While long-time fans of Avenged Sevenfold have responded with praise to the release of the self-titled album, some say the group has moved away from the roots that have caused them to become who they are.
The music that is “Avenged Sevenfold” has never sounded better instrumentally. With Synyster Gates on lead guitar, Zacky Vengeance on guitar, Johnny Christ on bass and The Rev on drums, these musicians offer to the listening audience an audible work of art.
Something that music in the last 10 years – in most mainstream and underground alike – has turned toward is sacrificing the musical side in order to have strong and sometimes emotional lyrics.
It seems as if five-minute guitar solos and ten-minute drum showcases from bands like Metallica, Guns ‘N Roses have gone to the way side, making way for lyrics that make you think – or at least make you think about ending it.
Avenged Sevenfold has done an aggressive job of preserving the instrumental side of their music.
Now, what about the singing?
In one word, “Hinder.” The powerful voice that was delivering music in past albums does not seem to be a part of vocalist M. Shadows’ game plan any longer. This could be due to the surgery he had to repair the burst blood vessels in his throat.
To put it plainly, this album just wasn’t as good as past releases. Although the instrumentals were above average, the entire CD is just not up to the standard albums like “Wake the Fallen” set.
The voice currently coming from Shadows, while mixed with dynamic instrumentals, is like drinking Coke from a Starbucks cup.
Individually, they might be good to some, but together, they just aren’t right.