Avenged Sevenfold

The best show I've ever had the privilege to see, and I've watched/been to a lot of shows. They're such a good band, and they have amazing stage presence and put on a great show, plus they had strippers onstage during Scream ;)
And the demos are great, especially demons, girl i know, until the end, and their timeless cover of the Pantera classic, Walk. Overall a superb buy, easily in my top 5 purchases ever

The cd is good, with the new songs. They are a different sound then the other albums. The DVD is awesome. A7X sounds awsome live. Makes me want to go see them live next time they are in town.

LBC was great, BUT I have to say, their Asian tour was them totally in top form. The rest they took before the Asian tour totally rested them and M. Shadows' voice was flawless. They were never once out of breath and everyone agreed that they sounded even better than in their album. But who cares?! A7X rocks, and so does this DVD. The songs in Diamonds in the Rough are totally mind blowing. I loved the songs even on the first listen. I know of many people who thought that they didn't do Pantera justice in the Walk cover and that Dimebag's rolling in his grave and whatever, BUT seriously, A7X totally updated the song and made it almost their own. The Fight and Dancing Dead got me hooked on the album, and I listen to the album DAILY, it's almost as if they released another album altogether. If anyone who is an Avenged Sevenfold fan hasn't bought this DVD, then I suggest you hurry up and get your behind to the nearest CD store, and if you're too lazy, then pull out your credit card and have it delivered to your doorstep.

P.S. I'm not promoting Amazon.

I'm above 40 and in a league of older rock bands such as AC/DC, Skid Row, Metallica, Dio.

This new rock band really rock me out when I first heard their album by chance... played from one of the record store at my place.

This DVD and CD is definitely not a waste of your dollar spent...if you are hardcore fan of this band like me..

hope this band would one day (in the next twenty years) become one of the legend bands as above..

First live show I've ever seen of them (seen some youtube clips before), cause it's hard to get tickets for them in San Diego. But this dvd is pretty impressive. From the Organs in Critical Acclaim to them all singing in sync on Afterlife, to the video and strippers on Scream, to the older songs from Fallen and Evil, to the ending encore with confetti falling in the background, this is definitely worth the money. They just have a different feel than a lot of bands live, They seem more real, have a lot of fun and perform like it's not a big deal. Not sure if this was a smaller venue or if it was the editing, but the dvd has the feel of your own personal concert. And Crossroads on the cd is a sick track worth the money for that single alone.

Avenged Sevenfold (A7x) have become the titans of metalcore along with acts like All That Remains, Trivium, and lastly Atreyu (as Killswitch Engaged could be considered the pioneers). "Avenged Sevenfold" is the bands 2007 self entitled album, that shifts the group into a more accessible hard rock angle. They even make way for much softer material.

While still heavy they bridged more the melodic qualities of 2005's "City of Evil" to encompass the album, then say their 2001 debut "Sounding The Seventh Trumpet". With "City of Evil" we saw the band attempt a more orchestral layered sound. Sweeping away any thoughts this band was a novelty act cashing in on the hardcore scene. 'True' metalheads may still disagree. We also saw an ever more engrossing use of harmonizing guitar riffs and intricacy of solos. Even when progressing though, we can still tell it's the band we all got into. Atreyu's latest release 2007's "Lead Sails Paper Anchor" departed the band so heavily from past material it was hard to beleive it was the same band. Trivium gave up screaming for a majority of 2006's "Crusade", and rooted them selves into the thrash metal niche.

We now find A7x shooting off a striking militant "Critical Acclaim". Starting off as triumphantly as the later vocals suggest, A7x is back. The dual vocals are just as interesting as the dual symphonic guitar intro. Next in line is the obvious single "Almost Easy". Quick to hit the commercial cues, but relentlessly catchy. Most of the song maintains a hard hitting chug of triplets, while the other side is more built on the
easier going chorus. It finds enough room to fit in a few piano notes (in the intro and bridge), and a fair solo. "Scream" has just become another regularly circulated radio tune. Resonating a scream, and a hair raising guitar that climbs...the track feels much like filler afterwards. Not to say it's a bad track, but becomes a bit too repetitive. Not magnetic enough to hit replay and avoid the next few tracks, yet catchy enough to not skip though.

"Afterlife" and "Lost" may not be side by side (track #4 & track #8 respectively ), but are an amazing combo. The first is a thick thick tune, progressive enough to avoid becoming stagnant catchy enough to be a single. "Lost" sounds like an attempt to pick up the pieces after being beat down, a look back ribboned in regret. Confused, but clairvoyant.
Moving on "Gunslinger" could be considered A7x's swing at country. Similar to Atreyu's swing on well swing, with "Falling Down" (third single off Lead Sails, second for U.S. listeners). The soft intro last for over a minute and a half, and remains very mild there after. Still enough kick to not feel displaced. "Dear God" is very similar and could even be considered more so the country experimental track, as it dilutes much of the rock qualities (in favor of the country manorisms). Again these two tracks don't reach any level of brutality, but manage a mild flavorful variety.

"Unbound (The Wild Ride)" and "Brompton Cocktail" in my opinion range as the filler tracks. Amazingly not bad, but not as potent as the other tracks. Unbound is as the name may prompt, pretty unbound and fast. Brompton features woozy violins, but struggles to maintain fluidity and serves as the midpace track of the album. "A Little Piece of Heaven" think of a corrupt fairytale tune. Now lets add in some vulgarity, splice in some obscenities and dose up the rage. What do you get? INSANITY! This is the longest track of the album docking in at eight minutes. Its epic length helps enable it to be the most intriguing track of the album. The most fun could be a coin toss between "Almost Easy" and "Critical Acclaim".

So while not as powerful as "City of Evil", it's also not as one sided. Not as raw as the bands 2003 milestone "Waking The Fallen", but more dynamic. While not as youthful as "Sounding the Seventh Trumpet", it's more thought out. Songs that only jam sessions can't craft. While many A7x fans are ready to gouge the bands eyes out with this release, many hard rockers will enjoy it. Anyone open to change will hopefully see this as a continuation of a band not ready to paraphrase itself (Though City has accomplished that, I'm referring to another distinct album knock off of previous work). Easily a recommendable album, much replay value can be obtained from this. Congrats A7x, hope to see you guys this December at 'The Next Big Thing'.

This album is good all the way through. There is not a bad song on the album. A lot of people are mad cause Shadows doesn't scream anymore, but how many screaming songs could one band make. If they stayed screaming they'd be a one or two album band. The growth of this band musically and lyrically is amazing, with every album they get better. The guitar playing is awesome, the drums are thunderous, and the whole package is great. I can't wait for the next one.

Reading the other reviews and hearing opinions from other A7X fans, it seems like new fans really enjoy this album, while the old fans are disappointed. If your an old fan, expect a different and somewhat (or really) disappointing and lack-luster album from A7X. I'll commend the band on experimentation and reaching into different stuff, but their self-titled fails to bring the intensity and incredible metal sound A7X has brought on previous works. Honestly, had i heard the songs before buying the album, i would've passed. For new fans, buy Waking the Fallen to listen to A7X at their best.

Hopefully the next album will make up for this...

This was the first Avenged Sevenfold cd that I actually liked. I listen to some of City of Evil, but wasn't really into it. When I listened to this album I was suprised at how enjoyable it was. I do enjoy hard rock and heavy metal, but I hated the vocals on the older Avenged Sevenfold albums. The music itself is still pretty heavy, with the exception of a couple of songs like Afterlife, and Dear God, which actually are my favorite songs from the album, but it's all pretty good. I guess some fans of the older Avenged Sevenfold won't like this cd, and will badmouth those of us who only like this Avenged Sevenfold album.

Great album! I heard this band's first hit bat country, and thought it was good. Then, they released this album, "Avenged Sevenfold". It is GREAT. A must buy for any hard rock enthusiast! Checkout their video for afterlife. The video is what made me buy the album. This is the next big band to break through!

this was my intro to A7X. I bought the album after hearing Bat Country, which I was catchy and interesting in a very bland time for new music. Beast and the Harlot is probably the best song on this album. It just rocks, Gates' guitar playing is awesome. Gates is going to go down as one of the greatest players of all time. The Rev's drum playing is strong, the true backbone of the band. Shadow's singing ability has come so far since Sounding the Seventh Trumpet. This album was so good that I bought the self titled Cd the day it came out without hearing a song. Then I bought the other Sounding and Waking.

I got cd for the song the Beast and the Harlot. That one songs rocks! Everthing else sound like soloest at boy's choir backed by a metal band. After a few listens is starts sounding the same. I am sure that the emo kids dig it. As metal head that I am I have heard better. Like the Priest, 3 Inches of Blood, or even Lillian Axe. If you are into real metal, I would pass this one by. As the saying gose NO FALSE METAL!

Believe it or not, I'm not a huge A7X fan. When I heard Bat Country on the Radio, I couldn't help but think "This is ridiculous! Who came up with the idea for this, Rosie O'Donnell?". However, a year later, a friend had played A7X around me and I had gotten used to it. Then I DLed a few A7X songs and thought, "Hot DAMN this is some good stuff!", and then later, I had bought City of Evil, and I LOVED it! I mean, while Iron Maiden are my favorite band, I definitely consider this to be a metal milestone. What you get is 10 fun and creative songs. Beginning the album is "The Beast and the Harlot", which is known on Guitar Hero II. A very fun and catchy song, irresistible and in-your-face. My favorite track off of this is "Burn it Down", which is very fast and wastes no time stopping to slow down. Great lyrics and M. Shadows' voice shines. The ballad Seize The Day is very slow and great, kind of reminds me of some of Iron Maiden's slow stuff. The album finishes off with M.I.A, an angsty Anti-Bush song that is very angry and in your face. Overall, if you're looking for some angry and in your face music, get this album!

When I first heard Avenged Sevenfold, it was in a car on the way to the guitar store, and I really didn't like them too much. I bought City of Evil after constant listening with my friend, and it grew on me. I loved Beast and the Harlot from the first listen. Burn it Down is great and I love how it transitions to Blinded in Chains. Bat Country is instantly loveable, and what isn't there to like throughout the album? It is truly one of the best guitar albums in recent memory. The relentless leads, the catchy riffing- the vocal delivery... Honestly, what isn't there to like about this album? Now, the hardcore A7X fans may hate this album, but I don't see actual singing as a reason to hate an album. The talent that composes A7X really shines through, be it guitars, vocals, or drums- the musicianship is stellar.

Please ignore Squash N' Squeak's review since he obviously did not listen to the album. Anyway, after a nice hard workout to some great Beatles tunes, I couldn't help it but think about some metal group called "Avenged Sevenfold." I have ignored these guys for quite a while until a friend showed me City of Evil (I just remembered that I didn't buy this on Itunes. Too many dang albums...) I regretted letting this album past by. This isn't just metal, its also blends in some classic rock/metal (Motorhead, some Black Sabbath, which is easy to guess since the guitar solos are finally back), accoustic, and even classical (the middle of "Wicked End" speaks for itself as you hear a brief, but memorable point of CoE.) Surely you'd think this was a horrible idea; but it ain't. A7x manages to blend all that in one juicy album that you will always come back. Since Waking the Fallen was considered death metal, this album will come to a shock to some fans if they have been sleeping under a rock or just started off with Waking the Fallen because in many occasions, lead singer M. Shadow actually sings rather than screams. This album will obviously be easier to swallow for some music lovers that can't bear the popular cookie monster vocals.

What makes CoE unique is that it feels like a story is being told (many parts are based on Genesis and Revalations, especially "Beast and the Harlot".) My few gripes is that a few songs last too long, Trashed and Scattered doesn't deliever as well, and the artwork is sort of cheesy (maybe I've been staring at WtF artwork for too long.) But even stupid gripes doesn't destroy the album. Although my personal favorite album is still Waking the Fallen, City of Evil is still my 2nd favorite and will probably remain so. Trust me folks, if you haven't heard City of Evil, you are missing out on a lot of good stuff (a dozen guitar solos included.)

This is my favorite album of all time. Each song is well written and the guitar work is very good.

I discovered Avenged Sevenfold through their self-titled album and really enjoyed it so I decided to pick up another one of their albums. Little did I realize that they had changed their style so drastically from where they began. Waking the Fallen has very good guitar and drums and such and usually has a very catch rhythm and melody but unfortunately the singing, er screaming, just isn't up to par. If you're a hard rock/metal fan that enjoys being able to understand the words to a song don't pick up this album. This album would have been a hundred times better if the screaming was converted even to a shout. I'm not saying he should have tried to sing like he did in City of Evil and self-title but screaming definitely isn't the answer for any band.

this is their best album along with their first album it's sucks they aren't like this anymore but m shadows made it clear that the first two albums were gonna be half screaming and half singing,and the next two just singing.Look it's not real metal altough i called the drummer real metal,but it's still great heavy music.This guys can really play i mean they really are good even tough i hate their new stuff except some few songs.Im gonna say what most people say "if you are a true a7x fan than get their old stuff"i just think this sounds great,and what do you mean this is emo metal they said they just play METAL!

