avenged sevenfold profile

There are few heavy metal bands today that have been able to create pop chart success, just as Avenged Sevenfold was able to do two years ago with the crossover hit “Bat Country.” Lead vocalist M. Shadows and guitarist Synyster Gates have put together an irresistible metal pop-punk sound that the band further polishes and advances on this latest self-titled disc.

Evolution of the Sound of Avenged Sevenfold

On Avenged Sevenfold, M. Shadows does far less screaming than in past work and instead uses his gravelly growl to harmonize in a much softer tone, ranging somewhere between Puddle Of Mudd’s Wesley Scanton and Foo Fighter’s Dave Grohl. Although this may have something to do with Shadows’ recent vocal cord surgery, the change gives the tunes more of a 90’s alt-rock sound and a bit less metal while still remaining quite pleasing to the ear.
Another significant modification lies in the band’s production. Although thankfully Gates’ spot-on, roaring guitars and The Reverend’s speedy drums remain present, Avenged Sevenfold introduce the use of new instrumentation in the form of horns, classic strings, and even some countrified guitars. This is all clearly an attempt to help recreate and push forward the sound of the band, and for the most part they succeed in doing so.

Slightly Less Heavy

There are several more lighthearted tracks on Avenged Sevenfold than on the group’s previous records. “Gunslinger” kicks off with mournful country guitars as Shadows laments, “my heart will always be with you.” The lead man pours his heart out about relationship regrets over the particularly light production of “Dear God.” Even the album’s standout track, “Unbound (The Wild Ride),” with its lightning fast drums and stunning guitar solo, showcases a child’s melancholy solo at the end, which somewhat dampens the song’s momentum. This is not to say the album lacks in rocking hard. “Scream” lives up to its name as M. Shadows vocally lets loose before Gates lays down one of his best electric guitar solos to date.

Top Tracks on 'Avenged Sevenfold'

• Almost Easy
• Gunslinger
• Unbound (The Wild Ride)
• Lost

Experimentation Is Nearly Excessive

Avenged Sevenfold should certainly be commended for putting forth an effort to differentiate the sound of this self-titled record from past albums. However, there are times when the music gets a bit too outlandish, especially on “A Little Piece Of Heaven,” which sounds nothing like the rest of the album. The song is made up of saxophones and clarinets and plays like the soundtrack to a mad circus. Although it certainly sounds wild and will likely irritate a number of metal purists, “Heaven” is a rare misstep on the group’s fourth studio album. The disc in its entirety is another leap forward for a band on the rise.