Black Veil Brides: VALE review, Done By The Fans, For The Fans, and The Admin’s Final Word. Be Well and Be Strong!

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.

“Don’t ever look to the sun
He will burn your eyes with the fire of his light
And never pray in the house of eternal sight
Where the spirit goes to die
So now we stand up and again we cry for the passion of his name
It’s where we love, where we hate
It’s the price we pay when our love is out of time

Where is the spark that won’t fade away?
And where is the queen to my kind of pain?

Say my name, never leave your side, I will be your shadow in the night
Love and fear cannot win the fight
Even with the army behind your life
So don’t walk away, I’ll keep you safe, forget promises that we made
Say my name, never leave your side, I will be your shadow here tonight

When we find what we need from these broken hearts
And what was missing from the start
Speak the words of a God that refuse to lie
To a believer then won’t try
I want to give up as my vision fades
I’m left alone and now I’m blind
Don’t let me go to the desert that I left behind
With the ashes of a fate that died”

This is the song to me is like the bookend song to “In The End” to me. It reflects the mirror image of the song. It’s the sun to its night. I like how all the songs from each individual album of BVB’s curtail each other and tell a story. It never gets me bored and I am wanting more. Even though I will patiently wait for more. But this song is very personal to me in that I deal with 15 medical conditions that deal with widespread chronic pain day in and day out. The entirety of the lyrics is the daily hell I go through every day. It’s a bastion to the healthcare system that has always failed me. I am always guinea pig for new things, new procedures, tests, etc. I feel like a human medical test experiment. But hearing songs like this is like washing away all the mental and emotional anguish that I go through on 24/7;365 basis. I applaud the strength all of BVB went through to be able to create such a healing song. Their own personal struggles. I remember silently “We are all in this together. If we stand together, we will be unbroken”

My Vow-

This song from start to finish is another BVB banger classic hit. I praise the rocker lords for the cake boss of hell of how the cards played right and this beautiful banger was baked to perfection. It’s the second hint song off of Vale we got to hear what a taste of the album was going to be like. I just knew after hearing this badass song, BVB has done it again. Like they have with hits such as “Faithless”, “Heart Of Fire”, “The Legacy”, “Perfect Weapon”, “I Am Bulletproof”, “Stolen Omen”, “Last Rites”, etc. I also want to talk about the weird kaleidoscope Alice in Wonderland adventure it brings me on with just the music instrumentals. The Misfits come to mind of how heavily influenced the song makes the song feel. By far will be an outstanding BVB hit for sure.

My Vow Official Audio Release

The Ballad Of The Lonely Hearts-

This song is such an emotional and heartful song. With the suicide rates being very high like they are. Mental health care in a crisis. Sometimes people are forced into relying on pseudo-therapy. Music being a top contender in self-care or self-help. Many bands have been very contrite and very philanthropic to their own fanbases when It comes to helping them through bad times. The music community has its ups and downs. BVB has been their for their fanbase from the very beginning. This song just proves their love and devotion to a fanbase that helped build there careers that they have today. Its humbling to have a band like there’s write a song for their fans as a way in telling them “Hey. I know its shit right now. But its okay to be sad right now. But always know to pick yourself up from the ashes and move on.” Bands and public figures who monopolize their fanbases for gimmick uses of anti-cutting, its okay to be lonely, etc are a dime a dozen. Bands like BVB will soar cause they don’t pander to anything. To me BVB’s message of self-worth and perseverance is unique. Long live BVB and the BVB army. My About has everything you need to know for suicide prevention hotlines and resources.

Throw The First Stone-

The angst and deliverance in this song are breathtakingly mind-blowingly potatoes. I am going to say it. Can you call a song sexy? Well yes. This song has it all. It has the “It” factor in the song. I crave to listen to songs like this. To get songs by my favorite like this is a royal treat. I remember first listening to this track. It made my entire body erupt in goosebumps. I just know this is going to be one of those underrated BVB banger hits. I am very, very happy with this song. It’s the potatoes for sure. 14/10 Russet potatoes agree. Pfttthahah a song about the “Former”. Clever Andy is poetically clever.

Vale (This Is Where It Ends)-

A perfect song to end a beautifully laid out album from start to finish. Even though those speculated that BVB was done after this song was made the rumor mill go off with false rumors of BVB ending. But with BVB NOT ending. Vale has a different meaning. It means to “Be well, Be Strong.” This may be the end of a big chapter in BVB’s career but people often forget that bands evolve and that’s exactly what BVB is doing. They made a brisk ode and final goodbye to this chapter in the BVB saga. I can’t wait to see what is in store in the future. But for now, I am cherishing BVB in the last bits of The Wild Ones 2.0 journey A great ballad to say goodbye but to say hello again. Always remember to “Never give in, Never back down” and “Be well and Be Strong”

Last but not least, it’s the ending of such a beautiful huge fan lead article. I want to thank each and every person who participated in this article or helped spread the word about it to help bring together this beautifully laid out review of Vale made by our Black Veil Brides. Your names are listed above in the review section and honorable mentions part of those who helped out. I also want to thank Chris and Amy Biersack and Mark Pitts for their continued support in my blog here at Chronic Potato Queen Writer, It honestly means the world to me, you have no idea. Special thank you to awesome BVB Army member Anna B. for showing me the Google safe forms app that made all this possible(Nugget seal of chirpy approval). Plus Its cause of the BVB army and Black Veil Brides. That this was all made possible. I love to think out of the box. I am so happy and honored to have been able to given 13 beautiful BVB army members my admin pen to write whatever they wanted about Vale(Which in my opinion is another one of BVB’s all killer and no filler albums, I am in love with it). All of this is raw and completely 100% their voices. They own their work. Its the main reason why I am proud of my decision on letting people be honorable mentions to as well. Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart for everything. This project was such a fun and awesome thing to amass it from idea to final product ready for BVB day. I hope you enjoyed reading it. Thank you for taking the time to do it. This is our gift to BVB. Happy Black Veil Brides day. Have a great day BVB army.

What Started It All. Happy BVB Day everyone.

Copyrights go to all 13 reviewers above as well as the honorable mentions respected Instagrams and Twitters.

Sharing inquires(if you want to re-post word for word) are asked by main article writer: Mariah Hanna @PotatoBVBQueen 6/17/2018, Please and Thank you.

