No keyboardist in the band, just a drummer we miss dearly 🥲 he wrote almost the entirety of this song and the lead guitarist hated it so much he almost refused to record it at the time. Then he heard the verse drum part and was intrigued enough to give it a go. They helped flesh it out and it became one of their most iconic songs, hands down.
That’s not true, syn didn’t like it at the start cuz he thought this won’t go anywhere, but when he saw that it goes someplace fucking amazing he was very much on board In a recent interview he even stated that A little piece of heaven is his favourite Avenged Sevenfold song.
I know I'm just a stranger on the internet, but I'd like to share with you very quickly what this band means to me, Geebz. Avenged was the hill I was ready to die on in my youth. I was teased for wearing their shirts in school, or when showing support online in forums. They weren't a bad band, I think a lot of people were angry that they navigated that mid 00s era where rock kind of lost it's way with pretty decent commercial success. They were, admittedly, a little lost with their identity early on, something they've owned up to, just not really knowing how to market themselves, but they grew up, and began to write mature lyrics with clearly sophisticated pieces. I think a lot of the hate stems from the identity and branding of the band. They're too hard for contemporary rock, but too soft for "metal". I am a metalhead. I hate the one-upping in the metal scene. Like what your ears like. Brian "Synyster Gates" Haner was raised in a musical house and study jazz at a college level. Hearing him talk about how he develops a piece and evolving it with the others make them feel so organic. They clearly are all in sync with one another. It was heartbreaking when they lost Jimmy in 2009, he was so raw and unrefined but had so much musical prowess. So much more to offer the world with his music. Matt's voice is gripping. It's unsettling and alluring all in seconds of another. I love that these guys write what they feel like, no two albums sound the same. They stray from their roots, which in turn, pisses people off again I think. To explore their musical journey is natural, and some people would just like the same old thing over and over, no variation. I took my best friend with every dollar I made the summer of 2010 to see them. We thought it may be a farewell tour, the untimely death of Jimmy clearly left them rattled, unsure of their future. My best friend and I spent the night with thousands of other Avenged fans mourning the loss of someone very important to us all. It was beautiful and sad, we were all moved watching these guys grieve for their brother. This band brings back so many great memories of middle/high school, and I am still so amazed that they continue to grow in their lyricism and sound. It seemed every time I turned a corner in my life, they were there with something to ease the worry. I know a ton of people were turned off to The Stage, but it hit at a time in my life where I had a lot of questions about who I am and where I fit into the universe. It's probably not an album you listen to with other people. It's very intimate, something you should take the time and listen to from start to finish by yourself. I feel like people don't do that enough anymore. Music is more than background sound, take the time to digest what your soul is being fed. I cannot offer better advice than fall in love with music every day. Anyways, I'm rambling. Thanks Geebz for another rock solid decomposition. Love your vids, man, keep it up.
Wow Tyler, that was a wonderful expression on how music/this band affected you and the soundtrack of your life. Thank you so much for taking the time to write this! Aloha
"Bat Country," "Afterlife," and "Beast and the Harlot" are all popular Avenged Sevenfold songs that are great mixes of their metalcore roots with almost radio-friendly hard rock. You'd have a lot to say about the recordings. "Welcome to the Family" is a favorite from when Mike Portnoy from Dream Theater was the drummer on one of their albums, after their previous drummer passed away. RIP Jimmy/The Rev
You would absolutely ADORE their song "Save Me". They have quite a few songs that are more progressive than the one you reacted to and I'm positive you'd enjoy them thoroughly.
I have to disagree with A Little Piece of Heaven... at least without the reactor listening to a good amount of songs from A7X already, AND with some sort of vague warning of the song. I hate seeing it turn people away from listening to more if it isn't their thing.
Just a bit more info on the drums, the part at 6:01 is something Jimmy "The Rev" often referred to as "the double octopus", it's something he does through a couple different songs. He's also a pretty good vocalist as well.
Being from an older school of metal, 7fold was 1 of the very few "young bands" that helped to comfort & assure me of the "depth" & "artistic choice" of the next generation/future of metal.
