About this album
Where they were
By 2007, Avenged Sevenfold had established themselves as a leading force in metal with their previous album, 'City of Evil,' achieving significant commercial success. This self-titled album marked their first release after the tragic passing of drummer Jimmy 'The Rev' Sullivan, showcasing a blend of their signature sound and new influences.
Why it matters
The album debuted at number four on the Billboard 200 and solidified Avenged Sevenfold's reputation within the mainstream metal scene. Its experimental nature, particularly with tracks like 'Dear God,' which features country influences, showcased their willingness to push genre boundaries and attracted both critical acclaim and a diverse fanbase.
Essential tracks
- "Afterlife" — 'Afterlife' encapsulates the band's ability to merge heavy instrumentation with thoughtful lyrics about loss and acceptance, becoming a fan favorite and live staple.
- "A Little Piece of Heaven" — This ambitious track blends theatrical elements with dark storytelling, showcasing the band's creativity and willingness to experiment within their genre.
- "Dear God" — 'Dear God' stands out for its country-infused sound and poignant lyrics about longing, emphasizing the band's versatility and appeal beyond traditional metal audiences.
Release Date
October 26, 2007
Artist Origin
United States
Tracklist
- 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