Pierce the veil selfish machines – As Pierce the Veil’s Selfish Machines takes center stage, this album becomes a thought-provoking journey through the band’s musical evolution, lyrical depth, and emotional intensity. With Vic Fuentes’ soaring vocals and haunting melodies, the album navigates the complexities of love, loss, and self-discovery. From the opening notes, it’s clear that Pierce the Veil is pushing the boundaries of their post-hardcore sound, crafting an album that is both deeply personal and universally relatable.
The tracks on Selfish Machines weave together a narrative that explores the darker corners of the human experience, from the anguish of heartbreak to the struggle for identity. With its raw energy and poetic lyrics, the album cements Pierce the Veil’s reputation as one of the most exciting and influential bands in the emo and post-hardcore genres.
Vocalist Vic Fuentes’ Style and Technique
Vic Fuentes, the lead vocalist of Pierce the Veil, has a unique style and technique that has captivated fans worldwide. His ability to convey emotion and intensity through his voice is a key element in the band’s sound. From the emotive, heartfelt melodies to the screamed-out choruses, Fuentes’ vocal range and technique have been the driving force behind Pierce the Veil’s successful career.
Vocal Range and Emotional Expression
Fuentes’ vocal range is remarkable, spanning from delicate, soaring high notes to intense, gut-wrenching screams. This versatility allows him to switch seamlessly between gentle, acoustic passages and aggressive, distorted sections, creating a dynamic contrast that elevates the overall impact of his songs.
His emotional expression is equally impressive, conveying a deep sense of vulnerability and intensity through his voice. Fuentes has spoken about the personal struggles that have influenced his songwriting, and these emotions are palpable in his performance. His voice cracks with raw emotion, his screams rip through the speakers, and his softer moments exude a sense of longing and sadness. This emotional authenticity has made him a beloved figure in the music community.
Notable Vocal Moments or Songs
Some notable examples of Fuentes’ vocal prowess can be found in the following songs and moments:
- ‘Caraphernelia’ – This epic song showcases Fuentes’ incredible vocal range and emotional expression. The song begins with a haunting, acoustic passage that showcases his delicate, high notes, before building into a chaotic, screaming crescendo.
- ‘Divide and Conquer’ – Fuentes’ vocal performance on this song is marked by its intense emotional resonance. His screams cut through the music, conveying a sense of desperation and frustration.
- ‘The Dilemma’ – This song features Fuentes’ softer side, showcasing his ability to craft beautiful, melancholic melodies. The song’s chorus is a haunting showcase of his vocal range and emotional expression.
- ‘King for a Day’ (feat. Kellin Quinn) – Fuentes and Quinn deliver a memorable vocal performance in this song, blending their talents to create a stunning, harmonized sound.
- ‘Circles’ – This song showcases Fuentes’ ability to craft haunting, atmospheric melodies. His vocal performance is marked by its ethereal quality, creating a sense of longing and nostalgia.
Impact on the Overall Sound
Fuentes’ vocal performance has had a profound impact on the overall sound of Pierce the Veil’s music. His ability to convey emotion and intensity through his voice has elevated the band’s sound to new heights, making their songs both personal and universally relatable. His unique vocal style has also allowed the band to experiment with different genres and sounds, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in their music.
Lyric Themes and Symbolism

The lyrics of Pierce the Veil’s ‘Selfish Machines’ album are a profound reflection of the human experience, encompassing themes that are both deeply personal and universally relatable. Love, loss, and self-discovery are the threads that weave through the album’s narrative, providing a glimpse into the complexities of the human heart.
The band’s vocalist, Vic Fuentes, is known for his poignant storytelling and vivid lyrical imagery, which has captivated audiences worldwide. Through his words, listeners are invited to embark on a journey of introspection, exploring the depths of human emotion and the search for meaning in a chaotic world.
Love and Relationships
Love is a pervasive theme throughout the album, often juxtaposed with the pain and heartache that can accompany it. Tracks like ‘Million Dollar Houses, Crystal Lakes’ and ‘King for a Day (Sebastian, John, I Don’t Feel Human)’ paint a picture of love’s bittersweet nature, with all its attendant joys and sorrows.