The drummer is Jimmy "The Rev" Sullivan, he passed away in 2009, unfortunately. He was awesome, one of my favourite drummers. If you check out more Avenged Sevenfold I'd love to hear your thoughts on "Betrayed", "A Little Piece of Heaven", "Save Me" and "Sunny Disposition." As always, thanks for doing these videos, such a joy to watch
every time i listen to the very beginning to this song it always feels like each member of the band is getting a little introduction before the song starts. this has always been one of my favorite songs of avenge sevenfold
Did I jus come across the chillest, most laid back, coolest OG doin reactions on UA-cam? Whose reactions are also very analytical, and educational, but with minimal talking and pausing?.... I think so. This dudes a vibe. Subbed. 🔥🔥🤘
Save Me, Bat Country, Trashed And Scattered, Sidewinder, Higher, Sunny Disposition... they have so many great songs and there is so much amazing stuff packed in any one of 'em
Sick! They have a breakdown video of this song on their UA-cam channel where you can hear that massive harmony on the chorus soloed. They had every member contribute a part or two of the harmony where normally oftentimes the lead singer would just do it.
Some recommendations for the band that helped make me a guitarist: - The Stage is a 8 1/2 minute epic that might be the magnum opus for this band IMO - 2017 - Little Piece of Heaven is equally long and everyone's favorite weird/twisted song that's messed up at the core, haha - 2009 (same album as this) - Bat Country I think is the core "definitive" A7X song- the #1 song from the album that really took them from up and comers to genre leaders (2006) Plenty of other awesome options from them, but I think those cover the most bases of "their sound" in the least number of tracks.
That song was released on they're self-titled album (2007) and they produced that record themselves. The harmonies in the hook are done by the all band. (the drummer was an amazing singer, composer, drummer and pianist. Such an awful loss, RIP the Rev.)
As a composer, I think you'd love "Exist" by Avenged Sevenfold. Synyster gates, their incredible lead guitarist, said it was very classically influenced with themes and such. Its about 15 minutes and its a full trip, it has everything and remains engaging the whole way through
Couldn't help but notice the face you make at 9:07 - the backing vocal there was their late drummer, Jimmy (The Rev) which I'm sure you now know about. His voice always grabbed me and looks like it did you too. Check out 'A Little Piece of Heaven' to hear Jimmy's madness summarized into one song. But also check out M.I.A, I Won't See You Tonight Pt.1 (and Pt.2 but hey, at least Pt. 1), Tonight The World Dies, or Fiction to hear their most moving pieces.
Exist, from their album, The Stage, to me feels like a journey through the band itself. It is a bit long but I can hear the elements that I have come to know from A7x as the song progresses. The Rev was the original drummer and was a beast of a drummer. He was a driving force in the early days before he passed, I highly recommend more on him if you are interested
Gotta try some of their more progressive sounding songs! Anything over 6 minutes by them is gold! MIA, The Stage, Exist, Save Me, A little piece of Heaven all will really give you a ton of nuance to listen to and hopefully find some that I haven’t picked out in my years as a fan!! Thanks for what you do!!
I'm only 18, coming 19 years old. I'm a girl, and I was bullied a lot for my devotion to Avenged Sevenfold. Girls shouldn't like rock music, apparently, but I never let the words of my peers stop me from spending all my time listening to A7X, learning Synyster Gates's solo's on the guitar. Even now, the first time I got a job around 11 months ago, I saved up money and brought Synyster's Schecter guitar. It was a dream come true. I can't explain in words how much this band means to me. I was only 5 years old when Jimmy passed away, but I was around 8 when I first started listening to them. I started with the Nightmare album, and immediately I was drawn in by Matt's raspy, distinctive vocals. Save Me was my favourite song for a while. However, I always felt an emotional pull towards Fiction and So Far Away. It was around this time I learned of Jimmy "The Rev" Sullivan, or Fiction, as many of you know him by. The tale of how each member held the band together after his passing would later help me get over the death of my A7X loving godfather in 2014. He'd held on long enough to listen to the Hail To The King album, and Acid Rain was his favourite song. It still is my favourite song from that album. I have to admit, after his death, I couldn't bring myself to listen to either Acid Rain, nor any other A7X song for a time. The only one that kept me in their loop was I Won't See You Tonight part 1 (I was finally listening to some of their older songs, and this one will always be my favourite A7X song. The outro makes me cry every time I hear it). I was out of the A7X story at this point, only listening to I Won't See You Tonight part 1 and Save Me when they came on my library shuffle. I had no idea they had brought out The Stage album, until September of 2022. It was my first day of university and I was in London, overwhelmed by the city and anxious for my first day. I had to get the train in every day for three weeks while I waited for a room to become available in my accommodation, so there was a lot of stress building from the situation. I felt lost, in myself and in my surroundings. I turned back to Avenged Sevenfold and discovered The Stage album. I listened to it on repeat every moment I could for the first week of University. It was strange, not the A7X I was used to, but I had a wide palette for rock music. A few songs stood out to me at first, The Stage for its insane solo section, Paradigm for Matt's unbelievable vocals and Angels for its outro. Slowly, I grew to love all of the songs on that album. I even got the lyrics of Higher "And the blazing worlds salute as we go flying past" printed on my University crewneck. That album brought me safety where I thought I had none, alleviated the imposter syndrome I felt and brought back hope in my mind for the upcoming university years. Avenged Sevenfold is and always will be my favourite band. Nobody is amazing too, I don't know why people hate on it. I believe Life Is But A Dream is going to be a great album, I can't wait for it!
