Deathbat News’ Review Of Avenged Sevenfold’s “Nightmare.”

Deathbat News’ Review Of Avenged Sevenfold’s “Nightmare.”

July 16, 2010, 11:42 pm
Filed under: Avenged Sevenfold, Deathbat News, News, Reviews

I had the honor of visiting with Zacky Vengeance, Warner Brothers Records and The Collective today where I was treated to Avenged Sevenfold’s brand new album “Nightmare” that hits stores on July 27th. Before I go into anything I would like to thank Zacky for welcoming me into his home, sitting me down in his studio where we listened to and talked about some of the new song and treating me like an old friend as we hung out. And, to the fine people at Warner Brothers Records and Larry Jacobson that made me feel like part of the family and the team. The day ended with a special appearance by M Shadows who also treated me as if we have known each other for years. This trip was made possible in large part to Warner Brothers, Rachel Krumm, Kazy Brown, The Collective & Avenged Sevenfold who capped off a special trip out to California that I, for one, will never forget. A few of you guys had mentioned you wanted me to review the album and I was so excited to be given the opportunity to do this for you all. From one fan to another you’ll get my point of view and opinion of the album. Please keep in mind, it’s certainly not the best as I’ve never reviewed an album before but I hope you all get at least a little something out of it.

Avenged Sevenfold couldn’t have picked a better opener then “Nightmare” and while this song was originally part of the planned concept album the band had been working on it sets the mood perfectly for everything you can expect. The xylophone that starts off sends you into an almost dream-like state that one would only wish they were experiencing and could wake up from. You’re lead into heart-pounding drums that awake you from your nightmare, but are you really awake? The drums don’t stop and I don’t think the chants that this song gets from the crowd, you and your friends or even you alone will either. You’re opened and given a taste of what you can expect from the album but honestly, you have no clue nor will you be ready for it.

“Buried Alive” took me about two listens to to warm up to as it starts with a “Hotel California” meets 80’s metal ballad guitar solo and the orchestra that plays behind it simply fits. When the official track-listening for the album was revealed this was not what I was expecting to hear nor do I think anyone was. The way the song soars into the second half is slightly reminiscent of the build-up in “Seize The Day” though much more intense. You’ll get a feel for how the guitars play out as they twist through and remind you of “Demons” but on speed. Fans are treated to a little old-school Avenged Sevenfold as Shadows brings back his signature scream though you only get a taste and you haven’t heard anything yet. It’s like dipping your hand into the cookie jar and only pulling out half the cookie. I love the blowing wind in the background of the second half of the song and the clean break-down you can hear in the last 8 seconds. Keep in mind, this is surely not the last break-down you’ll hear.

When M Shadows said the record would have some pop influence many fans were taken aback. “Welcome To The Family” showcases the pop influence in “Nightmare” with an infectious chorus that you won’t be able to get out of your head. This album has some of the fastest guitar work Zacky Vengeance & Synyster Gates have offered to us over the years with break-downs that are sure to get walls thumping. You’ll be introduced to a little something new when Shadows whispers lyrics while the melodies flow. No album released on the 27th will win the fight against Avenged Sevenfold’s “Nightmare.”

“Danger Line” is a song that walks a fine line between concept and real life. It’ll take you into the life of a soldier and his experiences through war and life before leading into a little real life pain from the band. Dueling guitars at the beginning are incredible ear candy as Shadows begins his stake in the song and delivers experimental vocals and great harmonies. The band introduce you to a marching band towards the ending of the song until a beautiful solo breaks out on top of it and you’re left with the last chorus pulling at your heart strings. Yes, there is whistling, but don’t knock it because you’ll find yourself whistling right along even when youre not listening to the song.

If you were impressed with the opening of Eternal Rest and how in your face this solo is then I’d have a seat before turning “Natural Born Killer” on. There’s no doubt that you’ll listen to this song a few times just to ask yourself, “did they really go there?” And yes, they did. As fast as the song may be you’ll hear a slower chorus though it fits into the mood. You’ll hear drums that sound as though “The Rev” himself were playing away. It’s a lot to take in all at once as there’s pieces of everything flying at you from right to left. Killer riffs, killer drums, killer bass.

