• 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. Negative: 1 out of 8
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  1. Kerrang!
    Aug 12, 2015
    80
    Venom has injected a whole new life into the British metal heroes. [1 Aug 2015, p.50]
  2. Aug 14, 2015
    70
    The band's detractors will probably complain that the template remains firmly in place, and the band is aimlessly trekking through well-trodden terrain, but by returning to their roots, Bullet for My Valentine seem to have reignited the spark that made their early work so vital.
  3. Alternative Press
    Aug 12, 2015
    70
    The technical skill of BFMV has never been in question, even if there's an ultra-safe formula still being adhered to. Venom is no different, offering up more thrash than ever on one of the most solid offerings in the Bullet catalog. [Sep 2015, p.100]
User Score
7.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 55 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 39 out of 55
  2. Negative: 6 out of 55
  1. 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. 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. 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 »