Hailing from Wales, Bullet For My Valentine is not a typical heavy metal thrash band. While their songs are definitely head banger worthy, they’re full of harmony and vocal choruses. They took the stage in front of a frantic sold out crowd at The Town Ballroom last Sunday night just after 9:00 PM. They wasted no time getting everyone going, starting off with their hit song “Your Betrayal,” and the crowd sang every word.
Lead singer Matt Tuck took a minute to introduce the band after the second song, “Fever,” while everybody in the house caught their breath. He wanted to make a point that although bassist Jason James was not present due to personal reasons, there were “no fucking worries” as the band’s guitar tech Calvin Roffey was fit for the task. He was right. As they continued with “Waking The Demon,” the crowd surfing began. It was a nonstop conveyor belt of feverish fans moving from the back of the house up to the pit.
The guys took turns showing off their talents throughout the set. Padge had his fingers dancing on the fretboard of his guitar in “Pleasure & Pain.” Moose got into the act during “4 Words” with some technical stick work and chest thumping footwork on his double bass. The highlight of the night was when they left the stage to Padge. His solo began at a moderate pace with the crowd clapping along to the rhythm. As he sped up, the crowd stayed right with him, keeping perfect time. He paused for a moment and the fans went crazy as he raised his hands in the air. He started them clapping again, and increased the tempo. As the crowd assumed the role of keeping time, he got back into his solo with his fingers moving at blurring speed. He abruptly slowed down to play the intro to “The Star Spangled Banner.” The crowd errupted into painfully deafening cheers.
As they finished up their 45 minute set with “The Last Fight,” “Say Goodnight,” and “Scream Aim Fire,” the crowd still wanted more. The fans began chanting “Bull – et!, Bull – et!” Apparently enjoying hearing the crowd roar for three (3) to four (4) solid minutes, they again took the stage to a deafening ovation. Bullet finished with a two (2) song encore including “Alone” and “Hand of Blood.”
When I left, I wasn’t surprised to see the fans looking more exhausted than the band. All this in just under an hour of playing. These guys definitely put on a fast paced, high intensity, face melting, heavy metal show. But, if you listen close enough, you’ll hear some talented musicians playing some well written songs. If you plan on seeing Bullet For My Valentine, make sure you dress light, it’s a workout!
Setlist:
Your Betrayal
Waking The Demon
All These Things I Hate
Tears Don’t Fall
Pleasure & Pain
4 Words
Padge Doodle (solo)
The Last Fight
Say Goodnight
Scream Aim Fire
Encore:
Alone
Hand of Blood
We would like to thank Gihan Salem from Sony Music for allowing BackstageAxxess to review the show. Stay tuned for an interview with BFMV drummer Moose that was conducted before the show.
