Hi. Longtime. No peep. It’s been a while( thank you so much Andy and Joe for my solid staind opening Segway). It’s been since 2018 since you heard from this blog. A lot has changed. A lot has happened within the course of four years. I have decided just to do a catch-up blog piece solely on myself before I dive right into writing about music and other cool jazz things.
Throughout the years I have received emotional and mental abuse from my own stepfather. It got worse when Trump was elected president. It’s caused my stepfather to believe everything the orange douche mc skat turd box spewed out of his fart box every ounce he got attention. My mom and I have been verbally abused for year’s and it got bad for my mom cause my stepfather became a controlling and stalkerish husband at the time. He tried to hire people to stalk and follow my mom around to catch my mom cheating. It got so bad my mom lost several friendships cause of him.
My mom and I during the year of 2020 besides the start of the pandemic which I have vaxxed only covid thing I will post here. Excited to see BVB again in March with MIW and INK with the Trinity of Terror tour. We made our exit plan. We got lucky finding the place I now live in. Besides going through this bullshit. In 2019, I focused on getting my last knee fixed so now I am bionic in both legs with having 2 rods each in both tibia bones. Plus in 2020 and 2021 I had numerous amounts of testing done to test for my autoimmune disease and to get a positive of seeing if there is a possibility of a leak or tiny hole in my nasal cavity that CSF fluid is coming out of. Unfortunately, both came out positive or inconclusive. It’s been tiring with constant doctors appointments. But it’s the best I can do to keep myself healthy.
May 8th, 2020 I was officially diagnosed with my rare migraine disease called Spontaneous Intracranial Hypotension. I wish I could have saw BVB and ITM that day instead. Sigh.
December 8th, 2020 my mother and I officially moved out of the toxic house that we were living in. It’s been over a year and one month since we have been out of that toxic house. It took me a while to get well a bit mentally. I am still not 100 percent. I will never be. I am okay with that. I am okay with not being 100 percent ever again. It’s what makes us human. I learned on tik tok of all places that I suffer from complex post-traumatic stress disorder. I also have your roundabout depression and anxiety.
My stepfather was incredibly abusive towards me for the last 4 to 5 months I lived with him. I never caught him being abusive to my cat. But I believe he was cause he flinches every time I pet him. It hurts my soul. He got physical with my mom several times. He slammed a door on me. He threw the freezer door at my face. His last insult to me was when he told me to get the fuck out of his house and never come again. He said it so cold and callously. He also said I was something he just raised.
I plan on getting into therapy but covid has fucked things up. So I receive it online. I just take it day by day just like I do with my chronic illnesses.
I am a warrior. I plan on kicking more ass cause I have been through so much bullshit. I am happy to announce I am 5 months and 3 weeks migraine suppressed after dealing with a migraine volcano since 2009. All thanks to the CGRP protein blocker Emgality one-month migraine shot,(medical science is lit). I also get botox for migraine every three months which is fun(not).
Stay tuned. I plan on doing an album review for Black Veil Brides, “The Phantom Tomorrow.”(no publish date, I am a disabled sloth and still need time on it.) Plus a plethora of things I want to do with this blog. I am happy to finally come out of hiatus and start writing again. :’)
If you supported me from the beginning or whenever. I love you all. Thank you so much. Thank you for sticking by my side while I dealt with personal things. You all are rockstars. With that go kick ass. Drink your H20 like Bobby Bushay wants you to. Eat your potatoes. Never give in. Never back down.
If you follow me on social media. You may have taken notice that my life right isn’t so great. My parents are going through a divorce. It’s been nothing but screaming matches. My stepdad also has been verbally abusive to me for years. It’s gotten worse lately. So my mom and I are moving somewhere with my 3 cats and mini doxie. To everyone that has supported me through everything. It means a lot during this time. I have no idea what the future holds. But I just wanted to update everyone on my life. I am going to have to postpone this or just make do with whatever I can do. I know I won’t be able to do the whole month. But shit happens in life. Hopefully things will take off soon enough with this blog in the future. If you are experiencing domestic violence or any abuse. Please go here for more information.
Never Take It Off Andy’s wisdom credit of photo: Jonathan Weiner
I will update you all more as time comes around. But please never give in. 💜
*See about for additional help for abuse and copyright.
@ /// PotatoBVBQueen is my Twitter social username to get a hold of me if needed or you see a typo in my articles. I am human. I also have dyslexia so it is what it is. Thank you so much for understanding.
