Release Date: Oct 30, 2007
Label: Warner Bros.
Genres: Hard Rock, Metal, Metalcore
Number Of Tracks: 10
Avenged Sevenfold’s songwriting has progressed and quite clearly matured on their latest release, and this is arguably a more complete album than City of Evil was, although it has certain flaws.
Featured review by:
UG Team, on october 30, 2007 17 of 26 people found this review helpful
Sound: Beginning with a macabre funeral-like introduction to Critical Acclaim, it doesn’t take long for Synyster Gates’ guitar playing to enter the fray dramatically signaling for the rest of the band to enter double time and take it from there. The production is slick, it’s clean, it’s impressive, in terms of audio quality, but the drums sound a little processed for my liking. The use of piano in songs like Critical Acclaim and A Little Piece of Heaven sacrifices the prominence of Synyster’s lead guitar, although he does make use of the whammy bar and quick fingers in many of the songs on show. The return to use of other instruments to complement Synyster’s lead playing is also evident on Afterlife, a personal highlight of the album because it causes one to wonder what A7X would sound like backed by an orchestra.
In terms of guitar playing, Synyster and Vengeance play off each other well, albeit incorporating a little much of the generic metal chug in the rhythm playing for my liking. On Almost Easy, Synyster widdles his way through a solo accompanied by a piano for the latter section. It is this embrace of progress that remains Avenged Sevenfold’s greatest asset, easily a contender for most refreshing hard rock moment of the year. For versatility’s sake, Avenged Sevenfold go country, folk and blues on Gunslinger, which has to be heard to be believed, particularly when it comes from a band that once recorded Sounding the Seventh Trumpet. It’s the reflective, nostalgic song of the album in many ways. Unbound (The Wild Ride) is perhaps my favourite on the album with it's intricate, emotional lead guitar lines throughout, which manage to mirror M.Shadows’ vocal melody lines; this song is a highlight for all members of the band, and provides the listener with trademark Synyster Gates, complemented by a piano/keyboard.
Scream initiates with what can only be called a woman’s scream, before Synyster plays a descending sequence to signify the beginning of the track. However, it seems a little out of place on the album. The flow of the album certainly stutters here, as is the nature of the track. Despite Synyster’s attempts to redeem the track with a fluid guitar solo, the lyrics end up dragging this track down. The ability to put their own twist on Thin Lizzy and Iron Maiden tradition of harmonising lead guitar parts is most clearly illustrated on Lost to great effect. Avenged Sevenfold may rely heavily on their influences, namely Metallica and Iron Maiden, but their ability to incorporate orchestral moments on this album provides some much needed energy and a unique touch to their sound. // 8
Lyrics and Singing: Unbound (The Wild Ride) also proves to be a vocal highlight of the album, with M.Shadows soaring in the melody of the choruses, typically City of Evil. Critical Acclaim is arguably a defence of US foreign policy to go to war in Iraq. "So, how does it feel to know that someone’s kid in the heart of America, has blood on their hands fighting to defend your rights, so you can maintain the lifestyle that insults his family’s existence?” Fine, they’re expressing their political beliefs, but they fail to elaborate on how the troops are guaranteeing anyone’s rights, although I do applaud them for recognising that all of the finger pointing regarding the occupation of Iraq has resulted in a lack of respect for the efforts of most troops to do their job. Unbound (The Wild Ride) also proves to be a vocal highlight of the album, with M.Shadows soaring in the melody of the choruses, typically City of Evil. He strives for excellence on A Little Piece of Heaven, which wouldn’t sound out of place on a Tim Burton soundtrack for its Nightmare Before Christmas styling. Furthermore, Shanna Crooks gets A7X in touch with their feminine side offering some female vocals on three tracks to break A7X’s usual boundaries. Lyrically, A7X can leave a lot to be desired at times, but M.Shadow’s delivery and conviction balances the equation. The one dominating failure is Scream, and that is just a case of personal taste. Avenged Sevenfold is one of my guilty pleasures, and perhaps I should be able to admit this more openly in the future. // 7
Impression: Avenged Sevenfold’s self-titled album is proof that they are here to stay in that they have delivered an album that has definitely seen the band progress from City of Evil’s heights. It is difficult to say how well this offering shall be received by the mainstream, but expectations should be high, not because this album is more radio friendly, but because it should appeal to a wider audience than City of Evil did. If one track were to be picked out as a microcosm of the album, it would most certainly have to be A Little Piece of Heaven, an eight-minute opus including all of the best parts of the album. Avenged Sevenfold’s existing fan base should be satisfied with this attempt, although one drawback is that there are only ten songs to listen to, not counting one or two bonus tracks which I hear are of old material anyway. Perhaps it won’t be long before M.Shadows an co return to the studio.
Find out about the Avenged Sevenfold MVI version of this release at this location. // 8
Reviewed by:
unregistered, on october 30, 2007 6 of 8 people found this review helpful
Sound: They cancelled the U.K leg of their tour in late '06 to get to work on their fourth studio album. It's been a long time coming but the album is pretty much here. The sound is an odd one and one that we've never heard from Avenged before. It's more melodic then, say Waking The Fallen, but it'sd heavier than City Of Evil. I'm not saying that it's a mix of the two or that it's a "Waking The Fallen Part 2" or a "City Of Evil Part 2" either. It's something completely different. This band is clearly not shy and will take risks even when there not needed, which can be amazing but other times can be a bit repetitive. If I was asked to place this album into a genre, I'd be thinking for about a good couple of years. It has pretty much everything. Heavy guitars, slow grooves, melodic harmonies, catchy poppy chorus', orchestral influences, hip hop hints, country flavours and so much more. And Avenged are able to move freely between all of these genres and styles.
01. Critical Acclaim - ehen the teaser was released back in September I have to admit I was wary, but when the whole was released later the same month it wasn't what I expected atall. It was better. Heavy chugging riffs and eastern style harmonies make this a favourite.
02. Almost Easy - the first single from the album, and a good choice. Heavy thrash influenced verse riffs and an incredibly catchy chorus. Only Downside is the cheap sounding intro solo.
03. Scream - a slow groove orientated song. Pantera esque riff with a winding guitar playing under the harsh raspy voice of M.Shadows. It's slow, it's heavy and you'll be singing along with the chorus in no time.
04. Afterlife - is one of my favourite tracks one the record. It starts off with strings before the guitars kick in. One of the heaviest and memmorable songs on the record. The chorus is as solid as it gets and theirs an awesome solo towards the end.
05. Gunslinger - not what anyone really expected. It's a love it hate it song. And after a few listenings it has grown on me. Shanna Crooks does a bit of backing vocals but you'd be forgiven for not noticing. Starts of with a acoustic slide intro before erupting into thrash influenced riffery.
06. Unbound (The Wild Ride) - a crazy song influenced by Danny Elfman scores. Not the heaviest but one of the catchiest. If you liked "The Wicked End" on City Of Evil you'll be a fan of this. Slightly odd outro though, as they list the aid of a boys choir. But very good.
07. Brompton Cocktail - one of my favourite intro riffs in the whole album, a slow burner. It's eery, chillng and very done. Can't fault a lot within it.
08. Lost - a fast paced song, with nice guitars and verse melody. Looks to be one of the stars of the album and is, if let down by horrible voice effects. But if you can see past this it's amazing. I would give it 10/10 just for the music and the verse.
09. A Little Piece Of Heaven - mental. Nothing more to say about it really. It sounds so different which is what makes it stand out so much. After a couple of listens it really grew on me. And it will for you too. If you like Pinkly Smooth you'll love it.
10. Dear God - avenged go country in the last song on the album. I do like this song but it goes without saying that a lot of people will not. I like the chorus and as a guitarist the solo is one of the best done within modern rock or modern music in general. // 10
Lyrics and Singing: M.Shadows has always been a good, if a reluctant lyricist. His lyrics really mean something and he is able to create good lyrics and good melodies. The lyrics have been better in past albums but I really can't fault them much. Some of them are a bit weird. e.g. in A Little Piece Of Heaven "I always knew that my little crime would be cold, that's why I bought a heater for your thighs", but having said that the lyrics are very well written. // 9
Impression: This album is different. If you've been familiar with past Avenged albums it will suprise you plenty. Taking a twist around every corner at every given chance. They take you over a 50 minute ride which will enthral, scare, confuse and amaze you throughout. The best songs on the album are probably "Afterlife", "Critical Acclaim", "A Little Piece Of Heaven" and "Scream". I can't really find a downer on this album or have a bad thing to say about it. If your a hater of the band it probably won't change your opinion but if your a fan this won't leave your CD Player or iPod playlist for a long time. It may take a few listens but in the end it will excite you plenty. // 10
Reviewed by:
fatwanker, on october 30, 2007 15 of 56 people found this review helpful
Sound: This is the bands 4th album which is self titled, which to me seems like they've ran out of ideas. There are 10 tracks on the album, none of them even come close to comparing to their first 3 albums, they are slow, boring, and seem very rushed just to get it out onto the market.
