Hello everyone, long time no see. I wrote a while back ago my review for The Resurrection Tour concert in Spokane, WA at the Knitting Factory for my three-year drought of no concerts for Chronic Potato Queen Writer. I hope you all caught it. But in the meantime, I am here to write a little passage before I open up this beautiful big fan lead review.

I am tired of one-sided reviews and the blant plain reviews huge media outlets give bands and solo artists their work. It’s the main reason why I chose not to work for any magazine but for myself. I agree with some of the content of with what the heavy rock and metal media outlets do but I am bored anymore with all of it. The reviews are simply not given enough time and not given enough digestion time. Its the reasoning I pleaded with the BVB army to give me their voices of Vale. I simply sat back like I did when Andy Black was watching the video in “We Don’t Have To Dance”. I sat and let these beautiful voices tell YOU the reader what they thought of Vale. I gave them my admin pen and let them say anything they wanted. They had to be fair and anything that was pinpointed as bullying wasn’t accepted but in reality, NO submission had any. I am proud of these writers. They might not know it but they ARE the future. We are the Legion of The Black. These are the voices of those who couldn’t voice theirs on a huge scale. But I GAVE THEM THAT POWER. This is for you Black Veil Brides and for the BVB army as this is your work come to light. Our gift to Andy, CC, “Former”, Jake, and Jinxx. Let’s have the church commence aka the fan reviews of Vale.

BVB Army Fan Review No.1)

Credit for work and/or name: Brianna twitter @briannahalker

There are little words that can explain how much I love Vale, and how amazing it is. The first time I heard Vale, I cried, not just because Black Veil Brides released a new album, but because they have come SO FAR since they released their last album and have progressed so much as a band. And when you look into the songs, you find that they’re more than just lyrics in a song, no, they’re more than that. The meaning behind everything, the songs, the album cover, the album name, is beautiful, and not everyone will understand or relate. Vale is truly amazing and deserves so much recognition.

BVB Army Fan Review No.2)

Credit for work and/or name: @_thespiritwolf

When the Vale album was first announced I was so hyped for it! And after finally getting the chance to listen to it, I was NOT disappointed. BVB surprises me with every album, not to mention they’re better than the last! Vale is no exception. All the songs create powerful messages that can inspire. When paired with great music it is quite the combination. I applaud BVB for their amazing job well done and thank them for this quality album to enjoy and memorize until the concert came in February!

BVB Army Fan Review No.3)

Credit for work and/or name: @ellie_reale

Vale is by far my favourite Black Veil Brides album so far. I didn’t think it was possible for them to top Wretched and Devine, but this album blew me away. I couldn’t help but tear up while listening to the new Overture. The album is a work of art and I am so proud of the band.

BVB Army Fan Review No.4)

Credit for work and/or name: Yaessi  @YaessiSIO

It’s amazing. I love it. It really reminds me of Wretched and Divine. W&D is my favorite album so Vale is amazing. I love every song.

BVB Army Fan Review No. 5)

Credit for work and/or name: Diana @heyheykineshi

After pre-ordering my Vale CD, I got it a week later and the best thing was that I found it in the mailbox. In the morning. I. WAS. EXCITED. My dad was driving me to school and suddenly he went: “Hey, let’s listen to this CD, you haven’t spent 20$ on nothing, right?”. He didn’t like it tho, but I appreciated the interest. BVB have found a new sound and I definitely love it. It’s more mature and more “heavy”, but still there are these traditional BVB choruses which I absolutely adore. In my opinion, the album perfectly combines anthems and ballads, and that’s what makes it so approachable for every kind of listener. You can sing it with the crowd. You can sing it by yourself. As for my favourites, those are Wake Up, The Outsider, Dead Man Walking, My Vow, and Vale. It’s interesting how my preferences changed every time I listened to the album. Wake Up, The Outsider and My Vow are these tough songs with lots of guitar solos and all the other things you usually look for in a rock record. They’re always “plugged in”, and have classic Black Veil Brides riffs. Andy’s (vocal/singing) progress is particularly noticeable in these songs. Speaking of the Dead Man Walking, this song is really special. Not only it’s twice as long as usual songs, but it’s also an overture, containing some classic elements. In this piece, we can see all members of BVB at their best. Basically, I just loved the album and I hope everyone else did as well.

