While hardly in the same league as Queen confirming on The Game that “This album includes the first appearance of a synthesizer on a Queen album”, it has still caused enough ripples amongst the BFMV rank and file. Had they simply regurgitated past albums like ‘Poison’ or ‘Scream Aim Fire’, then the accusations would have been of a band running out of fresh ideas. Damned if you do… etc. Opening with a song called ‘Leap Of Faith’ it’s obvious that Bullet For My Valentine recognised the risk. The inclusion of synths highlight the band pouring the formula that has brought them success down the sink. Die-hard fans might baulk at the lack of a guitar solo, but there are other factions to enjoy. Likewise, ‘Over It’ has a lot going on; the growls are back, but minimal. A great groove from guitarists Matt Tuck and Padge, with a strong drum sound also. The melodies are big on moments like ‘Letting You Go’ and ‘Not Dead Yet’, either wouldn’t sound out of place on Radio One. Anthemic with huge choruses, It’s similar to the first time hearing Bring Me The Horizon on national radio. The layered vocals during the fade out of ‘Not Dead Yet’ hint at a Thirty Seconds To Mars vibe. ‘The Very Last Time’ is unrecognisable as Bullet For My Valentine. If that was the idea, it certainly succeeds. Risks have been taken, which means misfires are inevitable. A band can’t change their sound this much and produce gold with every turn. Surprisingly, it’s the title track that, for me at least, falls down. I’m unsure exactly why it leaves me cold, but something didn’t click. ‘Coma’ gets the album back on track before ending on the stripped back, acoustic notes of ‘Breathe Underwater’. ‘Gravity’ is best approached with an open mind. A very different Bullet For My Valentine than you might be used to. The album is direct and focused in its quest to get to the chorus. Although devoid of traditional guitar solos, ‘Gravity’ still does feature heaps of riffs. The synths are there yes, but they serve a purpose in backing up the guitars and drums, resulting in a fairly balanced album. Quite a departure, yes, but kudos to the band for having the balls to take a risk. Available now on Spinefarm Records. Review: Dave]]>