01. Critical Acclaim - starts out with what I tihnk is a organ, then goes into a guitar solo, after the guitar solo, it sounds like a huge mashup for a bit, then there is actually quite a good verse riff, the vocals are quite good up untill the chorus, where it sounds very raspy and out of key, after the first verse the rest of the verses just sound like mindless jibberish, untill the bridge, where the vocals actually pickup a bit, there is then another guitar solo, I have to say that the guitars in this song are quite good, but the vocals. I personally don't like them.
02. Almost Easy - again starting with a guitar solo, personally I think it sounds like a theme song to a sonic the hedgehog game, there really isn't much to say about this song, apart from the bridge, where the vocals are just repeated over and over, this gets very repetitive and annoying, there is a guitar solo in this song too, which sounds like the same few notes repeated over and over again, nothing too spectacular, whereas the song itself as a whole I find quite catchy despite the annoyances in it. I rated this 4/5 solely on the fact that it's catchy.
03. Scream - this song starts off and you think, "This could be a good song", the lick in the intro/verse gets very annoying and repetitive, there again is a guitar solo in it, which isn't quite as repetitive as in the other 2 tracks, but again based solely on the fact that the song is pretty catchy.
04. Afterlife - this is the only song I rated 5/5, it's starts with an orchestra, it then kicks into a very good solo, followed by some good riffs, the vocals are similar to the style from "City of Evil" in this track, bar the chorus, which is hard to describe, but it works, something else unusual about this song that I liked was the presence of an orchestra throughout the second half of the song, but I did find the backing vocals sub par, there is also a second guitar solo in this song, which I personally think is good, more like Synysters Gates' style, unlike the other solo's so far in this album.
05. Gunslinger - this is one of the better songs of the album, it starts with a good western style acoustic guitar chord progression, which then kicks into the riffage which kicks off the song, the guitar solo in this song is definately my favourite off the album, it's not shredding or anyhting, butit is filled with emotion, the only problem I have with this song is that it is too short, coming in at just about 4 minutes, I was hoping it would last much longer with it being one of the best off there.
06. Unbound The Wild Ride - another song that kicks in with a guitar solo, this is one of the faster paced songs off the album, everything in this song seems to mesh together nicely, The only things that I feel lets this song down, is that there is a choir singing in the background too, and the fact that what sounds like an 8 year old girl singing the final verse, I just don't feel that this fits in with the song properly.
07. Brompton Coctail - there's not really too much to say about this song, bar the fact that it seems like the guitars have been replaced with synths/keyboards for a large portion of the song, the vocals in this song work well with the music though which is a plus, this song is quite repetitive and seems rushed guitar-wise as it seems like all they are playing is powerchords.
08. Lost - this is one of the songs that I gave a higher rating to, with a harmonised guitar intro, which I might add, sounds very good, this song seems like they spent a lot more time on it than some of the others, everything meshes together very well, there is a harmonised guitar solo in this one too, which I think is superb.
09. A Little Piece Of Heaven - to be blunt this song is terrible, It reminds me of a bunch of childrens cartoons theme tunes put together mixed with Panic! at the disco, it is also very long and boring, at over 8 minutes of cheesey lyrics, and what sounds like a childrens pantomime/cartoon.
10. Dear God - this song is kinda slow and boring, all throughout, it starts off similar to track 9, but does pickup a bit, with a guitar solo, which I can't exactly call great, and very very slow.
Overall, I was expecting a lot from this album, but it just failed to deliver. // 5
Lyrics and Singing: As usual Avenged Sevenfold wrote some good lyrics, the lead vocals from M. Shadows was average, the main problem I had with the vocals was the backing, Whoever was doing them blatantly can't sing. The lyrics did actually fit the music though, the only track that stopped me from putting this in as 8/10 was track 9 "A little piece of heaven" It was the sort of thing I would of expected a childrens pantomime, not from a metal band. // 6
Impression: Compared to their previous 3 albums, this is total garbage, I myself am quite a big fan of Avenged Sevenfold, but I don't see myself listening to this very often, if at all, there are only 3 or 4 good tracks on there, which aren't particularly amazing, if this CD were stolen or lost. I'd say good riddance to it. // 6
Reviewed by:
fishmunky, on november 06, 2007 2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Sound: I'll break the album down song by song:
01. Critical Acclaim - this album kicks off with ominous sounds of organs and quick guitar solo, before moving into pummeling drums and noisy guitar bends. The main riff of the song is simple but fairly strong, something easy to headbang along with. so far so good, the spoken word parts give Shadows a platform to rant about his hate for the liberal media. The guitar solo is thrown in after the bridge, decnt but nothing overly inspiring, The singing is better n this track then it was on the previous album
02. Almost Easy - again the song opens with a guitar solo, and a quick crushing riff that I can't help but think I've heard before. The rest of the song is ok, easy to see why they picked it as the first single, singable chorus and a good rhythm. Guitar solo is more fun than the last song, but the sweeping runs seem to be thrown in at random, the secondary solo sounds better, the bridge is the most singable part of the song.
03. Scream - here we open with a woman screaming and a very heavy riff (kinda remainds of of Hellyeah's Star, except there's an awesome picking run that accompanies it), the pre chorus riff is very groove worthy, the song has kind of a sexy vibe to it, more so than anything they'd released before, I can see this song being the next tune to be released from this album. The guitar solo in this song fits better than in any of the previous two tracks, and a lead line continues playing under the bridge which sounds really good. So far it's the stand out track on the CD.
04. Afterlife - this track opens with a string section and you kind of expect something slower paced, until the guitars come in, another opening solo, this one is the best sounding so far. First time I've been able to hear the bass on this album in on this track. the riffs are ok on this track, nothing to call home about. the vocals are more varied on this track. The chorus is insanely catchy. The riff in the verse seems to sound better the second time through. the strings come back in about half way through the song for the bridge, it actually sounds really nice, minus the additional vocals, it ruins the feel of the bridge. Another guitar solo that seems to follow the same formula of fast run, slow run. oh well at least they changed things up and added another fast run and a whammy dive. the laughter after the solo kind of ruins the songs sort of sombre vibe. Good track but had potential to be the best song on the album.
05. Gunslinger - here's a change, we open with an acoustic guitar and some slide playing and not a guitar solo. The most original song on the album so far, his vocals fit in with the acoustic and slide vibe perfectly. the chorus comes in and sounds suberb, especially with just the acoustic playing. The heavy riff comes in and it's so far the simplest and best sounding riff of the the album, his vocals switch to fit the electric vibe, and it works. The chorus is still catchy, singable and sounds really good. The bridge goes back to an acoustic vibe, and it sounds fantastic. The guitar solo doesn't seem out of place and actually fits the vibe of the song fairly well, nothing unecessary or too flashy, very well put together. This is the best put together track on the album.
06. Unbound (The Wild Ride) - kicks off with a lead guitar line and some fun drumming, piano accompanies the singing in the verse, very pretty and kind of flashy. The chorus has some really interesting guitar lines played in it, to give the impression of a roller coaster, very clever. The second verse sounds like the piano and guitar trade off being flashy underneath the vocals. No real guitar solo but the amount of lead guitar in the song over prety much the whole song makes up for it. the song goes out with a what sounds like a little girl singing, adds a very creepy vibe to the song at the end, to accompany the piano.
07. Brompton Cocktail - the song fades it with what sounds like feedback, or a sound effect and into a decent riff. The riff becomes slower, and during the verse we get some strings which sounds super. The vocals are quite good on this track. The singing is enhanced by the additional vocals in the mix and the string section. The tempo for this song kind of gives the song tension, which really enhances it. The guitar solo is drenched in wah and kept short, which is a nice change. I can't help but eel there's something missing from this song, but I'm unsure what, something just prevents it from being a stand out track.
08. Lost - opens with some lead guitar lines, which then harmonize, which is standard for these boys by now I'm sure. The rest of the band kicks in and we're off and running as the drums keep this track at a quick pace. The singing style doesn't suit the track as well as it could, not that it's out of place, but it doesn't fit completely. The chorus has a vocal processing effect, which sounds weird at first but actually really enhances the sound, it's different and it works for this tune. underneath the processed vocals is a really cool lead guitar line and decent drumming. After the second chorus it goes into a guitar solo, which sounds harmonized again, and it works well. The bridge uses the vocal effect, but not as apparent as it is on the chorus, the chorus has a great solo being played over it as the song ends. Really this song is pretty good, definitely worth a listen, the vocals have to be heard to be appreciated on this one.
09. A Little Piece Of Heaven - this tracks starts off with horns and piano, and has a very ominous feel to it. Kind of has, I know it sounds weird, but a Hitchcockian vibe to it, well Hitchcock meets carnival music. Songs tells a really twisted story, the strangest song on the album, sounds like nothing they've done before. the strings come back before the 2 minute mark. For such a strange song the chorus is very melodic and has a very lighters in the air and sing along with the band vibe, which is not the vibe the rest of the song has. Oddly enough, it works in a very stange way. I think it's a testament to Shadows singing ability that this song works, it switch betweeen style with the music, his voice is the centrepiece of the song and he holds the tune together quite well. There's an additional female voice on this track and she seems to work well with Shadow's, and I guess their plan on throwing everything and the kitchen sink into this track. now it sounds like a church choir in this, and a voice that sounds oddly like marilyn manson playing the priest in this narrative track. This song is a marathon at 8 minutes long with so much going on in it. Really the strangest song on the album, and the weirdest part is how very little guitar playing you can hear in it.
