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!… Collapse