Album Review

 Album Review

Hello everyone! I'm doing something different today, I don't write these very often because these are very time consuming for me. But I really wanted to do this one, because this particular album turns 15 years old this year! I'm am reviewing Set The World On Fire by Black Veil Brides! So let's get into it! 

Song 1-New Religion

Starting with the intro, we have this nice bass and guitar blending. I love that, sounds heavy and very rock centered. A great set up for the start of this album. Then we move right long into the first verse: "Welcome to your life, we got you in our sights. And thoughts of God are better left alone, it's in your head black and blue. What they told you wasn't true, come along and fight with the unknown. The army's grown." I don't really have anything to comment on here, so we'll just move along. The pre-chorus: "We'll pray to all the wrong decisions (whoa) this time you'll show all you can be. (whoa) Grab your weapons now, we'll run against the crowd. And changing history." Because that's the only way, you can change things in this world. Is if you fight for them! The chorus: "Let's take the vow, we will show you how. Your time has come, for the new religion. Your voice is found, be a savior now. The battle's won for the new religion." I like the concept of this song, it means that as long as you believe in something. You're good, like I chose my religion (Pantheism) and I believe that everyone should feel free to do the same. The second verse: "No one can defeat what the congregation speaks, bound together the flag that we defend. They made a fool out of you, but you knew just what to do. Raise your fists up and stand until the end. (Fight back)" I think this part is pretty much self explanatory. Then the pre-chorus and the chorus repeat, followed by an instrumental part. Then there's the bridge: "Come now and imagine with me, taking back a world that was once ours. Let's regain the power, and then we will love what we've become." I like this part, because sometimes people use religion as a weapon, or as a scare tactic into doing something or guilt trip people. Which is the opposite of most religions that based on love and understanding. So I like that they're saying we can take back control over our lives, and make our own choices on what we believe in. The chorus repeats again, and there's this spoken message as the outro. "We are the unholy, we are the b******** sons of your media culture. Our minds, eyes and bodies were born in your exclusion. An illusion you hide behind. You don't love a God, you love your comfort. To you we are filth, we are dirty. So be it. We are dirty and unclean, a congregation of the unseen. Together we will set this world on fire, this is the new religion. Amen!" Preach! I like this religion, and honestly this last part is a great example of some toxic religious people in the world. Only sometimes they can be much worse than just this stuff, which is not okay. Religion shouldn't be used as a weapon, or used as a scare tactic. Or to push beliefs on others, simply because you think you're in the right. Well guess what, people are different, people deserve love and respect, no matter what. And if you don't like it, well than it's your tough luck, because as humans we should be in charge of our own lives, and decide for ourselves what we think is right, and we should get to choose what to believe in. And if you claim your religion, doesn't accept certain people, or thinks their weirdos, or whatever else that's hurtful and cruel. Than maybe you should pick a better religion. Okay, I've said my piece on that one. The instrumental aspect of this song is really good, a very great set up for this album. It sets the tone perfectly, and the arrangement is really good. The vocals are also on point. 

Song 2-Set The World On Fire

This next song is the title of the album, and this is a really good song off this album. We start in heavy with the drum beat, which sounds really cool. Then we're hit with the, guitar and bass. Very nice. It sounds almost movie like, which I love. This leads us into the first verse: "Saints born together to fight against their holy fables, the streets are where we pray. Hymns for the lonely, wretched and forgotten. The feeling in our hearts won't ever fade away." Always there with the meaningful lyrics. I love it. The pre-chorus: "We stand tall (united) watch them fall (divided) Break the chains and now we'll show them all (fight)" Really love the vocals on this one, it's so smooth. I love this fact. The chorus: "Fight for all you know, when your back's against the wall. Stand against the liars, stronger than before. When your life becomes a war, set the world on fire." I love how this is a metaphor, for standing up for what you believe in. I love that, music can absolutely inspire us to fight for what's right, and make us think about important topics. The second verse: "Sing out united against the ones you left in hatred, our message of today. Like children crying when all they knew was dying, and we will raise our flags up it's time for them to pay." Absolutely! Say it louder for the people in the back! Then the pre-chorus, and the chorus repeat. Then we have the bridge: "So sing it loud you hold the key, we're the rebels and we're free. It's time to burn all that you see, now the world belongs to me." This is actually a really nice bridge, there's a nice transition from the chorus into this bridge. Then there's an instrumental part, and the chorus repeats again. Followed by an outro, that has some lyrics. "Proud in all you are, showing every scar. As your badge of honor, when you can't take anymore. Of what they're living for, set the world on fire." Just a really great song about fighting for what's right, and standing up for those who can't. 