*This project took months to do. Please be kind to others work if you plan on re-sharing. Give credit to everyone and my It’s all I ask.

To Buy Vale go Here

American Satan: A Film/Soundtrack Review

January 20, 2018 By Mariah "Tater Queen" Hanna in Film Review Tags: addiction, Album Review, and personal accounts and experiences., Andy Biersack, Ash Alvidsen, Ben Bruce, Bill Duke, Bill Goldberg, BooBoo Stewart, Denise Richards, Drake Bell, Educational, film, Film Review, Jesse Sullivan, Johnathan Davis, Kyle Lambert., Larry King, Lee McKinney, Malcolm McDowell, Mark Boone Junior, Matty Beckerman, Miramax films, Music, Nicholas O'Toole, Olivia Culpo, Remington Leith, Sebastian Gregory, sexual assualt, Sumerian Films, Tori Black Leave a comment

Chronic Potato Queen Writer would like to introduce you the reader what she got told in college by her college professor that is her calling in life. Reviewing films and music. I took a film 101 review class for my humanities for my failed nursing career. I would had a solid A+ in that class but I to fully withdraw from college in 2011 due chronic migraine plus my rare migraine condition spontaneous intracranial hypotension one in half a million births has, my disease is very debilitating. I will talk about it more further in the review.

I also would like to make a clause that I am dearly sorry to my long time readers. My health issues has not been great lately. I am struggling a lot. The crippling depression, constant migraines, and constant physical chronic pain has been keeping me pretty busy away from my hobbies and away from digital devices. So I am currently trying to keep myself above water and my pain levels at bay. I have been coping the best I can. But now that I am getting things together. My mental health and physical health somewhat are okay. I am well enough to tackle my love of rock and roll journalling. Let’s get this review started shall we.

As you all know I have wanted to review American Satan for the longest time. Well here we are. With huge topics we can talk about like the Illuminati, Satan himself, gluttony, sin, greed, drugs, sex, and rock and roll. This will get talked about a lot in my film review for American Satan which was written and directed by Ash Alvisden under his separate company Sumerian Films adjacent to his record company Sumerian Records. The soundtrack delivers a great various of ballads, hard hitters, and overall shit kickers that will crank out in any car stereo or any radio player.

The track list for the American Satan soundtrack:

Me Against The Devil
Hell Is For Children
Let Him Burn
Nights In White Satin
We Lose Control
Save A Prayer
Cadeance Of My Heart
Personal Jesus
Forgive Me Mother
Hey, Hey, My, My( Into The Black)

Me Against The Devil Is very lyrically crafted to let to let listener know the tale of ones triumphs with there inner demons. Whether it be sex, drugs, rock and roll, alcoholism, etc. Whatever the reason the person dables with there inner demons with. This song showcases it well in a funky up beat rock and roll vibe with a hard rock twist.

On a off note: Remington Leith’s vocalations for Andy Biersack’s character Johnny Faust made me really want to sit in a dark room just to review this album so I can just imagine what I am going to be in for. Remington’s vocals are very unique and special. With his band Palaye Royale. I am fan of. I am not hardcore into them. But I am fan of them. They are one of those bands that are going to go far. Props to Sumerian Records for signing them. Much respect. Remington’s singing voice over for Andy Biersack’s character was a good choice. Even though there is comment threads out there that says other wise. The other muscians who lend there craft and work to make either the soundtrack or the score happen deserve all the awards. Even though the film has received tons of nominations and awards already for it’s feature.

Hell Is For Children is another lyrically crafted song. Actually telling children hell is for them is however no bueno. lol. But this song has any personal meaning that anyone can relate to if you are bullied in school or your a kid in the system like foster care. This song is for kids who go through hell everyday of there lives cause life isn’t what it was 20 years ago were we all can be carefree. Kids are being killed at school, sexual assualted ( my personal experience #MeToo), raped, etc. Even the school teacher is the predator nowadays. So if you are a parent, foster, or gaurdian. Let your young one listen to this song. It is from a fictional band. But the meaning and purpose behind it is what needs to be told to youth of today. You’re not alone. Keep fighting. Hang in there.

Let Him Burn is what I got introduced to the Relentless. It’s what introduced me to the theme of what Ash Alvidsen took American Satan down to. It was the first song that promotional the film. The lyrically content is badass in sorts of the imagery of what all the nooks and crannies American Satan entails.

Nights In White Satin is a slower song on the soundtrack. It showcase’s the prowlace and retrospect of the beauty of what American Satan has to offer. I believe this song can be interpreted into anything the reader pinpoints it to. It can be dedicated to anyone who wants to woo there significant other or crush in a rock and roll fashion. It’s a song anyone can joy and bond over. Hell I can have a elegant date with myself and have a huge bowl of mashed potatoes. This is what this song reminds me of. I am weirdo. But that’s beside the point. Since Valentine’s day is coming up. Dedicate this song to your crush, wife, husband, etc. It’s a beautiful song with no need to explain it.

We Lose Control is one of the main shit kickers on the soundtrack. It’s the main call to arms for the film for the support of the Relentless. The gang chants for “American Satan” at the end of the song are haunting enough. Even though these songs on this soundtrack are made for a fictional band that will never tour. It will forever saddened the hell out of me this song will never get played live. The message behind the song has helped me out in a weird way. It’s told me to loose control of my bad habits and enjoy life more. Life is too short.

Save A Prayer, regardless of ones religious beliefs. I am remaining secular on this. This song has a lot to offer. Rock and roll is universal in terms of bringing lots of ethnic groups and cultures together into a huge melting pot. The same goes for religion in rock music. It attaches so main people’s beliefs into one massive Vin diagram or bubble map. The songs moto through the fictional band the Relentless tells there audience to not hold back on anything. “To say a prayer for the morning after.” Everyone sins in the world no matter how little or big. But the songs main purpose is whether if people commit sin or not. You got to face the facts in the morning. LOL.

Cadence Of My Heart is one of the other in your face tracks on the American Satan soundtrack by the Relentless. This song has a lot of piss and vinegar but offers the listener positive feedback of “No we have heart. We are rock and roll. If you don’t like it. There is the door.” The kickass not giving a fuck what you think but stay true to yourself vibes of the song is a dying need in rock nowadays. I love songs like these that have messages of “Fuck the man. But you create your own man.” type of messages. Music is often monotone anymore. Some bands release not so great material. Here a fictional band puts out all killer and no filler soundtrack.

