Review Summary: Now I Know I'm More Than All of My Scars
Controversial rockers Black Veil Brides have returned quickly to follow up their 2021 release ‘The Phantom Tomorrow’ with a brand new four track EP entitled ‘The Mourning.’ Showing growth in songwriting, pacing and emotive melodies on that previous record, Black Veil Brides have further refined their sound, taking bits and pieces of inspiration from their past works, melding them with the current rendition of the group and producing four high quality banger tracks. Once considered a gimmick act hellbent on reviving glam metal for young impressionable goths, Black Veil Brides have shown themselves to be more than a single trick pony combining those initial elements of glam metal inspired metalcore with elements of symphonic rock, industrial and traditional heavy metal. While I can see and understand why many will still write them off by their looks and past musical indiscretions, I believe the current direction and elevated songwriting of their recent works has catapulted them past those early growing pains.
“Devil” thrusts the listener into the darkness with a much heavier track offering nostalgic memories of that first horrendous record but now much more nuanced, refined with better production, much better vocal performances and instrumentals that exude energy, passion and technical ability. The main riff and verses are complimented by energetic double bass work from CC, Andy’s vocals sound strengthened even further with a bit of extra grit but not so far as to be considered screams. Overall, a very strong start and one of their finest tracks to date. “Saviour II” is a sequel to the beloved ballad “Saviour” from the ‘Set This World on Fire’ era and to my surprise, this song lightly uses elements from the original song but deviates into a more bombastic route with a soaring chorus, massive build-ups, chunky riffs, all sheened with gorgeous production work. Everything that made the original so popular can be found here but heightened and more explosive, almost like a musical number for Rocky Horror’s Picture Show.
“The Revival” is a much more straightforward hard rock track with nice lead guitar melodies albeit a bit simplistic. I’m much more impressed with Andy’s vocal melody choices throughout the verses and chorus because they showcase just how far he’s come with his vocal range but also compliment the instrumentals so flawlessly. There’s also a brief lyrical reference to his solo record: “Feel the rage, fill your mind/Giving in to your shadow side.” It’s a bit tongue-in-cheek but it’s a fun little easter egg for those listening a bit closer and aware of the lore. Finally, the closing track “Better Angels” offers a brief lo-fi piano intro that breaks into dramatic riffs and twin lead guitar hooks. Once again, this song is a bit straightforward in its structure, but all the pieces are genuinely good and interesting. The earworm choruses throughout this short EP are nothing short of surprising because coming off their previous work, I knew they could write good hooky choruses, but these four songs are some of their strongest most complete works to date. It’s impressive and I’m flabbergasted to be admitting my love for this EP.
I hope some naysayers take a chance to listen to these tracks for what they are, solid gothic hard rock tunes with almost Broadway-Musical qualities laced into the songwriting. To see this band continuing to grow and prove people wrong is refreshing and I truly admire their perseverance and gut instinct to follow their own musical desires.
Highlights:
Every song is a highlight tbh
