Label:
Warner Bros. Records
Key Personnel:
Vocals– Matthew Sanders/ M. Shadows
Lead Guitar– Brian Haner Jr./ Synyster Gates
Rhythm Guitar– Zachary Baker/ Zacky Vengeance
Bass– Jonathon Seward/ Johnny Christ
Drums– Mike Portnoy
Additionally (Drums/Backing Vocals/Piano): James Sullivan/The Rev
Release Date: July 27, 2010
Track Listing:
Nightmare
Welcome to the Family
Danger Line
Buried Alive
Natural Born Killer
So Far Away
God Hates Us
Victim
Tonight the World Dies
Fiction
Save Me
Lost It All (Bonus Track)
Nightmare, the fifth studio album of Avenged Sevenfold, comes at a time of turbulence, doubt and sorrow for the American heavy metal band. The album marks the first record release since 2008 and, more importantly, is the first release since the tragic passing of drummer Jimmy “The Rev” Sullivan in December 2009. As such, the latest record
takes a darker, more personal turn that hasn't been seen in previous records for the band. Not only does the album contain fluid, entertaining tracks that can appeal to fans and new listeners alike, but also expresses the pain and deep emptiness that the band members feel from losing not only their drummer, but a man who helped to shape who they are as people.
takes a darker, more personal turn that hasn't been seen in previous records for the band. Not only does the album contain fluid, entertaining tracks that can appeal to fans and new listeners alike, but also expresses the pain and deep emptiness that the band members feel from losing not only their drummer, but a man who helped to shape who they are as people.
The album in general is significantly darker than previous releases. Much of the material on this album reflect the sense of loss that comes with losing The Rev. “Welcome to the Family” is a heavy, pulse-pounding song that centers around the idea of trying to reconcile and justify losing Sullivan. “So Far Away”, “Victim” and “Tonight the World Dies” are all more melodic songs that focus around remembering Sullivan’s life and learning day by day to live on without him. “God Hates Us” is a heavier, more aggressive track that exemplifies more anger and frustration at the loss while still maintaining that sense of sorrow all the same. “Save Me” is the longest Avenged Sevenfold track to date and is perhaps the most varied song of the record. The song will often break into a heavy series of guitar riffs before slowing down into melodic choruses. In the end, the final chorus is perhaps the most powerful and spine tingling on the whole record: “Tonight we all die young.” This refers to the fact that Sullivan had only been a mere 28 years old when he was found dead in his home.
Although Sullivan’s death did largely impact the album, there are several songs that have
distinct themes of themes of their own such as “Nightmare," which revolves around the idea of morally guilty being punished for their crimes in hell. Regardless, the central theme of Nightmare is undoubtedly death, either in the context of The Rev, or death in general.
The album has much variety to it, making the right combination between heavy, light, ominous, energetic and emotional. The album has more of a focus than the previous self-titled record. Some of the more melodic songs may come off as slow or unappealing to those looking for more fast-paced material. However, fans are sure to praise the emotion of the album, the heavy vibes of songs like “Nightmare” and “Welcome to the Family” and the powerful and emotional tribute to the band’s fallen brother.
The Review: 8.5/10
No comments:
Post a Comment