- The lyrics of ‘Million Dollar Houses, Crystal Lakes’ speak of a love that’s both exhilarating and suffocating, its beauty and ugliness intricately intertwined. The song’s chorus, ‘I’ll buy you a million-dollar house / And all your dreams will be made,’ is a poignant reflection of the sacrifices we make for the ones we love.
- ‘King for a Day (Sebastian, John, I Don’t Feel Human)’ is a haunting ballad that explores the darker aspects of love and relationships. The lyrics, ‘I’ll be the king for a day,’ suggest a desire for escape and transcendence, a longing to be free from the burdens of love.
Loss and Mourning
Loss and mourning are recurring motifs throughout the album, often tied to themes of love and relationships. Tracks like ‘Sleepwalking’ and ‘The Boy Who Sold the Stars’ convey the pain and sadness that accompanies loss, while also hinting at the redemptive power of memory and nostalgia.
- ‘Sleepwalking’ is a haunting reflection on the fleeting nature of love and relationships. The song’s lyrics, ‘I’ll be sleepwalking through the night / Trying to escape the pain,’ speak to the tendency to numb ourselves to pain and heartache, rather than facing it head-on.
- ‘The Boy Who Sold the Stars’ is a poignant tribute to a lost love. The lyrics, ‘I’ll sell the stars / To buy back the memories,’ are a powerful expression of the longing to recapture moments from the past.
Self-Discovery and Growing Up
Self-discovery and growing up are central themes throughout the album, often tied to the exploration of love and relationships. Tracks like ‘The Worst of Me’ and ‘Dive In’ convey the uncertainty and self-doubt that accompany this journey, while also hinting at the possibilities of growth and transformation.
- ‘The Worst of Me’ is a poignant exploration of self-doubt and uncertainty. The song’s lyrics, ‘I’ll be the worst of me / And hope that you’ll still see,’ speak to the tendency to doubt our own worth and value.
- ‘Dive In’ is an anthemic reflection on the act of taking risks and stepping into the unknown. The lyrics, ‘Take the leap / Let go of the fear,’ are a powerful expression of the need to trust in oneself and others.
Pierce the Veil’s ‘Selfish Machines’ album is a deeply personal and universally relatable exploration of love, loss, and self-discovery. Through their poignant lyrics and vivid imagery, the band invites listeners to embark on a journey of introspection, exploring the complexities of the human heart and the search for meaning in a chaotic world.
Musical Influence and Legacy
Pierce the Veil’s self-titled album, ‘Selfish Machines’, released in 2010, marked a pivotal moment in the post-hardcore and emo genre. Its influence can be seen in various bands and artists who followed in their footsteps. The album’s impact extended beyond the music scene, shaping the sound and direction of post-hardcore and emo for years to come.
The Band’s Influences and Sound Shaping
Pierce the Veil’s sound has been shaped by their eclectic influences, which range from post-hardcore and emo to rock and punk. The band members have cited influences such as Jimmy Eat World, Blink-182, and Green Day, among others. According to Vic Fuentes, the band’s vocalist, these influences have helped shape their unique sound, which blends the emotional intensity of post-hardcore with catchy hooks and melodies.
Notable Bands Inspired by Pierce the Veil, Pierce the veil selfish machines
Several notable bands and artists have cited Pierce the Veil as an inspiration, including:
Bands inspired by Pierce the Veil’s Sound
- Taking Back Sunday’s 2014 album ‘Happiness Is’ showcases a more refined, atmospheric sound, reminiscent of Pierce the Veil’s emotional intensity. The album’s use of clean vocals and catchy hooks can be attributed to the band’s admiration of Pierce the Veil’s approach to post-hardcore.
- The album ‘Hopeless Romantic’ by The Maine (2015) demonstrates the band’s ability to blend pop sensibilities with post-hardcore intensity, a sound that Pierce the Veil pioneered.
- Periphery’s 2016 album ‘Juggernaut: Alpha’ showcases a more experimental approach, using complex time signatures and atmospheric soundscapes, which can be seen as an influence from Pierce the Veil’s more progressive moments.