BVB Army Fan Review No. 6)

Credit for work and/or name: Mary Lane @alicelane83

The album was written so well. I feel like I could relate to every song that was played especially dead man walking when they call my name and the ballad of the lonely hearts. Jinxxs solo on dead man walking gives me goosebumps every time I listen to it. Andy’s voice sounds amazing and healthier, Jake and “Formers” guitar playing is so amazing in this as well. Cc killed it on drums hell all of them together really killed it. This is the best CD ever.

Mary also inputted: If you haven’t picked up vale go do it now you won’t regret it.

BVB Army Fan Review No. 7)

Credit for work and/or name: Qadira @NeverTheFaithlessOne

I am about 80/10 on the entirety of Vale its self but I love it overall. I say that because it just not what I expected from them this go around but it’s still amazing. I think when they started to talk about it being a continuation of The Wild Ones, I got super hyped but was kind of let down because of how little visually they had incorporated of The Wild Ones in there. Overall, I love them and will always continue to support them all.

BVB Army Fan Review No. 8)

Credit for work and/or name: Brina W @bw94art (on Instagram)

I am so pleased to be a part of this review, especially since Vale is the first ever album I’ve bought for myself. I have decided to go track by track and listen to each song as I write this so it’s as fresh as possible. I apologize in advance if I ramble.

Incipiens Ad Finem – As short as this is, it really adds to the album. I love the spoken parts, it’s very uncommon. It gives a sense of both foreboding and the prelude to something epic, which is exactly what Vale is. I think for me, it sort of is a reassuring message. Especially with all the rumors of Black Veil Brides “breaking up” and how this tour was supposedly a “farewell tour”.

The Last One – Love the instrumentals the talent never ceases to amaze me! This one to me, speaks of the struggle of being in a band and how you get love and hate it can be overwhelming and you need to sort of reset, rise again and stand your ground.

Wake Up – I love this epic, power-house track for so many reasons. This was actually the first song I heard from the album, and I was immediately hooked and craving more!! This one to me has so many meanings. The obvious “wake up” in terms of things that you are blind to around you. Or a wake-up call to society & haters, saying you made me this way and I have achieved so much, don’t look away. Also, I love a good fuck the government theme (in the video) and a continuation of Legion of the Black, what can I say? I love concept albums.

When They Call My Name – I love this one so much! I relate to it so much, but first of all, how adorable is it that it’s about Juliet? I relate to this because my man, my husband, my “griftch” (TAS reference) has always been that one person that stood by me and at my darkest hours, he has been there to hold me and tell me everything will be alright, even if the world is burning down around me.

The Outsider – I had a hard time focusing on the lyrics because the guitars (well Jake and Jinxx) are so incredible! I feel like this song is for the BVB Army because it’s kind of how we all have come together, we’re all outsiders.

Dead Man Walking (Overture II) – I love the complexity of this song, it really shows off the talent of the band. I love the violin medley at the end, is just so beautiful.

Our Destiny – Every time I hear this I want to tell them we, the BVB army, will save their destiny (as a band). This is one of the songs that people were saying supposedly “proves” BVB is breaking up.

The King of Pain – I love how this one starts off the chill and a bit slow, but then builds. I have so many thoughts on this song but I can’t seem to make them cohesive.

My Vow – This to me is such a strong sound, very classic BVB. This is the type of song you listen to when you’re in need of motivation or if you’re working out. It’s very kickass.

Ballad of the Lonely Hearts – This is such a beautiful song. One of my favorites from Vale. I absolutely love the violin part, it blows me away every time how seamlessly they integrate it. I love everything about this song, the guitars, the drums, the violin, the lyrics, all of it.

Throw the First Stone – This is another favorite of mine. It’s another very strong sound. I love the angst and passion and anger. It gives me chills (the good kind). Expert many moons later the song is about “Former” pftthaha.

Vale (This Is Where It Ends) – Such a beautiful song. I love the hard songs but this is also so incredible on its own. It’s one of those songs that is heartbreaking and tragically beautiful. And of course the perfect song for the end of the album.