Personal Jesus is a cover song by Depeche Mode’s original song “Personal Jesus”. From my perspective the cover was done amazingly well. I have heard a dozen covers of the song in my day of being 26 years old. Remington Leith did a damn great job on the cover. The lyrics are very classic as in. “Reach out and touch faith” has been used by several marketing campaigns for Halloween ever. Great choice for a cover song for a fictional band for the soundtrack.

Forgive Me Mother is standout to me lyrically. It’s a huge love and apology letter to mother’s. It reminds me so hard of Danzigs “Mother”. When we are at lowest or we go through the toughest of times the one thing we reach out the most to is our moms. They are our rocks. They carry us for 9 months and raise us for 18 years of our lives. Only to hope to release us out into the world thinking that the apple of their eyes will achieve greatness and sometimes it goes to shit. I love how this song focused on apologizing for the father sins and wanting to make there mothers proud. It’s very heartfelt. A song to be time frame for generations to come to dedicate to our precious mother’s. Especially mine, love you Mom, her name is Amber.

Hey. Hey, My, My,( Into The Black) is another stand out track to me on the the Relentless soundtrack. I love the meaning behind it. It’s a tradgey that we live in a time that even our music icons die. Death is never easy to deal with whether it’s natural causes, cancer, suicide, etc. The pain from it hurts horribly. But the music will live on forever of what these late icons have made. Even if Gene Simmons himself told people that “Rock and Roll is dead” it’s not. His world of rock and roll is dead. But ours is a blooming Spud sprout on crack. All I can say is if you lost a loved one, a favorite icon, etc. My love and support is forever with you. My condolences are with you. This song is for you people who couldn’t make it. Our rock and roll candle light shines bright for you, always. 🕯

The entire album was a hit. I would recommend anyone to get it where digitally and physically you can get the Relentless soundtrack to American Satan. Each of the musicians who either contributed to the recording of the soundtrack or to the films score deserves high praise. Those musicians are Johnathan Davis of Korn, Nicholas O’Toole a film composer, and Born Of Osiris guitarist Lee McKinney.

As I conclude this part of the review. I am SO EXCITED to start the review for the next part. Let’s get started shall we….

American Satan was written by Ash Alvidsen and Matty Beckkerman. It was produced, written, and directed by Alvidsen and for Sumerian Films. Alvidsen had help for the making of American Satan from the following people, Matty Beckerman, Andy Gould, Sean E. Demott, Aimee Schooff, Isen Robin, and Jeff Rice. Cinematography done by Andrew Strahorn.

The film adaptation was created by Sumerian Films with help of partnership film companies such as Intrinsic Value Films, Jeff Rice Films, and Miramax films. With the main film adaptation under Sumerian Films which is adjacent to Sumerian Records which is owned and founded by the writer, director, and producer Ash Alvidsen.

The American Satan cast is:

Johnny Faust- Andy Biersack
Remington Leith- BTS Johnny Faust’s Character singing vox
Leo Donovan – Benjamin Bruce
Vic Lakota- BooBoo Stewart
Lily Mayflower- Jesse Sullivan
Kat Faust(Johnny Faust’s mother)- Denise Richards
Dylan James- Sebastian Gregory
Gabriel- Bill Duke
Hawk- Bill Goldberg
Gretchen(Johnny Faust’s Girlfriend)- Olivia Culpo
Cassandra-Tori Black
Elias- Mark Boone Junior
Mr. Capricorn- Malcolm McDowell
Damien- Drake Bell
Ricky Rollins- John Bradley
Larry King-Larry King himself

Side note- There was a huge on set call for real fans to show up to be casted in the film. The Asking Alexandria family, the Black Veil Brides army, etc showed up in stride to show there prescene for this film in rock and roll history. I am proud of the fans that were able to be casted. Way to show rock and roll history in that pretents.

So now that the politics of the American Satan have been addressed let’s start my full assessment of this rock and roll masterpiece of a film.

I will address these things in my assessment, the theatrics of Satan, sin, my personal accounts of addiction with drugs, how this film has a huge impact for the #MeToo campaign, etc.

Let’s get the big topic out of the bag and discuss why I think this film should be used as a big educational tool as in terms for Satan and Illuminati. These things have been deeply discussed since the beginning of time. The Illuminati has been only discussed and discovered by deep web leaks or government undeclassified documents being unfolded by the secret service or CIA. With these images throughout the entire film. I believe that governmental and biblical education should be an option to society but it’s so feared nowadays due to all the chaos that is going on in the world today with bombings, genocides, religious sacrifices, etc. This film portrays a lot of this. But I as the reviewer am secular to the readers religious beliefs and opinions on religion. Whatever you believe in. You are entitled to it. I am going to respect it. It is what it is. The Earth should be ran that way but it’s fear that runs through people’s mines that causes mass hysteria.

American Satan portrays the pinwheel of sin, sex/drugs/rock and roll which branches out into the seven deadly sins. With that heavily portrayed on each character in film. Everyone portrays each a trait of sin or multiple traits of sins. Like Gretchen and Johnny Faust’s mother Kat were the ones that had there minds set on right in the whole film but they portrayed greed. While the rest of the cast portrayed the entire buffet of sins. I will tackle more of this throughout the review.

Like I said in the last paragraph the pinwheel of sin was portrayed in America Satan. One of those huge sins was drugs. Major drug use was used in the film. With the epidemic of opioid addiction (I sadly have a huge experience with it) on the rise. This topic needs to be addressed. I decided to fully express my experience with drugs abuse and use this film as an example of why I let people know first they are not alone. Second, never feel shitty about getting the help you need. Third, do it for you and you only to get sober.