I’ve been listening to avenged sevenfold for like 8 years and going back to their songs Johnny Christ, the bassist, compliments The Rev’s drumming soooo well.
Great video! The pianist is the lead singer, the drummer in this song died in 2010, unfortunately, and finally, check out "The Stage" from 2016 or "Save Me" from 2010 which features Mike Portnoy from Dream Theater on drums.
This was my favorite band in high school, and one of my favorite songs. It would be really cool if you did a video on "A little piece of heaven" or "Save me" because they're both very intricate and interesting pieces of art, and are so creative that they really set this band apart from any other in this respective genre. Keep it up man! Love the content :)
I loved your comments about bass and drumming -- as a very amateur guitarist I actually listen to those instruments first. Thus why Tool is one of my favorite bands.
Great Song. Jimmy "The Rev" Sullivan was the drummer before his death, I believe of an overdose. I never actually never noticed the piano in this song until you pointed it out. As a drummer, i am typically counting while listening to a song and focusing in on the drummer. I am also an afflicted listener, but for a different reason....Drums. I am really enjoying your channel. I would love to hear more about the stuff you "do for the kids".
Critical Acclaim, Brompton Cocktail, A Little Piece of Heaven, Burn It Down, Bat Country, Nightmare...so many good songs to choose from. RIP Rev...we miss you
Jimmy The Rev Sullivan was the drummer, plays piano, background vocals Brian E Haner aka Synyster Gates is the lead guitarist- also plays piano, some background harmonic vocals
RIP The Rev. The drummer passed away years ago, not super long after Almost Easy was put out. They actually recorded The Rev's drumming part for the studio recording, I think you may get a kick out of it.
If you've never seen it, there's an amazing video of a live show of "The Beast and the Harlot" with someone sitting behind the drummer The Rev (RIP), and just watching him play was mesmerizing at how insane he was playing.
These are the guys who pretty much got me into prog and prog metal. I'm a sucker for seemless change ups and having a monster drummer seems to be the key.
Scream by avenged sevenfold is a good one. The drums alone are insane with the different style changes within the one song. The Rev was a whole new level.
So, this album was their first self produced album. They recorded it in big bear. Jimmy(the rev) is the drummer and one of the main song writers. Also the drummer. Also the keyboard player. May he RIP. This was A7X at their peak! Sinister Gates is one of the greatest guitarists of all time! Check out the making of this album. I’m sure it’s available on UA-cam. And also check out “A little piece of heaven” a song off this album and one of the greatest songs ever written. It’s Jimmy’s masterpiece.
save me is a pretty good one. One of my favorites by them is natural born killer. But if your looking for great solos you should hit the city of evil album. You as a composer would probably find their album the stage the most interesting.
The Lead Guitarist and Drummer of this band had a brief side project, called Pinkly Smooth, where they were the Guitarist and Singer/Pianist respectively. It was really unique, and I really recommend you check out either their song Nosferatu Does a Hefty Dance or McFly.
You have to listen to something [other than Seize the Day] from their album City of Evil which I think is by far their best album. Maybe Betrayed or MIA?
Lots of great suggestions here. I would throw "Buried Alive" into the mix. A7X has a nice mix of sounds, and I think this track showcases that fact well. Loving your channel! ☕
Don’t know if anyone has mentioned this or not but the Rev (the drummer) recorded this in one take. The whole thing played all the way thru. There is a video of it here on UA-cam and it’s impressive to say the least. He was a damn fine musician and is still deeply missed.
A Little Piece of Heaven is a must. Just a FUN song all around. These guys love trying out new weird things. Sunny Disposition, Save Me, Beast and the Harlot, Blinded in Chains, Remenissions . Some highlights from every album.