Final/Overall thoughts of Vale: This album takes you on a musical journey and every song is unique and different but yet they all work together. And at the end, you just get the feeling of “No, it can’t be over yet! I need more!” Would I change anything? Yes and no. Yes, because I’d love for Vale to have had more songs. No, because I trust them enough to know that if they had more amazing songs that would’ve fit into the album that they would have added them.

Brina also inputted: 10/10 would recommend in getting Vale and listening to the album.

BVB Army Member Review No. 9)

Credit for work and/or name: Sally Roberts  @sallyroberts11 (The Dreamer)

I cannot begin to describe what Vale means to me. I waited till midnight for its release and felt goosebumps rise on my skin when the first track filled my ears. The sound of the album reminded why I fell in love with bvb in the first place. The mixture of electric guitar and classical strings was incredible to listen to. This combination of ‘Dead Man Walking. Overture II’ brought me to tears and all the emotions that I felt just poured out of me. That is what Vale means to me. It has allowed me to get in touch with my emotions and help me deal with difficult times in my life which I am forever grateful for. I love you bvb!

BVB Army Member Review No.10)

Credit for work and/or name: Brooklynn Clement @Brooklynncleme1

Vale was an extremely story-telling album. It tells the story of the wild ones, the unbroken, the soldiers of the BVB army. The sound and story it produces are incredible. The sound of this album is slightly different than any other BVB album, but it’s still absolutely outstanding. Black veil brides never fail to make great songs. I’m very proud of this album, and all the other albums. I’m excited for what’s in store for the future.

BVB Army Member Review No. 11)

Credit for work and/or name: Ariagna @Aria910531

it’s wonderful, it’s the continuation of BVB’s legacy with new melodies and lyrics that tell a story or current things in life with which people can feel identified as all the songs that the group has composed all the spirit, the feeling, the creativity and the desire to improve things every day put into it has made VALE has become the result of that.

BVB Army Member Review No. 12)

Credit for work and/or name: Leila Garcia @leilaga56607575

I believe that Vale is an amazing album. It connects to many people (including me) and helps us so much to go through tough times. Vale has many great songs and connects to other albums.

Leila also inputted that: The band has created albums in the past but this one has to be the best.

BVB Army Member Review No. 13)

Credit for work and/or name: Roxy @XOXROXYOXO

In my opinion, Vale contains every element needed to create a musical masterpiece. All 4 members talents have continued to grow over the years & the passion they’ve had throughout this journey definitely resonates on this album. BVB have a bright future ahead of them & I look forward to watching them shine.

I decided to also do “Honorable Mentions” part of my fan lead review. These are people who couldn’t articulate well, shy, etc to give me a response on my safe form I gave people to fill out for their thoughts and feelings on Vale. I asked over a course of 4 months now about this via my twitter. Plus gave BVB army members an option to give me their feelings on Vale but not be apart of the big review segment. This is their shining moment. I believe in Ohana. No one gets left behind. We in the BVB army are family. We are legion. We are one. If we stand together, we will be unbroken. Here are those “Honorable Mentions”. With there credit to their words and usernames to credit their “Honorable Mention”.

Honorable Mention BVB Army Member No.1)

Credit to their quote and name: Sissy @sissyhinz3

“All I can say is I feel feels like a much more mature BVB with songs about the world concerns like wake up, and I feel dead man walking is one of there best songs its so relevant to today”

Honorable Mention BVB Army Member No.2)

Credit to their quote and name: Pippy @BlackVeilAngels

“I’m not good at putting stuff into words but think I mentioned my feelings about vale and how it is both magical and wonderful and made me all emotional, and give me butterflies and goosebumps I blurted like a baby, the album is just so beautiful”

Honorable Mention BVB Army Member No. 3)