I got heavily into perscription narcotics, nsaids ( over the counter pain killers, like Tylenol and Ibuprofen), and opioids back in 2009. It all started in November of 2009. It all started with the migraine IV pain meds when I got admitted for the very first time for migraine. I remember the high I got from it. Even though my pain is legit. I wake up everyday in chronic pain every day. I blame the medical personnel in my town for getting me addicted. I strived to find that high. It was so fucking easy for me at the time to get narcotics due to my health condition. This film made me fucking cry hard cause I was in Lily, Johnny’s, Vic’s, Ricky’s, etc shoes. Especially during their rock bottom moments. During Johnny’s and Ricky’s overdose scenes were really fucking hard for me to deal with emotionally and mentally. Especially Johnny’s cause I was given a morphine overdose in the hospital by illegitimate staff. Now I am allergic to the narcotic cause I overdose cause I had to go do a migraine IV again cause my migraines are near or close to the pain that suicide (cluster migraines) migraineurs feel. It’s cause I leak cerebral spinal cord fluid in my ears and nose. I can’t patch the holes were they reside. The rare condition it’s called is spontaneous intracranial hypotension. Only 1 in 50 million births sees this.

During my drug addiction. I heavily popped handfuls or cocktails of Ibuprofen Tylenol, Naproxen, hydrocodone, and whatever else I could get. I would go through three bottles of pain killers in week that had 90- 120 pills inside. The darkness these characters had to portray nails what the true victims of the epidemic are going through. As a person who continues to struggles with addiction. Loves how Elias tried to get Johnny and Lily help even though Lily refused it cause she wasn’t ready. Johnny took the opportunity and did it for himself for his characters mom Kat Faust. It’s a small world cause I hated a band called Black Veil Brides during my junkie years. I absolutely hated myself. I was just a big pos. During those three prominent years I hated BVB, myself, etc I spiralled down a life I never wanted to live. Eating painkillers like candy wasn’t the life I didn’t dream about. But my rock bottom came on January 27,2013. The day I became a believer In Black Veil Brides and the start of my new life. I was in the middle of committing suicide but ” In The End” came on then I reexamined everything. As one of my past reviews coins, I once hated BVB but now I am in love with BVB. If you can’t be them, join them( BVB army). I went to a life changing and intervention type of doctors appointment in Seattle, WA two months after I became a fan of BVB’s. March 22,2013 is the day I became clean of all pain killers and drugs. It’s stayed that way ever since. Even though I have had four major surgeries that really tested my waters of my anxiety and struggles with addiction. I got told by the doctor if I continued to eat pain killers like I was doing. My insides would be fried and I would be in kidney renal failure. Better yet, I would be mostly likely dead in two to three years tops. I am still affected by addiction. The medical conditions from it are horrible. It permanently flared my irritable bowel syndrome to even a worse stage. Ibuprofen eats the lining of the stomach if you prolong the use.

What sucks is that I was trying to seek pain relief in drug use. Just like what the characters were doing in American Satan. Whether it be turning to drugs or alcohol. The characters had to turn to a crutch to get them by. I am happy that I no longer have one. Even though I have my daily perscribed migraine meds and other meds. I don’t really rely on a pain killer anymore. All I remember doing was eating pain killers and sleeping. That’s all I did. But for funny features. The CNN interview with Lily and Vic about the bullying situations going on. Vic telling the newscaster when Vic was on psychedelics that he wanted to “Go lay down” the newscaster responded with a snarky response with ” I would like to go lie down myself.” Even though drugs are terrible. That scene was funny as hell, even though drugs are no laughing matter at time we are in but still dark humor. But on a serious note I would like to say, here is to almost being 5 years clean in March. If you are struggling. Keep fighting on and hang in there. You will get through it.

The coverage of how people like myself are supported by this film being either a victim of sexual assualt or rape. As you read anywhere on the headlines anymore the sexual assualt or rape accusations towards people in bands, Hollywood icons, etc. American Satan touches on the reality of control. Why woman in a male dominated scene or feild often times get victimized. But men do get victimized to. It goes for the lbgtq community as well. But in the music scene. Woman get treated unfairly still to this day. But I believe that woman are fighting back nowadays. With woman rock icons and rockstars paving the way for younger transpersons or female demographic to become there own rockstar and for their own individuality.

The scene were Lily tells Johnny were she was raped by Damien cause she executed his band under her own recognition. But he had to go and be douchebag and ruin her life by raping her. Damien was going to be a sacrifice kill to The Relentless for their ritual for Mr. Capricorn. Johnny Faust was going to save his life. But however, karma got to Damien and he ultimately killed himself via electric fence. Karma is a bitch.

I was sexually assualted on a feild trip on the way to go scout out careers to a local college. I got gaslighted and accused of faking it. I have to say silent just like Lily has to stay silent about her rape by her ex Damien in order to play clubs. As a victim I think it’s utterly bullshit. It’s sad that one of the reasons Lily has to use(herione) is in order to get rid of the pain from her ex aka Damien and what he did to her. I fully understand Lily’s pure angst and rebellion in the film. Jesse Sullivan played Lily’s character very very well. I really connected with that scene and the intervention scene with Elias and Johnny. But nowadays it’s the sad truth of what is going on today with the drug epidemic, sexual assualt and rape accusations, etc. I am just happy that this film touched on these heavy hitting topics even before the film was released.

This film has a lot of informative matter or educational purposes of how a band gets it’s start. The politics of being in the industry. The pros and cons of being musicians. The life styles one chooses as there rockstar life. But the big thing is that it shows the humanity, trials, and tribulations musicians go through. It only makes them stronger people in the end. No matter how how much they change throughout their career.

The death of Ricky hit me hard. Especially Leo’s discovery of him dead(Ben Bruce’s performance killed me, hard). Loosing a friend, loved ones, and even a pet is a tragic time. I would like to pay my dues. I would like to send my condolences and wishes to Ricky’s character and the cast characters. Just cause it’s only right to. The funeral scene hit me hard cause that would have been me if I wouldn’t have gotten sober. The reality of the drug epidemic is scary. I don’t take it lightly. But that scene was very eye opening and heartbreaking.

I really hope that this film is used for educational matters in high school and college for music based purposes. It’s a film that I believe that should have been created 20-30 years ago but it got created today by phonomenal creators. With the CGI affects greatly done on the one scene of the human sacrifice of Damien(,I am still highly impressed with the editor work and effects done on that particular one), multiple scenes of the Relentless telling the truth and process of how a band is ran in the film, the wisdom of Gabriel, the conspiracy theories of Mr. Capricorn, Johnny’s stint in the slammer, the overdose of Johnny Faust but was recanted by Gabriel, and the list goes on what educational matters music teachers can teach there class about the politics of having a band nowadays.

