Avenged Sevenfold
From:
Orange County,
CA,
United States
Last Known Status: Active
Background
The five piece hails from Orange County, California, influenced by everyone from Pantera, Metallica and Iron Maiden to Bad Religion, Misfits, Guns N Roses and NOFX. In addition, guitarist Synyster Gates (an attendee of the Musicians Institute of Technology) and the rest of A7X confess a fondness for prog-metal musos Dream Theater and experimental rock group Mr. Bungle.
Avenged Sevenfold formed when its members were still in high school. As M. Shadows explains, "We made our first record ["Sounding The Seventh Trumpet"] when we were 18 years old." Since then, they’ve made the road their home, hooking up with metal acts such as Shadows Fall and Mushroomhead and leaving their impression on the 2003 Vans Warped Tour. Charles Cross of Rolling Stone (August 7, 2003) anointed Avenged Sevenfold the Warped Tour 2003 "Second-stage must-see," going on to call them "…a Goth-metal band with a singer who looks like Elvis and sounds like Axl Rose."
As befits the drama and darkness inherent in their songs, Avenged Sevenfold name is based on the philosophy "what comes around goes around," originating with the Biblical story of God’s wrath upon Cain for killing his brother Abel. According to the book of Genesis, "And the Lord said until him, 'Therefore whoever slayeth Cain, vengeance shall be taken on him sevenfold'." Despite the spiritual connotations of their name, Avenged Sevenfold music does not hinge on religion. At the same time, they are converting many with their unique sound.
Latest Avenged Sevenfold News
Below is our complete Avenged Sevenfold news coverage, including columns and articles pertaining to the band. Some articles listed may be indirectly related, such as side projects of the band members, etc.
Note: We began associating news directly with bands in late 2003. Therefore, earlier band news may not be listed on this page.
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Avenged Sevenfold Posts "Nightmare" Teaser Video
Avenged Sevenfold has posted a brief teaser trailer online for the upcoming "Nightmare" music video, which can be viewed below.
Avenged Sevenfold Posts "Nightmare" Widget
Avenged Sevenfold has announced the new album "Nightmare" will be released on July 27th, 2010. The band has now posted a widget online, which can be found below, that includes audio samples from the new album. More...
Avenged Sevenfold Reveals New Album Details
Avenged Sevenfold has announced the new album "Nightmare" will be released on July 27th, 2010. The cover artwork for the album can be viewed at this location. The "Nightmare" track listing will be as follows:
1. Nightmare
2. Welcome To The Family
3. Danger Line
4. Buried Alive
5. Natural Born Killer
6. So Far Away
7. God Hates Us
8. Victim
9. Tonight The World Dies
10. Fiction
11. Save Me
Headline News
The Rev's Death Due To Accidental Drug Overdose
Six months after Avenged Sevenfold drummer Jimmy "The Rev" Sullivan's death, the cause of death has been determined as an accidental overdose of prescription drugs and alcohol, Orange County Deputy Coroner Mitchell Sigal told Rolling Stone. Toxicology reports indicate that Sullivan suffered "acute polydrug intoxication due to combined effects of Oxycodone, Oxymorphone, Diazepam/Nordiazepam and ethanol." Sigal added that Sullivan also had cardiomegaly (an enlarged heart), which was marked in the coroner's report as a "significant condition" that may have played a role in the drummer's death. The Coroner's Department conducted "five or six" different tests to verify the cause of death, Sigal added.
Oxycodone is painkiller that substitutes for Codeine, Oxymorphone is a painkiller similar to Morphine, Diazepam/Nordiazepam are anxiety medications and ethanol is the intoxicant in alcohol. Actor Heath Ledger similarly died from acute polydrug intoxication on January 22, 2008.
Sullivan, 28, died at his home in Huntington Beach, California. He was buried in a private ceremony on January 6th. Avenged Sevenfold guitarist Synyster Gates delivered a eulogy at the cemetery in front of the band, Sullivan's wife and family, ex-Pantera drummer Vinnie Paul, Bullet For My Valentine frontman Matt Tuck and members of Buckcherry and My Chemical Romance.
