Avenged Sevenfold, often abbreviated as A7X, is an American heavy metal band formed in 1999 in Huntington Beach, California. The band consists of lead vocalist M. Shadows, lead guitarist Synyster Gates, rhythm guitarist Zacky Vengeance, bassist Johnny Christ, and drummer Brooks Wackerman. The band’s music is characterized by its heavy riffs, complex melodies, and M. Shadows’ signature vocal style.
Avenged Sevenfold has released seven studio albums to date, including “Sounding the Seventh Trumpet” (2001), “Waking the Fallen” (2003), “City of Evil” (2005), and “The Stage” (2016). The band’s music has evolved over the years, with early albums featuring metalcore influences and later albums incorporating more progressive and experimental elements.
Avenged Sevenfold has been praised for its technical proficiency and showmanship, with its live performances featuring elaborate stage setups and pyrotechnics. The band has been nominated for several awards, including two Grammy Awards, and has won numerous accolades from metal magazines and websites.
Despite experiencing tragedy in 2009 with the sudden death of drummer James “The Rev” Sullivan, Avenged Sevenfold continued to release music and tour, with Brooks Wackerman joining as the new drummer in 2015. The band remains a popular and influential act in the heavy metal scene, inspiring a new generation of musicians with its technical proficiency and innovative approach to metal music.
10. Hail to the King – Hail to the King (2013)
“Hail to the King” is a song by Avenged Sevenfold, released in 2013 as part of their album of the same name. The song features a classic heavy metal sound, with chugging riffs and M. Shadows’ powerful vocals. The lyrics speak of a king who has risen to power and commands respect and loyalty, with the chorus declaring “Hail to the king, hail to the one.” The song became a commercial success, reaching the top 10 on several rock charts. “Hail to the King” is a classic heavy metal anthem that showcases Avenged Sevenfold’s ability to create powerful and memorable songs.
9. Second Heartbeat – Waking The Fallen (2003)
“Second Heartbeat” by Avenged Sevenfold is a fast-paced and intense metal song that showcases the band’s musical prowess and dynamic style. The song’s heavy guitar riffs, thundering drums, and aggressive vocals create a sense of urgency and power that perfectly complement the lyrics’ themes of love, loss, and betrayal. The chorus, with its soaring melody and harmonies, offers a brief respite from the song’s intensity before launching back into the driving rhythm. Overall, “Second Heartbeat” is a thrilling and dynamic song that highlights Avenged Sevenfold’s musicianship and their ability to craft complex and emotionally charged metal anthems.
8. Nightmare – Nightmare (2010)
“Nightmare” is a song by American heavy metal band Avenged Sevenfold, released in 2010 as the lead single from their fifth studio album of the same name. The song is a dark and haunting track with intense guitar riffs, driving drums, and powerful vocals from lead singer M. Shadows. The lyrics explore the theme of facing one’s fears and nightmares, with a sense of desperation and urgency in the delivery. The song’s memorable chorus and explosive instrumentals create a chilling and exhilarating listening experience, making it a fan favorite and a staple in the band’s live performances.
7. So Far Away – Nightmare (2010)
“So Far Away” is a song by Avenged Sevenfold, released in 2011 as part of their album “Nightmare”. The song features a somber acoustic melody, with M. Shadows’ emotional vocals reflecting on the passing of their drummer and friend, James “The Rev” Sullivan. The lyrics speak of the pain of loss and the hope of reuniting in the afterlife, with the chorus declaring “How do I live without the ones I love? Time still turns the pages of the book it’s burned.” “So Far Away” is a touching and heartfelt tribute to a lost friend that showcases Avenged Sevenfold’s ability to create powerful ballads.
6. Buried Alive – Nightmare (2010)
“Buried Alive” by Avenged Sevenfold is a haunting and powerful rock ballad that showcases the band’s versatility and ability to create emotionally charged songs. The song’s atmospheric opening builds into a driving rhythm, with intense guitar riffs and pounding drums that add to the song’s sense of urgency and emotion. The lyrics speak of the struggle to break free from self-doubt and fear, with the chorus proclaiming, “Take the time just to listen when the voices screaming are much too loud”. Overall, “Buried Alive” is a moving and introspective song that highlights Avenged Sevenfold’s musical range and their ability to craft powerful rock ballads.
5. Afterlife – Avenged Sevenfold (2007)
“Afterlife” is a song by American heavy metal band Avenged Sevenfold, released in 2008 as the third single from their self-titled fourth studio album. The song features intricate guitar work, a driving rhythm section, and powerful vocals from lead singer M. Shadows. The lyrics describe a desire to reconnect with a loved one who has passed away and the idea that there is an afterlife waiting beyond death. The song’s memorable chorus and dynamic instrumentation, including a guitar solo and choir-like backing vocals, create a grand and epic sound that has become a fan favorite and a staple in the band’s live performances.
4. Bat Country – City of Evil (2005)
“Bat Country” is a song by Avenged Sevenfold, released in 2005 as part of their album “City of Evil”. The song features a fast-paced and energetic sound, with M. Shadows’ powerful vocals and Synyster Gates’ intricate guitar solos. The lyrics speak of a hallucinatory journey through a surreal landscape, with references to Hunter S. Thompson’s “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas”. The chorus is particularly memorable, with the group singing “Don’t you cry, no, more” in a soaring and anthemic style. “Bat Country” is a classic heavy metal song that showcases Avenged Sevenfold’s ability to create dynamic and catchy music.
3. Unholy Confessions – Waking The Fallen (2003)
“Unholy Confessions” by Avenged Sevenfold is a high-energy and aggressive metalcore song that showcases the band’s raw power and intensity. The song’s driving guitar riffs, pounding drums, and aggressive vocals create a sense of urgency and aggression that perfectly complement the lyrics’ themes of guilt, anger, and desperation. The chorus, with its soaring melody and harmonies, offers a brief respite from the song’s intensity before launching back into the driving rhythm. Overall, “Unholy Confessions” is a thrilling and dynamic song that highlights Avenged Sevenfold’s ability to create emotionally charged and technically impressive metal anthems.
2. Beast and the Harlot – City of Evil (2005)
“Beast and the Harlot” is a song by American heavy metal band Avenged Sevenfold, released in 2006 as the second single from their third studio album “City of Evil.” The song is characterized by fast-paced guitar riffs, thundering drums, and powerful vocals from lead singer M. Shadows. The lyrics draw inspiration from the biblical Book of Revelation, describing a battle between a beast and a harlot, with themes of power, corruption, and redemption. The song’s intense instrumentals and catchy chorus have made it a fan favorite and a staple in the band’s live performances.
1. A Little Piece of Heaven – Avenged Sevenfold (2007)
“A Little Piece of Heaven” is a song by Avenged Sevenfold, released in 2007 as part of their self-titled fourth album. The song features a theatrical and symphonic sound, with M. Shadows’ vocals and the group’s harmonies alternating between calm and chaotic. The lyrics tell the story of a man who murders his lover and then resurrects her as a zombie, with both of them living happily ever after. The song is both macabre and humorous, with its over-the-top lyrics and playful instrumentation. “A Little Piece of Heaven” is a unique and daring song that showcases Avenged Sevenfold’s willingness to experiment with different genres and styles.
Edward Tomlin is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
