Avenged+Sevenfold

//**Nicole Fedor English 11 4/13/10

__Avenged Sevenfold__

Avenged Sevenfold is an American hard rock/ heavy metal band from Hungtington Beach, formed in 1999 when all members were the age of 18. (Avenged Sevenfold Band Bio)

The band took their name from the book of Genesis where Cain is sentenced to live in exile for murdering his brother. God then marked him, so that no one would kill him and the person who dared to would suffer vengeance 7 x's over (A7x). Though they are not religious band, some of their material (lyrics) are references from the stories of the Bible. Beast and the Harlot refers to the punishment of Babylon the Great, world empire, and the seat of false religion. The Wicked End makes reference to Adam eating the forbidden fruit.

Avenged Sevenfold's material ranges across many genres. "Sounding the Seventh Trumpet", consists of almost entirely metal core sound, but then the song "Streets" adopted a punk style and "Warmness on the Soul" consists mainly of piano and could be considered soft rock. Avenged Sevenfold's self titled album deviated from the hard rock/ heavy metal label with a country-style song, "Dear God", and "A Little Piece of Heaven", which has elements of broadway and show tunes by using mostly the brass instruments and a stringed orchestra. The band has changed considerably since the first album, which was very heavy to being more of a hard rock type band. (Avenged Sevenfold's Biography)

City of Evil, which was released in 2005, strayed from metal core and instead then they added a harder rock sound with influences ranging from various bands. The vocal styling changed to focus more on melodic singing rather than hardcore screaming. Some say the vocal change was due to vocal chord damage that resulted in surgery during a tour to support, "Waking the Fallen". The lead singer states in an interview to set the record straight "that this was not the case at all. I didn't want to record screaming. Also the record after that will be singing only." That is what this band wanted to do as artists.

Avenged Sevenfold has also done soundtracks for movies and video games. The song "Bat Country" is dedicated to the Author of Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, the late Hunter S. Thompson. Their song "Blinded in Chains" was used in the soundtrack for the video games, Need for Speed: Most wanted and Arena football. "Bat country" was also used in SSX on tour, NHL 06, and Madden 06 which followed in the footsteps of "Chapter Four", which was on the soundtrack of NHL 2004, Madden 2004, and NASCAR Thunder 2004. The song "Burn it Down" is featured on the October 2006 release of the Saw III soundtrack. (Avenged Sevenfold Band Bio)

In 2006, at the MTV music awards, Avenged Sevenfold received an award for an award for best new artist. They took award over several other artists like Angels and Airwaves and James Blunt. They canceled their fall and winter of 2006 tour dates to plan their fourth untitled studio album. Shadows stated that it will be somewhat of a surprise because they are changing their sound yet once again. Some fans will embrace it and others will reject it.

Avenged Sevenfold band members are: M. Shadows- vocals, The Rev- drums and back vocals, Synyster Gates- guitars and back vocals, and Johnny Christ- bass and back vocals. The former members of Avenged Sevenfold are Matt Wendt- bass, Justin Meacham- bass and piano, and Dameon Ash- bass. Papa Gates is the additional guitars and pedal steel member. (Avenged Sevenfold's Biography)

James Owen Sullivan, nicknamed The Rev, was found dead in his southern California home on December 28, 2009. He was 28 years old and left behind a wife. The Orange County Sheriff's Office and coroners office ordered a battery of tests and are writing on the results, which are expected to take several weeks to return. The band states, "It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we tell you of the passing today of Jimmy "the Rev" Sullivan. "Jimmy was not only one of the best drummers, but he was our friend and brother. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Jimmy's family and we hope that you will respect their privacy during this difficult time." His death will forever change the bands sound. (Autopsy Inconclusive)

Shadows confirmed that the band is writing the follow up to their self titled fourth album and also that they will be playing at Rock on the Range From May 16-17. He also states that work on the next album has begun, but they are still throwing around ideas. "The finalization of our songs wont be done until every note does the fans as well as us justice." They are also forming a production team to record the next album. This album will definitely take you on a very dark journey. (Avenged Sevenfold Band Bio) **//