I missed this the first time I watched it a year ago - you're so right about how this song has record company hooks in it. This was the era of A7X just as/after they had made it big and to my ear (and with your help pointing it out) their songs on Bat Country and this album which Almost Easy is from has a lot more 'industry standard' stuff going on. I still adore the albums and songs though even if they aren't as raw and hardcore as the first 2 albums.
Awesome of you checking out this band again! one of my absolute faves, much better pick of track this time even if this also is one of their more straight and ''radio friendly'' tracks. Still an awesome one though. But my best pick for you to decompose is definetly the live in the LBC version of the song A little piece of heaven, It's and 8 minute long crazy piece filled with brass and violins and a choir :P Live they also do all their own vocal backing tracks and it can really let you see how good this vocalist is, or just the band in general
Definitely recommend you check out The Stage, the title track of their latest album and definitely one of their most "progressive" albums to date. Also, this song has such unique rhythmic feel as a result of The Rev (the drummer) writing most of the song. Also, the album was mixed by the legend Andy Wallace who mixed Nevermind, Reign in Blood, Rage Against The Machine (self-titled) which is why it sounds so good mix-wise.
This song was written by The Rev, he was the drummer. He passed away in 2009 RIP Rev.
Heavy Metal Hangover!
RIP a legend
RIP foREVer!!!!!!!
"Bat Country" is a must. The Rev kills it. Sooo many little things he does in this song that go overlooked. You will enjoy dissecting this one!!! ✌🤙
Album version!!! Not the official video :)
Such an anthem vibe in a multifaceted song.
No keyboardist in the band, just a drummer we miss dearly 🥲 he wrote almost the entirety of this song and the lead guitarist hated it so much he almost refused to record it at the time. Then he heard the verse drum part and was intrigued enough to give it a go. They helped flesh it out and it became one of their most iconic songs, hands down.
The Rev, Shadows and Syn all three are pretty decent pianist too, pretty sure that was Matt's original instrument
@feargm ok yes, the final version wasn’t the Rev but he did come up with many of the rough versions of the piano and organ parts
He just refused to play it because at the time it was only 1 note and it didnt really have any substance to it, that's all.
That’s not true, syn didn’t like it at the start cuz he thought this won’t go anywhere, but when he saw that it goes someplace fucking amazing he was very much on board
In a recent interview he even stated that A little piece of heaven is his favourite Avenged Sevenfold song.
The keyboard part is apparently The Terminator theme
"A Little Piece of Heaven" from this same album is an absolute must.
A Little Piece of Heaven I think would blow his mind but he needs a couple Gummy Bears first
I second this notion!!
Too soon lol, let him ease in
This x 100000000
As a composer, he might really appreciate the Danny Elfman influence all over that track
I know I'm just a stranger on the internet, but I'd like to share with you very quickly what this band means to me, Geebz.
Avenged was the hill I was ready to die on in my youth. I was teased for wearing their shirts in school, or when showing support online in forums. They weren't a bad band, I think a lot of people were angry that they navigated that mid 00s era where rock kind of lost it's way with pretty decent commercial success. They were, admittedly, a little lost with their identity early on, something they've owned up to, just not really knowing how to market themselves, but they grew up, and began to write mature lyrics with clearly sophisticated pieces. I think a lot of the hate stems from the identity and branding of the band. They're too hard for contemporary rock, but too soft for "metal". I am a metalhead. I hate the one-upping in the metal scene. Like what your ears like.
Brian "Synyster Gates" Haner was raised in a musical house and study jazz at a college level. Hearing him talk about how he develops a piece and evolving it with the others make them feel so organic. They clearly are all in sync with one another. It was heartbreaking when they lost Jimmy in 2009, he was so raw and unrefined but had so much musical prowess. So much more to offer the world with his music. Matt's voice is gripping. It's unsettling and alluring all in seconds of another. I love that these guys write what they feel like, no two albums sound the same. They stray from their roots, which in turn, pisses people off again I think. To explore their musical journey is natural, and some people would just like the same old thing over and over, no variation.
I took my best friend with every dollar I made the summer of 2010 to see them. We thought it may be a farewell tour, the untimely death of Jimmy clearly left them rattled, unsure of their future. My best friend and I spent the night with thousands of other Avenged fans mourning the loss of someone very important to us all. It was beautiful and sad, we were all moved watching these guys grieve for their brother.
