Bullet for My Valentine formed in 1998. The lineup is composed of Matt Tuck (lead vocals, rhythm guitar), Mike Paget (lead guitar), Jay James (bass, backing vocals), and Michael Thomas (drums). They were formed under the name Jeff Killed John and began their material career by covering music by Metallica and Nirvana. Jeff Killed John recorded six songs which were not issued; two of these tracks were reworked later in their career as Bullet for My Valentine. Financial difficulties dictated the name change, which was came by a change in music direction. In 2002, the band secured a five-album deal with Sony BMG. The lineup has stated that their songs is influenced by classic heavy metal acts such as Metallica, Iron Maiden, and Slayer. The group is part of the Cardiff music scene.

Bullet for My Valentine’s debut album, The Poison, was released on October 3, 2005 in the United Kingdom and on February 14, 2006 in the United States to coincide with Valentine’s Day hence their band name. The album entered the Billboard 200 in the US at number 128. It was certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of America. The band made appearances at the Download Festival and Kerrang! XXV, and undertook a US tour with Rob Zombie. Bullet for My Valentine’s second studio album, Scream Aim Fire, was put forth on January 29, 2008 and debuted at number four on the Billboard 200. The band’s third album, Fever, was released on April 26, 2010 and debuted at number three on the Billboard 200. The lineup has sold over one million copies in the United States and two million copies worldwide and are the most-successful act in the Kerrang! Awards category of “Best British Band” with three wins.