Matt Tuck Always Played The Bass On Bullet For My Valentine Records, So Chill

The last time The Music interviewed Matt Tuck, vocalist/guitarist for Bullet For My Valentine, he revealed selected material from the Welshmen's 2013 LP Temper Temper had been fuelled by inner-band tensions. Speaking mere days before follow-up Venom's release, he maintains they're all back on the same page.

"Coming off the back of the last one, it was a really successful record, but there was criticism that it wasn't, I don't know, heavy enough for some people," Tuck admits, from the tour bus during their current North American jaunt with Slipknot and Lamb Of God. "It was just taking that on board and reflecting on what made us the band we were in the first place. It's difficult when you're five albums in and a decade down the line, but as soon as we got a clear vision of what we wanted to do with the band, it was easy."

"[Our new recruit has] gone from working in a car showroom to touring America with Slipknot. His mind is being blown right now."

They also renewed their working relationship with veteran metal producer Colin Richardson. These factors translated into an enhanced sense of aggression, albeit without eschewing the arena-friendly hooks for which they're renowned. "We just wanted to make something exciting, that got people fucking fist-pumping, heart-racing. We took influence from what we've done in the past, and try and keep the identity of what makes us who we are there. I think something got lost on the last one, [but Venom], it was just hard-hitting lyrics and the soundtrack to match."

The harmonious environment is partially attributable to splitting with long-time bassist Jason James. The quartet didn't emerge emotionally unscathed, though. "It tugged on the heartstrings a lot. Jay was a big part of the band from day one, and we were friends even before the band existed forever. It was a difficult time for everyone, but we handled it the best we could. But it was for Jay's best interests and the band's interests that the time came that we moved on." New recruit Jamie Mathias' similar upbringing and fondness for "more traditional metal" eased the transition. "He's gone from working in a car showroom to touring America with Slipknot. His mind is being blown right now."

There's a perception that when a group of such status undergoes its first major line-up shift, the initial gang mentality dissolves somewhat. Tuck doesn't agree, believing the "behind the scenes" manner by which the departure was addressed ensured there wasn't excessive drama or fan fallout. "Jay was never a creative force in the band, he was just in the band and would play live. He didn't contribute to the writing process. I actually played the bass on most of the records, because it was easier and quicker.

"The only thing different was the emotional attachment and the bond we had as friends. For us it was more just coming to terms with the fact he wasn't going to be with us anymore... We never made it aware that he wasn't like a creative input in the band; there was no need. But then once people started asking the questions — 'Who's going to do this on the record?' I was like, 'Well, me, because I've always done it, so chill.'"