Rock band Black Veil Brides thrive on “The Outsider,” the promo single from their highly-anticipated, comeback album, ‘Vale.’  

“I’m not the hope / That’s just wishing for the past / Like bringing Christ back from the ash / Could save the world.” Ah, “The Outsider” – the promo single that arrived far in advance of Vale, the highly-anticipated comeback album by rock band Black Veil Brides. Prior to Vale, the L.A. based metalcore collective has been missing-in-action for more than three years (Black Veil Brides, Fall 2014). Notably, Andy Black (aka Six, Biersack, etc.) released an underrated solo album between the band’s albums (The Shadow Side, 2016). But the focus is on “The Outsider.”

“The Outsider” initiates with fire, thanks to the ripe sounding lead guitar.  The wall of sound created by the guitars is awesome – epic, devastating, and dynamic.  There are some tremendous, jagged riffs, and following the majority of the lyrics, a short, but thrilling guitar solo.  Safe to say, the music is magnificent. Once he enters, Andy Six, ‘blesses’ the track with his signature pipes, in all their husky glory.  Vocally and lyrically, he paints a stellar portrait of being “the outsider.”  On the first verse, he asserts:

“They will burn down every bridge / Spread the word of ignorance / All blind to your eyes / Forget the innocent.”

The second verse has a similar, marginalized tone. He sums up these isolated, outsider feelings on the thrilling chorus.

“Say a prayer, every night / All we hear must be right / I am the outsider / Living life for the end / Nothing left to defend / I am the outsider.”

Final Thoughts

How does “The Outsider” stack up? There is no reason whatsoever to isolate this joint. Great music, top-notch vocals, and ample energy make this a winner through and through. The wheel hasn’t been reinvented, but that’s no problem whatsoever.  It’s all good.

Black Veil Brides • Vale • Republic • Release: 1.12.18

Photo Credit: Republic