Bullet For My Valentine

Bullet For My Valentine formed in Bridgend, Wales in 1998, originally under the name Jeff Killed John. The founding lineup of Matt Tuck, Michael "Moose" Thomas, Michael "Padge" Paget, and Nick Crandle had all met while studying music at Bridgend College.

After years of gigging on the local circuit, Crandle departed and was replaced by Jason "Jay" James, after which the band changed their name to Bullet For My Valentine. "We basically just brainstormed a load of ideas and found one that fit in with the fictional evil yet loving lyrical content of the music rather than being completely random name," explained Matt Tuck to Room Thirteen.

The band's breakthrough came with their debut album, The Poison, released in October 2005. It was preceded by the single "Hand of Blood," which caught the attention of major labels and led to a deal with Sony BMG. The album became a word-of-mouth sensation in the UK metal scene, eventually going Platinum in both the UK and the US.