What makes Nightmare by Avenged Sevenfold notable?

The album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart, marking a significant commercial achievement for the band. It received critical acclaim for its ambitious production and experimentation with various musical styles, influencing both contemporaries and future artists in the metal genre. Released on July 23, 2010, 'Nightmare' was Avenged Sevenfold's fifth studio album and marked their first release following the death of drummer Jimmy 'The Rev' Sullivan. The album showcased a shift in their sound, incorporating more complex arrangements and emotional depth while solidifying their place as leaders in the heavy metal scene.

Who is Nightmare for?

Nightmare works well if you're into long, immersive listening sessions, dynamic emotional journeys and gradual builds and payoffs.

How many songs are on Nightmare?

Nightmare has 11 tracks, running approximately 66 minutes.

Nightmare

Avenged Sevenfold · 2010

66 min · 11 tracks · heavy metal

A haunting blend of metalcore aggression and melodic introspection, underpinned by orchestral arrangements and dark lyrical themes.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Nightmare — The title track encapsulates the album's dark themes and showcases the band's ability to balance aggression with melody through its dynamic shifts.
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So Far Away — This poignant ballad serves as a tribute to The Rev, blending heartfelt lyrics with lush instrumentation that highlights the band's emotional range.
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Welcome to the Family — With its aggressive riffs and catchy chorus, this track represents the band's signature style while addressing themes of loss and acceptance within a community.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

59 /100

Treeline

Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album blends aggression with melody, showcasing strong craftsmanship but lacks lasting impact.

What we noticed

The album opens with a title track that features a slow build-up, transitioning into aggressive riffs and orchestral elements.
Several tracks incorporate dual guitar harmonies, particularly in the choruses, enhancing the melodic aspect of the heavy instrumentation.
The last three tracks feature a significant drop in tempo, creating a reflective atmosphere that contrasts with the earlier aggression.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

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

long, immersive listening sessions
dynamic emotional journeys
gradual builds and payoffs
haunting introspective moments

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — Established wider recognition after the band's significant lineup change.
Career context: Released on July 23, 2010, 'Nightmare' was Avenged Sevenfold's fifth studio album and marked their first release following the death of drummer Jimmy 'The Rev' Sullivan. The album showcased a shift in their sound, incorporating more complex arrangements and emotional depth while solidifying their place as leaders in the heavy metal scene.
Stylistic neighbors: Bullet for My Valentine· Trivium· Parkway Drive