What makes Nightmare by Avenged Sevenfold notable?

Nightmare debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart, solidifying Avenged Sevenfold's status in the heavy metal scene. The album received positive critical acclaim for its ambitious songwriting and production quality, reflecting the band's evolution while also facing personal tragedy, resonating strongly with fans and critics alike. Released in 2010, Nightmare marked a significant chapter for Avenged Sevenfold as their first album following the death of drummer Jimmy 'The Rev' Sullivan. This loss deeply influenced the album’s themes, which wrestle with grief and mortality while exploring new musical territory, showcasing a shift towards a more mature sound in their discography.

How many songs are on Nightmare?

Nightmare has 1 track, running approximately 6 minutes.

Nightmare

Avenged Sevenfold · 2010

6 min · 1 track · heavy metal

An intense blend of heavy metal aggression and melodic hooks, pushing the boundaries of metalcore with theatrical flair.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Nightmare — The title track encapsulates the album’s haunting themes of loss and fear, combining aggressive instrumentals with powerful lyrics that reflect on mortality.
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Welcome to the Family — This track stands out for its dynamic shifts between energetic riffs and poignant moments, addressing themes of acceptance and belonging amidst chaos.
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So Far Away — A heartfelt tribute to The Rev, this ballad showcases the band’s softer side through emotional melodies and reflective lyrics about loss and remembrance.

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.