This band brings back so many great memories of middle/high school, and I am still so amazed that they continue to grow in their lyricism and sound. It seemed every time I turned a corner in my life, they were there with something to ease the worry. I know a ton of people were turned off to The Stage, but it hit at a time in my life where I had a lot of questions about who I am and where I fit into the universe. It's probably not an album you listen to with other people. It's very intimate, something you should take the time and listen to from start to finish by yourself. I feel like people don't do that enough anymore. Music is more than background sound, take the time to digest what your soul is being fed. I cannot offer better advice than fall in love with music every day.
Anyways, I'm rambling. Thanks Geebz for another rock solid decomposition. Love your vids, man, keep it up.
Wow Tyler, that was a wonderful expression on how music/this band affected you and the soundtrack of your life. Thank you so much for taking the time to write this! Aloha
Thank you for summing this band up for myself.
the stage is friggin perfect
I love all sorts of rock and metal and punk but Avenged Sevenfold will always be my favorite band.
Beautifully said man
"Bat Country," "Afterlife," and "Beast and the Harlot" are all popular Avenged Sevenfold songs that are great mixes of their metalcore roots with almost radio-friendly hard rock. You'd have a lot to say about the recordings. "Welcome to the Family" is a favorite from when Mike Portnoy from Dream Theater was the drummer on one of their albums, after their previous drummer passed away. RIP Jimmy/The Rev
@derp derpin agreed. Sidewinder, Chapter Four, or Radiant Eclipse would all be great
I'm not seeing a lot of peeps mention 'Save me' so I'll do it myself. You should check out the song 'Save me" from Avenged Sevenfold!
They all know!
Love this song, that or Exist!!!
You would absolutely ADORE their song "Save Me". They have quite a few songs that are more progressive than the one you reacted to and I'm positive you'd enjoy them thoroughly.
Love that song
Save Me from A7X is the ultimate song to react to IMO.
100%
It's their magnum opus for sure
YES
Not a big a7x fan but I respect them. All I know is that Save Me is their most underrated track of all.
I can't get over The Stage
A little piece of heaven. not what they usually sound like but it’s a masterpiece
Other little gems by Avenged Sevenfold: Little piece of heaven, welcome to the family, the stage
I have to disagree with A Little Piece of Heaven... at least without the reactor listening to a good amount of songs from A7X already, AND with some sort of vague warning of the song. I hate seeing it turn people away from listening to more if it isn't their thing.
100%
@@peterkoch7025 Geebz definitely would appreciate A Little Piece of Heaven! That would be my first suggestion too.
@@natec4743 yeah cause it's mixed well.
Little piece of heaven is big trash. Worse A7X song by far
Save Me is a must to react to for sure. It’s my absolute favourite song of all time, and I never get tired of hearing it!
“So Far Away” is an amazing song that’s a great tribute to the amazing Rev! RIP
I LOVE Jimmy’s harmonies at 5:36. He had such a unique voice.
Admittedly "A Little Piece of Heaven" isn't a typical A7X song, but damn does it have a lot going on. Gotta love it.
You should give "The Stage" a listen, It's one of their more proggy songs :))
I’d definitely love to hear his composer take on that one
Just a bit more info on the drums, the part at 6:01 is something Jimmy "The Rev" often referred to as "the double octopus", it's something he does through a couple different songs. He's also a pretty good vocalist as well.
Exist by Avenged Sevenfold is one of my favourites. Longer track though.
Being from an older school of metal, 7fold was 1 of the very few "young bands" that helped to comfort & assure me of the "depth" & "artistic choice" of the next generation/future of metal.
Well said!
The drummer is Jimmy "The Rev" Sullivan, he passed away in 2009, unfortunately. He was awesome, one of my favourite drummers. If you check out more Avenged Sevenfold I'd love to hear your thoughts on "Betrayed", "A Little Piece of Heaven", "Save Me" and "Sunny Disposition."
As always, thanks for doing these videos, such a joy to watch
every time i listen to the very beginning to this song it always feels like each member of the band is getting a little introduction before the song starts. this has always been one of my favorite songs of avenge sevenfold
1.a little peace of heaven
2.save me
3.exist
4.m.i.a
The masterpiece of a7x
Did I jus come across the chillest, most laid back, coolest OG doin reactions on UA-cam? Whose reactions are also very analytical, and educational, but with minimal talking and pausing?....
I think so. This dudes a vibe.
