Bullet for My Valentine (BFMV) is a Bridgend-based Welsh heavy metal band that formed in 1998. Matthew Tuck (lead vocals, rhythm guitar), Michael Paget (lead guitar, backing vocals), Jason Bowld (drums), and Jamie Mathias now make up the band (bass guitar, backing vocals). Michael Thomas, Jason James, and Nick Crandle were former members who played bass. They began their music career by performing Metallica and Nirvana songs under the name Jeff Killed John. Jeff Killing John recorded six songs that were never published; two of these tracks were later rearranged as Bullet for My Valentine. The band’s name was changed due to a stylistic shift from Jeff Killed John. The band signed a five-album deal with Sony BMG in 2002, and their sound has been influenced by traditional metal artists such as Metallica, Iron Maiden, and Slayer. The band is involved in the Cardiff music scene.
In a homage to the band’s name, Bullet for My Valentine’s debut album The Poison was released on 3 October 2005 in the United Kingdom and 14 February 2006 in the United States to coincide with Valentine’s Day. The album was released in the United States. No 128 on the Billboard 200. The Recording Industry Association of America certified it as gold. The band performed at the Download Festival and Kerrang! XXV, and toured the United States with Rob Zombie. Scream Aim Fire, Bullet for My Valentine’s second studio album, was released on January 28, 2008, and debuted at number four on the Billboard 200. Fever, the band’s third studio album, was released on April 26, 2010, and debuted at number three on the Billboard 200. Temper Temper, the band’s fourth studio album, was released on February 8, 2013, and peaked at number 13 on the Billboard 200. Venom, the band’s fifth studio album, was released on August 14, 2015, and peaked at number 8 on the Billboard 200. Gravity, the band’s sixth studio album, was released on June 29, 2018. On November 5, 2021, their self-titled seventh studio album was published. The band has sold over one million albums in the United States and more than three million albums globally, making them the most successful act in Kerrang! Three wins in the Best British Band category.