Credit to their quote and name: Cherry @all_things_andyb

“The BVB Army was a natural development with the intention of rallying together to show support for Black Veil Brides the band and their music. To unite with one thing in common. Our love for BVB. Yes, with the advent of social media, it is our natural inclination to want to know more about the personal lives of our idols. But that shouldn’t be our main focus. We should appreciate what they are willing to share with us and not be trying to fill in the gaps. We wouldn’t want anyone trying to fill in the gaps in our lives and spread rumors about us. Let’s try our best to get back to what the BVB army once was. A community of people that share a love for Black Veil Brides music, where friendships are developed and trust is gained. I have met some of the most AMAZING, LOVING, CARING, women and men through the BVB army. I’m blessed beyond words to have them in my life. They have helped me through some dark periods. They have been a source of light and wisdom. They breathe positivity into my life. They understand me when no-one else does. They put a smile on my face and make me laugh when I most need it. They love me for who I am. This is what the world needs. The worlds need more love, acceptance, forgiveness, and understanding. So please join me in my efforts to spread positivity by focusing on the things that are good, things that you love, things that bring you JOY! Make a personal choice not to fuel the hate flame. If we stop arguing with hate and stop talking about them, we can take their power away. Instead, we should support one another, lift each other up. Live, laugh, sing, and love. The world has already lost way too many precious lives this year. Let’s not add to it by fueling hate. Choose to #livemorelovemore”

Honorable Mention BVB Army Member No. 4)

Credit to their quote and/or name: @QUEENSHENA77

“It is the whole band still standing up for what they truly believe in and showing that to the world without fear !!! stand up, be strong and be you !!! that’s what Andy, “Former”,C.C Jinxx, and Jake want us-their fans to do in life.”

Honorable Mention BVB Army Member No. 5)

Credit to their quote and/or name: @annaoggier1994

“VALE is the coolest album ever and I love the songs. It is by the best album ever”

Honorable Mention BVB Army Member No. 5)

Credit to their quote and/or name: @Majik5SOS

“Vale was like a whole new level for me. When it came out, cried, not joking. I laid on the ground with the album blasting thinking “wow”. It’s an amazing album that deserves to be number one.”

Honorable Mention BVB Member No. 6)

Credit to their quote and/or name: Tammy @Teja6

“I think it’s the best one they ever did. I always wonder how they are gonna top the last one and they always amaze me. Not a bad song on the whole album. Love it, love it, love it!”

Honorable Mention BVB Member No. 7)

Credit to their quote and/or name: Lara @LaraWatson1313

“Vale has been in my car’s CD player since it arrived and I purchased more than one copy. To me, the album has taken BVB to new heights and every song is powerful in its own way. I also loved that you can tell it was a nod to Wretched and Divine but also is its own album.”

Honorable Mention BVB Member No. 8)

Credit to their quote and/or name: Brianna @not.your.average.bri (Instagram)

“To me, I feel like Vale was BVB coming into their own. Ever since the beginning, they’ve been experimenting with their sound, with what works and what doesn’t. Everything they’ve put out has been amazing, but Vale felt like it was the ultimate accumulation of everything they’ve learned and mastered from their past albums. It feels like a blend of Wretched and Devine, BVBIV, and even Set The World On Fire in a beautiful masterpiece of songs in which any one of them could be singles. All of them feel like the perfect song to blast in the car or to scream the lyrics to at a concert. I love it and I’m proud of how far they’ve come in the short 5 years I’ve been a fan. I can’t wait to see where they go in the future.”

Honorable Mention BVB Army Member No. 9)

Credit to their quote and/or name: Alex @Shadowofalexsow

“Vale is a really amazing album. I am really proud of the Black Veil Brides guys and how far they came. Two of my favorite songs are Dead Man Walking and Vale (This Is Where It Ends). Both of those songs mean the world to me and they really get to me. This album is one of my favorite albums of Black Veil Brides”

Admins Final thoughts and her personal review of Vale;

I am at the conclusion part to this beautiful piece of our big BVB fan review for “Vale”. I, the writer for Chronic Potato Queen Writer. I like to do out-of-the-box things for my writing. With critics giving one-sided reviews of bands albums. Often releasing them on the day the band releases the album is a swift punch in the face. It’s like saying here’s our article and what we think. Without properly digesting the record and giving it the time it really needs mental, emotional, and physical time. That’s why I NEVER read big publications reviews for albums. I like to call out this to ALL publications in good nature and on respectful terms. I think its time to re-think “The Review” really. You all are very dull. That’s why, I, a disabled writer will give bands that I love the reviews they deserve and more. It’s ridiculous anyway. But besides the moot point here. You all came here for the potato queens conclusion and her thoughts on Black Veil Brides “Vale”. I am very privileged to be able to review such a great album as well as let the beautiful BVB army review it as well. I am still stunned with the whole album. I am still trying to digest it after 6 months being released to the world audience on January 12, 201 on Republic/Universal Records. The artwork was done by Richard Villa III(The featured album picture). I am honored to have Richards artwork tattooed on me with the Black Legion of the Black rosary with the signature Richard Villa III mourning star on it. Its one of my most treasured BVB merch pieces I own.

