Avenged Sevenfold, a band that emerged from the Orange County metalcore scene, has become one of the standout acts of the 2000s. By the time they released their self-titled fourth album, they were ready to confront their critics head-on. Vocalist M Shadows, in a candid interview, revealed the band’s journey and their thoughts on the heavy metal scene.
In May 2004, M Shadows woke up groggily from a deep sleep, unaware that a blood vessel had been popping whenever he screamed onstage. To address this issue, he underwent a new laser surgery technique. The uncertainty of whether he would ever perform again loomed large. “My doctor said, ‘Dude, if you keep screaming that way, you won’t be able to sing or even talk within five years’,” Shadows recalled. After the surgery, he had to remain silent for two months, a daunting task given their upcoming Warped tour.
By then, Avenged Sevenfold had already released two albums, “Sounding The Seventh Trumpet” and “Waking The Fallen,” both receiving enthusiastic reviews. Shadows’ vocal recovery opened new avenues for the band. He began seeing vocal coach Ronnie Anderson, whose clients included Axl Rose and Chris Cornell. After three months and $35,000 worth of lessons, Shadows and the band decided to move away from screaming. “We didn’t even listen to those types of bands anymore,” he explained.
Embracing influences like Guns N’ Roses, Iron Maiden, and Queen, they released “City Of Evil” in 2005, an album hailed as “exciting, daft, brilliant, and brave.” Their new self-titled album, however, was set to shock even more. Meeting M Shadows for the first time, he appeared sober, forthright, and friendly, a stark contrast to his onstage persona. “We wanted it to have melodies that you didn’t have to listen to a hundred times before they sank in,” Shadows said of the new album.
Avenged Sevenfold’s evolution from their metalcore roots was evident. “To us, every record we’ve put out has been different,” Shadows insisted. “We left the whole hardcore thing behind with ‘Waking The Fallen’.” The band’s perception of themselves had shifted, and they no longer saw themselves strictly as a metal band. “With this album, no. Not really. You won’t hear much double-kick drumming, and we’re not trying to be a heavy band,” Shadows admitted.
The band drew inspiration from a wide range of sources, including Mr. Bungle and Oingo Boingo. “Our attitude was, ‘Hey, let’s write 24 experiments’,” Shadows said. Among the biggest surprises on the album were tracks like “A Little Piece Of Heaven” and “Dear God,” showcasing their eclectic approach. “We’re not here to cater to other people’s wishes – we make the music that comes from our hearts,” Shadows emphasized.
Despite their diverse influences, the band faced criticism. “There are five million shitty, disgraceful heavy metal bands,” guitarist Zacky Vengeance pointed out. “What would be the point of being just another imitator of Iron Maiden or Metallica?” The band’s willingness to take risks and push boundaries was evident. “As a musician, there’s nothing more exciting than taking risks,” Vengeance said.
Avenged Sevenfold’s journey has been marked by controversy and bold decisions. “We’ve always been about pissing people off and getting a reaction,” Shadows said. The band’s commitment to their art and their fans remains unwavering. “Our finger is on the pulse of our fan-base – our real fan-base, not just those that like a hit song,” Shadows asserted.
Despite the challenges and criticisms, Avenged Sevenfold continues to forge their path, unafraid to experiment and evolve. Their dedication to their music and their fans is evident, and they remain a force to be reckoned with in the ever-changing landscape of heavy metal.