Subbed. 🔥🔥🤘
Save Me, Bat Country, Trashed And Scattered, Sidewinder, Higher, Sunny Disposition... they have so many great songs and there is so much amazing stuff packed in any one of 'em
"The stage" & "Higher" are off their newest record, and are definite gems of their catalog
Sick! They have a breakdown video of this song on their UA-cam channel where you can hear that massive harmony on the chorus soloed. They had every member contribute a part or two of the harmony where normally oftentimes the lead singer would just do it.
Some recommendations for the band that helped make me a guitarist:
- The Stage is a 8 1/2 minute epic that might be the magnum opus for this band IMO - 2017
- Little Piece of Heaven is equally long and everyone's favorite weird/twisted song that's messed up at the core, haha - 2009 (same album as this)
- Bat Country I think is the core "definitive" A7X song- the #1 song from the album that really took them from up and comers to genre leaders (2006)
Plenty of other awesome options from them, but I think those cover the most bases of "their sound" in the least number of tracks.
I’m still here. Keep up the variety learning so many cool new bands.
He he, "new".
Little piece of heaven is an awesome journey!!!! A must react!!!
"Tonight the world dies" has some haunting guitar runs and heart-wrenching vocals done on the album they made when the drummer The Rev passed away.
That song was released on they're self-titled album (2007) and they produced that record themselves. The harmonies in the hook are done by the all band. (the drummer was an amazing singer, composer, drummer and pianist. Such an awful loss, RIP the Rev.)
warmness of the soul! too!
One of my favorite songs, just because of the drums and bass.
The drummer in the song is Jimmy Sullivan, he sadly passed in 2009. Such an awful loss, he was on track to be the best of all time or close to it
Buried Alive is my favorite song of all time and it’s a great song for someone with a composing background to appreciate
As a composer, I think you'd love "Exist" by Avenged Sevenfold. Synyster gates, their incredible lead guitarist, said it was very classically influenced with themes and such. Its about 15 minutes and its a full trip, it has everything and remains engaging the whole way through
Even songs I've listened to a thousand times, you really bring out things I never noticed and see it in a new way. Keep 'em coming, Geebz!
The rev is the drummer he wrote this song, a little piece of heaven is his master piece of composing, he also wrote many many more of their songs
Couldn't help but notice the face you make at 9:07 - the backing vocal there was their late drummer, Jimmy (The Rev) which I'm sure you now know about. His voice always grabbed me and looks like it did you too. Check out 'A Little Piece of Heaven' to hear Jimmy's madness summarized into one song. But also check out M.I.A, I Won't See You Tonight Pt.1 (and Pt.2 but hey, at least Pt. 1), Tonight The World Dies, or Fiction to hear their most moving pieces.
Exist, from their album, The Stage, to me feels like a journey through the band itself. It is a bit long but I can hear the elements that I have come to know from A7x as the song progresses. The Rev was the original drummer and was a beast of a drummer. He was a driving force in the early days before he passed, I highly recommend more on him if you are interested
Between the Buried and Me - Selkies: The Endless Obsession. Pleeeeeasssssee🤞
Gotta try some of their more progressive sounding songs! Anything over 6 minutes by them is gold! MIA, The Stage, Exist, Save Me, A little piece of Heaven all will really give you a ton of nuance to listen to and hopefully find some that I haven’t picked out in my years as a fan!! Thanks for what you do!!
I'm only 18, coming 19 years old. I'm a girl, and I was bullied a lot for my devotion to Avenged Sevenfold. Girls shouldn't like rock music, apparently, but I never let the words of my peers stop me from spending all my time listening to A7X, learning Synyster Gates's solo's on the guitar. Even now, the first time I got a job around 11 months ago, I saved up money and brought Synyster's Schecter guitar. It was a dream come true. I can't explain in words how much this band means to me. I was only 5 years old when Jimmy passed away, but I was around 8 when I first started listening to them. I started with the Nightmare album, and immediately I was drawn in by Matt's raspy, distinctive vocals. Save Me was my favourite song for a while. However, I always felt an emotional pull towards Fiction and So Far Away. It was around this time I learned of Jimmy "The Rev" Sullivan, or Fiction, as many of you know him by. The tale of how each member held the band together after his passing would later help me get over the death of my A7X loving godfather in 2014. He'd held on long enough to listen to the Hail To The King album, and Acid Rain was his favourite song. It still is my favourite song from that album. I have to admit, after his death, I couldn't bring myself to listen to either Acid Rain, nor any other A7X song for a time. The only one that kept me in their loop was I Won't See You Tonight part 1 (I was finally listening to some of their older songs, and this one will always be my favourite A7X song. The outro makes me cry every time I hear it).