I would love to sit here and say that you’ve heard the best ballad to ever come out of Avenged Sevenfold but I would be lying. “So Far Away” takes the top spot and two more songs, “Victim” & “Tonight The World Dies” are right behind it. As you listen to the first chorus of the album you’ll feel the goosebumps rising on your skin, they’ll probably stay their for the remainder of the album. Johnny Christ pulls some amazing bass riffs and Synysters lyrics with Shadows delivering them are perfectly put together. Everyone can relate to this song in some way and you’ll get a deep glimpse into what the band have been through. An acoustic guitar solo breaks into Syn doing his thing the drums behind it demanding your attention and almost haunting you. The emotion in this album was left out on the table for everyone to see.

I was not ready for what would come through the speakers as “So Far Away” ended and “God Hates Us” began. You have never, and I do mean never, heard Shadows scream like you will in this song. When the band said that this song was heavier then ‘Waking The Fallen’ they were not lying at all. You’ll start moving as soon as the guitars come in and won’t want to stop. Johnny Christ’s bass is up front and in your face while the break downs from Synyster and Zacky will cause your ears to get close to erupting even though they’re enjoying it what they’re listening to. The solo’s bend and the ending comes out of no where leaving you wanting more and in awe of what you just experienced. This song is simply insane. It’ll make you feel like you could walk out and take on the world before leaving completely unscathed.

“Victim” will start off much smoother, with church bells to be exact. The opening is beautiful and the band open up completely to their fans. The harmonies in the chorus are moving and there’s no holding back on the pain seeping through. It’s a very groove-oriented track and the last lines and instruments will leave you with a broken heart.

Avenged Sevenfold continue to spill their hearts out in “Tonight The World Dies” with harmonies and guitars that are perfectly prominent throughout. The bass and drums carry the explosive haunting choruses. “Find me on my better days to leave me once again.” You’re met with a few new harmonies through the song, something you wont be used to be you’ll welcome with open arms.

“Fiction” was easily the toughest track to get through. I knew what was coming, I thought I knew what was coming and what to expect, but I didn’t at all. The second the song opens your goosebumps will stand out and your eyes will water as soon as M Shadows & The Rev’s harmonies kick in. The entire thing is completely haunting, which seems to be a theme throughout the second half of the album. The chorus is The Rev alone and you’ll be overcome with emotion feeling like someone kicked you in the chest. It ends with M Shadows & The Rev going back and forth on a verse. This song is unlike anything you’ve ever heard before, it’s a masterpiece.

If you’ve ever wanted to know what just about every Avenged Sevenfold song plus new material and experiment material sound like together then “Save Me” will treat you well. They pull out things they’ve never done before both vocally and musically. Bending guitars will lead you up and down without a stop in sight. Whispering will come in once again and lead you into a perfectly put together song. Nothing is left out. The chorus is met with backing harmonies and the whispering. There’s something for everyone in this song. There’s a solo in which the drums are more forward and while slightly new the execution is perfect. I love the break downs and the bass towards the end is beautiful. Groove-oriented and eclectic chorus will have you all ears. The last repeating verse will numb you. It’s the perfect closer to a haunted album.

Avenged Sevenfold’s “Nightmare” is filled with smooth and experimental vocals where M Shadows doesn’t miss a beat, explosive choruses, twisted and bending guitar work and solos which I believe is Zacky & Synyster’s finest. Johnny Christ doesn’t disappoint, nor has he ever. And, Mike Portnoy did an outstanding job helping the band. This is the best of The Rev’s drum work to date. While the beginning and end are very different it’s also very much the same and the groove of it will help out. The breakdowns are hard, prominent and familiar. This album is proof that Avenged Sevenfold are not afraid to try something new, toy and experiment with genres and they can pull it off while making it their own and better then you could ever imagine. “Nightmare” will leave you feeling numb, your heart pounding and a slight smirk on your face knowing that Avenged Sevenfold have just written the album of the year, the best album they’ve put out so far and the fact that you, the fans, helped them move through in recording it in honor of their brother Jimmy “The Rev” Sullivan. This album WILL change the world.

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