In a recent conversation with Kerrang! magazine, AVENGED SEVENFOLD’s frontman M. Shadows shared his thoughts on METALLICA, a band they once toured with. Shadows expressed admiration for how METALLICA has aged, noting that they seem to be genuinely enjoying their journey. “I think METALLICA have aged really well. They look like guys who are out there doing what they want to do,” he said. Shadows acknowledged that a few years ago, METALLICA’s efforts seemed somewhat forced, attributing it to growing pains. However, he now sees them as more relaxed and authentic, with James Hetfield smoking a cigar before performances and Lars Ulrich being his usual self. “They’re not trying to fill up their faces with Botox. They’re just guys who are aging and playing thrash. There’s something really human and cool about that,” Shadows added.
Reflecting on AVENGED SEVENFOLD’s experience of touring with METALLICA in 2017, Shadows described it as a challenging yet rewarding experience. He recalled the discomfort of being an opening act, playing in daylight to a slowly filling venue. “When you’re headlining, everybody’s in the palm of your hand before it even happens. When you’re opening for METALLICA, you almost have to go to war,” he explained. Shadows noted the skepticism from some fans who were there primarily for METALLICA, making it a tough crowd to win over.
Initially, AVENGED SEVENFOLD was hesitant to open for METALLICA, fearing it would diminish their status as headliners. “We have only headlined for so long,” Shadows said. He believed that constantly opening for other bands would make them seem like second fiddle. However, after much deliberation and increased offers from METALLICA’s team, they eventually agreed. “We’d be idiots not to,” Shadows admitted, though he still felt it put them in a strange position of being perceived as secondary to METALLICA.
During the 2017 tour, Shadows observed that many of METALLICA’s fans were casual listeners who primarily knew their multi-platinum 1991 album. This realization came during an event at the Grammy Museum in Los Angeles, where Shadows noted that METALLICA’s ability to sell out stadiums was largely due to the widespread appeal of The Black Album. “When they’re playing The Black Album songs, every single person there is going crazy,” he said, highlighting the importance of having a record that resonates with a broad audience.
Shadows also touched on the evolution of AVENGED SEVENFOLD, particularly during the making of their 2016 album, The Stage. He and guitarist Synyster Gates had intense discussions about their workload and the balance between professional and personal lives. “At a certain point, I realized I had to give up those reins. Everyone’s an adult now,” Shadows said. This shift led to a more harmonious approach within the band, accommodating their families and personal priorities.
As AVENGED SEVENFOLD continues to evolve, they have embraced new technologies and business practices, moving away from traditional record deals. Their latest album, Life Is But A Dream…, released in June 2023, marks their final album with Warner Bros. Shadows emphasized the importance of artistic freedom and the need to reject audience capture. “If the fans like one thing from you, they want more of that. But you have to reject that or else you’ll become a brand,” he said.
Shadows’ admiration for METALLICA extends beyond their music to their business acumen. He noted the similarities in their approach to gaining control over their art, with METALLICA launching Blackened Records in 2012 and AVENGED SEVENFOLD exploring new technologies and independent avenues. “We want to be the people who make a roadmap and can show artists that there’s a better way to gain ownership over your own art,” Shadows said.
Reflecting on his journey, Shadows acknowledged the growth and changes he has undergone. “Traveling the world has made me a much more empathetic person,” he said. He also recognized the competitiveness that drove him in the early days of AVENGED SEVENFOLD, but now sees the importance of focusing on the art itself rather than external validation. “If this and other releases connect with one person, that’s really special,” he said.
As AVENGED SEVENFOLD continues to push boundaries and explore new creative avenues, Shadows remains committed to maintaining their artistic integrity and freedom. “When an artist feels free, you can feel that freedom in their art,” he said. With their headline performance at Download Festival on June 16, AVENGED SEVENFOLD continues to captivate audiences with their innovative and evolving sound.
