black veil brides

Jake Pitts (right) and Jinxx (left) hold down 6-string duties for Black Veil Brides in Royal Oak, Michigan, on November 15, 2014.

Photo by Ken Settle

The hair-metal revivalists recruit legendary producer Bob Rock for their shred-emo release, Black Veil Brides IV.

Since their formation in 2006, Black Veil Brides have made image as much of a priority as their music. They unabashedly smeared on macabre metal makeup, teased their hair to the skies, and wrapped themselves in black leather and metal studs. “We wanted to be larger-than-life rock stars, whereas with every other band you couldn't tell that they were a band—they looked like they might be working at Best Buy," says guitarist Jake Pitts. Co-guitarist Jinxx (born Jeremy Miles Ferguson) adds, “We grew up watching bands like Kiss and Mötley Crüe on MTV. That was the image of the rock star to us."

It wasn't long before Black Veil Brides became the darlings of the Hot Topic set—and one of the most polarizing bands on the scene. For every doe-eyed fan, there was a hater or two 'round the corner. At the 2013 Revolver Golden Gods award show, the band was met with ear-shattering boos from the audience after winning the Song of the Year award (they'd already won various other GG awards for three consecutive years, including Best Guitarists). They didn't take the hostility lying down, though: With middle fingers raised, the Brides made their way to the stage and singer Andy Biersack lashed out with a vitriolic, profanity-laced acceptance speech. Some bands would've cowered at the less-than-warm reception, but BVB is used to it. “We were picked on for just being weird or different," says Jinxx. “I would carry my violin or guitar to school, and I'd get beat up for that. Now it gets me chicks."

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