Even though the film features pornography material not suitable for suitable for younger audiences. I do believe that some of the material in the film can be seen be the younger audience on the grounds for educational matters to be expressed with a teacher or a parental figure/guardian. Like Lily said “There needs to be less guns and more sex. Less wars and more love. More fucking sex” Even though the the younger audience don’t need to be apart of the sex thing yet. Nor the drugs. Just more education and positivity in the lives of the youth of today. That’s were Gabriel comes in handy.

I will concluded this sloth review for Chronic Potato Queen Writer for American Satan on a high note. This film has a huge impact on the music scene. If you are fan of such films like “Dazed and Confused”, “School of Rock”, “Airheads”, “Rockstar” ,”La Bamba”, “If I Stay”, etc among dozens of rock and metal documentaries. American Satan is for you. It’s for every rock and roll fan out there. It’s a staple film for rock and roll history. Even though the ending threw me off for a loophole. I am excited to see what the TV series is going to be like. But there is one thing I am going to rant and be sad about for a very long time. It’s the fact that the Relentless will never be a real life band. Who knew a fictional band could be so badass. I am forever a fan. Fictional or not. Long live American Satan and The Relentless.

Written by: Mariah Hanna @PotatoBVBQueen 1/20/2018

*See About on sharing my articles and reviews

Listen to American Satan’s The Relentless album here on Spotify

American Satan Twitter, contact.

Official American Satan Twitter fanpage

To watch American Satan trailer,etc.

American Satan Facebook

American Satan Instagram

Where to buy the film, about the cast, sign up for the newsletter, etc

P.S. Thank you so much for taking the time out of your day to read my review. It really means a lot. Like Elias said let’s all “Shove it right up the ass of bigots so they will be shitting out pentagrams.” I intend to do that. Even though my dream as a rockstar faded when I found out I have a permanent debilitating disease that caused me to be disabled. I was gifted a new rockstar dream. You are reading it. The power of the review. The sloth kind.

I didn’t want to over analyze the film for those of you who haven’t seen it yet or waiting for your order to come in. I am very happy to not spoil the entire film for you.

Andy Black: “The Shadow Side, The Album Review”

April 2, 2017 By Mariah "Tater Queen" Hanna in Album Review, Andy BLACK, Black Veil Brides Tags: 5 Seconds of Summer, 5SOS, Album Review, Alkaline Trio, All Time Low, Alternative Press, Andy Biersack, Andy BLACK, APMA's, Ashton Irwin, Asking Alexandria, Automatic Loveletter, Benji Madden, Black Veil Brides, Blink 182, BVB, BVBV, Chris Holley, Dan Sturgess, Fall Out Boy, Gerard Way, Goldfinger, Good Charlotte, inspirational, Joe Flanders, Joel Madden, John Feldmann, Juliet Simms, Matt Pauling, Matt Skiba, MCR, Medical, Mickey Way, Motionless In White, Music, My Chemical Romance, Patreon, Patrick Fogarty, Patrick Stump, personal, Quinn Allman, Republic Records, Rian Dawson, Rob Blasko, The Shadow Side, The Used, Vans Warped Tour, Zakk Cervini 1 Comment

Good morning, Goodnight, or Good evening BVB army/Andy Black Fans.

Before I start the review for Andy Black’s “The Shadow Side”. I want to make a huge note as to why I was gone in the blogger world and why I was on hiatus. I had major left knee surgery last April. That took over a year for me to fully heal for and fully rehab it to a point where I can do my past things I could but in re-learned ways. I had to relearn how to do a lot things again. I still got to do this all over again with my right knee. With this, it brought out my depression more in 2016. Then towards the end of 2016 I lost my grandpa Bly(assuming natural causes) and on my mother’s side my grandpa Hanna(Fuck Cancer). With loosing both grandfathers within months of each others further put my depression into overdrive.

I needed a break to come back to the blogger music world. The crippling depression, chronic pain, and daily life dredgers dealing with my medical woes or whatever I decided it was best to come back when it was right. I paid for the blog to stay up for everyone’s viewing pleasure while I took over a year off to focus on my physical and most importantly my mental health. I am still not 100 percent. But I am back to the best of the person I can. I am trying and I got myself a tattoo to remind myself to stay strong and fight my demons. I am still struggling but we are human. We got thoughts and feelings just like the next person or animal. So I hope you all enjoyed my recent blog posting describing into detail of the tattoo I got. I will provide a link somewhere in this posting to that blog posting about it. November 16, 2016 will be a big memory for me. Its one that I will cherish. I still can’t believe I got Black Veil Brides tattoo. I take great care of it. Put lots of lotion to keep it well moisturized and pretty. The tattoo has been my dream tattoo all my life. It’s just that who would have thought let’s get this straight, a former hater of the band gets their first tattoo of their artwork and lyrics that mean something and world of the former hater. Ha. I would get an Andy Black tattoo BUT I figured I have something much more metal/hardcore, I have actual METAL inside me. I will explain when I review “Ribcage” further along in this review. But its metal as fuck to know that.

I also wanted to let Andy Black’s “The Shadow Side” blossom in my heart and soul until I let my brain do the talking of the review. I am not going to call out names or anything. But I think it’s generally unfair to give bands or artists who spend 6 to a year making a record to have a reviewer of the record put the review out in 24 hours to 2 weeks tops. I like to let records flow and make their own home in my inner being before I dare to review. These are the thoughts and feelings through music from either one to multiple choise units as whole telling you the listener their life story through beats and lyrics. The feelings and vibes we get from music is very omniscient and “Take it to the next level” out of this world. That is why I want to give sloth CD reviews and or song reviews in the future cause people often forget what music was set out there to do instead of the commercial-industrial side. It generally upsets me to see all this happen. So I vow to give my honest opinions and heart to heart about the songs on this record. So no further than I do, let’s get done with small talk about the opening of this review and tell you what it’s really about shall we.