Song 3-Fallen Angels

This is probably one of favourite tracks on this album, and it's one of their most popular songs. Starting with the intro, there's some vocals at the beginning. "Scream, shout. Scream, shout. We are the fallen angels." And there's instrumental sections in between these parts. The instrumentals are very nice to listen to, and I love the fast paced rock sound. This leads us into the first verse: "We are the in between, cast down as sons of war. Struck to the earth like lightning, on this world we're torn. We won't cause the pain, of living out their law. Take joy in who you are, we know our wings are flawed." I like the concept of supporting the outcasts, and showing that we're all fallen angels. The pre-chorus: "We're bored to death in heaven, and all alone in hell. We only want to be ourselves." Exactly. This is honestly such an emo anthem, and I love it. The chorus: "We scream, we shout. We are the fallen angels. We scream, we shout, woah oh, woah, oh oh oh. To those who sing alone, no need to feel the sorrow. We scream, we shout, woah oh. We are the fallen angels." I love how in the music video for this song, there's a group of people chanting their name. It really shows how there's a huge community around this band. There's an instrumental part, then it's the second verse: "Follow the mourning the star, a light when darkness fell. The passion left unholy, now you find yourself. We have no where to go, no one to wish us well. A cry to find our home, our stories they will tell." I like this part, because of how profound it is. It's almost like a message of hope. The pre-chorus and the chorus both repeat, and there isn't really a bridge on this one. The chorus just repeats a final time, and there's no outro. But a great song about how we're all different and unique and that should be something to admire. 

Song 4-Love Isn't Always Fair

I also love this track, it's very well done. And it's so true. The intro to this one is very guitar centered, I mean obviously there's the other instruments in there as well. But you can really hear the electric going to down in this intro. This brings us into the first verse: "One look and I am sold, you got me on my knees. You steal all my innocence, a love sick melody." I totally get what he's talking about here, I've been in love before. But it was with the wrong person. The chorus: "Take me, you always want the one that you can't have. Cause love isn't always fair, you are the best romance I never had. Cause love isn't always fair." That's very true, there's this guy I really, really, really, like! He's so amazing, and I wish there was a way I could talk to him more because he's so cool, and sweet. But I'm too awkward and nervous to ask for his number. I do really like him though. The second verse: "Your kiss a withered rose, your lips have buried me. Hearts race the moments gone, we shared this fantasy." This is like a sometimes the one you want is not the one need situation. Something I've learned the hard way, but really helped me move on. I like how this song is arranged, the verses are a little slower. It really adds dimension to the song. The chorus then repeats, and there's a little instrumental part before the bridge: "Kneel and pray for closure baby, this is the ride that we're on, oh. And I'm taking what you give to me. Never want it to stop, I want it all. In this temporary love." I always love talking to my crush, I never want that to end. He always answers my questions. And he always responds, I love the way he makes smiley faces out of these lines. He's so adorable! Oops sorry I got a little gushy there. I can't help it! I love him. After the bridge there's another instrumental part, then the chorus repeats a final time. This is a very easy listening song, very pleasing to the ear. There isn't really an outro, so the song kind of just ends. But a great song about love, and how it's not always as it seems. 

Song 5-God Bless You

  Now this song, is probably one of their more spiritual songs. Because it actually involves some kind of Deity, like a God. I really like how this one is set up though. Starting with the intro, we have this really fun old school rock feel to the intro. Something my parents would have listened to, and honestly still would. (Just to be clear, I'm not being mean. I genuinely think that they would listen to old school rock, because they love it) With that bass and drum combo, in comes the guitar. All beautifully blends well together. Bringing us into the first verse: "We're all told that when we die, we leave to a better place. And all I know is what you left, a love I can't erase. All the same in love and war, burn my name and ashes scorn." So I'm not sure exactly what this could be talking about, but I think it could be about a lost love? Maybe? I guess that's up for interpretation. The chorus: "You left me with these broken lies, and I let you. Got no more time for your goodbyes, so God bless you. God bless you." Oh, okay. I think he's saying how, even though you hurt me, I still wish you the best. Or something like that. The second verse: "Shed those faded memories, this is your curtain call. I've had enough of sympathy, it's time to watch you fall." Yeah, this part is deffinately saying I'm moving on, and I hope you know that. The chorus then repeats again, and there's no bridge, but there is an instrumental part. Very catchy melody on the chorus, which is expected from these guys. They are really good at hooks. The guitar solo on this song is so good! I can just picture the guitarist absolutely destroying the strings. Then the chorus repeats a final time, and there's no outro. Just a good song, about moving on. But still kind of wishing the one who hurt you good things. 