Avenged Sevenfold's Waking the Fallen is one of the best albums I have ever heard. I am a fan of all types of rock music, and this is among the best of all genres! A7X truly made such huge strides from Sounding the Seventh Trumpet, which I definitely also enjoyed. While Sounding the Seventh Trumpet was more of a hardcore/screamo album, this album is much more of a metal/alternative album, in my opinion, although as the editor's review said, "A7X blur the line between punk and metal." They are definitely a hard band to categorize. For a strong punk influence check out Second Heartbeat and Eternal Rest. For straight up metal songs check out Reminissions and Radiant Eclipse. For incredibly melodic songs check out I Wont See You Tonight Pt. 1, Unholy Confessions, and Clairvoyant Disease. And lastly, for great songs, check out every track on the album. This album will make you get angry, happy, sad, depressed, pumped up, basically the full range of emotions. It is just perfect. Every track is simply amazing. The musicianship is exceptional, the lyrics are exceptional, and the vocals are exceptional. The Rev is also probably the best drummer I have ever heard! Synester Gates gets all the credit all the time, but Zacky is also a great guitarist. Synester cranks out the solos, while Zacky cranks out the heavy riffs. And Johnny Christ is a hell of a bass player, he's even better on City Of Evil, though. The album is probably impossible for A7X to top because it is so flawless. If you are a fan of punk, metal, hardcore, emo, screamo, alternative, or generic rock n roll you should definitely pick this incredible album up. I promise you, you will not be disappointed! This is a true 5 star album. *****

this cd is intense if you like bands that actually know how to play there instruments and your into screaming you have to have this cd. if you do buy this cd, just listen to the whole cd and just try to hate even one song, its impossible

A lot of screaming. Musically awsome. Guitars and drums make this band. It is good, but I don't think it is there best work. If you like great guitar playing it is a good album. If you don't like bands that scream this is not for you. It is good to listen to Sounding the Seventh Trumpet just to see how far the band has come.

This album is much heavier than waking the fallen but waking the fallen is also a great heavy album.They went mainstream but the older A7X will always be much better and this is a must own for fans of bleeding through,as i lay dying,and a probably atreyu or only if you just like heavy music with great screaming,although bleeding through and as i lay dying are much heavier bands with death metal influences.I don't care what people say about this band(if you hate everything about them,even their early work)they are freakin awesome,the drummmer is like one of the best drummers out there,great hard drumming and not to mention the guitar work and m shadows,screaming and powerful singing.I hate them today not just their music but their style as well,you can see the difference,but they are great musicians.

Even tough i called this band gay their old stuff was good.If you haven't heard their early stuff and own city of evil and their newest cd avenged sevenfold you might not like this,unless you like screaming hardcore and metalcore.This is pretty good even tough i don't really like these guys so i suggest getting this cd,it's not real metal but sounds cool the screams are good and the sounds are great so check it out the newest stuff is so gay and how they look also,they have the same sounds(sorta)but no screaming so just get their first two albums

This CD is okay, just a bit too screamo for my tastes. Well if you want more guitar driven A7X then get Waking or City. This is okay but just a bit screamo.

If this is your first time buying an Avenged Sevenfold CD, u've been missing out. I've been their fan for many years. This is Avenged Sevenfolds first album and is BY FAR the metalist album they have. With Matt Shadows (vocals) as the screamer and the melodical voice, Synyster Gates (Lead Guitar-Back-up Vocals) with his amazing burnout riffs and EL FANTASTICO solos, Zacky Vengeance (Rhythm Guitar, Back UP Vocals) with his mix in riffs wit Syn, The Reverend (Drummer) with his INSANE drumming, and Johnny Christ (Bassist) with his amazing bass power, THIS BAND HAS THE PERFECT PEOPLE. But I have to say, This album doesn't have half as many solos as City Of Evil. Soon after this album had released, Matt Shadows had ripped a blood vessel in his throat, this is because he used his screaming power in only Sounding The Seventh Trumpet. You will see that the rate that he screams in this album he doesn't do in any other. But what is a singer witout his crew? Thats where Synyster Gates, Zacky Vengeance, Johnny Christ, and The Rev come in to deliver what they call is Sevenfoldism. So if u would like see less metal of Avenged Sevenfold, check out City Of Evil and Waking The Fallen. Those are both fantastic albums also, Sounding The Seventh Trumpet is juss more intense. I don't see one track on this album that you should skip over.
Song Reviews as Follows:

1. To End The Rapture 10/10. Now this is how you start an album. This is a masterpiece. This is where Synyster Gates had his debut. The whole song is an intro, but, my god, its a great one.

