Avenged Sevenfold cover

Released 19 years ago this October

Avenged Sevenfold

Avenged Sevenfold · 2007

53 min · 10 tracks · heavy metal

A dynamic blend of heavy metal and orchestral elements that pushes the boundaries of traditional rock with theatrical flair.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Critical Acclaim — Opening with a bold proclamation against censorship and societal issues, this track sets the thematic tone for the album while showcasing intricate guitar work.
  • →
    Afterlife — This song combines melodic hooks with thought-provoking lyrics about mortality, reflecting the band's lyrical depth and musical versatility.
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    A Little Piece of Heaven — Blending dark humor with a theatrical narrative, this track exemplifies the band’s unique ability to merge genres and tell compelling stories through music.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

60 /100
Treeline
Higher than 66% of albums we've rated

The album blends heavy metal with orchestral elements, showcasing ambitious compositions and dynamic shifts.

What we noticed

  • The album features orchestral arrangements alongside heavy guitar riffs, creating a contrast between melodic and aggressive sections.
  • Several tracks incorporate tempo changes that shift from fast-paced verses to slower, more reflective choruses.
  • The use of dual vocal harmonies is prominent, with alternating lead vocals that enhance the theatricality of the songs.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • dynamic emotional journeys
  • long, immersive listening sessions
  • wave-like pacing and builds
  • poignant narrative explorations

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Late Career Highlight — This album showcases maturity after a significant loss, solidifying their status.
Career context
Released on October 26, 2007, this self-titled album marked Avenged Sevenfold's first major project following the death of their drummer, The Rev. It came after their breakthrough record 'City of Evil' and showcased an artistic evolution towards a more expansive sound, incorporating orchestration and varied vocal styles.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Critical Acclaim 5:14
  • 2 Almost Easy 3:54
  • 3 Scream 4:48
  • 4 Afterlife 5:53
  • 5 Gunslinger 4:11
  • 6 Unbound (The Wild Ride) 5:11
  • 7 Brompton Cocktail 4:13
  • 8 Lost 5:02
  • 9 A Little Piece of Heaven 8:00
  • 10 Dear God 6:33

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata