Venom
by Bullet For My Valentine
  • Record Label: RCA
  • Release Date: Aug 14, 2015
Metascore
58

Mixed or average reviews - based on 8 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 8
  3. Negative: 1 out of 8
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  1. New Musical Express (NME)
    Aug 12, 2015
    50
    The problem is, while the music is as violently powerful as ever, the rage, anger and lyrical bite are starting to sound seriously forced.
  2. Q Magazine
    Aug 26, 2015
    40
    Frontman Matt Tuck leaves no cliche unturned in his angst-ridden lyrics and the second half of the album is weighed down by the leaden balladry. [Oct 2015, p.104]
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  3. DIY Magazine
    Aug 14, 2015
    40
    Flashes of the airtight songwriting that ran through ‘Scream Aim Fire’ and ‘Fever’ remain--closer ‘Pariah’ does controlled fury very well--but otherwise, it has to be case of back to the drawing board, because Bullet sound as if they’re beginning to run on fumes.
  5. The Guardian
    Aug 13, 2015
    40
    Unfortunately, the things that have always turned diehard metal fans off this band are still present: the hackneyed, angsty lyrics (increasingly unbefitting of a man Tuck’s age) and the shamelessly generic pop-rock choruses, which consistently set off the false-metal alarm.

Awards & Rankings

91
#91 Most Discussed Album of 2015

User Reviews

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User Score
7.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 55 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 39 out of 55
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 55
  3. Negative: 6 out of 55
  1. EmoTallica
    Sep 8, 2015
    10
    Great Album. Been a big bullet fan for a long time. It being rated worse then Temper Temper makes me wonder what these critics are thinking.Great Album. Been a big bullet fan for a long time. It being rated worse then Temper Temper makes me wonder what these critics are thinking. Yea their not the same as they were before but music change is a good thing.… Full Review »
  2. SchroederRock
    Aug 17, 2015
    7
    Venom isn't the band's best work, but it almost makes up for the Bullet's lackluster Temper Temper that came before it. Cuts like "Here's AVenom isn't the band's best work, but it almost makes up for the Bullet's lackluster Temper Temper that came before it. Cuts like "Here's A War" and "Venom" show these guys can still craft a good hook amongst all the chaos. BFMV's groove-crafting still stands as some of the best around, like on the intro to "The Harder The Heart" and the start/stop nature of "Pariah". Sometimes I feel like the band is chasing the balance of musicianship of Scream Aim Fire with the hook-laden tracks found on Fever, but never quite finding that balance. Still, Venom is no slouch and should remind us all that this band is one of the greats in the industry, capable of tossing out another album that is universally praised.… Full Review »
  3. Frankie158
    Sep 8, 2015
    10
    10/10
    When it comes to Bullet For My Valentine, this album's value is definitely up there with the first 2 albums. My only "gripes" with the    10/10
    When it comes to Bullet For My Valentine, this album's value is definitely up there with the first 2 albums. My only "gripes" with the album, are lack of super intresting guitar pieces, predictable structure, and cringe worthy lyrics.
    But does that make this album bad? Definitely not! There is some amazing work that has been put into this album. Vocal medlodies are powerful, and can't help but hum/sing along with every single song. A change in pace, with almost modern sounding breakdowns that give me goosebumps.
    Hell and High water has my favourite instrumental breakdown on the entire album, it's so simple, but sounds incredible. Not to mention the catchy "90's grunge" style melodies during the verses.
    Every single song on this album has been great, and if I had to pick a "least" favorite, it would be Army of Noise. It's not a bad song in any sense, I'm just not a fan of the guitar work in it, specifically the note scale. (Not sure how to explain it). But it makes up with a great breakdown.
    Otherwise, great album by a great band, the worst part about it is knowing I'll have to wait another couple years for another one.    … Full Review »
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