Gravity (Bullet for My Valentine album)

Following the release of their 2015 album Venom, Bullet for My Valentine experienced lineup changes: bassist Michael 'Padge' Paget moved to rhythm guitar, and new members Jamie Mathias (bass) and Jason Bowld (drums) joined. The band entered the studio in late 2017 with producer Carl Bown, who had previously worked on Venom. Recording took place at Metway Studios in Brighton, England. The album was written over a period of about a year, with the band deliberately exploring a more melodic and atmospheric sound, incorporating synthesizers and programmed drums alongside their trademark heavy guitar riffs.

Gravity represents a departure from the band's earlier metalcore and thrash influences, moving toward a more accessible alternative metal style with electronic textures and clean vocals dominating. The lyrics address personal struggles, mental health, and societal issues, with frontman Matt Tuck citing influences from bands like Bring Me the Horizon and Architects.¹ The title track 'Gravity' deals with the feeling of being weighed down by life's pressures, while 'Don't Need You' is an aggressive response to critics and haters.²

The album was released on 29 June 2018 and debuted at number 17 on the UK Albums Chart, and at number 1 on the UK Rock & Metal Albums Chart. In the US, it reached number 1 on the Billboard Hard Rock Albums chart and number 17 on the Billboard 200.³ Critical reception was mixed to positive; some praised the band's evolution, while longtime fans criticized the shift away from their heavier roots. Kerrang! gave it 4/5 stars, noting the band's ambition, while Metal Hammer described it as 'a bold, if divisive, reinvention.'

The standard edition contains 11 tracks, with a deluxe edition adding three bonus tracks. Notable tracks include 'Leap of Faith', 'Over It', and the title track. The album's closing track 'Breathe Underwater' features a string arrangement by the band's longtime collaborator, and the deluxe edition includes a cover of 'Breaking Point' by the band.⁴

One lesser-known fact is that the album's artwork, depicting a figure falling through a surreal landscape, was created by artist Dan Mumford, who is known for his work with bands like Architects and Enter Shikari. Another is that the song 'Don't Need You' was released as a single in April 2018 and became the band's first song to top the Billboard Mainstream Rock Songs chart, a first for the band.⁵ Additionally, the album was recorded with a live drummer, but the band used drum samples and triggers extensively in the mix, a technique they had not used to such a degree before. The deluxe edition's bonus track 'The Very Last Time' was originally written for the Venom sessions but was re-recorded for this album.

Metalcore

A subgenre of heavy metal combining elements of hardcore punk and extreme metal, characterized by breakdowns and melodic choruses.

Alternative metal

A genre that blends heavy metal with other styles, often incorporating experimental elements and cleaner vocals.

Spinefarm Records

A Finnish record label, part of Universal Music Group, known for releasing rock and metal albums.