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.
Aside from the band's striking, original name, its band members also carry similarly related names that show the group's dark roots. The first members include Zacky Vengeance, James "The Rev" Sullivan and Matt Wendt. Currently sharing the spotlight with Shadows and Vengeance are lead guitarist Synyster Gates and bassist Johnny Christ.
From the very beginning, both the image and the sound of the group was resoundingly metalcore in nature. The debut release Sounding the Seventh Trumpet under their first label Good Life Recordings gave a taste of the group's early music. Its original 2001 release was followed by a second 2002 release by Hopeless Records.
In the following year, the group saw more action with the release of Walking the Fallen. In the same year, the group saw greater recognition as they played in the Vans Warped Tour in both 2003 and 2004. After this Avenged Sevenfold album release, their eventual move to mainstream was marked by their move to Warner Bros. Records.
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.
The band became truly recognized by the general public in the 2006 MTV Video Music Awards where they were named Best New Artist. This year, they saw more action in the Ozzfest and the Vans Warped Tour. What made this year truly significant for Avenged Sevenfold however was their first world tour. This became a perfect introduction for the following year when they came out with their self-titled album that debuted on the fourth spot.
The year 2009 gave the group its first real obstacle. By the end of the year, the group had made it to the second spot of Ultimate Guitar's Top Ten Bands of the Decade trailing only behind the legendary Metallica. In the same month however, Avenged Sevenfold lost its drummer, James "The Rev" Sullivan due to drugs. The loss was significant but by February of the following year, the band had moved on with drummer Mike Portnoy.
With a new drummer and a new year, fans wonder what's in store for 2010. Shadows has spoken of a fifth album due this July that will be darker and more emotional. Fans got a taste of this in May with the release of the single Nightmare.
The seeming switch in genre is understandable. Avenged Sevenfold is apparently evolving. Nonetheless, they are clearly on more stable foundations than other bands. There is hardly any doubt what the band wants to evoke with its dark sounds.
Aside from the band's striking, original name, its band members also carry similarly related names that show the group's dark roots. The first members include Zacky Vengeance, James "The Rev" Sullivan and Matt Wendt. Currently sharing the spotlight with Shadows and Vengeance are lead guitarist Synyster Gates and bassist Johnny Christ.
From the very beginning, both the image and the sound of the group was resoundingly metalcore in nature. The debut release Sounding the Seventh Trumpet under their first label Good Life Recordings gave a taste of the group's early music. Its original 2001 release was followed by a second 2002 release by Hopeless Records.
In the following year, the group saw more action with the release of Walking the Fallen. In the same year, the group saw greater recognition as they played in the Vans Warped Tour in both 2003 and 2004. After this Avenged Sevenfold album release, their eventual move to mainstream was marked by their move to Warner Bros. Records.
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.
The band became truly recognized by the general public in the 2006 MTV Video Music Awards where they were named Best New Artist. This year, they saw more action in the Ozzfest and the Vans Warped Tour. What made this year truly significant for Avenged Sevenfold however was their first world tour. This became a perfect introduction for the following year when they came out with their self-titled album that debuted on the fourth spot.
The year 2009 gave the group its first real obstacle. By the end of the year, the group had made it to the second spot of Ultimate Guitar's Top Ten Bands of the Decade trailing only behind the legendary Metallica. In the same month however, Avenged Sevenfold lost its drummer, James "The Rev" Sullivan due to drugs. The loss was significant but by February of the following year, the band had moved on with drummer Mike Portnoy.
With a new drummer and a new year, fans wonder what's in store for 2010. Shadows has spoken of a fifth album due this July that will be darker and more emotional. Fans got a taste of this in May with the release of the single Nightmare.
The seeming switch in genre is understandable. Avenged Sevenfold is apparently evolving. Nonetheless, they are clearly on more stable foundations than other bands. There is hardly any doubt what the band wants to evoke with its dark sounds.
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