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.
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
- Craft 20% of the score
-
6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
-
6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
-
6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Killswitch Engage· Parkway Drive· As I Lay Dying
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
What to play next
Gravity
2018
Continues the exploration of introspective themes with a modern sound.
Venom
2015
Sets the stage with aggressive energy and complex riffs similar to the current album.
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Reverence
Parkway Drive
Shares aggressive riffs and explores themes of personal struggle and societal issues.
So What?
While She Sleeps
Combines introspective lyrics with heavy instrumentation, addressing modern anxieties and conflicts.
For Those That Wish to Exist
Architects
Explores themes of existentialism with a blend of metalcore sound and atmospheric elements.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.