I was going to do this review much much sooner but due to extreme medical circumstance with me I had to put the BVB4 album review on hold and take care of my health. I am still not 100 percent alright. In October I had to get an exploratory surgery to see what was wrong with me and why I was in extreme amounts of pain. Well two other major surgeries later I am here and happy that I don’t have anymore possible surgeries in the future. I had a lot of things medically wrong with me my appendix and gallbladder died so they had to be removed along with a hernia that one of my ovaries was eating my small intestine known as inguinal hernia. I also had large cyst the size of a tennis ball removed from my body among other things I am kept to myself. This album came around a time that I needed to hear something encouraging and helpful. It’s crazy how music helps people in that way. I am still healing and recovering. Taking it day by day. But the storm is gone now(At least I think D: ). I am just brisking in the silent rain now. I urge all my followers a life of great health and their is only one of YOU so take care of you before it’s too late. Anyways, there you have a small update as to why I went silent again and no articles to show forth. Enjoy reading this review it took me 3 plus months to do old-fashioned(cause BVB4 was made old-fashioned with analog so I cleverly decided to review it old-fashioned with pen and paper. When finished put review in new aged final draft in the end like BVB4 was put in modernized CD’s ;’) ). Best of wishes.
Love, Mariah L. Hanna
P.S. By the time I publish this I will probably hear something new in BVB4 so I am going to update this as time moves on but will give it sometime to be out there for you all. ❤
Black Veil Brides recorded an album with know producer Bob Rock who has worked with known bands such as Motley Crue, The Cult,Metallica and other widely known musicians with widely successful albums spinning out of Bob Rocks career as a producer. Bob’s new embark with the five goof balls we know today as CC, Jake, Jinxx, “former” and Andy with BVB’s new album that was released October 27th, 2014 a day ahead of there October 28th, 2014 release, known as BVB4 was Bob Rocks destiny to work with these five guys vice versa. Bob Rock stated that BVB made him “Breath fresh air” sort of speak into the metal/rock world he worked with for so many years. I SEEN the downfall of why he said this. I will explain in the next few paragraph’s as to what he meant as “A chore” in BVB’s in the studio updates BVB did for us fans on their YouTube page.
Bob Rock produced Metallica’s “Saint Anger”. Metallica also did a documentary for that album that I watched on Vh1 Classic. I seen a producer who was at his wit’s end and getting burned out but still poured his heart into his craft of making a solid record of Metallica’s best growth efforts at the time. At the time the band was going through a terrible time. Needing a new bass player. Plus filming for “Saint Anger” stopped midst into the recording of the album cause James Hetfield check himself into a rehab center for his drinking problems(I applaud James for kicking his inner demons to the curb. I had him in my thoughts and prayers at the time I saw this doc). I seen how stressed and concerned Bob Rock was. I never seen him as bad guy. Just a guy that is human and was in a shitty circumstance at the time. People labeled him this such and such. As many people do(when there jealous of other people’s success and shit). So I think this why Bob Rock get so much shit is because this documentary among other things showing the true colors of recording an album. It ain’t rainbows and sunshine. Its grind to the nose and pain staking hours and hours of work. Bands have there glory albums and their shit happens albums. Life happens. Not much we can do about it.
When I seen a more calmer and even more jubilant Bob Rock in the studio updates with Black Veil Brides. I seen a more relaxed and happier Bob Rock I have ever seen since “Saint Anger”. Bob Rock was more enjoyable. I could tell he wanted to do more and be involved without being involved(Orchestrator everyone talks about and I seen that with the Metallica documentary). Bob has worked not just with Metallica but with outstanding musicians such as Michael Buble. Plus his rock roster includes Bon Jovi, Loverboy, Motley Crue, The Cult, etc.
These acts have powerhouse anthemic rock songs that have been classical favorites for decades. Songs that have the electrical power to light up a stadium or two. In the 80’s these bands were in their prime and the lust for rock and roll was lost in the 90’s with the grunge movement. In the 2000’s the rebirth of rock and roll is strong with power and emotion through guitars on fire that will set a room full of amps to the stratosphere. Bands in the 80’s are still relevant to this day. Still doing tours and doing albums. Some have retired or gone to heaven. But in today’s rock and roll rebirth. Black Veil Brides hold on to a key to be a fore father of the new aged rock and roll. Rock and roll that helps the amass of fans through out with positive messages through song and lyric. With the emotion and in your face guitar, bass, and drum beat tones is something I look forward to seeing in the future. Among Black Veil Brides bands like Asking Alexandria, Set It Off, Avenged Sevenfold, Atreyu, Hatebreed, Farewell, My Love, We Are Harlot, and shit loads of bands inserted here with a positive rock and roll mindset have the chops to bring this dead culture back from where it left of in 1990. Slowly but surely we all will get to see this happen. I am so proud of the bands today though. Their hard work WILL pay off soon. I feel it.
Now let’s get to talking about “Black Veil Brides: Black Veil Brides” or #BVB4. People may have their bad opinions on this album or bad reviews. I even read that some of our own in the BVB army didn’t like the new record. That is fine to have your dislikes but what I found was rude and not cool. Are people not taking the time like I did to digest the album. I am in love with this album for personal reasons. But keep in mind this record is a “Growth” album. They were mending all their each others friendships and getting off of a tour cycle for a record that made them drift as friends a bit away from each other. With BVB4 they collectively grew closer and mended their broken business and personal friendships with each other. People often forget that the members in their favorite band have friendships with each other. If those friendships aren’t health and well-kept then the band falls apart which ends in the demise of the band altogether sadly. It’s rare for people like all four of the great guys in BVB to really talk to each other and amend through song and lyric their band and what it stands for. Have your opinion. But don’t make it so that it becomes an asshole one. Criticism is alright as long as you don’t bully. Bands need this healthy bond with each other or the band suffers or dies.
