Leading UK Metalcore band BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE was assembled during 1999 at Bridgend College in Wales under an original band title of JEFF KILLED JOHN building their musical skills with a set of NIRVANA and METALLICA cover versions. In 2002 the group, managed by former VISAGE frontman Steve Strange and comprising vocalist Matthew Tuck, guitarist Michael Padget, bassist Nik Crandle and drummer Michael Thomas, issued the Greg Haver produced two track single, 'You' /'Play With Me', financed through the Pynci scheme for aspiring Welsh musicians. When Crandle exited the band, drafting Jason James in his stead, opted for a re-think, not only changing musical tack away from derivitive Nu-Metal but also switching title to BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE.

A February 2004 London showcase prompted interest from several major labels. Roadrunner placed an offer, but this was rejected in favour of a five album deal delivered by Sony Records, the band signing to the corporation's Visible Noise imprint. Download Festival's billing gave them a lucrative slot on the Barfly Stage on June 5th, lending the group much needed exposure prior to the release of new material. A five song, self-titled EP emerged in November. BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE partnered with DARK TRANQUILLITY, CHIMAIRA and HATESPHERE for European dates in December. Further shows in Germany had the band aligned with APOCALYPTICA, although three gigs would be cancelled when Matthew Tuck was forced out due to a severe throat infection. British concerts in January 2006 had the group teamed up with STILL REMAINS, HAWTHORNE HEIGHTS and AIDEN. BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE sold 10,000 copies of 'The Poison' in the United States in its first week of release to debut at number 127 on the Billboard national chart.

North American gigging witnessed a union with CHIMAIRA and CHILDREN OF BODOM in March, following up by supports to ROB ZOMBIE. During this trek Matthew Tuck famously stirred some negative press by complaining of poor treatment by the headline act but retracted this statement within hours of its release. In May the band forged a union with WALLS OF JERICHO and ROSES ARE RED to undertake the US 'Trustkill Takeover' tour. The band played their part in honouring METALLICA, contributing their rendition of 'Welcome Home (Sanitarium)' to the album 'Remastered', this set being a complete remake of 'Master Of Puppets' in joint celebration of the twentieth anniversary of the classic album's release and the 25th anniversary of UK Rock magazine Kerrang! The group also recorded an exclusive cover version of OZZY OSBOURNE's 'Crazy Train' for inclusion on 'Kerrang!'s cover mount CD, 'High Voltage', issued in May.

The band put in a significant appearance at the GUNS N' ROSES headlined 'Download' festival in Castle Donington, UK on June 11th. The band scored a highly valuable support run of dates to IRON MAIDEN across the USA in October, preceding this run with headline concerts in September backed by EIGHTEEN VISIONS, ESCAPE THE FATE and DROP DEAD, GORGEOUS. To coincide, 'The Poison - Live At Brixton" DVD was released in Europe on October 30th, capturing the band's sold out show in front of over 4,000 people at London's Brixton Academy on January 28th. Headline UK concerts in November were curtailed when Matthew Tuck was forced to back out due to laryngitis brought on from a throat infection and fatigue.

BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE entered a Texas studio with producer Colin Richardson in early February 2007 to cut tracks for a second album. At this juncture their debut 'The Poison' had sold over 190,000 copies in the USA. In July BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE supported METALLICA at the Rotudenplatz in Vienna, Austria and London's Wembley Stadium.

The album 'Scream Aim Fire' was released in January 2008. BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE played shows in Australia and New Zealand during May with guests ATREYU and AVENGED SEVENFOLD. Sponsored by the No Fear clothing company, the first leg of BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE's North American tour ran through to mid-August with a second leg running throughout September. Joining BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE for the US tour would be BLEEDING THROUGH and on select dates, CANCER BATS and BLACK TIDE. The band then embarked on a European headlining tour, commencing on November 9th at the Edinburgh Corn Exchange, with strong support coming from LACUNA COIL, BLEEDING THROUGH and BLACK TIDE

BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE tapped producer Don Gilmore for their next album in April 2009. The group performed at the inaugural UK 'Sonsisphere' festival at Knebworth Park in August headlined by METALLICA, LINKIN PARK, NINE INCH NAILS and HEAVEN AND HELL. That same month the band played the THIN LIZZY, SAXON, UFO, MOTÖRHEAD and HEAVEN AND HELL headlined 'Wacken Open Air' festival in Germany.

Garry Sharpe-Young