LIVE FROM THE PIT: Black Veil Brides and Saint Agnes

Stood beneath a glittering disco ball shining lights on the excited faces of those in attendance, fans waited in anticipation for what was to be an epic night. 

BLACK VEIL BRIDES brings their completely sold out three date tour, ‘The Unveiling’, to the UK. A  “one of a kind fan interactive experience and show”, only days after having played on the monumental main stage of Download Festival. Proving the hard rock five piece are still just as loved as they have been from the start, fans of all ages await eagerly for their beloved band to grace the stage and bless their ears, chattering across the room of their excitement. 

Entering through strobing lights, an eerie synth intro to build up tension and a scream of “bloodsuckers, motherfuckers!”, SAINT AGNES came on like a whirlwind and made their presence known, diving right in with Bloodsuckers. Though wearing a suit and tie, lead vocalist Kitty A. Austen was far from formal, tearing up the stage with abandon as they powered on through with tracks The Blood Beat (Angel In The Marble) and Good Boy, fresh off their new album Your God Fearing Days Are About To Begin.

Between screaming guitar riffs, chest rattling bass and drumbeats so clean they could hypnotise, and accompanied by a stunning display of hairography from the entire collective, SAINT AGNES gave it everything they had for Get Them Out - a self proclaimed homage to March Of The Pigs by NINE INCH NAILS - which had more hands raised and heads banging than could be counted, a classic example of a crowd pleaser. Rounding out the set with heavy emotion, a track that swung from pleading softness to biting anger, the lyrics “I don’t want to feel this anymore” of The Beast resonated around the room, ending with a somberness that felt like a cradle back down to earth from the soaring highs the crowd had been taken to throughout the set. 

While being a new discovery for many in the audience, these London based genre-bending firecrackers certainly left with a whole host of new fans to follow along their journey upwards.

The moment everyone was waiting for had finally come, the house lights lowered and the stage lit blue, the intro of Toccata And Fugue in D Minor - or more commonly known as Dracula’s Theme - rang out, setting the mood for a darkly enjoyable evening. As elated cheers roared from the crowd to see their beloved band, the organs faded and the sound of Knives And Pens replaced it, each member taking their place as they played, Andy Biersack hitting centre stage with a big beaming smile before unleashing hellish vocals. 

Making good on the promise of being an interactive show in the small and intimate venue, between songs fans were given opportunities to ask their burning questions, such as “got any vocal tips?” and “what other band would you want to collaborate with?” - the answer from Andy, “for the bit, SLEEP TOKEN.”

But the question that had both the crowd and band excited came from a fan whose ex had been less than boyfriend material, asking if they would stamp on her engagement ring. Of course the answer was yes, though bassist Lonny Eagleton looked shocked that this was happening. Andy did the honours, stamping it to pieces and exclaimed “I think I really fucking broke that thing!” to which the sea of people in the room erupted into celebratory cheers and whistles. Continuing with the set, BLACK VEIL BRIDES played on with tracks Bleeders, Vindicate and Hallelujah from their newly released album Vindicate. With lights bright enough to make anyone believe that angels were up on stage, it was quickly proven wrong as guitarists Jake Pitts and Jinxx shredded devilishly delightful riffs back to back and more growling vocals came. 

A moment of acknowledgment and appreciation was given for the BLACK VEIL BRIDES’ drummer Christian “CC” Coma, who unfortunately couldn’t join on this tour for personal reasons, and stand in drummer Wade Murff (GODSMACK) was introduced, receiving a warm welcome in return. Between songs Certainty, Rebel Love Song, Wake Up and Revenger, and a brief sing along to Saviour, more one on one interactions and questions came.

Notably following a Batman theme, the likes of “are you secretly Batman?” and “how many songs are about Batman?” - to which it was revealed that the lyrics to I Am Bulletproof describe the opening scene of The Batman Rises and parts of the theme is hidden in Wretched And Devine. 

Finishing up a truly special and unique night for all with the well loved track In The End and a promise to be back in the UK soon, confirmed by the just announced EU/UK leg of The Vindicatour next year, this experience won’t be forgotten any time soon.

Words: Ashleigh Robinson

Photos: Ace Cheng