This album is a uniquely made attribute given the fact a young band like BVB scored a recording gig with an excellent producer such as Bob Rock. I was listening to Jamey Jasta’s in Hatebreed’s podcast he does. He interviewed Jake and Jinxx about how it was producing with Bob Rock, etc. Jamey asked me as a BVB army member and a fan “If I gave a fuck about Black Veil Brides recording with Bob Rock?” that is FUCK YES. I was stoked and thrilled when I first heard the news that Bob was recording with the BVB guys. The BVB guys earned their good karma and that is landing a recording gig with Bob. Bob I seen the “In The Studio Updates with BVB/Bob Rock” the way he taught the guys and was down to earth. It’s a once in a lifetime chance for them that benefited them with probably even more chances to record with Bob Rock in the future. The commodore and sense of guidance he lead each of them was very brilliant and I hear it all in BVB4. The key sounds and how this unique album was created. So individually and as a whole this opportunity for them sky rocketed BVB even more to rule the world one day at a time. So yes to answer your question again Jamey. Yes I do give a fuck because what does a genuine fan want more than their favorite band to succeed in life and their dreams whilst helping the person fulfill theirs(your reading it).
So let’s get started shall we. From the track list they come by in order on the album. I will review each song by my thoughts, feelings, and knowledge:
“Heart of Fire”:
This song is very interpersonal to me. It has the layers of anger, anguish, and pain written in its lyrics. I have taken to and let this song grasp to me for a few months. Each listen makes me more stoked to listen to it more. It has that ass kicker vibe to it while pushing a great message through the lyrics. Andy’s writing to me is very personal on a level I can’t describe cause. This song basically was written during the months I was following BVB on their trek to making their self titled debut. Biersack may have not had the notions or even the thought process of what type of song he was created with Jake, CC, Jinxx, and “Former”. This song basically is an ode to the past hater I was and celebration of that I am no longer that person. Through apologizing to them through meet and greet on November 8th, 2014 was only setting this to be a beautiful coincidence. For me at least. “ Build your walls but you can’t keep me out, I’ ll burn them down” This lyric line basically had me at goosebumps cause BVB in spirit came to my house and burned down all the hater walls I had against them. I not knowing their evil glorious deed was vulnerable to a converting. Which by magic and the fate on January 27th, 2013 it did. I couldn’t be any happier than I am today. This song gets nostalgic potato grade A+ in my book and is my mother, Amber’s personal favorite(collected outside data of people’s fave’s of the album). It has everything. The kick ass metal tones, guitar riffs, bass, and drums. With the piercing vocals from Andy. “I’ll stand up to the pain” no pun intended on that one. Basically this song is telling fans “Don’t let the fire that burns inside you fade away” NEVER.
“Faithless”:
This song has that ole “From Whom The Bell Tolls” by Metallica meets the Misfits and Motley Crue vibe. The bells in the intro of the song was very nostalgic to me being a fan of Metallica’s from the womb till today. Jake, Jinxx, Andy, CC, and “Former” really showed their chops on this song. Each individual cord and beat is very raw and in the face with emotion. I am very pleased with this song. Some people might be biased on this song due to the credentials that “BVB AREN’T METAL” and “BVB aren’t metal insert derogatory term against them here” For factual purposes. BVB never claimed to be metal or anything. Just a mere rock and roll band wanting a good fucking time which they deserve so much. There is a lyric Andy wrote against these people and ignorant people in general that is “Cross your heart, open your mind” and “Behold the new hate”. Hate in general has an immature face. Its biased and cruel. If people took the amount of time researching about the thing they hate or just ignore it than we would have a semi peaceful planet. But that will never happened cause people have their own brains and they function them however they please. Forcing opinions down people’s throats don’t help either. The other outwardly lyrics that popped out at me are “I’ll never say a prayer I don’t believe” and “Hide your face in their disguise” Basically shoving beliefs and religion into people’s minds is stupid and blatantly uncool thing to do. Plus hiding behind false identities and hiding behind social media being a “Keyboard Warrior” is not okay either. I am complete secular person when it comes to pushing beliefs to someone else. I rather give someone options versus the cruel “Check this out. Oh by the way if you don’t check this out you will die in 24 hours” that shit makes me incredibly mad. So I get what Andy is trying to teach us through lyric in the song. That is don’t let some stupid person get in the way of your beliefs and dreams(reminds me of infamous Andy versus Asshole video on YouTube, (will provide link here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dzo71iva76Q ) Just for the inspiration of it and mere amusement of me yelling at my computer “Go Andy Go”), So overall the song is a killer metal vibe rock and roll mosh potato A +.