10. Dear God - another song that starts off with an acoustic guitar, might even be a twelve string and some slide playing again. clearly this albums power ballad, the vocals fit the song really well, and this song will prbably be a single, as I'm sure this song will be a hit with the ladies and guys who want to have sex with ladies. the song has a sort of country vibe, and there is clearly a banjo playing in the chorus, which is just friggin awesome. more female vocals accompany shodows, but for no real purpose. The song is 6 and a half minutes long, but the last time you hear singing is at about 4 and a half minutes, the rest of the tune is guitar soloing, but it's pretty tasteful considering the type of song. I'm almost tempted to say thay this is kind of like a tribute to freebird, with the unecessary outro guitar solos. // 8
Lyrics and Singing: 01. Critical Acclaim - it's their foray into the politcal lyrics sphere. This song will surely get them an invite to Gov. Arnold's house in California, as it takes a decidedly republican stance on how the dastardly liberal media and celebrity protesters are douche bags for not supporting the war in Iraq and basically dumping on America's current republican adminstration. Lyrically it's actually pretty good, and the Shadows sounds awesome in this track.
02. Almost Easy - the first single and the I'm sorry I screwed up your life track. The vocals sound really good in this track, but lyrically it could be better, particularly the repetition of "I'm not insane". I feel it takes away from the song. The additional vocals during the chorus are really well done, and the bridge saves this track from mediocrity.
03. Scream - the sexy song in my opinion. The vocals, rifs, and lyrics give the song a really sexy kind of groove. The song is pretty much about banging, or killing broads, but that's really not as sexy. Though there is kind of a vampirism vibe to the lyrics.
04. Afterlife - the first of probably 5 songs on this album that deal with god, or the afterlife in some way shape or form. Song about dying prematurely with what I assume is his significant other. The chorus is really heartfelt, a sort of "its not my time, but when it is I hope you'll be here for me", mind you during the chorus he may even talking to god, asking for a stay of life, it's not my time, to be here but I hope to get back. I really like this song as the vocals and lyrics are really well done here, but the laughing after the guitar solo ruins the vibe the song had.
05. Gunslinger - the soldier at war who's coming home tune. The vocals and lyrics mesh well, and the song is really quite sad. God and prayer are mentioned in this one, this song is really well done and is still a highlight on the album. Doesn't break any new ground with these lyrics, but it's a brilliantly crafted tune.
06. Unbound (The Wild Ride) - this track seems to be about the importance of independecne, and how no one can hold him down. mind you it deals with it better than other tracks do. basically it's about going through life and learning to take things slowly. Live without fear and do what you have to do seems to be the overall lyrical theme. the choir in the song is a nice touch, as is the little girl at the end of the tune.
07. Brompton Cocktail - if Critical Acclaim got them an invitation to have an audience with the Republican party, this track will get them thrown out. Dealing with a fairly heavy topic of the right to die (mind you Death already played this card already). Lyrically this a good tune and the themes of God, Death and the afterlife come back into play here, with the protagonist of the song being convinced that god will forgive him when he dies, as his death to this illnes is inevitable. Assisted suicide a heavy topic and probably the most touchy topic on the album, but it almost makes for the best lyrics on the album.
08. Lost - this track kind of remains of the Wick End from the last album. This track kind of has a we are still doing things wrong here, there's still war and people doing bad things. This is the song with the vocal processor and it sounds really good. The song is a huge a downer with the feeling that our crappy selves are bringing about the end of the world
09. A Little Piece Of Heaven - this song is vastly messed up but has a fairly comprehenisble narrative arc. Guy loves girlfriend, guy is paranoid and doesn't want her to leave him, guy kills girlfriend, guy violates corpse and keeps her around so he can continue to violate corpse. Girl ends up in hell, comes back from the dead, kills boyfriend. They have a sort of reconciliation after killing one another. They have creepy unholy union in hell, and are now apparently a pair of murderous spirits. The vocals are really what make this song work, honestly Shadows vocals are the glue that holds this 8 minute cut and paste song together
10. Dear God - the power ballad, very much in the vein of Home Sweet Home, Nothing else Matters and I Remember You. Old story, singer on the road misses his missus, asks God to make sure she's ok while he's not around, nothing new or groundbreaking but a sweet heart felt tune, cause I think he has to include at least one song about his girlfriend on every album. // 8
Impression: They said it wasn't going to be another Waking The Fallen or City Of Evil, and they were right, it's differnt from both. It's more melodic than Waking The Fallen, but it's more focuesed and polished than City Of Evil. Standout tracks are Gunslinger, A Little Piece of Heaven, Lost, Bromton Cocktail and Critical Acclaim, but there's no really a bad song on the album. I am a fan of the band, but I think this was a really well put together album in spite of that. I think if I wasn't already a fan, I'd be a fan after this record. Some things could have been done better, but they took a few risks on this one, and really they stand out better when they try something new. I think the guitar playing and drumming was more focused on this album and the vocals were done better, his voice isn't as nasal as it was on the previous outing and there was more variety in his vocal style. I like the album, not the best album I've heard this year and there's nothing groundbreaking about it, but it's a solid effort and better than most of the stuff that's been released in this calendar year that were supposed "must have". Solid album and well worth the money. // 8
Reviewed by:
Lohnanmilitia, on november 07, 2007 2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Sound: So, Avenged Sevenfold decided that it was time they took the reigns, and produced their own album. Years before this, they decided that they wanted to stop screaming in their music. And this morning they probably all decided to get wasted tonight. All of these pissed somebody off somewhere, but that doesn't mean jack shit when it comes down to the nitty gritty of the product just released. This album is phenomenal. It is a no holds barred unleashing. The sound is tight. The tones the guitar players get sound beautiful. Nice and pretty to the in your face crunch, and everything in between. The only thing is that Johnny Christ's bass lines seem to get lost in the mix most of the time. It's hard to pinpoint what genre you would classify this as, but if you are a fan of just good music, it doesn't mean a thing. Sounding the Seventh Trumpet was a hardcore punk album, Waking The fallen was Metalcore, and City of evil was a guitar driven poppy hard rock. Avenged Sevenfold is definately not a poppy record. Some of the heaviest stuff they've ever written is on this album. That could have a little to do with the tuning down a half step, but hey, we like heavy here. it's the next step that needed to be taken. The best tracks on here are actually the ones that the Rev wrote, such as almost easy and A Little Piece Of Heaven. The albums writing is much simpler for their rhythm sections, most likely due to the above reason, but they wanted a groove oriented album, so that's what we all got. This release just shows that they know what they want, and after this, I can't wait for them to get back into the studio to do another one. // 10
Lyrics and Singing: The lyrics aren't the most impressive thing on here, but the vocals are so well done it doesn't matter what he's singing about. I don't know how many know, but all the band members contributed to the vocals on here. The Rev especially, has a great voice. He all over the place in personality, so his voice is as well expectingly. Whether it's the pre chorus in almost easy, to his part in a A Little Piece of Heaven. Gates shows his nice low voice on this song to. The bands whole approach to the vocal stylings is great. hey we all sing live, so why don't we all sing when we record instead of doubling Matts voice 20 times. Shadows himself being the lead singer, this time around, experiments with the different tones he can get for his voice. He had the best scream back in their beginnings, so it's no surprise that he has one very dynamic voice. On COE, he whined to much. He's finally discovered how to use it well. // 10
Impression: This album doesn't compare to their other albums. They get better each release. I didn't like city of evil the first time I heard it. But it doesn have it's moment, minus bat country and burn it down. And even this didn't really hit me until the 2nd or third time I listened to it. The CD opens with their 2 singles, which if you listen to the radio, skip critical acclaim. But there's no way to pick out favorites from here as they are all amazing and unique from then out. A little Piece of Heaven is the best if I have to pick a favorite though. ottom line is if you want a good, groove oriented hard rock album to bang your head to. This is perfect. // 10
Reviewed by:
fcuk, on october 30, 2007 5 of 13 people found this review helpful
Sound: Avenged Sevenfold, Man where do I start the killer solos by Synyster Gates or the crazy hard-to-copy drum lines of The Reverend Bartholomew Plague or do I start with the almost addicting aura around all there songs? Well in the alternative music category they rank pretty high up there, but enough about glorifying them now for the review. The bands sound is something that is rarely copied, it's a certain hardness from the solos to the vocals that make A7X amazing. I could listen to all their songs over and over again and not get tired one single bit. I've tried to scrutinize the band for any mistakes but the problem is I can't find any thing wrong, from the first time I heard second heartbeat I was hooked. The album does not have any particular story to it but, there are songs that are connected such as unbound and Brompton Cocktail by the sound effect of a heartbeat. Music styles? from the looks of the album they went all out on the instruments and styles from the choir to subtle null of the violin, they've used everything. The sound is a new refined Avenged Sevenfold sound that can only be explained by listening to the album when it comes out October 30. // 9
Lyrics and Singing: M. Shadows returns for the 4th time, this time with more bad-a** vocals than ever before. There is also M. Shadows girlfriend Shanna Crooks is in 3 of their songs and there is some sort of choir incorporated in most of their songs. The Music and the lyrics go hand and hand in a seamless performance of A7X. Singer skills? M. Shadows is very good but he is amazing in this one. // 9
Impression: 01. Critical Acclaim - this mix of hardcore riffs, insane drum lines, and political messages make this song easily great.