Chronic Potato Queen Writer is going to review Andy Black’s “The Shadow Side”. It was released on May 6, 2016 on Republic Records (co-written and produced by John Feldmann and Ricky Reed, and mixed/co-writes Matt Pauling) with its first single released on March 18, 2016 with “We Don’t Have To Dance” with the video dropping on March 21^st, 2016. Other mentionable high-ranking singles from the CD include “Ribcage” with its debut music video released by Dan Sturgess on August 9^th,2016, “Stay Alive”, “Paint It Black”, “Homecoming King”, etc. With this side project power house. It has allowed Biersack to tour under the moniker Black all around the world but more prominent in the US with the Vans Warped Tour approaching ahead same with Andy’s hosting gig at Alternative Press’s APAMA’s links down below for the tour and event. Which will be Andy Black’s final “Hooray” to Black for a while as he will focus on the world of Black Veil Brides and the BVBV that is expected to come out soon this year in 2017. There is a Andy Black documentary that was released early to Patreon patrons like myself who support Andy, Joe Flanders, Patrick Fogarty, and Rob Blasko on “The Andy Show” on Patreon for five dollars a month. It was released to viewers on December 27^th, 2016, it was a one day late birthday present to me as the ending of the documentary was the icing on the reasoning why I got my tattoo. The documentary was yet again released on my BVB anniversary on January 27,2016 to non-Patreon viewers. So Andy Biersack are you trying to kill me with kindness cause clearly YOU won, I am trying to be professional here and review your record but god damn it you break down my dam, I have to act like a weirdo and show my insurmountable support, devotion, and love to you cause you do your work in all the right ways by being true to self and being yourself. Being Andy. I rather be weird and support you than not. Haha.

**Links will be provided at the bottom of this review for The Andy Show Patreon to subscribe to his Patreon, YouTube links to “We Don’t Have To Dance”, “Ribcage”, and “The Andy Black Documentary” for everyone’s pleasure and information. Go to google and type in “The Shadow Side” it will take you to place where to buy the album or stream on your mobile. tablet, or computer.

There will be a new Black song released this year, yet again Andy up to his ole kill them with kindness tricks, will separately review this one when it gets released but like I said. Sloth reviews are who I am. I like to give artists a true and respectful record review. Fair warning, you may need tissues for this review. Some songs I will review are going to hit you the reader with feels. Plus this is my own story interpreted into Andy Black’s beautiful laid out composited music with all the collaborations he did with on the record such as the producer of this record John Feldmann(Goldfinger), Matt Pauling(Ex-Confessions), Mickey Way(Ex- MCR, Solo), Gerard Way(Ex-MCR, Solo), Zakk Cervini(Mixer/Producer), Matt Skiba(Alkaline Trio/Blink 182), Patrick Stump(Fall Out Boy), Rian Dawson(All Time Low), Quinn Allman(Ex-The Used/Producer/Independent Musician), Ashton Irwin(5 Seconds Of Summer), Juliet Simms-Biersack(Automatic Loveletter and Solo), and Benji and Joel Madden(Good Charlotte) with other notable song writers on the record. This record deserves a whole lot of praise than it did. People may be critical on this record, it’s there own opinion and they are entitled to it(As long as it’s not on blog or the ban hammer will be given. I have banned a lot of horrible unnecessary comments so pleases keep your comments respectful and kind). But beings though it has helped me through thee toughest shit of my life. I am giving this record my 7 out of 5 golden russet potato approval points of the layers, lyrical content, and musical notes from start to finish is very well done.

Lets get to tears jerking, feels, and praising musicianship shall we.

“Homecoming King”

Homecoming King is one of those hero song’s. It gives you the reader the inter workings in your brain to imagine what life would be like with your past school mates growing up or your ever-changing town. The lyrical content is a “Fuck You” of sorts to either school yard bullies, jocks, preppy girls, etc. Life after high school is peachy. You get dealt with a whole new reality. Slowly these people who thought they were “ High and Mighty” are just like peons like the rest of folk who pays taxes, works there usual, etc. This song means a lot to me. It’s funny how I see class mates in my town thinking they will hit big. Only to find out they either get pregnant, get into drugs, or get locked up in my towns state prison or mental hospital. Life is so full of choices. It’s up to you the reader to choose wisely. Biersack achieves the prowl by nonetheless saying “Fuck the Homecoming King” in the song. This can be unisexed towards the “Homecoming Queen” too. LOL. The lyrics to the song tell a story of how very much so school drama is still a huge issue these days as in terms of bullying, cliques, being popular, etc. My main advice would be. Is to enjoy your kid years. Don’t give a potato in the moment and enjoy being young and the worries of being an adult. YOU just enjoy being you. Who cares about being popular. YOU are amazing and kick ass the way you are. This is the main reason for the song’s message. This can go to young and old adults to needing a boost of inspiration.

“We Don’t Have To Dance”

This song is about Biersack’s social anxiety and the lyrical content supports the things he hates and struggles in his daily life. He tells his listener to interpret the song into whatever means it helps the person get through their daily struggles in life. In my own defense. I applaud and support this songs message of want to help a person overcome their social anxiety by people just understanding and respecting people s boundaries. I had social anxiety growing up cause of my disabilities and I was loner in school. This songs meaning is to tell the vast majority of listeners its okay to be who you are. But it’s also okay to work on yourself and get the help you deserve in mental health. Social anxiety is real. Don’t let someone tell you otherwise. Even though you can be hazard to yourself, don’t let be your literal hell, literal hell. Did I just make a Andy Black lyric quote there. Yes I did.

“Ribcage”

As many of you all know Andy’s incident that involved with his three of his ribs get broken or shattered at a free concert event in LA/Hollywood that BVB attended and performed on in 2011(by the Andy you are trooper for going through that even though I learned via Loudwire the extra thing you had to go through. I feel you so bad. I had to go through a colonoscopy the humiliation of it is terrible.),

“Take you out, never bring you back again”

I remember listening to this song for the first time a while back ago. This is the first song that made me fall in love with Andy Biersack’s musical talents and what he brings to the table every time. I haven’t had the best years of my life ever. Everything has gone down hill medically for me. But in 2013-2015 I was VERY sick. Food rejected me. I became allergic permanently to gluten. I had three major operations. Which in return they left metal clips inside me. My appendix was the size of a golf ball and my gallbladder was dead rotting inside my digestive tract. Which resulted in me getting metal clips placed inside me. I got a total of 8 inside me when they removed my dead and dying organs. It made me glad that I found BVB’s music during a time of pure darkness. I am still in the darkness. Andy Black’s music has helped immensely during times I thought I couldn’t do it. But I did. I survived thee worst knee surgery anyone could go through for my age I got two metal rods drilled diagonally underneath my left knee cap to support my IT band. The band that support your knee cap and other ligaments in place. My knee was birth defected and was very fucked up. So surgery was the ONLY option to repair the major damage. This song has helped me internally heal and let go of the darkness and anger I have inside me of the medical disadvantages I go through. I thought about getting the lyrics tattooed on me. But I already got metal inside me that signifies that I am METAL. Even though BVB is rock and roll. ;). You got to be metal as fuck to go through what I did.

