Avenged Sevenfold [PA] by Avenged Sevenfold (CD, Oct-2007, Warner Bros. Records Record Label)

Their first mainstream video (at least the first I have seen of them) of this album's single, "Afterlife" (track #4), caught my attention on MTV2, and since the song and video was good, I was compelled to hear and learn more of this group.

I couldn't get over the lead singer's retro, Axl Rose bandana and trooper glasses which initially reminded me of the good ol' days- when glam rock was fading out and modern rock was entering into existence. Not only that but the video's dichotomy of black and white panning screens between the chorus of the song had me hooked...

After doing some investigating, it seemed that this group has been around for a little while. I believe they now have four or so albums now, and originally debuted sometime in early 2000...

Nevertheless, regarding my review:

This is what I would consider an eclectic hard rock band. Primarily, the sound is something of a cross between Suicidal Tendencies and Pantera. But also, throw a little Faith No More, Judas Priest, Megadeth, and Guns and Roses in just for good measure.

I would call their little flying skull a good marketing tool. It reminds me of Megadeth's mascot Vic Rattlehead. Indeed, open the CD folder/liner and see that there are plenty of skeleton cartoons/drawings which I am sure are engaging for teenage boys...(probably their target audience and biggest fans)

Anyway, I have to say track number three is sick!! The guitar licks are original, raw, fresh and edgy. In addition, my former adjectives can also be used regarding the overall dynamics of a large part of this album/bands musical presentation...

The singer has a raspy smoker's yell, which actually adds to the character of the sound. In addition, the lead moves into harmonies within the songs and adds an aspect of rock smoothness (Atreyu has definately learned this technique).

Unfortunately, the only songs that really grab me are track number three and the single I first saw, track number four. The other songs on the album are alright, but nothing too spectacular. Number nine is (Mr. Bungle) wierd, with some little girl (I think) singing the lyrics at the end... strange. And number ten transforms this band into a country rock group, how fun! - not.

After looking up lyrics from other albums, this album seems to be a bit on the lighter side. Although, every song lyric from this band seems to lament about some sort of cultic quasi-biblical internal or external struggle. In my opinion, its just another marketing ploy to draw an audience into believing that it is experiencing something "profound" while listening to the music. However, just because you use Biblical analogies, doesn't make your music any more profound than the next band doing the same thing...

Moreover, it seems like old hat to me, since just about every other hard rock band somehow brings religion (or satanic elements) into thier songs. Thus, Avenged Sevenfold is no different. Just look into aspects of thier lyrics, song names, band name, album names, pictures, etc. They are borrowing a lot.

Nevertheless, the sound is what grabs the listener. And if you, like me, want to hear that addictive hard rock sound - then you're in for a ride with this edgy and raw group (at least for some of the time!).

I love the screaming songs. There are a few that start off slow but suddenly get really loud. Love it. 10 songs is not enough for an album though.

Hard hitting and leaving you wanting for more. The power in these guys comes out clear in their music.

Liked the songs I've heard on the radio by them so wanted to buy the cd, it was in good condition, pretty good cd, some songs aren't as good as the rest, but it was a reasonable price.

its a7x, proven themselves to evolve as musicians and produce another golden CD. from waken the fallen, to city of evil, no matter what style of music u like theres something that a7x can appeal to. try it! its well worth it!

My daughter loved the CD, It came very fast and the whole process was very smooth! My daughter made the choice and see even bid and gave her an experience on biding on ebay

i love avenged sevenfold so i was glad when i heard about this mvi. i purchased it at a low price and the shipping was quick. the dvd was also brand new and it arrived with no problems.

When I bought this CD, I bought it for just a few of the songs. Afterlife, Almost easy, and A little piece of heaven. I wasn't prepared for all the other great songs they came out with this time around.

The CD starts off with Critical Acclaim. The first few times I listened to this song, I skipped to the next one before even giving it a chance. One day I let it play just a little bit longer, and I was blown away by what the song was hiding behind the soft beginning.

Theres not much I can say about song number 2, Almost easy, if you're a fan, then you already know this song.

Moving on to the third song, being the sick and twisted person I am, it was love at first listen. "Scream" is just one of those songs you have to turn up while driving down the road.

Number 4 is that song that we all have got to love no matter how many times they have played it on the radio. "Afterlife" is possibly the best song I've heard on the CD, and the ones still to come don't call far behind.

Fifth song is "Gunslinger". The name of the song might throw you off, but this is actually a very nice love song, I'm assuming about a man of war making sure he gets out alive so he can make it home to see the one he loves. Don't let the country twang throw you off, it gets hardcore as it goes on.

Now "Unbound (the wild ride)" put up a good fight in almost being my favorite song. It's not so much the sound of the song as it is the concept of it. A song about life and the wild ride it takes you through. Very uplifting song.

"Brompton cocktail" is one of the ones I personally don't care for, I haven't listened to it a whole lot, so not much I can say on it. But, if you don't know what a Brompton cocktail is, google it before listening.

