American Metalcore band Black Veil Brides are back with new music as they drop their latest EP, Bleeders. It brings back some of the band’s heavier edge with a more mature vocal and is well-polished.
Black Veil Brides – Bleeders EP
Release Date: 21 June 2024
Words: Rhys Tagg
Bleeders EP itself is three songs with only one song being new. The other two tracks are both covers, so there is little to be surprised by.
The title track does come across as much heavier and punchier than what we have become accustomed to, with plenty of breakdowns and big riffs to satisfy the foottappers and headbangers. Thus it seems like it could signal a new start and direction for the band, albeit there are fairly few clues.
Bleeders represents their first output since Black Veil Brides joined the Spinefarm family.
Bleeders is heavily inspired by Sweeney Todd but more relates to the life of Andy Biersack as he delves into the darker aspects of fame and personal battles that come with it. Bleeders seem to symbolise the wounded and vulnerable embracing themselves and being empowered.
We’ve already had the accompanying video, a cinematic masterpiece not for the faint-hearted. It’s dark and moody seeing Biersack as Todd delving into the murderous rampage. And oh yes there is blood!
Song two is a cover of U2’s Sunday Bloody Sunday. It could be considered a little strange to include this track, relating to real-life violence that plagued Ireland when the rest is squarely centred around the fictional character, Sweeney Todd and Todd’s descent into madness and murder.
However it may well link back to the constant chaos and unrest alluded to in the opening of Bleeders. It’s a decent cover, with instrumentals heavier than the original and the vocals more in keeping, showing the softer side of BVB.
Finishing off the EP we get a cover of My Friends from Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber Of Fleet Street. The guitars build an eerie vibe and come to a banging crescendo. Overall it is a fun take and something different from the norm.
In keeping with the slashy, bloody, theme, the EP will be available on a clear vinyl with red splatter, alongside other limited edition physical copies on CD and cassette tape both elegantly packaged with a simple picture of a razor blade in a pool of blood.
On the opposite side of this and in another act of a band using their platform for good, in the US, Black Veil Brides recently teamed up with the American Red Cross to gain fan’s support in pledging to donate blood.
Inspired by the latest single, Bleeders, the band stated, “This isn’t just a song; it’s a call to arms,” further underlying the track’s likely purpose of inspiring and uplifting others and coming together and at a time when the majority of the world probably could do with taking note!
“As Bleeders, it’s our mission to effect positive change,” the band said. “Help us to help others in this time of need.”
Looking at the current US tour, EP, video, lyrics and packaging holistically, there’s a fine theme woven through, which works very well together and should leave fans pleased and in anticipation of what comes next.
Black Veil Brides are at their best when they can be some what theatrical and this EP is a prime example of that.
Black Veil Brides will team up with Creeper for a Devils Night co-headline show at the OVO Arena Wembley on 30 October 2024. “This is a dream come true,” Black Veil Brides’ Andy Biersack told MetalTalk. “Since our very first UK tour over a decade ago, it’s been clear that we have an important connection with our audience in England. Over the years, our shows in London have always been some of the most significant events in our career.”
Tickets are available from here.