Since The Rev's death, Dream Theater drummer Mike Portnoy stepped in behind the kit to finish recording the new album, and then later to help out tour.
Read the full article at Rolling Stone.
Slayer, Sabbath And More To Be In New Guitar Hero
Activision has announced some of the details for their next installment in the popular Guitar Hero video game franchise, including several bands. The new game will be called Guitar Hero: Warriors Of Rock and will be much more story based than the previous games. Players will begin their careers at the legendary CBGBs venue and continue to the molten lava fields of rock treachery as eight Guitar Hero characters transform into rock warriors that must join together to use their unique, game-changing powers to help the Demi-God of Rock take down "The Beast" and save rock n’ roll.
"Guitar Hero has set the standard for music based gaming and with Guitar Hero: Warriors Of Rock’s all-new Quest Mode, robust and authentic set list, over-the-top challenges and rock-inspired new hardware, we are once again bringing the soul and energy of rock n’ roll to fans around the world,” said David Haddad, Chief Operating Officer, Guitar Hero.
"The world is a boring place. Come with me, and enter a world populated of Demi-Gods and Beasts. Transform from an everyday person and become the savior of rock and roll,” said Gene Simmons of KISS. “It was an honor and privilege to narrate Guitar Hero: Warriors Of Rock, even more so, to voice the Demi God. From the God of Thunder to the Demi-God, how cool is that..." More...
Avenged Sevenfold Reveals New Album Title
Orange County, California based hard rock outfit Avenged Sevenfold has revealed that the name of their forthcoming new studio album will be, "Nightmare." The title track from the album is also scheduled to be the first single from the record. The single will be released on May 18th with an album release date of July 27th to follow. The album will be dedicated to the bands previous drummer, Jimmy "The Rev" Sullivan, who passed away last December.
Avenged Sevenfold Posts New Single Teaser
Avenged Sevenfold has posted a preview online of their new single "Nightmare." The preview track can be heard below. Avenged Sevenfold also recently announced that Dream Theater drummer Mike Portnoy would be joining them on their remaining tour dates this year to fill in after the death of drummer James "The Rev" Sullivan.
Avenged Sevenfold Comments On Mike Portnoy
Dream Theater drummer Mike Portnoy recently announced he would be joining Avenged Sevenfold on their upcoming tour dates to sit in for the band's recently deceased drummer James Sullivan. Avenged Sevenfold guitarist Zacky Vengeance has now checked in with the following comments about the touring arrangement:
"After being so kind and caring to help us in the studio, the rumors are in fact true and Mike Portnoy will indeed be helping us on the upcoming Uproar tour later this year. We hope to see you all out on the road. We are very grateful to Mike for dedicating his time and talent to help us get back on the road so we can be where we need to be the most which is with our fans. Much Love and Respect."
Mike Portnoy To Tour With Avenged Sevenfold
Dream Theater drummer Mike Portnoy, who filled in on Avenged Sevenfold's new album after the death of James "The Rev" Sullivan, has issued the following statement about performing live with Avenged Sevenfold for their 2010 tour dates:
"After having had such an amazing experience recording my drum tracks for the new Avenged Sevenfold album, we all knew it would be awesome if I'd be able to do some touring with the band after its release.
"I am happy to say that the timing worked out perfectly that my touring cycle with Dream Theater (and Transatlantic) was coming to an end just as A7X's was scheduled begin! (well, perfect for everyone except my poor family!) Although I wish I could stay on board with A7X in a more permanent capacity, the reality is that I am committed to Dream Theater as my main priority (that is my baby after all!), and I will need to resume work with DT to start a new album at some point in 2011. However, I will be able to join my brothers in Avenged Sevenfold for at least the duration of their touring throughout 2010...and hopefully this will give them the time to continue to heal and get comfortable back on the road....