Edging towards the end of the CD, A7X presents you with the song "Lost". Another song I don't care for, simply because of what they tried to do with it. The lyrics are nice, good concept to the song, sounds like it's about the world just going insane, and there is nothing we can do about it. It would've been an okay song, but they tried to give it a techno song, which I don't think worked very well.

Now the song you've been waiting for... "A little piece of heaven". If you only know the songs they play on the radio, then you are missing out. They will NOT play this on the radio. This is an amazing Opera type song, it's 8 whole minutes long, and you are guaranteed to love every bit of it. But don't just listen to it! It comes with a music video just as amazing as the song. Youtube it and be blown away by what seems to be a sick and twisted song, but ends happily ever after...For the couple in the song at least.

The last song "Dear God", I can see why they made it last. If you heard this song anywhere in the middle, you would've took the CD out and abandoned the band. Avenged sevenfold goes ALL OUT country with this song. But, if you do decide to give it a chance, be careful, because even once I listened to the full song, it now gets stuck in my head on a regular basis forcing me to listen to it a couple more times. Turns out this song isn't as bad as the twang of a country guitar in the beginning suggests. While this sounds like a trucker song, it is still a great love song for anyone who is miles away from that one person "who can be true to you". Now that I've given the song a chance, I can't help but tearing up while listening to it.

That sums it up. Thanks for reading, and I hope I could help your decision in buying this CD. :)

THis is a great cd. Just like every other Avenged Sevenfold I've gotten. Never can be disappointed with them. I love how they can sing their regular hard rock sound but if you listen to number 10 on the cd called Dear God. I absolutely love that song! I guess I just become fascinated with the groups that can sing their regular stuff, but add something a little softer, but at the same time its hard core!

I bought this CD. I was expecting a good CD but whoaaaaa. This CD is excellent in every way. I highly recommend this CD to any Avenged Sevenfold fan or any music lover.

I love this band and I believe this is the best one yet! I have all of theres so far. To me other than Seize the Day and Bat Country are wonderful songs but Almost Easy, Critical Acclaim, and Afterlife are the best they have done yet with Afterlife being the best on the cd to me so far.

Great all around group for this type of music. An incredable drummer. I used to rip off Billy Cobham in my younger years but this guy is fast and on top of the beat. A pleasure to listen to.

Great album. Equal to City of Evil. here is the track listing...

"Critical Acclaim" – 5:15 Great Song with a powerful message
"Almost Easy" – 3:54 Hit song for a reason
"Scream" – 4:48 tricky riffs and cool harmony
"Afterlife" – 5:53 Top 3 Song on Album
"Gunslinger" - 4:11 Least fav song but still great
"Unbound (The Wild Ride)" – 5:11 My favorite song with childrens choir at the end. Great Song
"Brompton Cocktail" – 4:13 Sick/funky song
"Lost" – 5:02 Top 3 song on album
"A Little Piece of Heaven" – 8:00 Weird song
"Dear God" – 6:34 2nd favorite song. A7x goes country. And do it welL!!

This album is awesome! This one will make you want to listen to the songs all day. The songs Include: Critical Acclaim, Almost Easy, Scream, Afterlife, Gunslinger, Unbound, Brompton Cocktail, Lost, A Little Piece of Heaven, Dear God. From what I've heard so far there isn't very much swearing (in case you're wondering) except in A Little Piece of Heaven. If you're an Avenged Sevenfold Fan you'll love this CD.

My daughter couldnt find this cd locally so I got on Ebay and used the buy it now option. Recieved it in a few days,great cd at a great price.The cd was factory sealed just as described,fast paced and hard,if this is your style of music you have got to have this cd.

Another good reason why A7X should be a part of everyones CD collection. This CD although softer then older stuff still rocks!

This Cd bored me. Their older Cds were much better. To me this cd was much less hardcore and was boring! I am not telling you not to buy it just FYI it is not like their other cds.

This album is awesome...I really like the music and the hardcore band..I would highly recommend this cd..

Wow. Just Wow. This cd is awesome. It's raw, brutal, powerful, and got some killer riffs and beats in this. M. Shadows, Synester Gates, Zacky Vengence, The Rev, and Johnny Christ make todays best metal act around. Avenged sevenfold fail to dissapoint. This is an incredible cd.

A wonderful cd and great listening experience. By far one of there best cds yet. You can def hear how they have grown up musically. Almost Easy is by far my favorite track off of here as I can relate to it wonderfully. This cd is essiental for any Avenged Sevenfold fan out there.

GREAT SELLER STANDS BEHIND PRODUCT and provides EXCELLANT DESCRIPTION...HIGHLY REC.Honest & Dependable...If your Buying from a seller and you want a fast response and Prompt service..This is the seller for you.I give my Full stamp of Approvial..Thanx soo Much for the great service in all of my purchases.Happy NEW Year 2008 STYLE!!!!