02. Almost Easy - a very typical avenged sevenfold song singing of it's almost easy to come back to him topped off with a good but not the best solo.
03. Scream - I couldn't stop listening to this song, it reminds me of a really good horror movie, But seriously this should be in a horror movie with one the best solos that Synyster has ever done: excellent hands down.
04. Afterlife - another reason why I listen to A7X, it's uniqueness from the violin at the beginning, it's makes you think of what the afterlife might be like.
05. Gunslinger - if you have ever listened to Strength of the World this will remind you of that song, it talks of the westerns saying "after all the things we do, it wont matter if I'm coming home to you" meaning of all the things we do I probably wont be coming home to you.
06. Unbound (The Wild Ride) - this song is one of my all time favorite songs because of the fast paced beat and the guitar is unbelievable, I didn't know syn could play that good!
07. Brompton Cocktail - this song just has this inexplainable aura to it with the African drums in the beginning to the violins throughout the song, this song is one of A7X best songs.
08. Lost - this song is reminiscent of city of evil with the fast paced guitar to the insane double bass it's good but could be better.
09. A Little Piece Of Heaven - this song is by far my favorite A7X song ever, it incorporates every instrument I can think of, it has to have a orchestra in it, if you don't like this song you should go play in traffic.
10. Dear God - this song just isn't avenged it's sounds more like country than anything, sure it's a good song but I didn't think avenged wanted to go that way in writing songs.
I love everything about this album it's by far their best. If it was stolen or lost well I don't know what I would do except buy it again. This album is well worth the money, and if you love A7X you should buy it. // 10
Reviewed by:
Metalfan2007, on november 03, 2007 1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Sound: I listened to Critical Acclaim when A7X first released it. I was sceptical when I first heard it but it grew on me mainly because of the rev's ripping vocals. That's the only moment of the "rawness" that I used to love on WTF. The album has grown me after 2-3 days of listening now, not because it's that good, mainly because it's catchy. WTF makes my hairs stand on end when you listen to it through headphones nice and loud, whereas this latest attempt it just "listenable" with the odd moment of genius. I appreciate the music styles involved and the desire to let their sound evolve but it's taken too far on some tracks. A little piece of heaven is dire; it does sound like childs TV rubbish. I personally think that the chorus vocals on Lost sound like Shadows could name one of his influences as Cher. Fairly bad! However, there is the odd gem, Gunslinger starts very well with a quality intro and when the guitars kick in you begin to think that all is not lost as Shadow's vocals tear through but then it loses all momentum. I personally think that epitomises the album. // 7
Lyrics and Singing: Hmmm, not brilliant. Some odd lyrics, some overly poncey lyrics (not what we came to expect from WTF)and some poor lyrical rhythm as showed in Scream. Shadows shows his versatility. He showed he can perform without screaming in COE but I think the lyrics sound a little polished on this record. // 6
Impression: Not a patch on WTF or COE with WTF clearly being their pinnacle in my mind due to their creativeness and raw sound (you can probably tell it's one of my favourite albums). Almost easy is catchy, as is Brompton Cocktail but they're nothing brilliant. I bought the album even though I formed harsher opinions as I listened to it on youtube beforehand. I support the artists I like and hoped it would grow on me. It has to a point but there's something missing. // 7
Reviewed by:
olheiser01, on november 05, 2007 1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Sound: Definitley not what I was expecting. Hearing Critical Acclaim I thought this CD was gonna be a lot heavier that it was. When I first heard it, it was a let down but after a couple more times I got use to it. This CD definitely is different than city of evil or anything. Syn is an amazing guitarist but I don't think they showed it enough on the CD. I'm not a drum expert but it seems like there's no double bass which I miss. I didn't like The set up of it. It seems like all the heavy songs were first so the next half was like wtf, but I got use to it. A little piece of heaven baffled me at first but after a couple listens I saw it was a great song with so many different sounds. Critical Acclaim, Almost Easy and Scream are heavy and catchy songs which I liked all. But what stood out to me was afterlife. I love all of it. Semi heavy and catchy as hell. All of this andthe past three songs I loved. But then gunslinger comes up and I reminded me a lot of seize the day and it sounded like it to. The Wild Ride has a really cool sound especaily with the fast piano and guitar. Brompton Cocktail is a sweet song with a sweet intro and the orchestra sound is awesome and original. Lost is an awesome hit with another great guitar intro but the vocal effects ruined it for me. It was so uneeded and so not metal or avenged sevenfold. Next is A little piece of heaven which is completely bizarre and souns like the Night Before Christmas. It has multiple sounds and is justa fun song to hear. At first you may hate like I did but after awhile I realized it was so original and awesome. Not A7X but it shows the abilities to write diverse songs. I couldnt tell if the "bye, bye" part was suppose to sound kinda funny though because it's alittle wierd. The last song Dear God really threw me off at the beginning. I just thought country. Listening to it all the way through I sawit was a great combination of modern rock with some country and the solo at the end is such a good way to end the song and CD. // 9
Lyrics and Singing: The lyrics didn't impress me as much as the other CDs. Most of the stuff doesn't seem metaphorical or have a hidden meaning like city of evil does. I also liked the singing better in city of evil. Matt seemed like he had a better range. The singing or lyrics aren't bad inthe new CD though. Overall there's notmuch to say about the lyrics and singing. it's pretty avg but nothin to go crazy about. Could bebetter. // 7
Impression: It can't compare to the other albums simply becuase it's so different once again. Change is good but they like to change a lot and dramatically. I can't even begin to think of the next CD and what that will sound like. This is better than sounding the seventh trumpet definitely with a lot better set up and production. The album is good but it's hard to compare with the others. As of now I think city of evil and Waking The Fallen are better. Notso much becuase of the sound but the new one seemed rushed. I saw the cover and it was so plain. A white background and a deathbat is just to simple. People like to judge books or albums in this case by their covers. With that there was only 10 songs, shorter than even their first full length CD. I was expecting another 60+ min CD with 12 songs. To me this CD is going to decide where Avenged Sevenfold is going to sit in the subgenre category in Rock with their next CD after this. I love the different sounds in the new CD, I love the quick and heavy guitar in city of evil, I love the singing of waking the fallen, I think somehow they should find a balance between them and make one kick ass album. There dosent need me screaming but just like some growling intros or stuff like batcountry or critical acclaim. If I lost the CD I'd most likely buy it again but that's only becuase it's Avenged Sevenfold and it's only 9.99 at best buy. So overall good CD in some points but at other points it wasn't so good. I encourage people to buy it to see what you think. You'll either hate it, love it or just be confused. I felt all three. // 7
Reviewed by:
unregistered, on november 19, 2007 1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Sound: Despite negative comments, Avenged Sevenfold struggle on. The insults jerked their way would have broken up any other band. Avenged Sevenfold worked hard, and the result is the musically confusing eponymous full-length. "Critical Acclaim" is a gunshot through the political heart, and sounds like the work on 2005's City of Evil. "Almost Easy" follows up, with a couple of solos and trademark vocals, but it favors the mainstream. The rest of the album goes all over the place, from the 20's-country "Gunslinger" (which becomes metal after a minute and a half) to the nearly flawless "Brompton Cocktail." The closers will make it or break it. "A Little Piece of Heaven" is wild, and the country-rock "Dear God" is (musically and lyrically) more like Dashboard Confessional than Atreyu. Speaking of their fellow Orange County metalheads, maybe it's worth noting the two albums are extremely alike. // 7
Lyrics and Singing: The lyrics range from whining about fights ("Critical Acclaim") to bizarre dreams ("Afterlife") to slaughterhouse serenades ("A Little Piece of Heaven"). Honestly, the lyrics don't deliver, but what else can you expect anymore? For the metal genre, the angst is definitely present, but A7X writes more like Silverstein than Ozzy Osbourne. // 5
Impression: Avenged Sevenfold have set their lead sails out, leaving their paper anchor. They haven't drowned, though, and it's their skills that got them to where they are now. It's a great CD, and I personally love it. I'd buy it again, definitely, and I recommend it. // 8
Reviewed by:
unregistered, on october 30, 2007 2 of 4 people found this review helpful
Sound: Avenged Sevenfold has done it again in this album, it seems that through each album they have reinvented themselves and let me assure you this one is not different! I am going to go ahead and warn you now if change is not your thing this album is most definitely not for you. If you loved the Metalcore sound or even City of Evil prepare for a complete 180 turn around. Experimental is the key here they even have The Rev (the drummer) doing vocal parts! Track by track:
01. Crital Acclaim - this is a great opening for the album, it opens with organ sounding and goes straight into double bass and screaming! The song is really different as the style of the vocals, it's very experimental with the sound that A7X have created for themselves. Has your usual guitar solos and things of that matter, this is honestly the most predictable song on the album in comparison to thier last effort.