I was out of the A7X story at this point, only listening to I Won't See You Tonight part 1 and Save Me when they came on my library shuffle. I had no idea they had brought out The Stage album, until September of 2022. It was my first day of university and I was in London, overwhelmed by the city and anxious for my first day. I had to get the train in every day for three weeks while I waited for a room to become available in my accommodation, so there was a lot of stress building from the situation. I felt lost, in myself and in my surroundings. I turned back to Avenged Sevenfold and discovered The Stage album. I listened to it on repeat every moment I could for the first week of University. It was strange, not the A7X I was used to, but I had a wide palette for rock music. A few songs stood out to me at first, The Stage for its insane solo section, Paradigm for Matt's unbelievable vocals and Angels for its outro. Slowly, I grew to love all of the songs on that album. I even got the lyrics of Higher "And the blazing worlds salute as we go flying past" printed on my University crewneck. That album brought me safety where I thought I had none, alleviated the imposter syndrome I felt and brought back hope in my mind for the upcoming university years. Avenged Sevenfold is and always will be my favourite band. Nobody is amazing too, I don't know why people hate on it. I believe Life Is But A Dream is going to be a great album, I can't wait for it!
The Rev, Geebz! God rest him. An absolute madman of a drummer, superhuman even.
I’d pay for him to react to their whole self-titles album, absolute masterpiece.
I feel like you’d really appreciate “critical acclaim.” It’s a masterpiece.
The live at the LBC vertion tho id say
definitely a good one
the first minute of that is a masterpiece
no doubt
They performed this in their Live in LBC and it was amazing
I’ve been listening to avenged sevenfold for like 8 years and going back to their songs Johnny Christ, the bassist, compliments The Rev’s drumming soooo well.
Awesome de-composing there Geebz! One of my favorites. If you want to really have your mind blown, "The Stage" is ultra awesome. 🤯😃
Great video! The pianist is the lead singer, the drummer in this song died in 2010, unfortunately, and finally, check out "The Stage" from 2016 or "Save Me" from 2010 which features Mike Portnoy from Dream Theater on drums.
Fiction is a good song and showcases their musical versatility... definitely worth a listen!
This was my favorite band in high school, and one of my favorite songs. It would be really cool if you did a video on "A little piece of heaven" or "Save me" because they're both very intricate and interesting pieces of art, and are so creative that they really set this band apart from any other in this respective genre. Keep it up man! Love the content :)
Any Avenged Sevenfold makes for a good reaction IMO. So please more Avenged Sevenfold reactions
If you guber over kick drum then you gotta check out The Stage, the intro is insane on the drums. Their new drummer Brooks Wackerman is amazing 🤘
I loved your comments about bass and drumming -- as a very amateur guitarist I actually listen to those instruments first. Thus why Tool is one of my favorite bands.
Great Song. Jimmy "The Rev" Sullivan was the drummer before his death, I believe of an overdose. I never actually never noticed the piano in this song until you pointed it out. As a drummer, i am typically counting while listening to a song and focusing in on the drummer. I am also an afflicted listener, but for a different reason....Drums. I am really enjoying your channel. I would love to hear more about the stuff you "do for the kids".
Some A7X big hits: Bat Country, Beast and The Harlot, Afterlife, and The Stage
Deep Proggy Cuts: MIA, A Little Piece of Heaven, Exist, Save me
A reaction to Nightmare is needed!! Such an ominous, cool tone throughout the song
Critical Acclaim, Brompton Cocktail, A Little Piece of Heaven, Burn It Down, Bat Country, Nightmare...so many good songs to choose from. RIP Rev...we miss you
This was a great video really enjoyed your take on this ...
Thx for the content man
Jimmy The Rev Sullivan was the drummer, plays piano, background vocals Brian E Haner aka Synyster Gates is the lead guitarist- also plays piano, some background harmonic vocals
RIP The Rev. The drummer passed away years ago, not super long after Almost Easy was put out. They actually recorded The Rev's drumming part for the studio recording, I think you may get a kick out of it.
If you've never seen it, there's an amazing video of a live show of "The Beast and the Harlot" with someone sitting behind the drummer The Rev (RIP), and just watching him play was mesmerizing at how insane he was playing.
