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The musicians that are the subject of Bullet for My Valentine merch and albums are almost the anti thesis of rock stars. Unlike other musically inclined stars, the members of this band prefer to focus on their music instead of reinventing their appearances for commercial packaging. This in itself suggests that the group makes for an interesting case study.

Although they were more musicians than stage acts from the very start, the members of this UK group started out on a different note. The group was originally known as Jeff Killed John and were made up of Matthew Tuck on vocals and rhythm guitar; Michael Paget on lead guitar; Michael Thomas on drums and Nick Crandle on bass. From 1998 to a few years ahead, they were mainly known for their nu metal tone as apparent in their EP You Play With Me. Crandle left the group before the band could make a name for itself and was replaced by Jason James.

The group began to have some financial concerns. This was one reason that prompted them to make serious changes. They signed up with a new label, changed the band name and took a different musical direction. This led to a contract for five albums with Sony BMG and two EPs, one of which is self-titled. In 2005, they came out with their first Bullet for My Valentine album, Poison. It took the 128 slot on the Billboard 200 and eventually became a certified gold album some months after its release. Obviously the group had hit on a permanent name for its band patches.

There isn’t a lot to discuss when it comes to dissecting what the group sounds like. They are every bit considered a metal band specifically thrash or heavy. The group has stated however that they are really a rock band with elements of metal. They admit being influenced by such legends as Metallica and Iron Maiden.

In January 2008, the band went on to release their second album, Scream Aim Fire. The album is still within the same category as its predecessor but band members consider it more belligerent in tone. A brief relapse into the style and tone of the first album cam about with the release of Fever, the group’s third album. But of course, there were no gradual beats to replace the aggressive stance. Fever is most likely a sign of musical maturity because, of the three albums, this one has more in store when it comes to the question of musical legacy.

Despite seemingly veering away from image building, the group has not gone unnoticed. In 2004, they were hailed as the Best Newcomer at the Welsh Music Awards. They were then named Best British Band in 2006 at the Metal Hammer Golden God Award. The Kerrang! Awards has added to their string of recognitions, naming the group Best British Newcomer in 2005 and Best British Band in 2008 and 2009. The single Tears Don’t Fall was awarded by Kerrang! As the Best UK Single in 2006.

Hardcore fans might want to go on and argue over which genre the Bullet for My Valentine albums belong to. Obviously though, the group doesn’t care. They just want to make more music.

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