Vale
by Black Veil Brides
User Score
6.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 20 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 20
  3. Negative: 5 out of 20
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  1. TheEternalStar
    Jan 12, 2018
    9
    This album is something that sounds different from other BVB records. This one leads more into pop, but at the same, still stays true to BVB's rock roots. This album is like 'Wretched & Divine' & Andy's 'The Shadow Side' combined, and honestly that wouldn't sound bad, and the songs on here show the best side of Black Veil Brides. 'Vale' is an album that fans will enjoy and haters to hate,This album is something that sounds different from other BVB records. This one leads more into pop, but at the same, still stays true to BVB's rock roots. This album is like 'Wretched & Divine' & Andy's 'The Shadow Side' combined, and honestly that wouldn't sound bad, and the songs on here show the best side of Black Veil Brides. 'Vale' is an album that fans will enjoy and haters to hate, but at the same time, still deserves the attention it gets.… Expand
  2. 0Villain
    Jan 26, 2018
    8
    I have a bit of a complex relationship with Black Veil Brides (BVB)... Their first two albums, in my opinion, were emo trash. They were far too over dramatic and edgy for my taste, If you liked them, more power to you, but I couldn't stand them if my life depended on it. Then they released their third album... and it blew me away. Within a year, they changed and created an album I stillI have a bit of a complex relationship with Black Veil Brides (BVB)... Their first two albums, in my opinion, were emo trash. They were far too over dramatic and edgy for my taste, If you liked them, more power to you, but I couldn't stand them if my life depended on it. Then they released their third album... and it blew me away. Within a year, they changed and created an album I still listen to on occasion all these years later. It was damn good, and that got me excited for their eponymous album. And I can confirm, without a doubt, it was the most average album I've ever heard. I didn't like anything, I didn't hate anything, it was the definition of "meh":. So I was worried about this album, as it could really go any way.

    Dammit BVB, why can't you just let me hate you? Instead, they made "Vail, their best album to date.

    It blew me away guys, almost every hook was fantastic, if not it was just great. The guitar work is still fueled with emotion, yet has grown in complexity and brings me utter joy when listening to it. And Andy yet again kicks ass with his vocals. Even from the band's beginning, I knew this guy had talent, it just needed the right band to really bring his voice to it's peak. I never though BVB would be the band to do that, but apparently they were. Basically, everyone in the band did their job phenomenally, all the pieces fit together perfectly.

    So what flaws do I have? Well, track 10 brings the album down a notch. It seems BVB ran out of hooks at that point. It's not bad, it just sounds like they made something that belonged on their prior album. It's beyond average and, though all the songs sound unique, this one blends in and doesn't add anything special. Had they removed this track, the album would have benefited. Our Destiny also falls close to falling to this flaw, yet the orchestral aspect of the song ensures it's kept fresh.

    I'd say the best songs were Dead Man Walking, an 8:32 opus that builds upon itself with every note until an amazing climax, followed by a beautiful orchestral piece akin to the ones present in Wretched and Divine.

    Vale is the album I always wanted from BVB. It's not too edgy, yet it still speaks to it's more emo crowd with a message of hope present throughout the album. All the pieces fit together in a graceful unison that has impressed me with every listen, and will impress me in my listens to come. With maybe a little more orchestral work to avoid songs meshing together a little too well, I think BVB have the potential to reach even higher scores on future albums. Give it a listen, you won't regret it.

    8/10 - Fantastic!    … Expand
  3. UndeadxLegend55
    Jan 12, 2018
    8
    I think I can surely say I enjoy every song on the album to some extent. I thought originally The Outsider would be my favorite, but I can't say for certain if that's true anymore. I quite enjoy Wake Up and Our Destiny. I do have a critique that I think When They Call My Name, sounds very much like an Andy Black song instead of a Black Veil Brides song. Overall I still like the song andI think I can surely say I enjoy every song on the album to some extent. I thought originally The Outsider would be my favorite, but I can't say for certain if that's true anymore. I quite enjoy Wake Up and Our Destiny. I do have a critique that I think When They Call My Name, sounds very much like an Andy Black song instead of a Black Veil Brides song. Overall I still like the song and enjoy the album.… Expand
  4. Q-Man95
    Feb 17, 2018
    9
    Vale gives us a different, yet very familiar sound from Black Veil Brides. One of the most notable differences upon first listen is the lack of screams from Andy, which doesn't hinder the album in any way. The band go back to the concept of their "Wretched and Divine" album and seemingly attempt to make this album a sort of sequel to that story. However, this album lacks the cohesion inVale gives us a different, yet very familiar sound from Black Veil Brides. One of the most notable differences upon first listen is the lack of screams from Andy, which doesn't hinder the album in any way. The band go back to the concept of their "Wretched and Divine" album and seemingly attempt to make this album a sort of sequel to that story. However, this album lacks the cohesion in the storytelling that "Wretched and Divine" had. As always the instrumentation throughout the album is flawless. Jaw dropping guitar work is something to be expected from a BVB record and this album did not disappoint. While the second half of the album isn't as captivating as the first half, the songs in the second half are still very high quality. The choruses on this album are some of the catchiest that the band have ever written (i.e. "The Last One", "The Outsider", "My Vow"). While they certainly bring their A game on the heavier songs, the slower songs are given their time to shine without being overshadowed. Moments like "When They Call My Name" and "Vale" show the band embracing their ability to write catchy, meaningful ballads yet again, a trend we have seen from them on their past two efforts as well. The only track on this album that seems to fall flat is the overly long "Dead Man Walking" this song just feels drawn out and forced. The main saving grace for this track is the fact that they kept the violin driven masterpiece Overture II as part of this song instead of making it it's own track (which I would have highly preferred). Overall, this album is a fantastic addition to the bands catalog, if you were already a fan of the band you will love the album, and if you weren't already a fan of the band this album will probably have at least a couple songs that you will find yourself at least nodding along to.… Expand

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
66

Generally favorable reviews - based on 4 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 4
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 4
  3. Negative: 0 out of 4
  1. Kerrang!
    Jan 11, 2018
    80
    Despite throwing some creative curveballs into the mix, Vale feels very much like the rue follow-up to Wretched And Divine, and sees Black Veil Brides writing their own myth once more. [13 Jan 2018, p.50]
  2. AllMusic
    Jan 11, 2018
    50
    While the feisty, Imagine Dragons-meets-Twisted Sister vibe remains their forte, it's Vale's pop proclivities that ultimately win out, suggesting that future endeavors may rely less on fighting the man, and more on working alongside him.
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  3. Rock Sound
    Jan 11, 2018
    70
    There are strings, spoken word sections and sweeping solos, so while the themes and melodies may sound familiar, the overall tapestry rarely wears thin.
    Read full review
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