Review Summary: Black Veil Bride's 3rd release is a larger than life concept album and a damn fine slice of Pop Metal, Is it a ground breaking Kid A? No. But it is a young band giving everything they have to the craft they love so much.
Black Veil Brides. The name alone conjures strong feelings, whether it be extreme dislike or rabid adoration, Black Veil Brides rarely ever leave someone in the know without some kind of impression, which in itself is not such a bad thing.
Wretched and Divine (The Story of The Wild Ones) is a concept Album, about a group of outlaws (The Wild ones) trying to overthrow an all seeing and controlling government entity that tolerates no individuality (F.E.A.R.) in a future dystopian world (mad max anyone?), released back in 2013. Produced by Pop Rock veteran John Feldmann, It is Black Veil Brides (henceforth shortened to BVB) greatest effort to date and probably my all time favourite album, here I will write an insight as to why, for those who care enough to read.
Vocals/Lyrics
I am going to start with my Personal highlight of the album, frontman Andy Biersack’s voice.
It is no secret That Andy is not a singer with exceptional range, however to call him a bad singer is just not true. What Andy has is a raspy, Baritone and powerful croon, and on this album I believe Andy laid down the best vocal performance of his career to date. With the raspy Grit of the previous work (while still an obviously massively improved performance) mixed with the perfect balance of the softer, cleaner voice he use after this album, presents a textured, varied and overall absolute workhorse of a vocal performance (please check “Resurrect The Sun” for reference. What little effects are used, are used to enhance the overall production of the album, a little reverb and delay here and there.
The lyrics are also the joint highlight for me; the way that Andy can write a song that is fully immersed in the concept BVB are creating, yet completely stand on its own and be completely enjoyed separately is a real talent. Themes of rebellion, relishing in being an outcast in a world where being an individual and expression is no longer tolerated. Has it been done before? Absolutely. As good as this? I honestly don’t think so. Andy paints a picture of a whole new world with his lyrics, whilst completely relating to the one we live in, bleeding with imagery and hope - without ever crossing into the realm of pretentiousness.
“I pray for mourning, I swear I’ll never let you die!
These saints within us, Can bring this moment back to life,
And my heart’s held high with this battle cry I’ll march on,
On the horizon we will Resurrect the sun!”
Musicianship/Song writing
Andy isn’t the only BVB member firing on all Cylinders here; The Guitar work courtesy of dual guitarists Jake Pitts and Jinxx is absolutely impeccable, the way the two guitarists bounce off of each other during the incredibly enjoyable riffs, and then give way to lead guitarist Jake’s blistering solos is a real joy to behold. Rhythm Guitarist Jinxx also provides bubble-gum sweet interludes on his violin, a real unique touch for a modern hard rock band. The drums provided by a more than capable “CC” are varied, providing a solid hammering backdrop to the album, admittedly without ever stealing the show. Bass, presented here by now ex-member Ashley Purdy is also completely solid and far from pedestrian, shining particularly in songs such as “Nobody’s Hero”.
The songwriting is the strongest and tightest so far of BVB’s career (not just to 2013, but as in now 2020) Every song flows well, and is a completely radio-ready Rock anthem bursting with Guitar solos and arena sized choruses in it’s own standalone right. John Feldmann really brought out the best in the band, and we were given their lightning in a bottle, even the following material with John Feldmann at the helm (2018’s Vale) did not produce the high’s this LP did. One thing I will say is the 15 second interludes are not necessary, it’s essentially beating you in the head with “hey guys remember this is a story!” which isn’t really needed.
Overall Impression
Back in 2013 BVB was the next cool thing to hate in the wake of Nickelback, but it was also the peak of their creative spike and of their group popularity. With Wretched and Divine, Black Veil Brides could have again gone down the straight and narrow cut and paste Glam metalcore of their previous releases but decided to take on the music world with their gloriously over-the-top 19 Track Concept beast. Was it a game changer? No. But it was, and still is the best release of a young band of weirdos with a strong love for Misfits and Motley, that proved they were Musicians first, and gothy drag queens second. Give it a spin, you might just come away humming one of the tracks in the shower.
Recommended Tracks:
“In the end”
“Resurrect The Sun”
“Lost It All”
“Days are numbered” (ft Bert McCracken of The Used)
“Devil’s Choir”
Many thanks for reading.
