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Bullet’s chaotic guitar riffs are one of the many consistent elements maintained throughout both studio albums (The Poison, 2005 and new release Scream Aim Fire). Although there are no drastic changes in the band’s music between the two, changes in Matt Tuck’s voice are noticeably different due to the vocalist’s throat infection and temporary loss of voice in 2006.
The first track of the album, also named Scream Aim Fire is a good example of the new edge in Tuck’s vocals, which gives the record an overall rough sound that mixes in well with the original sharp, clear vocals, as well as the notably metallic sounding guitars and thrashing drums. The new album is quoted by Tuck as being inspired by the devastation he experienced when faced with the possibility that his singing career might have come to an end.
Having to struggle just to get back to square one again, many of us were getting nervous about the anticipated follow up to their debut album The Poison. Also noticed though, are the more seemingly politically charged lyrics in Scream Aim Fire which could be a reference to the war in Iraq (“kill your enemies..”) or possibly just a metaphor for something more personal. Either way this is not the only song that proves the Valentine boys have still got it.
Hearts Burst into Fire sounds like it could be a new anthem to the teenage youth of today but is better noted for the different style and stronger vocals that articulate a different and more upbeat attitude that comes out in the music a progression of the vocals from the verse into the chorus. Waking the Demon recaptures the old school-style heavy metal BFMV with the trademark “OH!” signalling a premature breakdown in the song.
The screaming is traditionally deep and transitionally sharp, mixing in with the same busy and climatic guitar riffs, maintaining their smooth transition. Deliver Us From Evil is a more rock n’ roll venture, dictating a different/experimental technique. This track definitely doesn’t sound like it was sung by someone who came close to giving up on their singing career altogether. Each song featured on the album contrasts between different tempos and paces set for the tracks, i.e. Forever and Always differs in mood to Waking the Demon as it’s almost in like of a love song (something different to The Poison) rather than getting revenge upon a bully. Say Goodbye, however, is more reminiscent of tracks like Curses.
The album Scream Aim Fire closes with No Easy Way Out, a track that starts off with that same heavy, intensely angry collision of instruments reinforcing the message that it wasn’t lacking in inspiration. Throughout the album, Matt’s voice goes from emphasising the rough vocals to sounding sharper and clearer like his previous work, making up for lost time. This ranging of vocals, instruments and experimentation makes for an intensely enjoyable album.