Avenged Sevenfold conveys feelings through songs

MANILA, Philippines - I was introduced to Avenged Sevenfold years back after a friend suggested that I check out the V formation guitar duels of Synyster Gates and Zacky Vengeance.

I remember him saying I would enjoy it immensely. He was right. Good and talented guitar tandems are hard to come by these days, and no one, after seeing those two, would say that they were anything but. At least no one in his right mind would.

Having heard their song Unholy Confessions, I started paying attention to A7X. They were really good! Each one of them is singularly talented. With The Rev’s signature double ride, M. Shadows pitch perfect singing, Johnny Christ’s playful bass slapping, Zacky V’s solid rhythm to Syn Gates’ blistering solos, put all of that together, you’ll get awesomeness. It’s evident in their performances that not one of them was settling for mediocrity, hoping that the rest of the members will carry them through. All out, that’s what you get from an Avenged Sevenfold performance.

You can get used to the screaming and the agitation that the intensity of the beats brings, but what makes A7X’s songs appealing is the underlying melodic feel. It’s easy to listen to; even non-metal fans would appreciate the quality of the songs. It’s “singable.” The lyrics are not minced by the screaming or the rhythmic pounding of the riffs. M. Shadows does give justice to the term vocalist. He enunciates the words clearly and sings with such feeling, you’ll be compelled to feel as he does. Songs from Sounding the Seven Trumpet, Waking the Fallen and City of Evil set the groundwork for what would later be known as Avenged Sevenfold music. It’s vibrant and headbang-inducing. Listening to it will make you want to pump your fist in the air and not care if your body is slamming onto another as long as you’ll have a rocking night. It’s stuff you listen to when you want to feel young and alive, so full of energy. There’s no need to debate on what they were trying to say with their lyrics; you’ll be able to get it. Their writing style is reminiscent of how a storyteller would tell his story. Poetic, but simple. Deep but relatable. Listen to Bat Country, Beast and the Harlot, Chapter Four and Unholy Confessions, and you’ll see what I mean.

They took a slightly different approach with the self-titled Avenged Sevenfold album. Think of a stage play with a compelling storyline and visual imagery; that’s what you’ll get from this album. It’s an auditory pleasure that transports you track by track to different places. Critical Acclaim’s opening salvo will let you know that this song is packed with power. Afterlife’s unbelievable guitar solos will make you wonder if shredding of that magnitude, with clearly defined notes, is really possible. Dear God’s laid-back approach is almost as sweet as pop and then there’s A Little Piece of Heaven, which clearly is not just a song; it’s an eight-minute musical.

The latest album Nightmare is not a repetition of their past albums, but a fresh, albeit subdued, collection that still maintains that trademark Avenged Sevenfold sound. Most critics have compared it to Metallica’s early music. Fans of Metallica would disagree but hearing Buried Alive will make you anticipate Hetfield’s voice next. As you progress well into the tracks of the album, the similarity ends with the sound. The album is full of passion. Gates’ solos are simpler but emotionally charged. Accompanied by Zacky V’s unfailing rhythm, you get a fiery performance that definitely leaves a mark. Unlike Bat Country or A Little Piece of Heaven, records that were created out of sheer fun, each song in Nightmare took a much somber tone. So Far Away is bursting with the unspoken grief that the band carried or still carries after losing The Rev unexpectedly. It’s not that they did not have fun writing the songs, but instead they translated their emotions into works of art. Nightmare is a dark masterpiece, a eulogy to a brother they lost.

Avenged Sevenfold has the remarkable ability to convey feelings through songs in the coolest, rock on way possible. Non-fans will admire the sheer intensity with which they play. They are respected because of their obvious and undeniable talent. You need to listen to their songs to see that they were not just writing songs; they’re creating something more. Their songs, their album, either lauded or criticized by many, will make you understand the pull that Avenged Sevenfold has. They’re not ones who do things halfway. You’ll love them or you’ll hate them, to quote the Game of Thrones’ famous line — “There’s no middle ground.”