“Stay Alive”

When I first heard this song. I was still struggling to get through my recovery of my knee surgery. I heard the lyrics “Stay alive for the good times, stay alive for the bad” I couldn’t help but cry. Have one of those good cries a person needs. It’s like Andy Biersack writes music about my life story without even knowing me or what the circumstances I go through being disabled with 15 medical conditions. But in reality Biersack writes music about his own experiences and life happenings. It makes me appreciate and respect him even more as a person that he would even write such healing music. There are musicians out there who write similar empowerment songs like Andy does. But Andy’s is very genuine and has a very special spark of reality and magical power behind it which is why he I declare him an enigma musician cause I can try my best to decipher his music but deep down only he knows what it’s truly about. With his vernacular I am very cherished to NEVER take for grant both creations he has given the world. BVB and Andy Black are awesome things for the world next to the potato. You got yourself a potato party. But don’t harm that small child and mash it with garlic mash, Biersack. “Stay Alive” is an Anthem for us underdogs who are in dire need of pick me up when the good times are bad and the bad times are good. It also features a dude named Matt Skiba on there from Alkaline Trio and Blink 182. He did a stellar job with making teenage Andy’s dreams come true with this power anthem for the masses.

“Love Was Made To Break”

This song is a sorrowful filled with woes of telling its audience that love is a facade. People come and go through relationships get divorced. Go through major life changes, etc. But it tells the audience to stop the bullshit before shit get worse. This reminds me of my break up with gluten. hahahaha. “Fade in, fade in out. check in out. We are strangers now. Now we are enemies” Its been 3 years since I had real wheat bread or any products with gluten in it. That’s all I can compare the song to. God damn it Celiac disease. Whatever your personal preference is to the song is. It’s very sorrowful. It’s very one of a kind to help people get through their relationship woes or call it quits. Nice one Andy.

“Beautiful Pain”

The toughest song on the record to review. 2016 saw its hardest year in losses. The song that this is memorialized to Chris Holley(Died in June of 2015). I lost my last two grandfather in 2016 due to old age and cancer. My grandfather Hanna fought long and hard. He died of terminal liver cancer. Plus I lost my senior dog,Hunter, last year who has been with through my heaviest of medical bullshit with me to pancreatic cancer in January 2016. The whole song has deeply touched, healed ever tear I cried or will cry, and will help me deal with the pain of just dealing with their deaths. It’s never easy to go through loosing some dear and near to you. Especially if it’s a grandpa, grandma, friend, mom, dad, aunt uncle, sidling, or pet, etc. It’s never easy. “Beautiful Pain” is a song for those who need a hug or shoulder to cry on in a song. It’s very special. Its universal and can be dedicated to anyone whom has died but the sole inspiration of the song is for the late Chris Holley. He was BVB’s, AA’s, and MIW’s guitar tech. He was a crazy lad. He will be sorely missed. I enjoyed his posts on IG. I hope he is up there partying it up with all three of my grandfathers. May Holley RIP and my prayers go out to the Holley family.

“Put The Gun Down”

I am really proud of this song’s meaning. It makes me appreciate and respect Biersack as musician as whole. If you ever dabbled into the world of suicide or suicide thoughts it’s not a fun world to be in. I have gone down that world 5 times myself. I have dealt with suicidal thoughts and thoughts about killing myself because I thought I was worthless, waste of space, had possible cancer, was sexually assaulted and couldn’t do anything about it, and is in chronic pain 24/7; 365. This song has helped me fight my inner demons of telling the suicidal thoughts to back down. It has helped me also with my addiction to prescription narcotics and over the counter pain killers. The power and healing qualities the song posses with Andy just being himself in this song and telling his audience in his own way to just “Put The Gun Down” and telling everyone that there is a life to live out there instead of ending it. Is thee beautifuliest life forms of a song you can get to. The pure genuineness of the artist to listener from the raw inter workings of his heart to us is what music was set out to do.

* See About page for Suicide prevention hotlines and American Foundation For Suicide Prevention.

“Drown Me Out”

Biersack is telling the listener or audience to let their dam break, rise, and scream it out on top of the plateau. But don’t let people get in the way of your dreams and aspirations. Don’t let the dam breakers get to you. Don’t let the naysayers who dislike what you do dwindle what fun your having and stomp on your parade. It’s not their parade to begin with. Learn from my life lesson. I once hated BVB. Now I am in love with BVB. if you can’t win. Join them. It’s not hard. Best decision I ever did. Who ever knew that the former hater would get a BVB tattoo. Ha.

“Paint It Black”

This song I feel is dedicated to his spouse, Juliet. But I feel that this song can be universal and can give the listener grounds to feel and feel what the songs message is about. Relationships and marriages have their hardships. But at the end of the day you have each other. Life is too short to sweat the small stuff such as arguing and accusing the other party of such and such things. I may have never been in any relationship ever cause in reality I live in area where no one wants to date a permanently disabled person(which I am fine with, I don’t like anyone here anyways unless your elderly). But I do know as my years of adulthood has progressed on me and the things I have seen. Love is greater than hating the people you let yourself come to known as a family. Love blossoms many possibilities to come forth in that right. Love over rules hate. Hate is just a masked bimbo with its pants on the ground. No matter if you are in a relationship, marriage, have family values, etc this song has values to respect life while you can. Don’t sweat the small the stuff. Love and let hate pout in corner with the rest of sorry lads.

“Break Your Halo”

A song like this comes around once a blue moon and makes me have mega goosebumps. The lyrics to this song is key to all the people in my life who bully me cause I am disabled. But all I do is care about helping people. Sometimes I don’t believe my dreams will come true but then again I snap out of my depression “Get my shit together”. I get burned on social media A LOT. cause I am suicide crisis responder. This song has helped me heal that pain I go through when people are unreachable to my help. I remind myself that sometimes people can’t be helped and its a lost cause. Its sad. But in the moment this song has helped me a lot cause I got a big heart for helping people through the toughest part of there lives. Suicide isn’t the way to go. It only gives the pain to someone else after you depart from this world. Biersack’s side of wanting to help people and getting burned too nonetheless is disheartening cause I feel his pain through this song. The fact that this song has an angry “Never give in. Never back down” banter makes me laugh but sigh in sadness at Andy’s heartbreak for people trying to nonetheless be an asshole to him. Don’t be an asshole to Andy or anybody. Use the lesson in “Paint It Black” Love. Love makes the world go round.