02. Almost Easy - this is the band official first single from the album, where honestly I believe it didn't get enough airplay. We open the song once again with a semi solo, nothing to complex here at all. The song then breaks into a very catchy riff that helps to shape the song. The song as stated before is catchy and will be something that you will find yourself humming to and unable to leave your thoughts.
03. Scream - to me this songs seems to be one of the stand out moments of the album just from being a fan it goes closer back to their roots of the Sounding the Seventh Trumpet/Waking the Fallen era, but with out the screams (not a pun). The song has a very catchy feel. I feel that the lyrics compliment the song in a very eerie way, but it is also cool, fresh and something new. I would definitely give this song a listen!
04. Afterlife - afterlife begins with the sweeping sounds much similar to that of I would say part of The Beast and The Harlot, very nice and cathy tone. It then break into a palm muted verse where it is once again very simple, something I wouldn't expect especially from the playing on the last album. Great chorus, much like the catchiness of Almost Easy, a very single along feel. Violins are included in the interlude of the song, something very interesting, which of course is then complimented by a solo. The song is very much out there and I appreciate how out there compared to their previous efforts this song is at times.
05. Gunslinger - this song starts out with an acoustic feel and as stated at one point, Avenged Sevenfold worked with country prouducer John Rich of Big and Rich. Bein a fan over country music it's a great start, but it then breaks into a heavier riff and contines to bring the noise, amazing song!
06. Unbound (The Wild Ride) - this song most definitely fits where it is you can hear influence in this song from all of their previous albums from the pickslides that were included to the first album, to the fast riff, in WTF, and the sweeps and guitar technicality in COE, this song is what I would call maybe an ode to all of their albums, guitar wise. Honestly the vocals are good, but could have been better, but what can we do. They even have a female vocalist at one point in the song, which was done in STST.
07. Brompton Cocktail - this song is slow paced compared to the rest of the album, it feels really forced and more of a filler of the album, simple. That explains this song. I would say most definitely one of the weaker songs of the album.
08. Lost - this song begin with the harmonized guitar types then breaks into the whole band with the same tone. This is a very up beat up tempo song. Much of the 1 2 beat that Avenged Sevenfold promised. This song has a very catchy course much like most of the other songs on the album. This song once again nothing to stand out from the album. good song, just nothing about it that would make it a person rave about it above any song on the album.
09. A Little Piece Of Heaven - this song is the most experimental song on the album, it honestly sounds like it was produced by Tim Burton and could be easily put in The Nightmare Before Christmas. That's all I will say about this song, you have to hear it to even begin to concive it, this song is also the longest song on the album!
10. Dear God - this is the closing song to album, this song is most definitely country influence. This song leads you to believe that you really don't know which way the next album will go. The song is definitely a more slow tempo song, the last dance, if you will. // 8
Lyrics and Singing: M. Shadows never fails to amaze me as a musician, because he knows what he is doing. I think the lyrics on this album do not differ much from all the previous efforts you can see that they are focused on a theme and it seems at least for another album they are sticking to that formula. Yes, even as a fan I will admit where is voice can get over bearing and annoying, when he tries to go beyond that, but all in all he is great. I love the way he displays his vocal ability in Crital Acclaim where he is kind of just talking, but it fits in well with the music. M. Shadows is very charismatic, especially live, and you can tell that he is putting his heart and soul into each and every word that he stated that's what is what more lyricist should be like today. // 9
Impression: If you are one who doesn't like change, then this album is not for you and that is just honesty. Avenged Sevenfold is a band who has redefined themseleves for each album that they release and to be honest this is album number 4 and I just don't know where they can go next, but I will tell you I will most definitely be on the wagon for album number 5. The most impressive thing about this album is how they took it from outside the box and beyond. Beyond expectation and imagination. There is not much I dislike about the album I am an avid fan of their guitar work and harmonizing, would have liked to see more, but still great album. If I lost it 6 times I would go back and buy the album again. For anyone who wanted metalcore or even City of Evil sound, go leave pathetic messages to the band somewhere about how they sold out and while your at it, tell them to put out the same album every year just so all of you can be satisfied. Avenged Sevenfold is a band that can pull of almost any sound and this album proves it! // 10
Reviewed by:
unregistered, on october 31, 2007 3 of 13 people found this review helpful
Sound: This is not metal. None of this is metal. It's pop rock. Think hinder. Or any other loser mainstream band. The incredible loss of feel from his lyrics and synysters guitar are appalling. What happened to the passion and emotions they used to put in there songs. This is not burn it down. This is not remenissions. This is not Avenged Sevenfold. This is a brand name band that you can get packaged and plastic ed up for Christmas. there's no end of the world that there know for, And there's no feeling. I'm a Deathbat, always am and always will be. I loved Avenged sevenfold but there dead now we have the next MTV TRL sellout. To bad. // 1
Lyrics and Singing: Wheres the feeling these sound like children's song. No Ripping screaming, no well placed extravagant vocals, It sounds like a monotone Axl Rose. They could be written better but there just normal everyday lyrics anyone could write them. there's no epic, no emotion, no music just noise. He has one of the best voices in the business but you can see what happens to talent when moneys around. It fades. Fits with the music because both are bland. // 1
Impression: Not Even close to any of there other music, even the Pantera cover. No songs are impressive not even the usually expected beauty of Synysters guitars. No love no hate it's just noise like a trip on the bus or grass swaying in the wind. There's nothing here for music lovers, in general metal or not. If this were stolen I'd be happy. If you like instrumental metal get COE. If you Like screaming metal and epic feeling and well written vocals Try WTF (Waking The Fallen). If you want epic start to finish with a good mix of different music get Thye Seveth Sounding Trumpet. Time to move on. // 1
Reviewed by:
oh... THAT guy, on october 30, 2007 2 of 10 people found this review helpful
Sound: Avenged Sevenfold seem to just get better. If you like City of Evil and thought that they couldn't top that, then you'd be wrong. If all you like from them is Waking The Fallen metalcore screaming, then this album is not for you. They've incorporated many different instruments into some songs (A Little Piece Of Heaven is a perfect example of this) and different styles of guitar playing (Listen to Dear God.) M. Shadows has definately broadened his vocal range since City of Evil, he now sings melodically, and he has a much harsher growl than before. The Rev has done some lead singing parts in this album and it really suits the tone of the album. The highlight of the album for me has to be A Little Piece of Heaven, which is undoubtledly the darkest song on the album, it has some excellent guitarwork, some different instruments, a couple of lead vocal line from the Rev and good examples of Shadows' vocal range. // 10
Lyrics and Singing: The typical kind of lyrics you'd expect to hear from A7X, but this time there's a much wider range of styles, ranging from pure aggression and war-themed lyrics in Critical Acclaim ("So, how does it feel to know that someone’s kid in the heart of America, has blood on their hands fighting to defend your rights, so you can maintain the lifestyle that insults his family’s existence? Well, where I'm from we have a special salute we aim high in the air towards all the pompous assholes who spend their days pointing fingers.") To more kind of concept song with an obvious story guiding it (A Little Piece of Heaven) and more balladsy songs (Dear God, Almost Easy) and everything in between. The lyrics really suit Shadows' newer style and with the addition of The Rev's voice from time to time the songs sound a lot more recognisable and it helps to set City of Evil and This album apart, and show that this album is a step forward whereas City of Evil was a step forward from Waking the Fallen. // 10
Impression: This album is definately an improvement on A7Xs already well-defined sound, and standout tracks are Critical Acclaim, Almost Easy, Scream, A Little Piece of Heaven, and there really isnt a dull or recycled song on the album. If I lost it, I would definatly buy it again, so if you are a fan of City of Evil, it's a must-buy for you, and if you are a Waking the Fallen fan there are a couple of moments which won't disappoint you. // 10
Reviewed by:
Seth Shadows, on october 30, 2007 1 of 3 people found this review helpful
Sound: The newest album from Avenged Sevenfold features a more "Gritty" sound then the others. This CD did not come upto my expectations at all. Sadly, It seems like they slacked a lot more compared to previous releases such as City Of Evil and Waking The Fallen. You can tell this record was inspired by various genres of music. The CD Contains ten tracks (as follows) comming into a total time of 53 minutes and 2 seconds.
01. Critical Acclaim - the first single from the new album. My first impression on this song was automatically "Trashed and Scattered", A song off "City Of Evil", a previous release from Avenged Sevenfold. Which I personally found a bit boring because it has the same, constant, overdub, harmonizing, lead guitars throughout. The lead vocalist, "M. Shadows", has been using his deeper voice a bit more. But there were some good points that impressed me. The nice, slow intro to start off the album, the drummer, "The Rev", sings in the track and the solo wasn't plain triplets like most of their work. There was also a lot of the same riffs from "Trashed and Scattered" in this song. Especially the outro.
02. Almost Easy - the second single from the new album, "Almost Easy" features no constant lead guitar nor lead harmonies at all. A refreshing change from this band considering their old work. Some of the guitar riffs I absolutly loved, some (the verse, the chorus) I did not enjoy. The verse, being almost all open chord, showing they've slacked more, which isn't good at all. However, I do enjoy the expirimental piano.
03. Scream - the so expected third single from avenged sevenfold, "Scream", comes in with one horrific female shreik. When the band starts, the guitar is slacking yet again. Same palm-muted, tremolo picking they used before. Very boring. The drums were a bit off beat in this song. The vocals were extremly weak. The solo had the same riff from one of their older songs "Burn It Down" but all in all, was decent.
04. Afterlife - the first of many violin parts in this album. The Quick tempo change from violin to guitar was amazing to say the least. Upbeat lead harmony, back to a lone riff then when the intro ends, it gets quite boring. M. Shadows expirimenting with this type of vocal spans wasn't great either. The Chorus actually decent. In The middle of the song, the violin harmonises with guitar. Which I found to be amazing. The guitar solo, was not great, even worse then Almost Easy with it's sweeping progression. Then the triplets came in, and they were horrible. Not impressed by the insane laughter before the last chorus too.
05. Gunslinger - western-style acoustic guitar? sounds decent to me, a bit of a rip from "Sidewinder" though. I thought it was decent, but then the vocals started. I was disgusted. M. Shadows and acoustic don't sound great anymore. He's really getting a lot of inspiration Axl from Guns N' Roses. And it really shows. When the hard-ish style guitar started it was decent. The Solo was a big dis-appointment with all the build-up they gave to it.
06. Unbound (The Wild Ride) - a lot of insane piano riffs is the first thing I can say for this and sweep picking again. It wasn't so bad for the first few minutes, but then it just got repetative. The guitar in this song actually sounds like something the band "Between the buried and me" would write. The solo overdubbed by vocals was dis-appointing. Then, children's vocals? ruined it for me. I didn't like it much at all.
07. Brompton Cocktail - Bongo drums and constant, overdub dive bombs. I didn't like it. The rhythm sounded like something mixed between their "Blinded In Chains" chorus rhythm riff off of "City Of Evil" and "Vanishing Light"'s verse riff by the band "In Flames". It wasn't bad. But the 30 second solo overdubbed by vocals and loaded with effects wasn't perfect. But overall impression was decent.
08. Lost - the leads were decent to say the least. Right and left pan alternating was really good. But this song is now ruined for me thanks to M. Shadows expirimenting with "HelloGoodbye" style vocals made me sick. But besides that, it wasn't too bad. Very Children Of Bodom-ish style guitar.
09. A Little Piece Of Heaven - no thanks, not much to say about this one. Well, The vocals were quite strong. There was hardly any guitar to pick out. Nothing stood out besides constant swearing and orchestra. I was not impressed. But it's not that bad of a song. I'm interested in seeing it played live.
10. Dear God - interesting intro that I've heard somewhere before. This was a decent past the intro. Not a great way to end the album though. Sheanna Crooks and M. Shadows voices are quite harmonising together. The constant acoustic wasn't too bad either with the overdub jazz guitar. When the electric started, I wasn't too impressed. But the solo made up for it. The solo itself shows a message. "Solo on, don't stop for anything. If the record ends, let it end. Because with your harmony, you can go on, even when you fade out." I could be blowing chunks, but That's what message it sends to me. And incase anyone didn't get it, it's a metaphor for life. // 8
Lyrics and Singing: M. Shadows is showing greater skill in writing, vocals and not hoggint the spotlight. ALL the band members wrote and sang at least once on this album. Some of the lyrics didn't fit with the music, Like, "So I got a heater for your thighs," A Little Piece Of Heaven. But I didn't mind it. Most of the lyrics seemed more towards love then anything in this album, not like their previous work. I was Impressed. // 9
Impression: I had a few problems with the basic music of this album, and things like the expiriments with M. Shadows' voice. Some of the plain guitar work. The straight-forward bass and the "Calmed down" percussion (mainly because he plays keyboard as well). But it could be worse. The most impressive songs on the album were "Lost" because it's guitar is great. "A Little Piece Of Heaven" because I didn't see it comming and "Dear God" Also because I didn't see it comming and the message it sends me. I would buy this album again for the impressive artwork most definatly, A few songs and because I'll always be a diehard A7X fan, no matter how much they change. How I got this album: I have a friend who works in a CD store and he sold me the CD days early for double the price. Wasn't a bad Idea. // 8
Reviewed by:
unregistered, on november 05, 2007 1 of 4 people found this review helpful
Sound: If anyone knows anything, they know I am the craziest die-hard A7X fan God could ever put on this Earth. I discovered Avenged Sevenfold in 2002 thanks to the Warped Tour Compilation CD, I quickly bought their disc titled, Sounding the Seventh Trumpet released in 2001. The evolution of this band is far more delicate than any other I have ever listened to. Sounding the Seventh Trumpet is filled with chilling vocals, deep lyrics, outstanding guitars, and tight precussion. An average album for an up-and-coming hardcore rock band from Huntington Beach, California. To be honest, no track made them stick out to me, they weren't an instant favorite. But they definately were holding something no other musician at the time ever possessed. Track favorites include, "Darkness Surrounding," "The Art of Subconsious Ilusion," "Warmness on the Soul," and "Shattered By Broken Dreams." When they released Waking the Fallen in 2003, they showed the world their versatility, style, and the guitarists ability to shred for hours. Not to put the bass and drums in the shadows, but they never stood out. I never really heard any of the basslines pop, probably due to the volumes of the harmonizing guitars. Frontman, M. Shadows as always kept writing his clever lyrics with catchy melodies, which can be seen in the tracks, "Unholy Confessions," "Chapter Four," "Eternal Rest" and "Second Heartbeat," in my personal opinion, I believe those four songs are by far Avenged Sevenfolds greatest. Inbetween playing rediculous amounts of gigs across the world and recording, M. Shadows had done a great amount of damage to his vocal chords, the hardcore, deep screams had no choice but to come to an end if the band wanted to continue. After hearing this news, I feared the bands immediate downfall and next album. In 2005, Avenged Sevenfold realeased their heavily anticipated third album City Of Evil, fans quickly divided. They felt Avenged Sevenfold was no longer staying true to hardcore, but no fear many new fans joined. The band knew what they were getting themselves into and were well aware of the reprocussions of doing so. The album was a great success, they persevered by writing their face melting guitar solos, heavy riffs, and stunning harmonies seen in tracks "City of Evil," "Betrayed," "Bat Country" and "Trashed and Scattered." But could they top the amazing success of this album? Two years later, how do you feel about Avenged Sevenfolds new self-titled, self-produced album? // 4
Lyrics and Singing: I am no album critic but this album completely sucks and I am not insane! I would never dream of blasting this album in my car with all the windows down for the world to hear. Could it really be true? Could this be the end of our ever loved reigning rock Gods? In my opinion, the two singles "Critical Acclaim" and "Almost Easy" are the same old melodies and guitar riffs that define the band, but what happened to the rest of the album? Didn't they produce it? Shouldn't I expect more cocky lyrics, heavier than heavy riffs, killer basslines, tight, fast-paced drums, and radiating guitar solos? M. Shadows vocals became very deep in some songs, I can't imagine how to sing or rock out to them in concert! He resembles melodies from crappy bands like Three Days Grace, Disturbed, Kid Rock, and Uncle Cracker. Backup vocals by who knows are very overplayed and nothing new, there's nothing special to them at all. I also hear absolutely rediculous amounts of orchestras in the background which give the album an epic element, but is it necessary in nearly every song? // 2
Impression: I was shocked when listening to the track called, "A Little Piece Of Heaven," you hear a full band, no, not rock band, I'm talking high school band, trumptets, trombones, the whole nine yards! On top of that, it has this air that resembles music from the film, The Nightmare Before Christmas, which just reminds me of weird kids who love Hot Topic way too much. According to me, that is not what Avenged Sevenfold is about. Honestly, I think that is the worst track! The lyrics are aweful, the instruments and his melodies make it sound like a stupid play! I always loved seeing them live but if I have to sit through Phantom of the Opera on November 14th at Hammerstein Ballroom I will be one very piseed off woman. It worries me, I feel as though between this nonsense of an album they try to redeem themselves by using harmonizing guitars, just so everyone doesn't notice their monstrous metamorphosis. On almost every track there is a dragged out beginning that consists of either organs, violins, screams, african drums, or high pitch squeals. It's interesting to try something now, but too much too soon for me. How many intro tracks can you place on one album? Just start the song already! I have to hear that nonsense on every other CD, can't you be different and unique like I thought you were?
Aside from the horrible results of "A Little Piece of Heaven," I'd have to say that track is tied with the aweful creation of "Gunslinger." There is an unexpected soulful Afican American choir in the background, but all put aside, the 1:30 minute introduction is just as boring and obnoxious as an Uncle Cracker single. It is almost saved when Synister and Zacky enter with their thrilling guitars, but the lyrics are rediculously tacky and I refuse to believe they are written by M. Shadows. Think about it, does 'A Little Piece of Heaven,' 'Brompton Cocktail,' and 'The Wild Ride' really sound like song titles to an Avenged Sevenfold album afterall? Not to me! One track I was enjoying aside form the singles was a track called, "Lost," all went well with this track, it's pretty catchy, the guitars are wonderful, precussion is keeping up, but I can't help but to notice the drowning computerized techo effects on the background vocals that remind me of an aweful song called, "Jesse Buy Nothing. Go to Prom Anyways!" by Hellogoodbye, a band from a completely different genre of music, if you even wanna call it that. I really hope their record label has absolutely everything to do with this nonsense they call an album. Either that, or I hope they became straight-edge and sobered up from drugs and wrote all this shit. Just pretty, pretty please write a good album, and tell Ashton Kutcher to come out of my CD player and tell me I officially got Punk'd already! Compare the tracks I listed from each album and tell me if you honestly think they are the same band, I accept change, but this vast, so rapidly? They might as well change their name to something cheesy like 'Blood And Pain' and start wearing pink fitted polos from abercrombie. I have never endured anything worse than trying to make myself like this album. Please, please grow on me because I have to see you on November 14th and if you suck our relationship will be terminated and I will no longer worship all of you. God Bless you Avenged Sevenfold, I never thought it would be possible for me to dislike anything you write. Instead of sitting on the shelf with Pantera, Slayer, Metallica, you now sit on a shelf with Disturbed, Good Charlotte, Yellowcard, LFO, Hinder, Daughtry, and Michelle Branch. // 3
Reviewed by:
csn00b, on october 30, 2007 1 of 5 people found this review helpful
Sound: The band's fourth album. They have once again proved that they are capable of changing their sound and still sounding great. Songs like "A little piece of heaven" and Brompton Cocktail" have orchestrated and bongoing begginings. ALPOH also has a fairly Pinkly Smooth feel(The Rev and Synyster's sideband). The guitars have become much simpler compared to city of evil yet they are still amazing and are the complete opposite of WTF. they have some relax riffs and then the solos are intense. The intros of Afterlife and Lost are proof. Song list:
01. Critical Acclaim - is often thought to be an attempt at being mainstream lyrically (look at the lyrics section for more), it starts off with an organ and moves onto a very metal-ish sound.
02. Almost Easy - the main riff has barely any use of the left hand, it is all open chords. The solo is fairly simple the only thing that stands out in it being the slides.
03. A Little Piece Of Heaven - an attempt at reviving pinkly smooth possibly this song sounds nothing like previous Sevenfold, it is the longest songs and it has a few different riffs each rather simple (you could be a bigener and play lots of the rhythm parts on this album).
04. Gunslinger - this song has amazing soloing guitars and is a must listen on this album.
05. Dear God - featuring Shanna Crooks this is a fairly simple song musically and lyrically and should definetaly be given a listen to.
06. Scream - the guitars on this song are the worst on the entire album. Besides the solo it sounds like you've got a small section of it on repeat.
07. Brompton Cocktail - starting with bongos, the guitar ends up getting a little boring at parts but the drums are amazing. If you're a drummer you should definetely check this song out.
08. Unbound The Wild Ride - fast piano parts and harmonies on the guitar make this song a great listen.
09. Lost - the first time I heard the name I thought it was in reference to the show. the difference, I only watch lost for evangelline lilly where as I listen to this song for everything. Great work on this one boys.
10. Afterlife - a bit of a pop-ish feel to it. Fans of Avenged Sevenfold and pop punk will love it. // 8
Lyrics and Singing: Half the song seems like they jsut felt like writting like whatever. Listen to the lyrics of ALPOH and you'll laugh your ass off. M. Shadows has definetaly improved his singing, I think any doubts anyone had with his abilities will be erased with this album he used a little autotuning but after seeing them on scream awards he's intune for sure. And his voice just keeps improving wich is a great sign for fans everywhere. // 9
Impression: If you could only listen to 4 songs off the album I would recommend listening to: ALPOH, Lost, Brompton Cocktail, Gunslinger. The only thing I hate is that in Unbound there's a kid singing at the end and it kind of ruins the song besides that it's the best album so far IMO. // 9
Reviewed by:
FargoDog, on march 31, 2008 0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Sound: To begin with, this is quite a departure from City Of Evil, and a massive departure from Waking the Fallen and Seventh Trumpet. If you thought they changed quite a lot with City of Evil, you haven't seen nothing yet. Personnaly, I'm not a big fan of this new sound. It is a more mature sound, but maybe not for the best in terms of their exisitng fanbase, although this will probably gain them more fans. Also, I would not consider this metal. This is more hard rock than Metal. Techniccaly, it also seems to be different. There seems to be less of the sweep picked harmonies so common in City of Evil and more of a crunchy, power chord sound.
01. Critcal Acclaim - this is a hard song to judge. It may be the heavist song on the album, with a crunchy yet quite simple riff running through most of the song. It opens with more proof M. Shadows hasn't lost his screaming ability, with a blood-curdling roar in the intro. There are two parts to the solo, the first being melodic, then a harmonised minor key solo, with plenty of divebombs. The track also showcases The Revs singing ablitys. While not as pitch perfect as Shadows, his unique voice makes up for this.
02. Almost Easy - this is much more radio friendly song, even though the tuning appears to be dropped down to Db. The chorus is quite annoyingly repetative, and guitar-wise it's unremarkable, apart from a thrashy riff. The first half of the solo isn't great, full of off-beat sweeps, and the melodic section seems rather repetative.
03. Scream - very unremarkable song, which seems to be an odd-cross between a Waking the Fallen song, and a City of evil song. Solo is ok, with an interesting harmonized lick. The main riff is very heavy, and some quite fiddly picking.
04. Afterlife - this is probably the albums highlight. The main riff is much less crunchy, and with some cool trills. The solo beats every solo on the album hands down, and maybe is Synysters best solo so far (close to Beast and The Harlot and To End the Rapture).
05. Gunslinger - this is were the album starts to turn and not really for the best. The song opens with some acoustic slide playing, and it moves into heavier territory about a third of the way through, but still very melodic and mature sounding. The solo is very short, and sounds like a Dream Theater solo, which isn't bad, but isn't very AX7 either.
06. Unbound - wow. This is probably the closest glimpse to City Of Evil, with a sweep picked harmonized bridge section, and is quite a high tempo song. No solo this time round.
07. Brompton Cocktail - this is a very dark song, and really isn't a very happy song to listen to. There's some strings mixed in with the guitars, and gives it a more epic sound.
08. Lost - this is quite a prog rock song, the intro is wave of layered guitars, and is quite cool. There is no real riff to this song, and focuses more on lead guitar work. The chorus is interesting, and I think it's a talkbox, but I'm not sure. There are two solos, one in the bridge and one as the outro, both are very melodic, yet not that technical.
09. A Little Piece Of Heaven - personnaly, I think people have taken this song the wrong way. It's not meant to be serious what'soever, esspecially when you listen to the dark yet humrous lyrics. I won't spoil it, but they are quite hillarious. The sound is nothing like AX7 of course, as it's not meant to be taken seriously.
