Comprising just three tracks, Bleeders is Black Veil Brides’ first music for new label Spinefarm, though in terms of hinting at new directions, it offers few clues. The band have long since grown from their glammed-up, nu-goth roots, expanding to incorporate metalcore, symphonic and even electronic influences, frequently sewn together to create expansive albums like 2021’s The Phantom Tomorrow. This was an ambitious rock opera concept project, and not the first time Black Veil Brides had extended themselves in this manner.
Bleeders maintains the drama, though it’s more of a musical slap in the face, a less cerebral cold shower, than before. The title-track boasts a splendidly gory video clearly inspired by the tale of murderous barber Sweeney Todd – the story revived by Johnny Depp’s performance in the 2007 movie version of the Stephen Sondheim musical. Bleeders chucks in fat riffs, breakdowns and a lusty scythe of a hook, classic Brides gifted to you with the type of dark-clad nihilism we’ve missed from them recently. Also included is a cover of My Friends from the aforementioned musical, Andy Biersack ably recapturing the original’s creepy cinematic darkness.