“Devil In The Mirror”:
This shin digger had me either very emotional or head banging my head off. This one is very personal or me. The lyrics Andy wrote for this hauntingly accurate to anyone who is battling inner demons. I battled inner demons all my life. Looking in the mirror was one of them. I always cared for myself poorly when I was a teenager cause I was extremely bullied and depressed. I was just empty. Lost for hope. When I heard this song. I let go all the demons that haunted me as child and as teenager. Just let myself live. I realized I am who I am. I can’t be changed. All through my teens and as a child I chanted “I can’t take it anymore” which is lyric from the song. I have in my adulthood chanted that also. Until the day I discovered BVB and my empty feeling turned into pure love and hope for everything. We all come from the same back ground but with different stories and family lives. The other lyrical standpoints in the song that grabbed at me are “ I am just a human, I am ready to die”, “I will never let you win”, “Never look forward, Just straight down a gun”. These lyrics grab at me very personally. The first mentioned one “I am just a human, I am ready to die” hits me to the core cause of the medical bullshit I go through each and everyday. Everyday is struggle to get by but I keep a positive face and outlook on life. Being negative in life won’t get anyone nowhere. So basically its very cleansing and refreshing to hear such a cathartic lyric piece through a song. Plus “I will never let you win” intertwines with my outlook on life and my beliefs. I never let my medical issues win the fight over my positive attitude. I am very lucky to be born with such unique abilities to help others through my inner demons to fight theirs too(my goal is to get my social work degree while I do journalism as a hobby/full me project). My sweetheart attitude in life was very nature and nurtured. So to sum this song that receives an A+ potato in my book its one to listen to when you’re at your own wits end with daily life bullshit and among other things. It’s a song to head bang the hell out too while cathartically getting your problems out in positive light. Cause that is the message of Black Veil Brides. To ensure positive and health self-worth among their fan base. Andy’s vocal tone to this song has that punk and hard rock vibes to it. It’s a song that one can go honky tonking in the car and feel like they are in motion picture film.
“Goodbye Agony”:
This song hits me VERY VERY personally. This song gives many many Easter eggs in the lyrics and in the official music video itself. The song has so many layers and keynotes to it. It touches base with songs BVB has done in the past such as “Knives and Pens”, “Coffin”, and the whole catalog behind the story of “Legion Of The Black” in the movie. The song has several meanings uniquely to the listener. I being a convert to BVBism. It is a song that I rehabilitated my heart on and finally put to rest the past I had being a disbeliever in BVB’s message and what they portray in their lyrics of a positive limelight to their fans via self-worth, etc. When I apologized to BVB on November 8th, 2014 being the first one to do so and not the last. I did it with the notion to leave the shit behind me(which it did) and start something beautiful with five guys who mean the world to me now. I did it because I was born and raised to apologized for my wrong doings. With that allowed me to say this after I met the four amazing and sweet heart guys in Black Veil Brides. I said to myself “I had my own personal “Goodbye Agony” moment” It was such a bittersweet moment to share among myself and the four lovely guys in BVB. They deserved it so much. They more than deserved it actually. The memory of this is everlasting. So glad I did it cause I am extremely happy now than I was years ago.
The song also hits on the layers of BVB’s career. The metamorphization of Andy Six or Sixx to Andy Biersack(His real name if your new to BVB).The song also hits on the timeline of little kid(David Basik) in the “Knives and Pens” video to his grown up character to Eve Black(Alicia Vigil) character. It tells the story of how far they came. The members of BVB maturing and coming into their own character in the band. From BVB’s heavily make up era to what I call their “KISS no face paint era” to the resurrection of some of their elements of the make-up coming back. I am proud to have gotten to know the band at the end of their heavily make up era to their glam non-make up era(I grew up on glam metal such a small ass world on that one, BVB stole my heart at “In The End”(Sounds like a Kay or Zales commercial) but yes I grew up on the mentioned above bands from the 80’s, etc). “Goodbye Agony” Andy stated in an Interview with Backstage Axxcess that the song was a huge love letter to the BVB army. It’s very emotional song musical wise with every cord and beat tone cathartically transposition of breath-taking hooks, magical vocals, tones, and melodies mixed together to create an ode ballad. This song gets a Kleenex box filled with tater tots with a rating of A+. The past will always be their but the future will and present will be their. This song is also a favorite of my mothers and recently my uncle Mark’s. The song is an ultimate bittersweet ode song to whatever the person and however the person interprets it in their own mind. It’s beautiful timeless song that I am sure one day I will see in the classic mix’s. Song reminds me November Rain/Guns and Roses and Nothing Else Matters/Metallica.