"You can look at me like the band's 'rebound drummer' to buy them some time until they are comfortable and ready to make a commitment to somebody new for full-time relationship in their future! In the meantime, I am real excited to hit the road with the boys...to bring my drumming from their new album to life on stage and to honor The Rev with all of their older material.... Hey, do I get to have a cool, bad-ass stage name now?"
Lineup Announced For Rockstar Uproar Festival
The first annual Rockstar Energy Drink Uproar Festival is set to rock North America with a late summer trek featuring headliners Disturbed and Avenged Sevenfold, along with Stone Sour and Halestorm featured on the main stage. The Festival will host performances from Jägermeister Second Stage headliners Hellyeah, as well as Airbourne, Hail The Villain, New Medicine, and the Jägermeister Battle of The Bands winner in each city. A video teaser for the festival can be found below.
Jimmy "The Rev" Voted Best Drummer At Golden God
Avenged Sevenfold guitarist Zacky Vengeance has issued the following statement about the band's now deceased drummer Jimmy "The Rev" being voted best drummer at the Revolver Golden God Awards:
"On Thursday night Jimmy the Rev was voted Best Drummer at the Revolver Golden God Awards. It is an extremely bitter sweet honor. We know all of our fans and friends have always and will foREVer hold him in this regard and for that we thank you. The ceremony is to air on May 22nd on VH1 Classic. Much love."
Slash Streaming New Song "Nothing To Say" Online
Slash is currently streaming a new song online titled “Nothing To Say,” which is off the upcoming self-titled album. The track, which features M. Shadows from Avenged Sevenfold on vocal, can be heard at the Slash MySpace page. The album will be out on April 6th and features guest vocalist from Ozzy Osbourne, Chris Cornell, Kid Rock and Myles Kennedy among others.
Avenged Sevenfold To Perform At Heavy MTL Fest
Avenged Sevenfold has just confirmed they will perform at the 2010 edition of the Heavy MTL festival in Montreal, Quebec at Parterre Parc Jean Drapeau on July 25th. Also performing at the Heavy MTL festival are Korn, Rob Zombie, Slayer, Megadeth, Lamb of God, Mastodon, Five Finger Death Punch, Testament, Fear Factory, Hatebreed, 3 Inches of Blood, Atreyu, Shadows Fall and more. Additional details on the festival can be found at this location.
Zacky Vengeance Comments On Drum Recording
Dream Theater drummer Mike Portnoy recently finished recording the drum tracks for the upcoming Avenged Sevenfold album. Avenged Sevenfold guitarist Zacky Vengeance issued the following statement about the drum recording:
"Finished tracking drums with MP. They sound fucking amazing. Jimmy will be proud. Jimmy's also smiling knowing that Mike Portnoy has a deathbat forever tattooed on him. To show Mike that A7X is deeper then just a band I got one to match his. Jimmy would have done the same. Mike realized that our fans and friends are considered family. Being an A7X fan isn’t always easy because it means you’re not only gonna laugh with us, but cry with us and defend us on occasion. If you’re part of the family it's for life. Shads dedicated his right hand to our brother, without hesitation. I believe what we all share together is magical and wouldn't have it any other way...Ill try my best to keep you updated from the studio."
Avenged Sevenfold Finishes Recording Drums
In a recent message posted online, Dream Theater drummer Mike Portnoy revealed that he has finished recording the drums for Avenged Sevenfold's new studio album. He was recruited to record with the band following the passing of Avenged Sevenfold drummer Jimmy "The Rev" Sullivan. Portnoy's message reads as follows:
"Just finished my drum tracks for the Avenged Sevenfold album...what an amazing and emotional experience! Me and Zacky (Vengeance - guitar) celebrated by getting matching Death Bat tats here in the studio.
"I must thank the amazing A7X fans for being so open and welcoming to me. I was fearing them being very defensive over The Rev's drum throne but they've all been so supportive, open-minded, understanding and excited by the news...it is a huge relief to me and the guys!. More...