10. Dear God - I wish this was another jokey song. This song is truly terrible. Not song writing wise, but as a AX7 fan. AX7 is probably one of the lighest bands I listen to. I ussualy prefer bands such as In Flames and Pantera. If they had deleted this song from the album, I would give it a much higher rating. It sounds like a Sheryl Crow tie in. // 5
Lyrics and Singing: M. Shadows has obviously been training his vocal tone since City Of Evil, and it's extremely impressive. His voice never cracks once in the album, and it is more or less pitch perfect, and very powerful. Sepcial mention must also be made to The Rev, who pops his AX7 vocal cherry on Critical Acclaim. He is not as pitch perfect, and his voice cracks on occasion, but his voice is extremely unique. In terms of lyrics, there is more or less no reference to biblical litrature such as in the past 3 albums. There is more of a political stance on songs such as Critical Acclaim and Lost. Most songs revolve around relationships, such as wanting someone back (Almost Easy), hurting them on purpose (Scream) and just twisted (A Little Piece Of Heaven). I like the variety, but the biblical literature was unique lyric points for the band. and the new topics are extremely overused by other bands. // 7
Impression: Compared to AX7's previous albums, this falls exremely short. The only songs I listen to freaquently are Critcal Acclaim and Afterlife. This 'mature' sound really doesn't suit my tastes. I like the extra effort Syn has put into his solos, but the actual songs themselves don't have the technicallity or even the 'fun-factor' of any other of their albums. If it was stolen, I would shrug my shoulders and simply download the two good tracks once again. Quite a dissapointment for a AX7 fan. // 6
Reviewed by:
drummer_boyy, on march 01, 2008 0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Sound: First off, as an A7X fan this album sucked, but as a hard rock fan this is an awesome album. I listen to A7X for there old sound. This is a good rock album for right now because everything else new on the radio sounds the same, where this doesn't. The sound is more focused on solos and vocal work. The drums and the bass is no longer one of the hilites of the song but simply the rythm, unfortunaly. The drums sound a little over processed but not bad. The guitars are so well mixed you can't tell the difference between zachy v and sin. it is cool that they are trying something new but it dosnt live up to expectations. // 1
Lyrics and Singing: The vocals are also more polished, and personally I don't like it, but it shows maturity. The lyrics hold most of the songs together unlike thier earlier work. There is more feeling in the lyrics now too. The jibberish in critical acclain was very interestin and true when understood. // 2
Impression: It's noy City Of Evil or sounding the Seventh Trumpet or Waking The Fallen, or even Warmness On The Soul. Basicaly it's very different and in my oppinion not as good as there other stuff but new and creative. If it was stolen I wouldn't care 'cause it is on my computer and I can burn CDs. // 3
Reviewed by:
Jk3y, on april 28, 2008 0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Sound: Avenged Sevenfold’s forth album referred to as ‘The Black and White Album’ is probably their most accessible album to date. I have only recently been curious to look through the bands catalogue after hearing the City of Evil. Looking back the band’s work you can slowly see their musical style has matured. Their sound hasn’t changed so much that it feels like a different band but it is very, very noticeable that they are going for a different sound and changing their sound means a different audience. This is purposely done as for this album the band has self produced the album. The band has been experimental, incorporating more instruments; ‘A Little Peace Of Heaven’ is a good example of this. An orchestra has been tastefully used in some of the songs when needed. The outcome is that the album sounds truly epic and out of this world at certain points. However it isn’t perfect. Sometimes it feels like they’re putting more instruments there just for the sake of it. The beginning of ‘Critical Acclaim’ is really unnecessary but since it’s the start of the album so it is quickly forgotten. Sometimes you feel like they don’t need to put so much production is every song, the guitar playing is great but in the verses it can seem like they’re playing just so they’ll have something to do. However I can’t criticize too hard, Syn and Zacky are of course why we listen to A7X. The before albums have shown hints are greatness but this album simply proves they continue to improve and are too be watched out for. I can expect to see the band reach mainstream in the future, not from changing the style but simply for their talent. The album has some really great riffs and solos; the thing I like about this album is that the guitar playing sounds technical and they don’t forget what’s important, the music, some bands try to do the hardest riff/solo when it doesn’t fit the song and sounds like crap. A7X write really great melodies, something they excel in! Highlights from the album would have to be ‘Afterlife’ (great solo), ‘A Little Peace Of Heaven’ and ‘Critical Acclaim’. Fans may be confused after listening to songs like ‘Dear God’ which are solely made to reach out to the mainstream audience. Some complain they’re selling out, however if I had never heard ‘Seize the Day’ from The City of Evil, I wouldn’t have thought twice about listening to A7X (I don’t listen to much hard rock). // 9
Lyrics and Singing: The lyrics are suited well to the music. A7X never try to be too political but give it a stab at it on Critical Acclaim. The singer has really impressed me. His range really is amazing, why waste that beautiful voice on screaming (people are gonna hate me for that). // 8
Impression: This album is balanced well; much more variety than older albums and it isn’t tedious listening to the whole album. In my opinion the band is taking a step in the right direction. It is a great album for older fans while a great introduction to those who have never listened to their older albums. This album is one that grows on you, give it a couple of listens through some good headphones and appreciate some good rock! This is one of those albums where you have to listen to the songs together or it feels weird so don’t just download ‘A Little Peace Of Heaven’ after reading this and judge it from that. Overall a good introduction to hard rock and a keeper! Can’t wait for the next album! // 9
Reviewed by:
unregistered, on march 26, 2008 0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Sound: With this new album, Avenged Sevenfold's latest effort, Avenged Sevenfold, their sound has shifted a bit from every record they've done so far. While their usual song in a previous album would be: intro, heavy chorus, catchy soft section, repeat, this latest, self-titled effort is about the equivolent of Metallica's Black Album. While not a complete departure from the sound we all know, they've diversified. With tracks like "Gunslinger" and "Dear God", Avenged Sevenfold has proven they have the capability of going beyond just heavy songs. // 9
Lyrics and Singing: The lyrics of M. Shadows range from nearly as good as a 19th century poet (a.k.a. Afterlife) to a straightforward jab at the heart (a.k.a. Critical Acclaim) to winding gibberish (a.k.a. A Little Piece of Heaven). The lyrics, for I believe that lyrics should take control of the music and not the other way around, comply with the music perfectly. The skill of M. Shadows as a vocalist are above and beyond what can be expected for a metal vocalist once known for screaming alone. Still having the ability to let out an amazing scream when he wants to such as in the intro of Critical Acclaim, to an amazingly soft, yet strong vocal performance in Dear God, Shadows has outdone himself yet again. // 10
Impression: I believe that despite some of the harsh critisism that Avenged Sevenfold has been known for getting, they do have the musical skill to compete very well with other bands, and very well exceed them. Avenged Sevenfold is easily one of the best bands on the music scene today. I believe that the most impressive song on the album is Afterlife, for it's full orchestral arrangement, as well as a face-melting solo at about 4 minutes into the song. Absolutely amazing. A Little Piece Of Heaven, worst song on the album by far. It's, in a word, a joke. If you like Avenged Sevenfold's style on City of Evil, try Almost Easy. If you like to hear something heavier, try Scream. Political? Critical Acclaim. I love everything about this album. If this CD were lost or stolen, I'd buy four more copies to make sure I had a backup for each possible tuime it could be stolen. // 10
Reviewed by:
iRock613, on march 25, 2008 0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Sound: I really like the sound A7X uses in this album. In the very beginning, at Sounding of the Seventh Trumpet, they had a lot more of a dark emo, metal sound. Now, they've sorta lightened up, but still are thrashing dudes. My favorite song on that album has to be Critical Acclaim. It's probably the most hardcore song on there with all the screaming and the "f--k you!" It's awesome. And may I add that the solo is incredible. Overall, possibly thier best album so far. I can't wait for the next one! // 10
Lyrics and Singing: The lyrics are awesome. If you pay attention to the lyrics, you'll find out that most of those songs have to do with love in somesort of way. But Critical Acclaim attacks the government, which I love. I really het the way our government is at the time. And also, Matt's voice has really sleared up. In the first albums, his voice sounded a liitle scratchy. Like the Rise Agisnt singer. But now, it's cleared up a lot. // 10
Impression: I love evrything about this album. The one thing I don't like though, is the amount of songs. I think they could of put a little more time and made some more tracks. Well, they did come out with Crossroads as a single. And Walk, but that's a Pantera caver. But it's good. If I lost this album (which would be hard cause it's on my computer) I would most definetly go buy this album again. I could not live without A7X! // 9
Reviewed by:
Avenged72Fold, on march 24, 2008 0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Sound: First, I love A7X to death and think that they rule but I can't stand reviews on iTunes that just glow. I mean, come on. Ok, so the guitar is very well concieved with great choruses and solos as well as good coordination between Synester and Zacky, the "Critical Acclaim" solo is an example of this. It also shows the band's attempts at different music styles from the Burton/Elfmen esque "A Little Piece of Heaven" to the country roots of "Gunslinger" and especially the last track "Dear God" which ends in a terrific dual solo. And what can I say about the Rev, he rocks. Sound suceedes except for a few dull spots. // 9
Lyrics and Singing: Ok, this is why people tend to stay away from A7X, M. Shadows doesn't have a voice from God, but you don't need a beautiful set of pipes to succeed in a metal band like this. Luckily, he's gotten better. "Unbound" really shows his range and I also appreciate the Rev's voice in songs like "A Little Piece of Heaven" and "Critical Acclaim". But, the lyrics seem to lack emotional impact compared to tracks on Waking the Fallen, which is the band's best work, though City of Evil is their definitive album. // 8
Impression: I would gives this album a 9.5 if I could because it's so good but it needed some extra time. Also, check out the new non-album track "Crossroads" that was recorded for this album. It is more like the Waking The Falllen A7X that people have come to love, once again, if you are a true Avenged Sevenfold fan, you would stay with them and saying this album steered you away means you really aren't a true fan at all. // 9
Reviewed by:
Sergeant Rock, on march 03, 2008 0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Sound: This album is a huge step up from their previous album "City of Evil" In this one, they seemed to focus more on the entire sound of the song instead of just showing off their playing ability. The style of the songs range from a country/pop sound (Dear God, Gunslinger, Lost) to loud, hard rock(Criticle Acclaim, Scream) to pop, almost Broadway musical sounding (A Little Piece of Heaven.) As in the previous album (although much more so in this one) there is an obvious Guns N' Roses influence mixed with Megadeath and even a little Black Sabbath. // 10
Lyrics and Singing: There are certain lyrics in some songs that just make you want to cry, they are so good. Usually there are sone lines in every album that, when you hear them you say man that sounds dumb. There isn't a single badly written line in this album. The lyrics fit perfectly in harmony with the music. It's almost as if the singing were just another instrument. M. Shadows is an amazing singer. Once he stopped all the screaming from previous albums, his true colors have truly been shown. // 10
Impression: Compared to other modern albums, there really is no comparison. It stands high and strong above the rest. My personal favorite song from the album is "Lost". It is so perfectly produced, with the slow power ballad beginning, to the verses, to the amazing chorus with perfect vocals and guitar that will make you weep, to the awesome Gates solo to end it. Other great songs are "Brompton Cocktail, Afterlife, and Unbound." I love every single song on this album. I don't skip a single one. If it were lost or stolen, I would go and get three more copies, just in case. // 10
/ my profile 
Was this review helpful to you?