Having a history that dates back to 2006, Black Veil Brides quickly took the world by storm with Glam Metal war paint, an intense fanbase known as the BVB Army, and of course, their handsome, charismatic leader Andy Biersack. In fact, their 2010 debut album, We Stitch These Wounds, sold nearly 11,000 copies in its first week, reaching the position of #36 of the Chart Billboard 200, #1 Independent Release, and laid the groundwork for a very bright future. Now, amazingly a decade later, Black Veil Brides has decided to repackage the debut record and title it Re-Stitch These Wounds.
Set for release on Friday, July 31st through Sumerian Records, only a week apart from We Stitch These Wounds’ 10th birthday, Re-Stitch These Wounds features all the tracks from the original release, however, as completely re-recorded and remastered versions. That said, while redoing something which is already so beloved is no easy task, Black Veil Brides manages to do it quite well with Re-Stitch These Wounds. Read on to find out why…
Launched with a brief introduction, the epic opening of “We Stitch These Wounds” tears in as the clarified, passionate guitars ring out. Biersack’s vocals retain a rich depth and purpose, but also display a maturity that has evolved since the song’s original incarnation. Adding to it all, Coma’s drumming attacks and slices through the air, helping fuel a frantic pacing. The follow up, “Beautiful Remains,” keeps its breathtaking melodic undertone beneath Biersack’s harsh growls as the chunky tempo work of Jinxx interchanges with Jake Pitts. This is as “Children’s Surrender” remains rightfully very similar to its original composition, but while carrying a refreshed, polished execution.
Moving along, the opening of “Perfect Weapon,” with the wickedly delightful scream of Biersack, quickly gives way to multi-layered guitars and the pop of drums. Grand, open, and driven, the guitars/bass play perfectly to Biersack’s vocals with a poised and insurmountable tone. Which leads us to the signature “Knives and Pens,” a track filled with expertly composed nostalgia. Packing an even bigger punch, the buildup of the breakdown is perfectly overlaid with a classic Pitts guitar solo. Following next, “Mortician’s Daughter” is redone as a slow instrumental where piano wistfully plays against sorrowful, charming strings.
Not everything is tweaked too much though, because “Heaven’s Calling” remains a true headbanger. Opening with intensity, grinding guitars, the vocals, occasionally backed by a chorus, flow like water, culminating in an unforgettable chorus. The dynamic outset of “Never Give In” is then an outpouring of ferocity. Interestingly, the tone resembles Black Veil Brides’ 2014 self-titled album; especially in moments where the vocals darken and the fire tangibly rages in the instrumentation. Lastly, the album concluded as a revamped soft-spoken “Carolyn” emerges with a stunningly interweaved tapestry of chugging guitars.
For fans, the ten year anniversary of We Stitch These Wounds has been long awaited. A lot has happened for Black Veil Brides since the album’s release – they have grown as people and musicians. As for the band’s new vision of the album, the guitars echo their former selves, but with an updated intensity and clarity. Furthermore, the drums and bass keep a depth and heaviness; something that easily got lost in the frequencies of the original tracks. As for Biersack, his vocals have obviously developed and become far more polished in the last decade. Because of such, there is a decisiveness in the power as well as execution with his singing. Overall, the rebirth of this album is a glowing representation of the band’s evolution and sincerity to their craft. The dedication to the original incarnation of each song is palpable, but not overshadow, and that is why Cryptic Rock gives Re-Stitch These Wounds 5 out of 5 stars.
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