Song 6-Rebel Love Song

This song is also a favourite of mine. And this is another one of their most popular songs. I'm a sucker for any kind of romantic/love song, and this is no exception. Especially since I like how unique it is. In the intro, we're hit right away with this epic guitar action. Accompanied by the drums. Taking us into the first verse: "I cannot hide, what's on my mind. I feel it burning deep inside, a passion crime. To take what's mine, let us start living for today." So sweet, I need to take this advice honestly. I wish I knew how to ask my crush for his number, because I really want to have full conversations with him. But I'm too scared to ask. The pre-chorus: "Never gonna change my mind, we can leave it all behind. Nothing's gonna stop us, no not this time." Aww yes! Please, I want to take this chance with him! The chorus: "So take your hand in mine, it's ours tonight. This is a rebel love song, hearts will sacrifice. It's do or die. This is a rebel love song!" I like the concept of being rebels in love, just two people taking on the world in their own way together! So romantic. The second verse: My outlaw eyes, have seen their lies. I choke on, all they have to say. When worlds collide, what's left inside? I hold on tight and hear you pray." I just really like this section, that's all I have to say about it. The pre-chorus and the chorus repeat, but there's an extra little verse on the chorus: "Wild and running, for one reason, they can't stop us from our freedom." Preach! Only you can love how you want, and live your lives! Then there's an instrumental part, and the chorus repeats again. So no bridge, which is okay. Great hook on this chorus, and melody as well. The music video is also really good. There is a little bit of an outro, it has that guitar and drum mix. With the guitar being dragged out at the end, and that electric sound you get from doing that. I love that sound! A really great song about love, and living life the way you want to. 

Song 7-Savior

This is a such a beautiful song, and it's been helping me get through some stuff that's going on in my life. I absolutely love how it's set up, and the vocals are just so smooth. Starting with the intro, we have this slow acoustic guitar, backed up with the electric. It's just one of those songs, that make you wanna stop for a second and breathe. Which I am very grateful for. The first verse: "I never meant to be the one, who kept you from the dark. But now I know my wounds are sewn, because of who you are. I will take this burden on, and become the holy one. But remember I am human, and I'm bound to sing this song." It's just very comforting lyrics, I just love it! The pre-chorus: "So hear my voice, remind you not to bleed. I'm here." Sometimes we just need that person, or thing to help us stay strong. And I think they really captured that in this song. The chorus: "Savior, will be there. When you are feeling alone, oh. A savior, for all that you do. So you live freely without their harm." This makes me wanna hug Andy, and the rest of the guys. Just to thank them for writing such a powerful, meaningful, comforting song. There's a little instrumental part, before the second verse: "So here I write my lullaby, to all the lonely ones. Remember as you learn to try, to be the one you love. So I can take this pen, and teach you how to live. What is left unsaid, the greatest gift I give." It's so sweet, it sounds like he really cares about people, and it's so refreshing to know that. The pre-chorus and the chorus repeat again, and then there's the bridge: "When I hear your cries, praying for life. I will be there. When I hear your cries, praying for life. I will be there." Very much like a guardian angel, and that's why this song has been helping me with stuff. There's an instrumental part, with an outro. And there is some different lyrics on this part, and this section is screamed. "I will fight, I will always be there. I will fight, for you." And I will fight to stay alive. There is also a little drum work near the end. A really thoughtful and powerful song, to encourage you to keep going, and to stay alive. 

Song 8-The Legacy

I don't really have a lot to say about this song, but the music video is really cool. Let's begin with the intro. Right away we're hit with drums, going into the guitar riffs and strumming pattern, that has that unmistakable rock feel we all know and love. There's this really fast paced drum beat as well. This brings us into the first verse: "Racing faster, escape disaster. Partners in crime will leave their mark. We make our own way, no thoughts of yesterday. Black hearts of chrome and battle scars." I like these lyrics, it's similar to rebel love song. Where the message is to live your life the way you want to. There's some instrumental parts in between sections. The chorus: "The legacy born from a dream, on leather wings rose from the streets. With our hand of destiny." So the verses are faster, and the chorus is a little slower. I like that layout. The second verse: "We came from nothing, but promise one thing. We'll change the world with these guitars. So listen closely and don't stop working, no one can tell you who you are." This whole second verse is so inspiring, and speaks volumes. I love that. And you guys have already changed the world being who you are, at least to this girl. And absolutely nobody can tell you who you are, only you can decide that. There's an instrumental, then the chorus repeats. We have another instrumental before the bridge: "Go. Run (run) run (never look back) Run (run) run (never look back) Run, run, run. Never look back. Run." Sometimes you do just have to run away, before you find what you're looking for. The chorus then repeats a final time, and there is an outro. It's short, but I feel like it wraps up the song really well. A great song about writing your own story. 