“World of Sacrifice”:
This song reminds me of the song by a band that I would watch their music sometimes before I headed of to the dreaded high school. The song is called “Sister Christian” by Night Ranger. Just the same tone lyric wise. But Night Ranger tackled on sinful young women who was raised in very religious home but “World of Sacrifice” tackles the deeper level of how people basically give up their dreams and aspirations in order to fulfill their family traditions and religious aspects. All the lyrics need to this song need to be accounted for as well as the musical attributes(again damn Jake, CC, and Jinxx your growth as musicians along with Andy’s vocals has improved with this album). This tackles a person living on the edge and lost. It also affects the youth more than the adults. Why? Youth are more vulnerable to believing in things such as religion and beliefs. Being pushed into a grey mold and not get to express yourself is very horrible and not cool life to live. Many parents of today push their kids into things they don’t want to do such as extracurricular activities or sports. It’s very sad that youth don’t get to express themselves cause of parents, religion, etc. Same goes with adults. They work a job they hate and have to survive. don’t get to express their dreams cause they have died cause of strict belief systems, etc. So this song tackles the respect of. Go out their. Go against the grain and fulfill your dreams even if it is against everything you were taught in life. Long live your dreams. Never give in. This song gets my golden star potato of A+.
“Last Rites”:
This song reminds me of the song by Starship called “We Built This City”. It has that 80’s powerhouse shit kicker vibe to it. So when the first chord to the intro comes on its like “Heart Of Fire”, “Faithless”, and “Devil In The Mirror”. I have that rock and roll head banger vibe that gets you pumped for the day. Its one to blast in your car when you go for a joyride or a ride out in the city(me honky-tonk town, USA). The musical tones and beats are very odish to all the 80’s era of punk, metal, and rock. Andy’s(plus his vocal tones throughout the song) lyrics to this song were very Ace!. Basically giving a another anthem to all of us whom are “Outcasts” ,”The Misfits”, and “Whatever the hell people called us while judging us”. “Last Rites in a lost city, I can’t fight for a life I’ve never know, Dark lights giving no pity, Last Rites for a place I call my home” Whatever you call your home. At a concert. In your art studio. Whatever you call YOUR home. Never forget what makes you, YOU. You fought for your dreams. Never let them slip through the cracks. During your dark times and great times. Always remember humbly what go YOU their. YOU are your own star. NEVER give in on your dreams. This song basically admits to the closure that YOU have “Rites”. If they are your “Last Rites” make god damn sure you prove to people who YOU are and leave a lasting mark impression on them(oh and block those buttheads who don’t approve of your dreams and talents). This song gets the potato Ace! of A+. This song is also my moms personal favorite.
“Stolen Omen”:
This song has an indirect about hate song written all over it toward anything it can be interpreted to. I had a crazy thought two months ago about this song. It reminded me if Slayer had a baby with glam metal. Laughing so hard right now. Being’s though Slayer is thrash metal band that spanned out of the 80’s with likes with Metallica, Megadeth, Anthrax, etc. This song has the thrash, power, and death metal drum tones the CC portrays so well in this song. The guitar cords and how Jake and Jinxx created monster guitar riffs tones are insane with Andy’s epic growls and vocal cordings massed a song so powerful it can start a moshed pit. I hope they break this song out at Download or somewhere with a larger audience cause it has the velocity and electricity of Anthrax “Caught in A Mosh”. The lyrics that hit me personally are “I sing for the hope that is broken, They live for a Stolen Omen” and “I see this, I know pain, lets see you try” “Punk” “YES” You tell them Andy. You tell them your words of wisdom. You tell them how you want BVB to just have a fair chance in the world without the asshole hate among other shit that goes on in the world cause I agree. This shit kicker is filled of pure inspirational wisdom from Andy. The musical cords and beats from “Former”, CC, Jinxx, and Jake is fucking amazing. I put this song on repeat the first time I heard it. I remember I had a moment of “What the fuck did I just listen to” It was so awesome. It gets my too much metal for both potatoes A+.
“Walk Away”:
This song is another ballad song off of “Black Veil Brides: Black Veil Brides” or commonly known as BVB4. This song is a killer song. It’s a song that can inspire a human being in part of their life good or bad. “Walk Away” is a power ballad that has the chops to be like “Goodbye Agony” it has the Guns N Roses/Poison/Etc vibe to it while Jinxx shows his virtuoso musical abilities with the violin and Jake/Ashley show emotion through cords throughout the song. CC’s slow drum beats to the song is magical and very majestic sounding with the piano intertwined into the beautiful layered song. To top it all off Andy’s vocal tones and lyrics to the song makes this song very bittersweet. This song hits me very very personal. I am have gone through a lot of medical bullshit lately and the first time I heard “Walk Away” I plain out cried after listening to it for the first time. This song has very powerful message of in my eyes “Walking away from the pain” and I know I will always have the BVB army their to talk to me if I am down and need to vent. I let others do the same cause I am their for all the BVB army. This song gets my loyal potato award of A+. Because BVB helps so many lives and has the message of self-worth and self empowerment. We are the ones that saved OUR own lives but do give a sliver of credit to the band that helped you through something unbearable. NEVER GIVE IN. NEVER.
