Avenged Sevenfold: DYK?
Avenged Sevenfold: Fun Facts & A Lesser-Known Story
Avenged Sevenfold (A7X) is a band that has become synonymous with heavy metal and hard rock. Known for their high-energy performances and complex compositions, they have earned a dedicated fanbase. But behind the scenes, there are fascinating facts and stories that even die-hard fans might not know. Let’s dive into some fun facts and a lesser-known story about the band.
1. The Name’s Origins Are Biblical: Avenged Sevenfold's name is actually derived from the Bible, specifically from the story of Cain and Abel. After Cain murders Abel, he is cursed by God, and anyone who kills Cain is said to suffer "vengeance seven times over." The band, known for its dark and edgy themes, found this story fitting for their image.
2. The Band's Symbol—Deathbat—Has a Story: The Deathbat logo is one of the most iconic in the rock world, but it wasn't just created to look cool. Originally drawn by a high school friend of the band, the Deathbat symbolizes a combination of death and freedom, reflecting the band's darker, introspective lyrics. Over the years, the Deathbat has become synonymous with A7X and has evolved into a symbol of rebellion and resilience.
3. They're Big Fans of Video Games: The band members are known to be avid gamers. In fact, they were such huge fans of the "Call of Duty" series that they contributed an original song, “Not Ready to Die,” to the "Call of Duty: Black Ops" soundtrack. If you’ve played the game, you’ll recognize the track, and it’s yet another way A7X connects with its audience beyond music.
4. A Metal Band with Symphonic Elements: What makes Avenged Sevenfold unique is their ability to blend metal with symphonic elements. They’ve drawn inspiration from classical music, and this influence can be heard in their orchestral compositions, such as the song “A Little Piece of Heaven,” which features a full orchestra and choir. This blend of metal and classical sounds sets them apart in the genre.
5. Their Hidden Love for 80s Rock: Despite their metal image, the band is greatly influenced by 80s rock and glam metal bands like Guns N’ Roses and Mötley Crüe. In interviews, they've admitted their love for the over-the-top theatrics and shredding guitar solos of that era, which subtly influenced some of their early work, adding a unique twist to their sound.
A Lesser-Known Story: The Formation of "Nightmare"
The story behind their fifth studio album, Nightmare, is one that not everyone knows in detail. The album was released in 2010 and became a turning point for the band due to its deeply emotional backstory.
In December 2009, just as the band was in the process of writing and recording the album, they were struck with tragedy—their drummer, James “The Rev” Sullivan, passed away unexpectedly due to an accidental overdose. The Rev had been an integral part of Avenged Sevenfold, not just as their drummer but also as a songwriter. His death left the band devastated and uncertain about their future.
However, the band decided to honor The Rev's memory by continuing with the album, incorporating some of the last drum tracks and song ideas he had contributed. As a tribute to their fallen friend, the song “So Far Away” was written by guitarist Synyster Gates as a heartfelt homage to The Rev. The song’s raw emotion resonated deeply with fans, becoming one of the band’s most iconic tracks.
To complete the album, the band brought in Mike Portnoy, legendary drummer of Dream Theater and one of The Rev’s idols, to help finish the drum tracks. Portnoy stepped in not just as a musician but as someone who understood the emotional weight of the moment. Nightmare was released to critical acclaim and topped the Billboard 200, becoming the band's first album to reach No. 1.
The resilience and dedication the band showed during the making of Nightmare not only honored The Rev’s legacy but also showcased their strength as a unit, forever binding the album with an unforgettable chapter in their history.
Whether it's their biblical roots, their secret love of 80s rock, or the way they turned personal tragedy into a triumph, Avenged Sevenfold’s journey has been filled with twists and turns. They continue to push the boundaries of metal, bringing symphonic elements and emotional depth into the genre while staying true to their rebellious, unapologetic style.
One of Avenged Sevenfold’s most meaningful and poignant song lines comes from the song "So Far Away," which was written as a tribute to their late drummer, The Rev:
"How do I live without the ones I love?"
This line resonates deeply because it captures the raw emotion of loss and grief. The song deals with themes of mourning, memory, and the enduring impact of those we've lost. For both the band and fans, it symbolizes the bond between the band members and the emotional journey they went through after The Rev's passing. It’s a line that speaks universally to the pain of losing someone close while also celebrating their lasting influence.