Avenged Sevenfold Resurrected

When I was looking through my iTunes earlier for something to listen to, I couldn't believe reviewing Avenged Sevenfold's Waking the Fallen: Resurrected had completely slipped my mind! Although moving into uni, getting into my course and 'Fresher's Flu' (it's grim, let me tell you) all took their toll, there is no excuse for my neglect of my favourite band's newest release.

So, what do you get when you spend your money? The full, original Waking the Fallen album, another CD with eleven tracks of previously unreleased material and a DVD with a documentary about Waking the Fallen: Resurrected. (If you, like me, spent that bit extra and went for the limited edition deathbat flag, then you have extra treats!) Worth the money? Oh, yes sir.

The whole idea of a re-release is that you get the original album. In my opinion, Avenged's most successful album has to be Waking the Fallen, so I had no issue with having it twice. The unreleased stuff, however, I didn't quite prepare myself for. It weirdly brought back memories of seeing them last year! That beautiful moment when M. Shadows shouted, "Fuck it, let's play Chapter Four!" was relived when the live tracks followed the demos. Also, needless to say, having 'Unholy Confessions' live on your iPod is something Goddamn special indeed!

Getting past my excitement, the demos and alternative versions of tracks such as 'I Won't See You Tonight' (both parts) and 'Remissions' are a must listen-to for any A7X fan. Admittedly, your love for the original can't die, but you do see the songs from another interesting perspective, and not a bad one at that! It's a really cool way to bring back the band's memories from the original release eleven years ago, and to see how the songs evolved.

The documentary sadly lacks one thing, and that's one thing that will never be replaced; The Rev. There is a vacancy as you watch it, knowing that he should be there talking about his experiences with his fellow band mates. You can feel the sadness as the others talk about him, which really puts a perspective on the significance of their loss. As we have all said many, many times, he will foREVer be in our hearts.

Overall, the eleventh anniversary of Waking the Fallen was celebrated with success! If you are an Avenged fan and you haven't bought this yet, do it. It will be the best investment you make this year.

Avenged Sevenfold Rock Manchester!

Last night, my life was made. All I've wanted to do for as long as I've known Avenged Sevenfold is see them live. I've told people I will go to the lengths of seeing them in America if I have to.

Well, I didn't. It feels like just yesterday when I was up one night in July, looking on the internet to see if the band had a tour. To my excitement, they did; playing in Manchester on a Saturday. SORTED!

Christmas came early. The show was absolutely phenomenal - and that's not me being biased!

The supporting acts were Avatar and Five Finger Death Punch. Admittedly, we got to the arena just as Avatar were finishing, which was a bit of a shame, but they did have a very good sound, and were generally a good live band.

Following were Five Finger Death Punch. I've had a good idea of their music, and really, really enjoy it, so to see these guys was a pleasant surprise. They were really enjoyable! They got the crowd going, and they were favoured by the audience. Their sound was fantastic, and the interaction was brilliant - a good start to a fantastic evening!

Then, it was what we were all waiting for - the lights went out, Avenged Sevenfold took to the stage, huge deathbat, pyrotechnics, and incredible opening song 'Shepherd of Fire'. I was sat at the back and could  feel the heat! And then there were the goosebumps - amazing start to the set!

Immediately, they went back in time to 'Critical Acclaim', then back to the present, 'Hail to the King'. Both... Amazing.

A little while after, we had a powerful performance of 'Fiction'... All I can say is, wow. The lyrics were beautiful and haunting as ever, the lighting effects were well suited, then something happened that I wasn't expecting at all... When the Rev's lyric came, they played it over the speaker, and a spotlight was shone on a blank space. I was left cold, and when the spotlight shone on M. Shadows, that feeling was still left with me. Even though there were a  few songs I was surprised they didn't play, this made up for every single one. It was the one that stuck out to me, without a doubt.

Overall, they played a fantastic selection of the Avenged catalogue. 'Afterlife', 'Bat Country', 'Nightmare', to name but a few.

Ever since I became an A7X fan, I've said, "If I were to see Chapter Four live, my life would be complete." Although, I knew all too well that wouldn't happen - it's part of their really old repertoire, I would be too lucky...

Luck came through. "Fuck it, let's play Chapter Four," said M. Well, what can I say? It. Was. Amazing.

'Waking the Fallen' has always been my favourite album, and, inevitably, the encore also featured 'Unholy Confessions'. This is what I saved my energy for - the last song of the night! What a way to end a phenomenal evening.

So, overall, Avenged Sevenfold exceeded my expectations. This was easily the best concert I've ever seen, and I wouldn't think twice about seeing these guys again. Arin Ilejay, the band's new drummer, was welcomed with open arms, Synyster, traditionally, did an incredible solo, M. Shadow's voice was on top form - I can't fault it! I think about three notes were missed, and that's it!

Well done guys, you really have done yourselves proud!

Royalty To Avenged Sevenfold

I came home Friday to a package in my name in the letter box. Of course I knew what it was, so, excitedly, I tore open the envelope and listened to 'Hail To The King' straight away. (Avenged love, in case you hadn't guessed!)

I'm guessing you know what I thought of it. So, let's cut to the chase; I loved it!

In all honesty, I wasn't sure what I'd think of it. With the sad loss of their drummer Jimmy, how would their sound change? Would it have a huge impact? Would it be a good change, or a bad one? Would they be completely unrecognizable, and would their original fans be greatly disappointed?

I can answer these questions honestly (and I promise I'll be as unbiased as I can!): Yes, their sound has changed, but not to the unrecognizable, and honestly, it's matured. Their sound is amazing! I'm sure their fan base is thoroughly enjoying this piece of work. I certainly am!

The biggest obvious impact is that their drum lines have calmed significantly. With their new drummer, their style is still there, but the drum parts are certainly cooler and less insane, yet they work perfectly with the other parts by making them easier to hear. As much as Avenged's music is masterpiece, their older stuff had very complicated parts all around. This one down-step has made everything else easier to hear, creating a more mature sound.

The music on the album does create contrasts. Their opening track, 'Shepherd Of Fire', creates a build up from the start. When I say build up, I don't just mean the song, I mean to the album as well. It's flawless! Their classic dual guitar parts with Synyster's solo create the distinct Avenged sound, and the drums accommodate this with open arms. However, one of the most incredible pieces of work, I feel, on the album has to be 'Crimson Day'. It begins with a classic Metallica sound, with guitar and voice beauty. The song really does have a stunning feel to it, and it really is hard not to like!

So, in all, Avenged Sevenfold have done it again. 'Hail To The King' is yet another completely different album for the band, but, I must say, it is easily one of their best works. It must have been so difficult for them to even imagine writing a new album with their loss of Jimmy, but they have, and the follow on from 'Nightmare' is a great success! They should be very proud, and I'm so excited for their upcoming tour later this year. Bring on November 30th guys!!!!