With two full length albums behind them and one LP, the band Black Veil Brides have made a huge impact on the modern day post-hardcore scene. Since the formation of the band in 2006, all of their albums have debuted on the Billboard Top 200 list in their first month of release and toured around the world. The bands highly anticipated third album named Wretched and Devine: The Story of the Wild Ones was finally released on January 9, 2013 after being pushed back from its original release date on Halloween in 2012. As any fan would be, I was highly excited to hear about the bands new release but at the same time I was surprised to hear that they would be changing up their sound for the album. Though their music has been greatly criticized mainly for the bands appearance and use of makeup it does not take away the fact that the album is an instant classic! But sadly that will never change and even though this album is fantastic close minded critics will continue to criticize every move the band makes.

With mixtures of Punk and Rock instilled throughout the album its hard not to give into their amazing sound. The choruses in “I Am Bulletproof” and “Resurrect the Sun” beg you to shout and chant at the top of your lungs as if you are part of coir. We are taken on a journey on this 19 track LP and quite simply put you get lost in the story being told. The main reason why people love their music is that it gives hope to people who have been harassed about their appearance or choice of music letting them knows that they’re not alone. Wretched and Devine does this   effortlessly, you continue to feel the emotion written in every song.

I’ll take a little time explaining the background story. “The Wild Ones” are obviously the band themselves who play the rebels of the Post-Apocalyptic world and are fighting against the oppressive government. “F.E.A.R.” is the proposed villain who is actually played by Wil Francis, or William Control, of Aiden in the story that compels his followers to disband the Wild Ones who he believes is trying to lead people out of the shadow. The album also includes intros, outros, and intermissions that are proposed broadcast and narrated by “F.E.A.R.” In the end, which ironically happens to be the most undeniable anthemic stand out single, the “Wild Ones” are victorious and vanquish “F.E.A.R.”.

We still get a taste of past albums on a few tracks which is honestly not surprising to me since they’re supposedly giving the old sound its last hurrah but in no way does that take anything away from the album!  But we also hear their new sound which if they continue with it will, in my opinion, will hopefully launch their careers even farther.

I have followed this band since the beginning and after listening to this album repeatedly I’m glad to call myself a proud member of the Black Veil Bride Army. I highly recommend for all the hardcore fans out there going buy the album and listen to it as soon as possible! Their U.S. “Church of the Wild Ones Tour” has already begun and will feature special guest William Control so go buy your ticket ! I’ve already purchased my own! I guarantee you, you will not be disappointed