Disco de Avenged Sevenfold: “Avenged Sevenfold (MVI) [PA]”

Whoa. Where do I start with this one? Okay, I'm just going to say right now that Avenged Sevenfold have created a career-defining album. It may not be their heaviest album to date, but the band ditched the metalcore thing a long time ago. This upset and alienated many of the longtime fans and I'll admit that it kinda rubbed me the wrong way. At first. Then I realized that with "City of Evil", the band I had grown to love with "Sounding the Seventh Trumpet" and "Waking the Fallen" were going for something different altogether. But when you think about it, each record they've done has always been radically different than the one before it, so a big change on this album shouldn't come as such a suprise. Still, as different as this self-titled album is, I think it's their best, most focused (albeit, more polished) yet. It's the sound of a band busting out of a genre and truly discovering themselves. In short, this is their "Sing the Sorrow". This is their "Black Album". It's sure to upset many, but just as many will find something to love.

Despite all the hatred these guys have had to deal with, they know who their true fans are and this masterpiece should please most of them looking to hear something different than what they've come to expect. Still, as different as it may be, it's still distinctly A7X. This is apparent fromt the get-go with the first three tracks. You gotta love the intro to "Critical Acclaim" and although I'm normally not a fan of politically-themed music, it's refreshing to hear a different take other than just how much "the administration sucks". "Almost Easy" didn't do much for me the first time I heard it but it grew on me after a couple of listens and I can now see why it was chosen as their first single. If the album has one weak moment, it would have to be "Scream". While far from bad, it's just kinda mediocre by the band's standards. It does have a pretty cool "Vulgar"-era, Pantera-esque groove to it and it's kinda nice to have in the background when you're having a few.

The album really takes a hard turn with "Afterlife". This is where things start to really get different. We will most certainly be seeing a video for this one soon on Headbanger's Ball because it's sure to be one of the band's biggest hits. Starts off with some strings before diving headfirst into a dual-harmonies and insane drumming before switching into mid-temp then the chorus hits and we're left in awe. Yeah, thsi song alone will probably gain them more fans. I'm not sure yet but this could almost be their "Unforgiven".

"Lost" is one of my favorites right now and it's one of those that they're going to catch a lot of grief about. They took the Auto-tune, which is normally used for pitch-correction, and actually used it to give the Dragonforce-like track a whole new vocal dimension. Almost liked they used it as another instrument. It's laid on so thick that it takes the vocals to a whole new level. Not everybody will dig it, purists are sure to hate it, but I think it was a brilliant move on their part.

If you've read ANY reviews, then you've probably already heard about "A Little Piece of Heaven". The first time I heard this one, I had a vicious hangover so things were moving a little slow for me and I had to give it three consecutive listens just to wrap my mind around what all was going on. I read somewhere that the original title was "Big Bear" (an awesome title that I wish they would've kept) and this is their "Bohemian Rhapsody". There aren't many bands that could pull off a track like this one, and it really should seem kinda out of place, but for some reason it works. "The Nightmare Before Christmas" comparisons are obvious but this plays more like a Tim Burton nightmare mixed with Beetle Juice and a strong dose of sick humor thrown in for good measure. Love it. (Is it just me or is there even a little bit of Mr. Bungle thrown in the mix too?)

The album is nearly flawless in my mind and the production (done by the band) is perfect. (Truth be told, I think Rick Rubin would've have been the only other man for the job.) True enough, it will probably alienate a few fans who were expecting "Waking the Fallen 2" or who're still mad at Metallica for not recycling "Master Of Puppets" for the rest of their career, but it's sure to gain them many more fans. In short, die hards will love it, as will open-minded people who are sick of the same-ole radio schtick. Also, it's ALWAYS a good thing when you can listen to a whole album in one sitting and still be wanting more. 9/10

Let me make it short and simple because no matter how much I take moment to say my opinion and prove a point, some "fans" will always take my word as something bad and immature... here goes, People grow up, minds open up and words evolve along with the melodies, to Avenged Sevenfold there's more than meets the eye... Yes I know yesterday fans will find a bad review to anyone who thinks avenged keeps getting better since city of evil... This is my case, if not very well appreciated... My advice ... If you like singing more than screaming, Buy it with no hesitation as this album expresses a new sound to this Yet Rock Band, very well crafted album, it really is quality... Such a good album, too bad I'll get many unhelpful votes as these "fans" will click for fun and ignorance instead of finding the real art in music. And really getting to grow up with the bands that have made them rock the heck out of a concert or party. In conclusion, this album is 5 stars hands down with 2 thumbs up!!!!

These guys are incredible musicians, and it shows on this album. The whole album is a trip, from beginning to end. The MVI is especially cool, because the behind the scenes look at making the album is just as slick as the album itself. Highly recommended for A7X fans, as well as for those looking for a new source of musical inspiration. Nice work, boys.

If it's one thing this cd made apparent to me is that A7X has range which is a good thing. I must have listen to this cd more than 2 dozen times and every time i keep hearing things that i hadn't heard from the previous listen. I know a lot of people are bashing these guy these days, but that's to be expected when a band tries something new. It just proves that not only do they have range, but they have the ballz to go where no other metal/hard rock acts would even dare to step. Though the entire album was awesome i can't help but think of 'A Little Piece of Heaven's' tim burton style song structure and excellent(dark) story that compliments it. This song to me is by far the most out-landish on the cd, but some how the boys pull it off and with style. 'Dear God' is yet another surprise and proves that even bad boys have a heart. Now i admit i wasn't totally crazy about this one the first go around, but when it picks up somewhere half through with the guitar solos, it again proves just how far the band is willing to go to try something new. M. Shadows shows his maturity as well by demonstrating just how far his vocals have developed since his surgery, and even since Sounding of the Seventh Trumpet. He gives his best vocal performance to date. Overall, A7X lets critics and fans know they're still here and are going to be here for a long time to come.

This album...I can't say I don't like one of the songs on it. I must have listened to it everyday since I got it. When you listen to it, you can't not rock out to it. The beats make you wanna move and the way they recorded it is just amazing. They add in some things you'd never think of and it makes the album awesome. The video content makes you feel included, and is absolutely HILARIOUS!!! The band seems really close and awesome, makes me wanna see them live even more. HIGHLY recommend!!!