2. Turn The Other Way 10/10. This is another masterpiece. The debut of their screamo songs start right HERE. Shadows fierce growling sure takes care of your anger. Best part of this song is the outro. Great Guitar riff with great singing.

3. Darkness Surrounding 11/10. I'm saying this is the best track on the album. Shadows reaches a whole new level of screaming and melodical singing. He definitly knows how to mix those 2 together. Even The Bassist gets a miniature solo. Great Song great ending.

4. The Art Of Subconscious Illusion 8/10. This isn't exactly their best shot at this. The is not one of the songs that they needed to do. M. Shadows voice is good though. I juss don't like the fixture of this song.

5. We Come Out at Night 9/10. This song is good. Chorus is melodical and great. But the verses with the screaming are great also. Great guitar work involved. The screaming here sounds dif. then their previous songs.

6. Lips Of Deceit 10/10. DUDE. THIS HAS THE BEST INTRO IN THE ALBUM. great intro then great verses. This song is great. One of my all time favorties.

7. Warmness On The Soul 11/10. What does every great band need? A ballad. And dang does Avenged make this a great one. This song is a masterpiece. Great piano work and impressive solo by Zacky Vengeace. 2nd best song in album.

8. An Epic Of Time Wasted 10/10. This songs good also. cool intro and cool verses. The Ending is pretty nice to. M. Shadows delivering his melodical voice after all the screaming.

9. Breaking Their Hold 7/10. LOL wat is this. Not their best they do. The worst track on the album.

10. Forgotten Faces 10/10. This song is impressive. Love the verses. and the chorus is great also. Its kind of like An Epic Of Time Wasted Part 2.

11. Thick And Thin 10/10. THis song is grand also. I love it when Shadows mixes his screamo with melodical magicness. Another one of my favs.

12. Streets 9/10. Whew. Besides the ballad this is their next song where there is no screamo. This one is kind of punky but its one of a kind also. I love how shadows juss keeps going in the verse witout stopping. The pre-verse after the chorus is great also.

13. Shattered By Broken Dreams 10/10. Wow two ballads in one disc right? WRONG. This starts out as a ballad but then tranforms into screamo and madness. great way to end the album.

So overall this is a mad cd. Avenged Sevenfold sure knows how to make a debut. This is a great cd. If u want some other Sevenfoldism madness check out Waking The Fallen and City Of Evil.

Although I am not A7X core customer (guys 18-25) - I found this album to be just amazing. I'm 38 and female. I purchased the clean version of the album after seeing the video for Afterlife late on the satellite one night. I couldn't get the song Afterlife out of my head so I knew I had to give the album a try. I found that the songwriting is amazing and there is more depth then I ever expected from such a young group. The range of music on this album is very broad. I can hear shades of Iron Maiden and Metallica in these guys and I think they've got quite a future in front of them. The lead singer has a good voice and I would encourage the band to entertain doing a few more low key songs in the future to show his voice off more. I would recommend this album to older metalheads who have felt left out of the current metal scene (like me).

Please make this an MP3 download for this version. I just want one song,not the whole album.

Pretty sweet CD. I like how they use the tune of the music to match the lyrics.

I'm usually reluctant to buy a whole album as it seems that after you listen to the popular songs that initially hooked you from the radio the rest of the album is boring filler material. BUT NOT THIS ONE, this is excellent from start to finish. This band has such versatility you will not get bored; their style changes from song to song. The lyrics are intelligent and well thought out. I am greatly impressed. This is an album for every metal heads collection.

i think it has more pop sound in it. i like the guitar in "city of evil" better. buy it if you like the way they play metal.

The new Avenged Sevenfold CD is something I didn't expect, but I love it! Great lyrics, great guitar riffs and the process of making all documented on MVI DVD! Love the CD, love the MVI DVD and love them!
Plus the shipment was really fast!

From listening to the Amazon samples, it's obvious these pieces were written with string samples on a computer sequencing program. No real players here. The pieces are expressionless.