“Drag Me To The Grave”:
This song hit me hard when I listened to the lyrics deeply. I myself have dealt with suicide before within myself and within my family, friends, and community. I converted into a huge BVB fan when I heard “In The End”. The day I converted I was going to end my life sort of speak. It is myself whom I saved my own life. Again the band gets a small sliver of credit of helping you through something so shitty. I will always give BVB each a small bag of potatoes for helping me through something I got through myself cause I am strong “I am fighter”. It’s sad that cowardly people push people to do something so horrible to themselves. Mine was a deeper issue with depression and severe 24/7 365 pain I am still in today. My life is worth living despite being in severe amounts of pain due to all 14 of my medical conditions. I have something to live for and that is to help people. My legacy is to help people like BVB does to their fan base among other bands that do their shit right and bring a positive outlook for their fan base. Suicide IS NEVER okay. Some people lose the fight but it doesn’t make them a bad person(some religions believe in if you commit the act of suicide you got to hell, I don’t believe in this. But it’s whatever. Let live). So please I can’t spread awareness quick enough. Suicide prevention is year around thing for myself. I took a three class on suicide while I was in college. I know how to prevent suicide to a degree but I send people the proper links, hotlines, etc to get proper help cause mental health is so needed nowadays along with all around body health. Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem. YOU can get through it know matter how hard and shitty the situation is. Life isn’t easy but it is what you make it. Make it a good one. Make your dreams happen. Fight for them. NEVER give in. If you can’t the US hotline to suicide prevention line is: 1(800)-273-8255. The International hotline directory for suicide prevention is here: (http://www.suicide.org/international-suicide-hotlines.html) Additional US Suicide Prevention information here: (http://www.afsp.org/).
This song had amazing backing vocals and Andy’s vocals and lyrics were very powerful. Andy has a knack of spreading positive light through a shitty topic. He tackled the subject very kindly and very inspirational. The music upbeats from Jake’s guitar feeding off of Jinxx’s guitar with CC’s (ONE FOR FUN) drum beats. This song makes one want to dance whilst giving a positive message of “BVB believes in you so dance for “One for fun”, Rise up and celebrate your life”. The lyric that made me cry the most was “Heroes blessed by the fire” cause it struck me deeply that I actually saved 24 people from killing themselves. It’s basically an homage to when indians celebrated their elder and they would have a huge bond fire. In that fire they celebrated their heroes. I live in a very very historical Indian reservation where their culture is celebrated here among other cultures so It’s a fun way to honor such a lyric. Many cultures celebrate their heroes through bond fires. Its awesome. So I give this my “I believe in YOU!” potato seal of an award of A+.
The suicide sign. Held by Andy Biersack
“I believe in you” Photo credit: carlitos_n
“The Shattered God”: *(This song can be uni-sexed in interpret into however you please)
This song deals with greed, alcohol and drug abuse, suicide(see “Drag Me To The Grave” for explanation), and crime. They lyrics deeply describe how one can destroy themselves and slowly kill every relationship and friendship the person has ever made. Drugs and alcohol can do major damage to ones personal and business life. I have experienced this among family and friends. It’s sad how people can change. It’s a sad life really. I dealt with addiction myself but its the person whom wants to need to seek the help. A life of crime and addiction gets people no where in life. Life is what YOU make it. If someone choose to do drugs, abuse alcohol, etc that is their fancy. But know YOU are hurting the best person you have in your life and that is YOU. The songs intro is as real as it gets.
“Failure and apathy descend
Success just hasn’t been your friend
You live a lie high as the sky
This taste like iron blood and greed
Tell us of what you’ll never be
I won’t ask why, just let it die”
Let alone this one too : “Your eyes are empty like your bed” Andy you hit right where it hurts don’t you with that old-fashioned response to your “haters” joke that BVB gets ALL the girls. No pun intended their Andy. You made a timeless classic with CC, Jinxx, Jake, and Ashley with this one. Many people go through things but good karma and bad karma weighs itself out in everyone’s life here on the planet. The song reminded me of the Motley Crue “Shout At The Devil” and Skid Row’s “Youth Gone Wild” meets a new level of its own. The song is just filled with riffs and cords galore. I can tell Jake had fun one with this one getting to shred some on this album in all the song but this song you can really hear it and feel it. Feeds off with Jinxx’s shredding too. CC’s power drumming. Plus to top it off with an angry tones to his vocals with Andy singing its sure a head banger classic. To give the chives, sour cream, bacon bits, avocado, or cheese to this great song Jake unique shredding solo at the end of the song which I gave it a name. Its called “The Slot Machine riff Solo” by yours truly Jake Pitts. I give this song a loaded baked potato award of A+.
