Avenged Sevenfold, 'Nightmare' -- New Single

I love Avenged Sevenfold.

Glam or otherwise, Avenged is a great band. The band will release the studio album Nightmare this summer. Nightmare is significant because it marks Avenged Sevenfold's return to the world stage after the sudden death of drummer Jimmy 'The Rev' Sullivan at the end of last year.

The album's first single, also called "Nightmare," just hit iTunes. At first listen I wasn't sure what to think. Mike Portnoy is playing drums on the record as a tribute to The Rev. While there are some subtle differences in the drumming, the classic Avenged sound is intact. I feel like the mix has the drums pushed a little lower than other Avenged songs - but overall - this track is a winner. It's long by commercial standards, coming in at just over six minutes and it takes awhile for the chorus to kick in. Still, the wait is worthwhile and it's clear "Nightmare" is soon to be a live staple.

Like with every A7X song, the guitars are the most important element, effortlessly blending harmonics with complex runs at crazy speeds. Then there is M. Shadow's unique voice...In a lot of ways, "Nightmare" sort of sounds like Avenged Sevenfold [2.0]. This song would fit on that mega hit disc. In fact, it's somewhere between "A Little Piece of Heaven" and "Scream."

Oh yeah, the beginning of the song is creepy as hell, too.

Nightmare is due July 17. Have a listen:

Comments

[Sam]

Seriously, they arent good, they are everything thats bad about modern rock.

[Christian]

Sam, might does not make right, and record sales does not equal talent. But, while I like a lot of the bands you champion, the fact is that selling lots of records does not prove A7X is bad, and if it wasn't for your feeling bitter that this single will sell more copies than all Retrospect releases combined, you may stop the knee jerk reaction to everyone who has more success than you ( and yes, that means pretty much everyone ), and open your ears to good music, no matter when it was released.

[almostluckymick]

I am a A7X fan but I do not think this song went anywhere original. I was not very impressed by their S/T album and if this single is any indication of whats to come it seems like a S/T II. Still, these guys are awesome musicans. But did anyone think the solo in this song was a little lacking? With that being said I still want to reserve judgement for the album until I hear the whole thing.

[Kenny Ozz]

Allyson you and I will just have to continue to agree to disagree. I dont see anything original or in the least bit exciting about this band. Sorry.

[MotleyCrue666]

This is one of the greatest songs ever!!! I freaking love it! The guitar solo and intro are epic. and the whole song is in your face but still melodic its just..... Perfect. There is no other word. I cannot wait for the A7X album.

R.I.P. Jimmy "The Rev" Sullivan

[Sam]

I'm just saying about 15-20 years ago there were true great rock bands, Mötley, GNR, Oasis, The La's, The Stone Roses, the list goes on and on.
Get my point?
If you compare, this band isnt even close.

[Christian]

Well, Sam, none of the bands on your label are in that vein. The 80s bands you sign are not terrible, but they didn't hit it big for a reason, typically. They are cool now as a way to find new 80s music, that's about it. A7X have not had time to define if they will be a cool band for people now, or a band that people look back on. It's clear that Slash thinks M. Shadows is something special, at least today. Only time will tell if they keep up the quality, and move in directions the fans like, and become the next Motley. You just can't say that, today. In the 80s, people were saying that Motley were not exactly Deep Purple, and would not last like Deep Purple did. GnR were not exactly Led Zep and would not be as timeless. You just can't make that call, not today.

[Timewarped]

I think a7x are a great band and in my opinion the best in the last decade. Gnr are my favorite band ever, a7x are second. The last two albums were great and waking the fallen has some really good songs too, especially the live version of second heartbeat on their live DVD.

I will say the new single is not their best work though.

[TAIMEtheJACKYL]

Not a bad tune, but it ain't GLAM. White Zombie rip-off maybe. Anyway, if this site wasn't named BRING BACK GLAM I could see arguments, but since it is - maybe a better post somewhere else for people who would think this is good. I'd rather see Phan Halen and have FUN while listening to the music. To each their own.

[Kajagoogoo]

Best thing since Too Shy and Karma Chameleon. LOVE IT

[V V invasion]

You are standed on an island - would you rather have a mix of:
1, A7X
2, Night Ranger
3. King Kobra
4. Tunnel

Only choices....

[Metalboy!]

I'll take Vinnie Vincent Invasion and King Cobra over this and Night Ranger. Dunno Tunnel but I hate the name so it probably suxx.

That Retrospect stage is gonna be cool! Mad Max are frickin' killer! I got both of their albums back in the day. Retrospect rereleased 'em, pretty sure so get these. Think Dokken meets Sweet!

Retrospect does a half-assed job of reissuing undeniably great stuff, so ignore their butchered cover graphics and go for the music. That still hasn't changed.

And despite their cheapskate approach in that regard, they are still showcasing some incredible acts on their stage. Kudos for 'em to at least get that right...

And for this festival, what really counts is what is on stage not on Retrospect's lame-o album covers.

[Tyler]

listening to stst and wtf all the years i never knew they would change as much as they did. Ppl try to call em sell outs but i just think they brought out there real talent. still miss shadows scream though. it was the shit