Review by Josh Felty
Rating: ****
Tracks of Note: Natural Born Killer, God Hates Us, Tonight the World Dies
I've heard only a bit of Avenged Sevenfold previously ("Afterlife" comes to mind) to have a frame of reference. Their newest collection in Nightmare is an impressive mixture of virtuoso hardcore metal and moving songwriting. Songs like "Natural Born Killer" and "Danger Line" ring with an explosive bite that took me back to 80's underground metal. Then there are moments such as "So Far Away" that drives home the heartfelt slant, weaving beautiful melodies into the mix.
Of note is the incredible drumming on this record, courtesy of former Dream Theater skinsman, Mike Portnoy. If you're aware of Dream Theater's impeccible sounds, you'll truly be as impressed as I was to hear those rhythm stylings applied to Avenged. Off the charts, people. Might I also say that the vocals are top-notch as well--who taught this guy to sing? It's incredible: reminds me of a mixture between Chris Cornell and James Hetfield in some ways.
Now to queue up some more of these cats and rock out. You should as well.