“Crown of Thorns”:
This song is an ode to all the 7 and impending years BVB has been a band together. All the lyrics to “Crown of Thorns” hits me hard cause all of them are preaching that even if in thick and thin. We all will be their for each other. YOU all have in the BVB army through supporting them in so many things such as voting, defending the band, through your artwork, etc YOU as a the member of the BVB army show forth. BVB has shown forth their thanks to you through song and special cool things such as merchandise and a film “Legion Of The Black”. It’s all done for you. ” It’s a song for new and old BVB army alike. WE ALL MATTER NO MATTER WHAT ERA YOU JOINED AS A FAN TO BE IN THE BLACK VEIL BRIDES ARMY. No one is higher than anyone else. Were all equal. We all need to love and support each other like Black Veil Brides self-worth and anti-bullying message is. We are one, For we are MANY.
The song references to songs of BVB’s such as “Saviour”, “Ritual”. “Lost It All”, “Done For You”, “Devils Choir”, and “Nobody’s Hero”. The song also has classical Metallica influence to the guitar solo. Its a reference to Metallica’s “Nothing Else Matters” and “The Unforgiven”. Jinxx, Jake, CC, “Former”, and Andy did a great job on this song pouring their hearts out to us fans. It’s very cool and awesome experience music from such amazing, nose to the grind stone, hardworking, talented musician such as them. They each give something unique through BVB to give to their fans. It’s truly great to see such talent on Earth. I will never take for grant these five great guys. To know they went through the thick and thin. Came through for us all is inspirational in itself. This song gets my honorary five potato inspirational potato award of A+.
*”Sons of Night”:
I wasn’t able to review this song cause I don’t have the song legally. Waiting to purchase it. Will post a single review when I get it whenever it becomes available to purchase.
I will explain why I gave BVB the “Potatotastic shit kicker Golden Goddess potato award” and solid A+’s. It’s because all five of them worked their asses off on this album not only materialistic level but on personal level too. While they were creating BVB4. They patched up their inner business relationships and their friendships just as buddies in general outside of BVB. They truly deserve a great award for BVB4. BVB are extremely caring and sweethearts when It comes to their fans. When it comes to making music for us they literally do give us their all. It’s very amazing how I grew with this band in the two years I have known them and can call them my inspirations. BVB truly deserve so much in their careers them as a whole and individually. So I am not trying to be biased cause I am BVB fan really. It’s just the fact that they grew SO MUCH with this album and its respect isn’t heard. All of them deserve all the positive feedback they get from this album I am hoping someday will become a timeless classic with all the rock and roll legends such as Alice Cooper, Motley Crue, KISS, Metallica, The Misfits, Pantera, etc.
So all in all. BVB is one band that deserves a lot but is only handed so few opportunities in their career and lifespan with BVB. So support them. Buy not download for free. Supporting an artist is so fun though cause you get music that lasts for a lifetime in your soul that relates to you the listener in your own unique way. Each song of BVB’s off of their each individual album hits me personally in its own way. I love that about music on how it has the power to tell a story without it having too. Music never fails me how much it inspires me and makes me feel alive. Never will take for grant the experiences I have had with BVB with the two concerts I have been to and meeting them on Nov 8th, 2014. What I said to BVB is something I will NEVER forget. They each deserved it. They all mean the world to me and I will never take it for grant. So thankful and grateful to have so many best friends through BVB in the BVB army. YOU all are amazing. NEVER give in. NEVER back down. NEVER. Always remember in our times of pain and sorrow. YOU can rise from the ashes and conquer the world. Don’t give up on dreams like BVB did cause “WE ALL WILL RULE THE WORLD ONE DAY AT A TIME!”
-Written by: Mariah L. Hanna 2/18/2015 @PotatoBVBQueen *See my “About” page for sharing info and inquires.
Hi, my name is Mariah. I have gone through so many medical issues through out my life. When I was young I gotten sick more than the average kids while growing up. I suffered and overcame Attention Deficit Disorder. I took medication for it till I was a sophomore in high school. I didn’t like the side effects what the medications gave me. One in particular gave me sleep insomnia and screwed up my sleep clock schedule. That medication is called Concerta. I don’t condone parents of kids who have ADD or ADHD to use medications first to solve the problem. Since kids of young ages have rapidly growing bodies and to have this chemical in their bodies is just wrong. I would seek different ways to cope with the ADD or ADHD. Here’s how I have managed to stay off the medication 10 years. Its hard for one to stay on task. Especially if you have ADD or ADHD. Ones brain is constantly active 24/7; 365. I have found that coffee and tea was a natural stimulant to keep one focused with ADD and ADHD. Sitting in front of the classroom was a great way to stay focused with what was going on the white board and what the teacher or college professor was doing. I find that in daily life people can slack off and things. I have this get everything important done when your an adult before play. If you have this mindset. You will be set to be successful in life.
I have had female problems throughout my life. I just learn to deal with them. I was diagnosed with Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome last year after years of suffering horrible periods and cramps. I tried everything for them exercise and everything in the book but I finally consulted my doctor about it. If you want to know this personal story contact me on here or via on twitter @PotatoBVBQueen. I am open about my medical things but some of it to a certain extent.