Mike Portnoy Comments On Recording w/ A7X
Yesterday, Avenged Sevenfold--whose drummer James "the Rev" Sullivan tragically passed away in December 2009--announced on their website that they are recording their new album with Dream Theater drummer Mike Portnoy. Avenged Sevenfold said in part: "We asked Jimmy's all time favorite drummer Mike Portnoy to record on behalf of him. Mike said it would be an honor and without question that's what Jim would have wanted. It's comforting to us that someone like Mike, who is undoubtedly revered as one of the best drummers in the world, held such respect and adoration for the Rev's abilities."
Mike Portnoy today (2/18/09) issued this statement:
"Even under normal circumstances, I would've been happy to help the guys out in any way I could as I think Avenged Sevenfold are a great band...but under these incredibly sad and tragic circumstances, I must say I am truly honored to have been asked to play with them and I didn't even have to think twice about saying ‘yes.’
"These guys are a true family and it is an incredibly emotional experience to be here with them for the first time without their lost brother. But they have welcomed me into the family with open arms and there's a real excitement to make the record they had set out to make.
"I am treating my participation on this album with the utmost respect for Jimmy's memory and am remaining as true as possible to the drum parts that he wrote for the songs and the record he wanted to make.
"I want their fans to realize that I'm not trying to step into or fill The Rev's shoes...I'm just merely lacing 'em up for him!"
Avenged Sevenfold Enters The Studio
Avenged Sevenfold has issued the following update about entering the recording studio with Mike Portnoy of Dream Theater:
"I want our fans to know that with Jimmy in our hearts, our journey to record has officially began. Jimmy helped leave this world an amazing gift and now it's our job to make sure to deliver that gift to our fans. We asked Jimmy's all time favorite drummer Mike Portnoy to record on behalf of him. Mike said it would be an honor and without question that’s what Jim would have wanted. Its comforting to us that someone like Mike, who is undoubtedly revered as one of the best drummers in the world, held such respect and adoration for the Rev's abilities.
"Even though it will never be the same without our brother by our side, his essence lives in our hearts and through the music he helped create. He was a legend before any of the success or any of that bullshit and we are fucking excited to lay this down for our fans, and especially for Jimmy."
Avenged Sevenfold drummer James "The Rev" Sullivan passed away late last year, found dead in his home on December 28, 2009.
James Sullivan's Family Thanks Fans For Support
As was previously reported, James "The Rev" Sullivan of Avenged Sevenfold was found dead in his home on December 28th. Avenged Sevenfold has now issued the following statement from the Sullivan family:
"Message from the Sullivan family: We would like to thank all of Jimmy’s fans for the heartfelt comments that have been posted – it is comforting to know that his genius and antics were appreciated and that he was loved so much. Our hearts are broken – he was much too young to fall. February 9, 1981 – December 28, 2009. Óg agus saor go deo (forever young and free)
"Barbara & Joe, Kelly & Katie & the extended Sullivan family"
God Forbid Comments On James Sullivan's Death
Guitarist Doc Coyle of New Jersey metallers God Forbid has issued the following statement about Avenged Sevenfold drummer James Sullivan, who passed away on December 28th:
"RIP Rev (A7X) I just wanted to send our deepest condolences on behalf of God Forbid to Avenged Sevenfold and Jimmy's family and close friends after news of his passing. God Forbid got to know Jimmy and the rest of the band when we took A7X out on tour in 2002 when they were a brand new band, and they've continued to treat us with warmth and respect over the years since their meteoric rise. This is a a true tragedy, and he will be missed greatly. Love and Respect."
Headline News
Avenged Sevenfold Drummer Found Dead
James Sullivan, the drummer for Orange County, California based rock band Avenged Sevenfold and better known to his fans as "The Rev," was found dead in his home yesterday (December 28th.) A local examination claims that he passed away from natural causes. His bandmates from Avenged Sevenfold has posted the following message online:
"It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we tell you of the passing today of Jimmy 'The Rev' Sullivan. Jimmy was not only one of the world's best drummers, but more importantly he was our best friend and brother. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Jimmy's family and we hope that you will respect their privacy during this difficult time.
"Jimmy you are forever in our hearts. We love you."
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