Song 9-Die For You

Another sort of romantic song, at least I think it is. We kind of ease into the intro on this one, it's really nice. Has a great melody. Bringing us into the first verse: "The writing's on the wall, your crimson touch is going nowhere. And I'll hang on every word you said, and sink my teeth into this nightmare." So not really sure what this section is implying, but i still like it. The pre-chorus: "Woah oh, oh, oh, oh. I'm screaming out. Woah oh, oh, oh, oh. Can you hear me?" No comment here, I just thought this was powerful. The chorus: "I bleed for you, forever I will lie awake. I would die for you. I see the truth, I've given you my heart to break. I would die for you." Yeah I still think this is romantic, he's willing to go through the possibility of a broken heart. And is still willing to die for this person! I think that's really cool. There's an instrumental part, before the second verse: "I feel your body crawl, pale flesh for my devotion. True pain was all you ever meant, love would be our last emotion." Wow, just wow. *sigh*. I also like the vocals on this one, I mean the vocals are always on point in these songs. But I like how it's sung here. The pre-chorus and the chorus, both repeat. Then we have a small bridge: "With every breath I feel you there, forbidden love is falling. Your eyes sing despair." Oh is this supposed to be a parody of Romeo and Juliet? Because if so, that makes so much sense now. Also I like the forbidden love aspect thrown in there. There's an instrumental before the chorus repeats again for the final time. And there's no outro. But a great song about devotion, and love. 

Song 10-Ritual

I really like this song, but I almost feel like this should be the end song on this album. Because it has that closing song feel, but it isn't the last song. The intro, has this soft guitar sound. With a little cymbol action, I like that. Then the drums come in, and it's great! It just sounds like it's full of hope. The first verse: "Praying for what your heart brings, thoughts of escape and bloodshot eyes. You're barely sleeping, no longer dreaming. Now what do you do to feel alive?" This hits especially hard for me, I can't go into details with that. Because it's still too painful to talk about, but let's just say I find it relatable. I can answer that question though, writing helps me feel alive, as well as excersise. That really helps me feel alive, and it helps me reconnect with my body. The chorus: "Rise up and celebrate your life, we're not alone in our ritual. Sing for what you feel inside, becoming one with our ritual." I like the concept of being one with the things we do that make us happy, or feel okay. As an autistic person, my routines are very comforting to me. They make me feel safe. The second verse: "Singing songs of the old days, try to remember what's gone by. Stronger in new ways, don't care what they say. This is your life, it's time to rejoice." While I don't really feel like rejoicing right now, I get what they're saying. Enjoy your life, and the things/people you love. There's an instrumental part, then the chorus repeats again. Then it's the bridge: "Our destiny is what we learned, together wanting something more. Their misery and demons burn, a feeling that's worth fighting for." I agree. Another instrumental part, with a final repeat of the chorus. There's a little outro, that has a little violin music at the end. A song about finding comfort in the things you love, and to appreciate the people in your life. 

Song 11-Youth & Whiskey

And we are at the end of this album! With our closing song Youth & Whiskey! Let's get into it. I still feel like this should have been before Ritual, but still a good song. The intro almost sounds choppy at the start, but not actually. Just the way it's set up, sounds choppy. Also the melody sounds different than the rest of the album, in a good way. Which can be a nice way to close out an album. The first verse: "These words are burning inside of me, spent years in liquid harmony. This dream is who I wanna be, youth and whiskey. I grew from those who hate me, stead fast to a razorblade symphony, cigarettes and lyrics made me. Youth and whiskey." I wonder if this could be referencing how they came to be as a band, because of the context. That one line about the lyrics and cigarettes making who Andy is. I could just be reading too much into this, but that's how I see it. The chorus: "Can you see, can you see me? I'm strong from what they made me, these angels who carry me. They taught me, youth and whiskey." Okay, yeah they're deffinitly talking about where they started, and what made them who they are. Which I like, I love bands that always know where they are from, and aren't ashamed to admit it. I also love it when they care about their fans, because without them they wouldn't be where they are today. The second verse: "Baptized in smoke and misery, a loaded gun and a b******* history. My temple's for the crazy, youth and whiskey. No sorrow left inside of me, celebrate the moments behind me. This shot is Holy Mary, youth and whiskey." I don't really have anything to comment on here, so we'll just move along. The chorus repeats, and then there's the bridge: "Hey hey, brothers. Hey hey, fighters. Bottles living for another round. Hey hey, lovers. Hey hey, liars. Throttles speeding towards a blackout." I'm not sure what this could mean, so I'll leave that up to you people. Then the chorus repeats a final time. Followed by an outro, which makes sense. I love it when albums have a final outro, to slowly transport us out of that story. It's actually not a bad closing song, about being proud of where you're from. And what makes you who you are today, based on the experiences you had. 

And that is my review on Set The World On Fire! Each song had a special message in it, which is what most of their songs are about. But I love that. I hope you enjoy this review, and remember to check out the music videos I mentioned. (I think I got one of them mixed up with another one, but that's okay) Happy 15 years to this album! I will see you in the next one. <3