Average Rating: 5.00 Rating Variance: 0.00 Objectivity Score: 15% (Not Balanced)
Sort by: Rating | Release Date | Rating Date | Name5.0 classicAvenged Sevenfold NightmareAvenged Sevenfold’s Nightmare is their latest album following the untimely death of their late and great drummer Jimmy “the rev” Sullivan. Jimmy’s death has an obvious effect on the ambiance of the album, whether it be within the music, or just the knowledge that the beloved man behind the double base set will no longer be there. Despite the dark atmosphere of the album, Avenged Sevenfold has once again made it clear that they will surprise you with each subsequent release, whether the surprise is welcome or not is up to you. The title track Nightmare has been blasting the radio waves for months now, but this reviewer believes that the true artistry lies in the less popular songs. The 10:52 long “Save Me” is truly a masterpiece of cutting guitar, soaring orchestra and brutal drums that only merits one description: epic. The lyrics behind the music are a heartfelt tribute to Sullivan, and are some of the best written lyrics ever produced by Avenged Sevenfold: “a moment seen through those eyes, crystal blue disguise, they say that all beauty must die, I say it just moves on.” Save Me is the crowning jewel of this album and easily the best track on the record. Despite its length, the listener will want to play it again right after the end. Few songs can transport the listener into another state of mind, actually bring the listener on a musical journey like Save Me can. One of the best Avenged Sevenfold songs ever. Buried Alive, the melodic, yet heavy head banger’s ballad is unlike any other Avenged song, while still retaining their roots of dual guitar solos and powerful vocals. This track is one of the best on the album. God Hates Us is more or less a tribute to Waking the Fallen and Sound the Seventh Trumpet, with metalcore riffs and Matt’s familiar blood curdling scream. This homage to their past albums was also seen in their Call Of Duty single “Not Ready To Die” making Avenged Sevenfold fans wonder is the next album will have trace elements of their days at Hopeless Records. Welcome to the Family has since become a classic of Avenged Sevenfold song, and understandably so, as Avenged Sevenfold continues to prove that just because their metal, doesn’t mean they can’t be catchy. Also one of the best songs on the album. Fiction is a track very dear to true Avenged Sevenfold fans, as it is the last vocals the Rev ever laid down. Fiction is a haunting, yet hopeful song about death, and Jimmy’s influences are written all over it, from his vocal tracks to the unique musical style. So Far Away is another instant classic, a heartfelt tribute to Jimmy written by guitarist, Synister Gates. This will undoubtedly be the song concert goers croon along to with the band. Victim is another unique Avenged song, beginning with a soulful female vocal that eventually emerges into a faster pace ballad, once again attributing to Jimmy’s death. Natural Born Killer is one of four songs (Nightmare Buried Alive and Welcome to the Family being the others) that has absolutely no connection to Jimmy Sullivan, and is a breath of fresh air from the somber tone of the record. The fast paced intricate guitar and drum work creates a good, although relatively generic metal song, though still retaining the unique Avenged Sevenfold sound. Tonight The World Dies is probably Matt’s best vocal performance on the record, yet seems out of place compared to the rest of the songs. Still, Tonight the World Dies carries as much emotion as any other song they’ve made. The Good Matt Shadow’s voice has improved significantly over the years, making him (in this author’s opinion) the best vocal talent in metal. The listener will be delighted to here very little effects or backing on Matt’s singing, giving the album a very organic feeling. The drumming is, as usual, fantastic. Heavy base rolls mixed with complex hat and tom work all pulled together with the central necessity of carrying a recognizable rhythm (something a lot of band seem to forget). The guitar work is fast and complex, while retaining the classic beauty of Avenged Sevenfold harmony. Johny’s base work is of course underrated and unnoticed by many critics. Mike Elizondo and Andy Wallace did a fantastic job producing this record, giving it a clean, clear sound that highlights every instrument. Easily the best produced album of the five The Bad There are very few bad characteristics of this album, but a problematic flaw with many Avenged Sevenfold songs are that the lyrics aren’t very well thought out. “It’s your ***in’ nightmare” is the most recognized line on the whole album, which is a damn shame, because it makes the band seem juvenile and immature, when other songs on the album have lyrics that are near-philosophical. Knowing that Nightmare would be the flagship track of the album, they probably should have brought more high-brow lyrics to the table, an ability this author knows they have. Conclusion It’s difficult to say if this is the best album they’ve made yet, because all of them are so different. Needless to say, Nightmare is an instant classic that has propelled Avenged Sevenfold into their much deserved stardom, without selling out.Pantera Far Beyond Driven
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