With Vale being a concept record about closing chapters in one’s life, being whatever it is. Finding one’s self. Finding new purpose in the material that has been already been born into a reality. I feel Vale is a growth album of the musicians themselves finding their own self-worth and sharing their own stories through music and lyrics. I knew from the moment Andy tweeted a cryptic hint what Vale was going to be like the hashtag of #BeWellBeStrong. I knew Vale was going to be a path of big Black Veil Brides revolution. With the Maury Povich lie detector test coming to Black Veil Brides defense of the rumors of Vale meaning they are done after this record is a lie and simply untrue. Vale’s epithet is about is about BVB’s ever-evolving revolution, self-worth, growth, individual maturity, and their own personal battles each member goes through and uses the BVB compass to message a bigger message of perseverance, courage, strength, and self-worth.

Vale is a unique record that it wasn’t a concept record but it was. It had a lot of visualizations of the wild ones and BVB in a new aged force. I believe we haven’t seen the best of BVB yet. They are only just getting started. Vale is their fifth studio record to date. But yet I feel that in their records BVB leave their listener’s yearning for more. I believe they themselves still have the Charmander fire under their asses to keep the BVB flag high, strong, and proud. Vale is just an earmarked album in their career that is setting the tone of what we will be seeing or hearing from them in the future with The Wild One’s final chapter coming to end soon. BVB’s evolution is only starting. I feel their 5 individual musical talents are only maturing and getting better as musicians in the industry.

With Vale being co-produced by our Jake Pitts and John Feldmann really brought the album to light and brought it out sonically well-engineered, mixed, and produced by both Foxy Studios and Iron Audio studios. With Jake at the helm again for the second time for a co-producer credit on another Black Veil record. Jakes producing skills are phenomenal and to know that the organic and natural rooted BVB sounds were used in Vale as well as he did on BVB4 while both John Feldmann and Bob Rock allowed Jake to do what he wanted to do with the BVB songs. Cause I can HEAR the organic and what makes BVB tick. Makes John and Bob cool laid back producers. John and Bob have both huge different producing fields that catered to the benefit of building BVB into a better band musically and performance wise as individual musicians. Both producers pulled gardener attributes out of Andy, Jake, Jinxx, CC, and “Former” as a whole and individually. With Jake helping with the music production side for the second time with Vale as he did with BVB4. It really showed and harnessed BVB’s talents as musicians. I will argue with anyone with the “BVB doesn’t have any talent” offense cause clearly they haven’t taken the time to grasp the knowledge that their guitarist has a co-producing credit on not only one but two of their CD’s, plus BVB has a guitarist of a string of jack of all trades when it comes to classical music and the use of many different orchestrated strings being used on BVB’s album’s, plus you got a bassist with mad vocals, and a drummer that knows a pug from a donkey in the drummer world of drumming, and a lead singer who has evolved with his lyrically writing and his performance and vocals has not only matured but have soared. Plus not to mention the band gathers for gang vocals in most of Vales tracks. Its an element in any band that gets lost in translation in the industry cause everyone is conforming to to trends. BVB is old-fashioned in the since they keep the gang vocals high and proud in them. They say rock and roll is dead. Nope its not. It just goes to prove to naysayers that BVB DOES have the talent. People just need to deep clean their ears and eyes. Both Bob and John have illicit so much musical power from “Former”, Andy, Jinxx, Jake, and CC that the albums speak for themselves. John happened to pick up Andy’s side project “Andy Black”(The Shadow Side, My Review for Andy’s album will be linked below) from the whole process building a big production history with Black Veil Brides. It really says something.

Andy Black The Shadow Side Album Review

Vale I stated is growth album but its one that puts the Wild Ones to rest in a most beautiful send-off. But the album starts with a track called “Incipiens Ad Finem” in translation means “Starting at the end”. It’s a call the arms to the Legion Of The Black one last time for battle. Its a beautiful intro into what I want to call a rollercoaster of a ride of the album with heavy ballads, heavy bangers, and all around great tunes that anyone of any age can love and adore. If they keep their mind open of course.

