Avenged Sevenfold- The Rise of Dark Rock

The American band Avenged Sevenfold first saw the light of day in Huntington Beach, California when the then 18 year old founding band members came together. The band name was the idea of vocalist M. Shadows. Although the name carries sinister suggestions, it is actually a direct reference to the biblical story of Cain and Abel. The group has clarified though, that they are not a religious band.

In addition to the band’s unique name, its members also carry nicknames that clearly reflect the group’s fascination with dark underpinnings. Among the founding members are Zacky Vengeance, James “The Rev” Sullivan and Matt Wendt. Joining Shadows and Vengeance in its current roster are Synyster Gates on lead guitar and Johnny Christ on bass.

The group obviously belonged to the metalcore genre when they first began playing. This was exactly what they offered in Sounding the Seventh Trumpet which was originally relased by Good Life Recordings in 2001. The same metalcore album was released a second time by Hopeless Records in 2002.

In 2003 and 2004 the group became more visible with the release of Walking the Fallen and their inclusion in the Vans Warped Tour. It was around this time that Avenged Sevenfold began to enter the mainstream. This was seemingly indicated by their transfer to Warner Bros. Records and the emergence of more Avenged Sevenfold merch.

It was under their current, more popularly known label that the band released its third album, City of Evil in 2005. Although considered definitive by many music critics, this release showed a marked difference in the band’s musical style. Rather than sticking to its metalcore roots, Avenged Sevenfold transitioned to rock. The transformation is apparent because of the absence of intensely screamed vocal renditions.

In 2006, the group gained acclaim as MTV Video Music Awards’ Best New Artist. In this same year, they returned to the Vans Warped Tour, played in Ozzfest and launched their own world tour covering the US, UK and Australia among other locations. As if to highlight their new popular status, the band capped 2007 with the release of their self-titled fourth album, Avenged Sevenfold which debuted at the #4 spot.

Things were only starting to look up for the group when 2009 ended in a bang on both positive and negative notes. The group had been placed on the second slot of the Top Ten Bands of the Decade by Ultimate Guitar. They lost the number one spot to legendary group Metallica. At roughly the same time, the group lost its drummer. The Rev had been found dead due to drug related complications. Early this year, the band has had to tap a replacement for The Rev, getting Mike Portnoy to take on drum duties.

The group started work in 2010 with its new drummer. A fifth release is scheduled for July. Shadows says it will be deeper and darker compared to all the other albums made by the band.

Despite the apparent genre switch, Avenged Sevenfold seems to be on more solid ground than many other genre bands. There is no question where the band is headed. By all appearances, they have become leaders in deeply emotional, dark music. This is one band you’ll definitely see in more band posters.