Comparison of Key Elements in Pierce the Veil’s Musical Style to Their Influences
| Pierce the Veil | Jimmy Eat World | Blink-182 | Green Day |
|---|---|---|---|
| Catchy hooks and melodies | Bleeding Love | All the Small Things | Basket Case |
| Emotional intensity and post-hardcore sound | The Middle | The Rock Show | American Idiot |
| Experimentation with complex time signatures and soundscapes | … | … | … |
Musical Performance and Production

Selfish Machines is a testament to Pierce the Veil’s growth and refinement as a post-hardcore band. The album showcases the band’s ability to craft a unique sound that is both heavy and melodic. At the heart of this success are the instrumentalists who have played a crucial role in shaping the album’s sound and dynamics.
The Roles and Contributions of Individual Instrumentalists
The band’s guitarist, Tony Perry, is a master of blending complex guitar riffs with intricate melodies. His playing style is characterized by intricate chord progressions and use of effects to create a rich, layered sound. Vic Fuentes’ vocalist has often cited Perry’s guitar work as a major influence on his vocal delivery, with Perry’s riffs serving as a foundation for the band’s melodies.
The band’s drummer, Mike Fuentes (Vic’s brother), provides the backbone for the album’s energetic and driving rhythms. His technical proficiency and versatility are essential in creating a dynamic sound that shifts seamlessly from heavy, aggressive passages to more melodic and atmospheric sections.
Production Quality and Genre Comparison
The production quality of Selfish Machines is notable for its clarity and attention to detail. The album’s mix is well-balanced, with each instrument and vocal part having sufficient space to breathe. The production is reminiscent of other albums in the post-hardcore genre, such as Underoath’s They’re Only Chasing Safety and Blessthefall’s Witness.
However, what sets Selfish Machines apart is its more polished and refined sound. The album’s production is more akin to a modern, commercial take on the post-hardcore genre, with a greater emphasis on melody and catchiness. While this may alienate some fans of the genre’s more aggressive, raw sound, it’s clear that Pierce the Veil is pushing the boundaries of what can be achieved in the post-hardcore genre.
Notable Examples of Instrumental Arrangement and Technique
Some notable examples of instrumental arrangement and technique used throughout the album include:
- The use of palm-muted chugging in “Million Dollar Houses, Crimson Smart Cars” to create a driving, aggressive sound.
- The employment of atmospheric guitar textures in “She’s Blood” to create a haunting, ambient atmosphere.
- The incorporation of blast beats in “Caraphernelia” to add a sense of urgency and intensity to the track.
- The use of dual guitar harmonies in “Hypochondriac” to create a sense of depth and complexity.
Conclusion

Selfish Machines is a testament to Pierce the Veil’s growth and dedication to their craft. As we reflect on the album’s enduring impact, it’s clear that this band is committed to pushing the boundaries of their music and inspiring a new generation of fans. With its intense emotions, thought-provoking lyrics, and infectious melodies, Selfish Machines is an essential listen for anyone who has ever felt the sting of heartbreak, the thrill of self-discovery, or the exhilaration of living life on the edge.
Query Resolution: Pierce The Veil Selfish Machines
What is the meaning behind Pierce the Veil’s album Selfish Machines?
The album’s title, Selfish Machines, refers to the theme of self-discovery and growth, as well as the emotional intensity and personal struggles that the band members have faced in their lives.
How does Vic Fuentes’ vocal style contribute to the album’s sound?
Vic Fuentes’ vocal range and technique bring a sense of emotional authenticity to the album, conveying the intensity and vulnerability of the lyrics with incredible depth and nuance.
What are some notable themes and symbols in the album’s lyrics?
Recurring themes in the album’s lyrics include love, loss, and self-discovery, with symbolic imagery and metaphors used throughout to convey the emotional intensity and personal struggles of the band members.
How has the album influenced the post-hardcore and emo genres?
Pierce the Veil’s Selfish Machines has been a significant influence on the post-hardcore and emo genres, inspiring a new generation of fans and bands with its raw energy, poetic lyrics, and infectious melodies.