[Single Review] With only a couple of weeks to go before the new album, BLACK VEIL BRIDES drop heavy track 'REVENGER (feat. ROBB FLYNN)'

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BLACK VEIL BRIDES (L-R): Jinxx, Andy, Christian, Jake, Lonny

Every now and then, you scroll past a news article that will catch your attention for any number of reasons. It might be a topic you're passionate about, it could be something that generally interests you and want to learn more about. And sometimes, it could be the simple fact that the headline itself makes you take a second glance and go 'really? REALLY?'. For me - that's how I reacted as a result of late night doom-scrolling and saw that alt-metallers Black Veil Brides had teamed up with heavy metal veterans Machine Head for their latest single 'Revenger'.

Now this isn't me saying 'Really? Machine Head did a collab with them? Urgh'...rather, it was more of a surprise to see these two bands had come together as I would have never thought of putting them side by side. Of course upon further reading, it made more sense this collab was a reality when it was cited by Andy Biersack that Robb Flynn had been in Black Veil Brides' corner since the early days and that it made sense to have someone of his calibre sit on the track. 

Let me tell you folks...this was heavy. For me, surprisingly heavy for Black Veil Brides. Not to say that the group haven't done their own version of heavy over the years of course, but this was a new realm for the quintet and showed how far they've come since the 'Knives and Pens' era all the way back in 2010. Both musically and lyrically, it shows a deeper side to the psyche used by the band as they gear up to unleash their next album 'Vindicate' on the world. 

The ferocity from the start of the song is intense. Explosive drums and a thunderous bass support the sharp and precise guitar work, all of which is matched by harsh vocal work that reflect the intensity of the track. The chorus is incredibly mesmerising, with Andy's shift to cleaner vocals really pushing the song to a new level whilst still maintaining that harsh element from the verse. The jump between Andy and Robb's vocals work incredibly well, with Robb's heavier gravelly vocals adding even more layers to an already packed track. Through the 3 minute 40 second runtime, there isn't a moment where the band let up - constantly firing explosion after explosion with each note played and/or song.

The overall production really exemplifies this as well, each member being pristine and clear through the mix so that we can hear the aggression in what they add via their respective roles. Everything is balanced in a way that means no-one outshines the other, which is ideal considering how much of a powerhouse Robb can be vocally. My biggest concern when seeing his name was he was going to dominate this track...but the members of Black Veil Brides proved they can match his power with their own oomph, and they did not fail to impress me throughout this track.

Collaborations are always an interesting mix in the music world, sometimes bringing us surprising results. For me, 'Revenger' is an example of this. Two artists that I wouldn't have thought I'd see working together melding their abilities perfectly into something that is heavy and brutal in its own way. I had heard that Black Veil Brides were going heavier with their seventh album, and this track showcases just how heavy they can go when compared to their previous work.