The Last One-

I am over the moon with the how much the 80’s, punk, and anthemic this song is. Andy’s full lyrics to the song are a positive view of how the whole album opens up. I read somewhere that this song had too many of the “Woah-Oh’s” in it. But people haven’t obviously listened to bands like Bon Jovi, Def Leppard, Motley Crue, KISS, Skid Row, etc cause they used A LOT of the “Woah-Oh’s”. So this song is perfect to get a modernized view of what the 80’s where like. Black Veil Brides is one of those rare bands keeping that 80’s spirit alive in their music and I LIVE for it. I am proud to finally see it and have an open mind to it now. I was a just too much stubborn ass to see it. I was very lucky to see it sooner rather than later. I love this song. It will never get too old to listen to.

Wake Up-

BVB’s head leading single. This single is a huge headbanger. The theme and lyrical standpoint of the song are very on cue of what is going on in the world today. The song is up to any interpretation. Political or not. I chose to not state ANY political factors in my review due to the reason of trying to stay neutral to sides. I was a journalist feel that. But from an inspirational standpoint, the song is a huge help in waking up(realizing that bad people are harming you) and not letting people control you. You hold the key to your own destiny. Never give in on your dreams and hang in there.

Wake Up Official Music Video

Wake Up fan made a video by Sarah Mestdag and The BVB Army

When They Call My Name-

BVB’s first ballad hitter off of Vale. I know that Andy wrote the lyrics about and to his wife Juliet. But after seeing the rendition of what visuals and throwback videos(Made by Pat Fogarty and Dan Sturgess) their lighting crew put on the monitor every night during the Resurrection Tour makes me believe that even though the song is dedicated to his wife. It’s also dedicated to the people who have helped created and helped Black Veil Brides get to where they are today. It has different aspects to the song. I feel the special meaning in the song. The personal connection in the song is amazing. I feel it’s going to be one of BVB’s underrated ballads such as “Walk Away” off of BVB4.

When They Call My Name Official Music Video

The Outsider-

The Outsider was the first to ever be released by BVB through Alternative Press magazine to get a glimpse of what BVB5 at the time was going to feel like. It was released back in December of 2016 a part of hold over Black Veil Brides special AP series to let the BVB army know they’re not dead. The song holds a lot of angst and huge riffs. I remember almost losing my shit listening to the track the first time. It’s a great banger and the lyrics are dark as hell. But it offers an ode to the BVB army that its okay to be outsiders. It’s okay to be weird. Continue to let your weird flag fly high. I do. I love potatoes. I don’t care one bit what one thinks. Hang in there. Don’t cater to “Outsider” gimmicks either.

The Outsider Official Audio Release

Dead Man Walking (Overture II)-

I personally believe Bob Rock helped influenced this song as in this song couldn’t have happened in the time length if it weren’t for BVB creating BVB4 with Bob Rock. Having Metallica’s engineer’s and Rock for BVB4 there to help them become even more well-rounded musicians that they are today. I believe Bob Rock’s influence helped with this song and John Feldmann helped make it into  8:32 minute masterpiece that is breathtakingly amazing. I know the lyrics are politically charged. But in hindsight, the entirety of the song from start to finish is a fucking masterpiece of a ballad. I can go on a 10-20 day binge and talk about how amazing Jinxx outdid himself with this beautiful song with the strings and how beautifully laid out the music structure of the song was crafted. It all happened for reason. This song happened for a reason. I am so glad it did. Hell yeah is all.

Our Destiny-

An inspirational charged song towards the BVB army. It is a song that tells the listener to follow your aspirations and dreams. No matter what drives you. Go kickass. You will have ups and downs in your journey along the way. But as a community I know we all can support each other’s dreams and aspirations. It’s up to use to save our destinies but YOU all matter. Hang in there. Never give in. Never back down. No matter what the odds are.

The King Of Pain-

The lyrical standpoint of this song is very emotionally and mentally personal to me. I understand pain. I live in pain 24/7. 365. With no breaks whatsoever from pain. The musical plea and Andy’s inspiring quote and lyrics of what stands out to me most in the song.