At the beginning of 2005, four young men from South Wales were about to shoot to success. The climate in our world was changing – nu metal was on its way out and a new clutch of bands were taking classic twin guitar harmonies and giving them a 21st century update. In America, Killswitch Engage had just released The End Of Heartache – their most successful album yet, and first with imposing new singer Howard Jones. Meanwhile, Trivium had been in the studio working on their breakthrough album, Ascendancy. Meanwhile, in Bridgend, Bullet For My Valentine were newly signed, and about to start work on their first record – The Poison.
It had been a long time coming. After years plugging away in the underground as Jeff Killed John, vocalist/guitarist Matt Tuck, lead guitarist Michael ‘Padge’ Paget and Michael ‘Moose’ Thomas had knocked the band on the head and formed Bullet instead, recruiting Jason ‘Jay’ James on bass. After signing a five-album deal with Sony, 2004 had been a whirlwind, seeing them tour in support of bands such as Anthrax and 36 Crazyfists, as well as playing Download and releasing a five-track EP. Still, as the clock struck midnight on New Year, with the boys celebrating at the houses of their friends and family in Bridgend, they had no idea where their journey would take them next.
