A flurry of chains, studs, fishnets, and black leather in a rousing performance, Black Veil Brides graced the ears of a packed O2 Academy Bristol audience.
The show marks their return to Bristol after a staggering nine years since they last performed in the city. Currently touring following the release of their latest album ‘The Phantom Tomorrow’, the band had clearly been sorely missed in the South West.
A staple of every single emo playlist since the 2010s, their glam rock-infused metal anthems wrapped with a bow of performative cosmetics akin to Motley Crue, was the perfect late anti-Valentines treat. Only the second night of the tour, the 5-piece group formed in Cincinatti in 2006 drew in a crowd of emo veterans and the next generation of alt kids, performing a setlist which ticked every single box fans old and new would have desired.
From fan favourites such as ‘Knives and Pens’ and ‘Rebel Love Song’, to their newest releases such as ‘Scarlett Cross’ and ‘Crimson Skies’, the audience were treated to a setlist 17 songs in length. The entrance to the Theme from The Phantom of the Opera set a gothic scene in its purest form, riling up screams and cheers of the fans who have waited almost a decade for the band to return here.
Guitarist Jinxx’s addition of an electric violin for ‘Shadows Die‘ was evidence of the band’s diversification within their genre, continually surprising and impressing their audience. Of course, frontman Andy Biersack’s well-known charisma commanded the stage all night, in fact it was borderline hypnotic to watch Biersack perform – enough to make the knees go weak of many young women in the room. Truly rousing all night.
The band closed their set on a high with the well-loved single ‘In The End’, considered the band’s greatest song by many. The perfect set for the return of the darkest jewel within the crown of 21st Century Glam Metal.
Words and pictures: Daisy Kent @daisylkent