Avenged Sevenfold is the band of the current music generation that will withstand the test of time and their new, Self-titled record is a testament to that. In 20 years they may very well be on the level of what Van Halen or Aerosmith are now. With this album already being their fourth release in their young career, A7X are well on their way to genre-crossing superstardom.
The Self-titled record is an intense opus, which highlights the band’s talents from the lyricism to the musicianship. Say what you will about their visual image, but one thing is for sure; these guys are extremely gifted musicians.
From start to finish this record is heavy on the signature A7X guitar riffage and vocal croons and growls of M. Shadows. The Reverend’s double bass assaults are present, but not as machinegun-like as in the past. Each song is complex and layered, full of tempo changes, crescendos and guitar solos. “Scream” and “Afterlife” are tricky tracks, which start off mellow, but open up into huge, arena worthy compositions.
From the standpoint of “metal,” this album is more “rock,” wrapped in a groove oriented shell, yet still built on the metallic foundation that has tattooed A7X into our heads.
1) “Critical Acclaim” – The hissed opening line adds a great deal of power to this track, which is repeated during the chorus throughout the song. This track is one of the heaviest (musically) on the album and will have listeners fist-pumping for sure. Oh, and lets not forget the awesome guitar bridge around four minutes through.
2) “Almost Easy” – Quite possibly the best song on the record, even though it’s one of the first singles. It’s this album’s “Bat Country” and illustrates The Rev’s drumming talent. And yes, a sweet guitar solo.
3) “Scream” – The ladder like harmonies make this track danceable. The track begins on the mellow side, but grows into a powerful overall composition, complete with more in-your-face guitar riffage.
4) “Afterlife” – Similar to “Scream” as it relates to the groove factor and a perfect rock n’ roll song. The string-driven orchestral parts are well placed and the guitar solo livens up the track through it’s conclusion.
5) “Gunslinger” – The song is obviously built around a country twang and also begins on the mellow side. It eventually opens up into a huge rock song.
6) “Unbound (The Wild Ride)” – The piano harmonies spice up this track tastefully and the half-time vocals combine well over the aggressive melody. It’s an intricate song full of guitar plucks and fills.
7) “Brompton Cocktail” – This thick and heavy song sounds almost tribal at times. It’s intense and full of in your face energy.
8) “Lost” – This song is complemented by a strong guitar-driven intro and melody, complete with quick drum riffage.
9) “A Little Piece of Heaven” – This eight minute track is an orchestral opus, which is complete with horns and strings. It sounds like it could be a Danny Elfman score used in a Tim Burton movie like Batman, Beetlejuice, or The Nightmare Before Christmas. Shadows uses all sorts of different vocal tones to tell his tale and the music compliments the changes in emotion.
10) “Dear God” – Say hello to what could become the token high school prom slow dance song for the next three years. The country twang combined with toned-down vocals, make what sounds like a love song the perfect track for swaying couples. Even with the guitar driven instrumentation that concludes the last minute plus of the song.
Overall, A7X did a phenomenal job with this album. There are hardly any screams, but the hardcore foundation is there, and so is the intensity. I give this album a 10 (out of 10). Say hello to the new chapter of Avenged Sevenfold.
Suggested Listening: “Scream,” “A Little Piece of Heaven,” “Unbound (The Wild Ride)” and “Almost Easy”
By: Adam K. Zakroczymski III – Senior Editor / Founder
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