Music Video 2011/2012

As evidence to the research into music videos, in particular those of a Metal Genre here is a presentation on the Music Video for Knives and Pens by Black Veil Brides.

About the band:

Lead Singer Andy Six started the band when he was only 17 and wanted to recreate the metal bands of old such as Kiss and W.A.S.P.

Part nu metal, part heavy rock and part glam metal the band are still in their early days. Despite this they have still gone through an enhancement in image between the two albums they have so far released.

This is video has particular meaning to lead Singer Andy Six as he was bullied has as a kid at school.

The video consists of two different entities. There is the band performance (which is similar to most metal videos) and the story of an outcast “emo” who is subject of bullying.

This story represents how metal is consistently going against what is considered acceptable in normal society and is about rebellion and freedom.

This video is in the bands early days and show they have not got the black make up and wild hair and costumes in which they now present themselves.

 

The Use Of Colour

 Colour is used to contradict the band more than the lyrics. The band is shown all in white which is the opposite as their name implies black and darkness.

However the band is also shown in black which goes along with the name and theme of the song which is a dark theme of loneliness but still having something to fight for.

The best use of colour is used in the final seconds of the video where the band, again dressed in white are covered in blood. This blood symbolises the blood of those who suffer and who have been subject to harm.

How does the video comply / differ from normal metal videos?

The video does show the band  performing live which is normal for most metal videos. However it is not on a stage it is on a set which reflects the bands image of performance rather than just producing good music.

The video also features a storyline however. This is not normal in metal videos and gives the song more of a meaning. The story is of a bullied kid which does reflect the childhood Andy Six went through, this means the kid in the video could represent him.

The Notion Of Looking

Although the story in the video only has one example of looking when the boy is looking the video we are watching on his computer screen, there are many notions of looking when the band are shown.

Firstly there is the bands image itself which is very head turning. Also the lead singer is constantly looking directly down the camera as if playing to only us watching the band.

 

Female Representations

NONE !!!

 

Inter textual References

 The video itself has no direct influences on themes or particular shots. In my opinion the band want to be as original as possible while taking on the image from older bands.

However there are some other videos which also use a mix of story and performance.

For example: Tears Don’t Fall                           

 by Bullet For My Valentine