I also was bullied too thought out my life. With my learning disabilities and other outstanding disabilities. I have learned to stick up for myself. Bullying is not okay. I hope one day it is abolished. I got called several names. To many to mention here. I will make a post later on about my bullying story. But anyways, on too my biggest medical obstacle I have ever overcame and still am struggling till this day.
I was enjoying my last year of high school the best I could. I was overjoyed that I made it to my senior year of high school cause the doctors told me that I would never receive a high school diploma or go to college. I DID BOTH. Not to mention I got accepted into my nursing program. With being diagnosed with ADD. Until one day in November of 2009 changed my life forever. I was seemingly ordinarily teenager like everyone else listening to music like Black Veil Brides, Avenged Sevenfold, Atreyu, etc. Doing ordinary teenage stuff until that day came I got excruciating headaches. The pain is almost undescribable. Some days I just want to sleep the whole day through or just lay in my famous awkward position that semi helps. lol. But as the title of this blog aptly puts I overcome every obstacle. The pain in my head hurts so bad that I sometimes pass out or black out from intense pressure that has built in my head. I have gone to 10 Neurologists and one Neurosurgeon. I have been admitted 12 times in the hospital for my severe headaches. Some of the doctors think its “All in my head” and I am simply their to get pain killers cause they think I am pain killer addict when simply I am not. I go their for answers but simply get turned down cause I am an unsolved mystery. Until I met my one neurologist. Dr. Dunn. He has helped me tremendously and has gotten me on a path to probably solving or helping cure some of my headaches.
To everyone that is reading this. I have rare headache syndrome called Spontaneous Intracranial Hypotension. 60 people in the world have this rare syndrome. 1 in 50,000 births have this rare disease. Its potentially life threatening. I got diagnosed with this last year as well. It forever changed my life March of 2011 of months of going through hell with the doctors and the headaches weren’t getting any better. But I stayed positive and strong throughout the whole thing. Music, family, and friends helped through that difficult time in my life.
I had to get a spinal tap with this as well. Plus several CAT SCAN’s and MRI’s. Luckily one of the MRI’s should my rare syndrome. I was born with tiny veins through out my body. It is extremely difficult to retrieve blood from me for tests.
Plus with my headaches I have had other medical issues as well that has been associated with my severe headaches. I have severe Gastro-intestinal issues, GERD( Gastro-Esophageal Reflux Disease), and feet pain issues which is called Athromylagia.
The doctor said I have microscopic CSF( Cerebrospinal Leak) in my head somewhere since their is no one in my spinal column. I had to take a test and my left nostril was negative and my right nostril was positive for the leak.
I have to be knocked out for my next test before I have brain surgery to fix the leak. The ENT has to pack my nostrils and pour contrast up their to see if they can find the leak that way if they do. Then they will set my brain surgery. I am fully confident that the doctors are going to help cure some of my headache pain. I am very strong and positive about everything.
I also have taken several medications for my severe headaches but I have become immune to them that I have just resorted to suffering with the pain. Pain medication just coat the issue. Plus one can get addict. So I have forced myself to cope and deal with all these issues with out any pain medication what so ever. I would like to say my headaches are like a hangover but without the alcohol involved.
I also was diagnosed with Chronic Migraine Daily Syndrome. If I have to life with a life long headache for the rest of my life, I sure as hell need to make it great, positive, awesome, amazing, and phenomenal experience. Cause what is life with a self wallowing pity party. With my headaches it has inspired me and also helped me find what I want to do with my life in the future.
I want to become a disabilities psychotherapist for the elderly and children of all ages. My life’s mission is to help others and make others feel good about themselves. If you are reading this you are amazing. Know someone out their loves you for who you are.
I also want to add that the pain that I have gone through for 2 plus years has gave me some depression. I have had my bouts with suicidal thoughts but I have overcame them.
I am so glad that I have gotten this all blogged out. If you have read this blog. Thank you for doing so. I plan on doing great things in the future with all this. But right now I am currently on a Speed Bump in my life. Everyone has them. This won’t be last one neither.
I live by the saying “Shit Happens” shit does happen for reason. Either in a funny way or a bad way. I say it numerous times a day. Plus my other famous saying “You get shit in one hand and roses and tulips in the other” lol.
On my end note. I want everyone that has read this think to themselves. Be grateful for what you have in your life. Cause someone else out their has it worse than you. Don’t take shit from no body. You all are amazing. Know that somewhere out their someone loves you. Some way somehow we are all connected together by common roots and grounds. Life has brought me beautiful things to see in life. I don’t take nothing for grant.
I wish all of you the best in health, life, and endeavors. Vibes from Potatoland. Know that YOU are worth it and best of wishes.
With lots of love,
Mariah L, Hanna 8/11/2012 *Revised 2/9/2017
Words by Mariah L, Hanna: If you steal from me I will haunt you down and make you give my words back and potatoes.