Bullet for My Valentine cover

Released 5 years ago this November

Bullet for My Valentine

Bullet for My Valentine · 2021

47 min · 10 tracks · punk rock

Aggressive riffs intertwine with introspective lyrics, capturing the turmoil of modern existence through a metalcore lens.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Parasite Start here — Opening the album with relentless energy, this track sets a tone of urgency and aggression that characterizes the band's evolution.
  • →
    Knives — This song embodies emotional depth through its exploration of betrayal and inner conflict, making it a standout in both lyrical content and musicality.
  • →
    Bastards — A powerful anthem against societal injustices, it showcases the band's commitment to addressing real-world issues while maintaining their signature sound.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

50 /100
Foothills
Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album showcases a mix of aggressive and melodic elements but lacks strong cohesion in its overall flow.

What we noticed

  • The first three tracks feature aggressive guitar riffs and rapid tempos, while the fourth track introduces a slower, more melodic section that contrasts sharply.
  • The last two tracks incorporate atmospheric elements and extended instrumental sections, allowing for a gradual build-up to the album's conclusion.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 3/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • steady mid-tempo intensity
  • raw emotional catharsis
  • for evening workouts
  • engaging lyrical themes
  • driving energy for focus

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer softer, mellow sounds
  • seek instant gratification tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Late Career Highlight — Marks a return after a hiatus, showcasing renewed energy and solidifying their sound.
Themes
modern existential turmoil· betrayal and conflict· societal injustice anthems
Career context
Released on November 5, 2021, this self-titled album marks Bullet for My Valentine's return after a five-year hiatus following 'Gravity' in 2018. The band sought to reinvigorate their sound and solidify their identity within the evolving metal landscape.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Knives

    The perspective shifts from external conflict to deep personal reflection highlights the internal struggle present throughout the album.

    This shift reveals the complexity of emotions at play, contrasting the song's aggressive sound with vulnerable introspection.

Tracklist

  • 1 Parasite Start here 5:40
  • 2 Knives 4:16
  • 3 My Reverie 4:42
  • 4 No Happy Ever After 4:08
  • 5 Can’t Escape the Waves 4:35
  • 6 Bastards 5:25
  • 7 Rainbow Veins 4:58
  • 8 Shatter 5:24
  • 9 Paralysed 4:11
  • 10 Death by a Thousand Cuts 4:24

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata