Avenged Sevenfold- Defining Dark Rock
The original members of the band Avenged Sevenfold were only eighteen years old when they started making music together in Huntington Beach, California. The group’s name came from lead vocals M. Shadows. The group is notably not a religious one but its name is actually a reference to a well known bible story in which God warns that anyone who kills Cain will incur vengeance sevenfold.
Aside from the band’s striking, original name, its band members also carry similarly related names that show the group’s dark roots. The first members include Zacky Vengeance, James “The Rev” Sullivan and Matt Wendt. Currently sharing the spotlight with Shadows and Vengeance are lead guitarist Synyster Gates and bassist Johnny Christ.
From the very beginning, both the image and the sound of the group was resoundingly metalcore in nature. The debut release Sounding the Seventh Trumpet under their first label Good Life Recordings gave a taste of the group’s early music. Its original 2001 release was followed by a second 2002 release by Hopeless Records.
In the following year, the group saw more action with the release of Walking the Fallen. In the same year, the group saw greater recognition as they played in the Vans Warped Tour in both 2003 and 2004. After this Avenged Sevenfold album release, their eventual move to mainstream was marked by their move to Warner Bros. Records. Apparently, this also introduced more popular Avenged Sevenfold merch.
It was under their current, more popularly known label that the band released its third album, City of Evil in 2005. Although considered definitive by many music critics, this release showed a marked difference in the band’s musical style. Rather than sticking to its metalcore roots, Avenged Sevenfold transitioned to rock. The transformation is apparent because of the absence of intensely screamed vocal renditions.
The band became truly recognized by the general public in the 2006 MTV Video Music Awards where they were named Best New Artist. This year, they saw more action in the Ozzfest and the Vans Warped Tour. What made this year truly significant for Avenged Sevenfold however was their first world tour. This became a perfect introduction for the following year when they came out with their self-titled album that debuted on the fourth spot.
The end of 2009 cast a pall on the rising fame of this gritty band. Drummer James “The Rev” Sullivan was found dead due to drug-related causes. He was only 28. The timing was unfortunate since the band had come in second place in the same month to Metallica in Ultimate Guitar’s list of Top Ten Bands of the Decade. Although the band mourned the loss of its member, they eventually decided to move on in February of 2010 with new drummer Mike Portnoy from Dream Theater.
The group started work in 2010 with its new drummer. A fifth release is scheduled for July. Shadows says it will be deeper and darker compared to all the other albums made by the band.
Avenged Sevenfold has moved well beyond its young, metalcore origins. Despite having undergone unique developments however, there is no question that the group stands on solid foundations. The band obviously knows where it wants to go with its dark tones. This group is bound to figure in more fan band posters.
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