*Suicide Prevention is in my About section of my blog.

“Louder Than Your Lover”

This song gives me empowerment vibes. Biersack’s onslaught to always setting what is right with out his quote on quote “Pandering” in the song’s lyrics to kids, young adults, and older adults. His stand on always wanting his fans dreams and aspirations to come true in a musical manner has transfixed this guy as a one of kind spokesman for the outsiders and outcasts. It makes me happy that this song has California vibes within song but targeted to his audience to go conquer their dreams and aspirations. Is a person I will support and praise forever. Plus I just went through a long ass winter. The song gives me Summer vibes. It gives me positive vibes while wanting my vitamin D fix. lol.

“Broken Pieces”

This song Is an underrated Andy Black tract but its a goody. A BIG goody. Like “Louder Than Your Love” were its all happy vibes and wanting your dreams and aspirations to come true. This song is this dark side of the moon of the song. It’s a song that gives the listener a sense of hope but a sense of sorrow cause of the struggles of how dreams and aspirations come true. This song means a lot to me. My dreams are my drug. It’s all I have keeping me going. I am disabled with 15 medical conditions. The state here in Idaho can’t give me regular 9-5 work due to my severity of my disabilities. I have to live at home with parents. My entire body is falling apart. But the thing that is holding the glue together now is my new-found sense of self and inner strength. A song like this and all of its lyrics is very healing to someone who goes through daily hardships. Biersack’s love and devotion he has for every single one of his fans is insurmountable. Its one of a kind. I am very fortunate to have met him once in 2014 on the Blackmass tour with BVB. The amount of positivity and care no matter how dark in scale or light his poetic in nature his lyrics can get on Andy Black or any BVB song is a testament of who a person he is. “Broken Pieces” is an anthem to those who struggle everyday and need a “Hug”. Encouragement to get back out there, kick ass, “Never give in, and Never back down”

“The Void”

A song about self proclamation. But letting go things or toxic people in your life that don’t want any part of your betterment of your life. But there is always that hurt you have when you let them or things go. But as the lyrics go “Got to face another day” but its sad when the ending of the song ends with “How can I carry on without you?” Whether you have gone through a toxic friendship, marriage, relationship, addiction, etc. Its hard life style change to go through. Whether it will be ending toxic relations or addictions. But not having the support system to back you up even sucks worse. This song has helped me in my final tidbits of recovery of my severe prescription narcotic’s and over the counter pain-killer addiction. Its taught me that its okay to feel human and know that its okay to feel what I am feeling. But still carry on with out you. Finding self-worth and inner strength is very much a huge thing any human can do for themselves. But it sucks not having some friends or family there to help through positive reinforcement to fight the addiction or not go back to the toxic situation. This song is a great tool to help those who are lost in finding the air to breath in this. It’s okay to feel about it cause your human. But my advice is to “Let it go for good” and “Never give in.”

All I can say is that this record was a wild ride of healing, gave me tools, gave my new insight on Biersack’s lyrical writing, etc Either if you are not a Black Veil fan or a Black Veil fan give this record a chance. A full listen to start to finish has nooks and crannies any music can love from synthesizers from the 80’s and the feels from the era like groups I grew up on like Pet Shop Boys, Billy Idol, Culture Club, Frankie Goes To Hollywood, George Michael, etc. to a modern-day alternative pop punk rock vibes you can clash, dance your ass off, clean your house too, homework, etc to.

It took me over a year to digest this record. No not eat and poop it out a year later for comedic value. There is too much emotional value and intrinsic composited layers within each song that with each new listen there is always something new about the song or the feel depending the mood I am in.

I was going to go see Andy Black this year in concert. But due to flooding and road displacements here in the Pacific Northwest due to one of thee worst winters in more than a decade. I was going to also do a concert review but that go shot down in blog heaven. So I decided to dedicate more time and love to the Andy Black: The Shadow Side record review project. It has taken my mind off a lot of bullshit that’s going on in my life right now. Its put inspiration back into my soul to want to write on this blog again and give it more supported content instead of people reading a dead blog of past content.

I dearly want to thank each and every one of you that read this. Your not just a statistic in my blogs views. You mean something to me. Your my rebirth. I had this closed for over a year cause I was highly depressed and I didn’t know how to start my passion again right without fucking it up. Now I know. Its cause of Andy and his lyrics that I really let speak to me during a months and months of time that I didn’t let my online friends know I was depressed as fuck and I tell them EVERYTHING. Going through so much death and medical turmoil prompted that. But I couldn’t thank Andy Biersack any more than I could. Inserted is my tattoo I got last November symbolizing my rebirth of finding myself again and to “Never give in, Never back down” no matter what. It’s okay it be in the moment and cry. But pick up the pieces and soar like an eagle. Rising from the ashes is only the first step to getting you back to your road to recovery and I will quote the man himself “I believe in you”. If you fall. “Rise back up and fight on again”. YOU are all you have and make god damn sure its kick ass life. Long live Andy Black and “The Shadow Side”!

My tattoo:

Tattoo done by: Shannon Blinn in Lewiston, Idaho at Skin Deep tattoo and designs.

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Written By: Mariah L. Hanna *@PotatoBVBQueen Copyright:4/2/2017

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*See About page for inquires of sharing my articles or use buttons on my blog to share to your social media with @PotatoBVBQueen cited as my property to link. Also for Suicide prevention hotlines contacts and suicide prevention resources(Never feel worthless or guilty of wanting help, it’s there for your taking, NEVER lose hope)

** Links : Subscribe to The Andy Show here

Andy Black’s Official Music Video to “We Don’t Have To Dance”

Andy Black’s Official Music Video for “Ribcage”

The Andy Black Documentary: A MUST WATCH

Vans Warped Tour: Dates and Tickets here

Early Bird tickets to APMA’s or regular admission

Blog post about tattoo.