If you're a die hard fan of any form of punk, it's time to take a short break from it. Let the intensity of Avenged Sevenfold's hardcore storm upon you. Normally I'm not a huge connoisseur of metal, however this southern California based band stands out in the crowd.
Waking the Fallen is like a musical buffet. It's a slice of old Metallica, a splash of Iron Maiden, a spoonful of modern day angst and a pot of imagination. The vocals crisscross between shrill screams, deep throaty growls and crisply sung ballads. On "Chapter Four," powerful screams harmonize the straight rock like singing and "Remenissions" opens with a groan that sounds like someone woke up the devil.
The keyword throughout Waking the Fallen is texture. There's so much going on in every song. Whether it's the shrieking guitar in the background of "Unholy Confessions" or the space like guitar that cries on "Desecrate Through Reverence," the album has surprises that make the hair on the back of your neck stand straight up. Pounding percussion and double bass drums blast through the body with a machine gun like concussion. Nothing is held back.
Musically, Avenged Sevenfold has done an exquisite job of blending classic heavy metal with modern day emotion and raw power. They've also injected soaring guitar solos back into music. Vocals remain consistently shrill and stunningly strong.
Each song is an adventure into the mystery and capabilities of music. The twelve tracks on Waking the Fallen total 58 minutes and 39 seconds, which means Avenged Sevenfold give themselves some time to experiment on each track.
I think we'll be hearing a lot more of Avenged Sevenfold in the near future. And I give Waking the Fallen a 9 (out of 10) for it's amazing aura of musical energy and power. This Hopeless Records release hits store on August 26, 2003 and Avenged Sevenfold will be on this fall's Take Action Tour with bands like Poison the Well, Dillinger Escape Plan and Further Seems Forever. If their live show is anything like their album, we're all in for a treat.
Suggested Listening: "Unholy Confessions"
By: Adam K. Zakroczymski III - Senior Editor / Founder
August 17, 2003