Please react to ERRA- Dementia. It's a wild ride and it's beautiful
These are the guys who pretty much got me into prog and prog metal. I'm a sucker for seemless change ups and having a monster drummer seems to be the key.
Save me or the stage from A7X. Both are fantastic
Scream by avenged sevenfold is a good one. The drums alone are insane with the different style changes within the one song. The Rev was a whole new level.
RIP Rev, one of the greatest drummers of all time.
There's a video on youtube of Rev during the recording of this song, he did it in 1 take if I recall. He was a Monster!
So, this album was their first self produced album. They recorded it in big bear. Jimmy(the rev) is the drummer and one of the main song writers. Also the drummer. Also the keyboard player. May he RIP. This was A7X at their peak! Sinister Gates is one of the greatest guitarists of all time! Check out the making of this album. I’m sure it’s available on UA-cam. And also check out “A little piece of heaven” a song off this album and one of the greatest songs ever written. It’s Jimmy’s masterpiece.
You gotta see the live performance the Rev gave when he played AND sang on “critical acclaim”
save me is a pretty good one. One of my favorites by them is natural born killer. But if your looking for great solos you should hit the city of evil album. You as a composer would probably find their album the stage the most interesting.
I would love some more Avenged Sevenfold reactions! I would love to hear your thoughts on any songs from the stage album. Great video! 😋
My fav song of theirs. I was hoping you’d do this one too. You’ve been reading my mind lately lol
The beast and the harlot by avenged sevenfold is an impressive song to listen to and take in.
So happy you’re checking these guys out...Shepard of fire is...FIRE
Avenged Sevenfold have a lot of great compositions, but listen to The Stage for the most intense goosebump! Plus, great video.
The Lead Guitarist and Drummer of this band had a brief side project, called Pinkly Smooth, where they were the Guitarist and Singer/Pianist respectively. It was really unique, and I really recommend you check out either their song Nosferatu Does a Hefty Dance or McFly.
-Beast and the Harlot
-Bat Country
-Save Me
-Fiction
All good songs from A7X, and there's many more as well.
Awesome! My favorite avenged sevenfold song. Seize the day is amazing aswell
My three favorites are Save Me (which is a long intricate piece), Shepheard of Fire, and Nightmare. Definitely check them out!
Little does he know that the drummer he said was “insane” is not only insane but did the drums for this song in one take
Definitely have to check out Save Me, it's one of my favorite songs full stop
A little piece of heaven is DEFINITELY a must do.
A song that is heavily underrepresented here is "Buried Alive"! That is an awesome song from a composition point of view
You have to listen to something [other than Seize the Day] from their album City of Evil which I think is by far their best album. Maybe Betrayed or MIA?
A little piece of heaven, it's a must
I still remember when my brother came home with this album the day it released!!! We had a great time head banging ;P
Oh snap. I've followed these guys since like 2001 !!!
please check "the stage" out
me love you long time 😋
aww he mentioned the awesome drumming "RIP REV"
Dude, "A little piece of heaven" is legend
Lots of great suggestions here. I would throw "Buried Alive" into the mix. A7X has a nice mix of sounds, and I think this track showcases that fact well.
Loving your channel! ☕
Don’t know if anyone has mentioned this or not but the Rev (the drummer) recorded this in one take. The whole thing played all the way thru. There is a video of it here on UA-cam and it’s impressive to say the least. He was a damn fine musician and is still deeply missed.
Nice, you started listening to more of them. I'm still gonna go with Coming Home. Also maybe The Stage. Both pretty good listens.
A Little Piece of Heaven is a must. Just a FUN song all around. These guys love trying out new weird things.
Sunny Disposition, Save Me, Beast and the Harlot, Blinded in Chains, Remenissions . Some highlights from every album.
I missed this the first time I watched it a year ago - you're so right about how this song has record company hooks in it. This was the era of A7X just as/after they had made it big and to my ear (and with your help pointing it out) their songs on Bat Country and this album which Almost Easy is from has a lot more 'industry standard' stuff going on. I still adore the albums and songs though even if they aren't as raw and hardcore as the first 2 albums.
The Rev and the "double ride" will live foREVer.
Awesome of you checking out this band again! one of my absolute faves, much better pick of track this time even if this also is one of their more straight and ''radio friendly'' tracks.
Still an awesome one though.
But my best pick for you to decompose is definetly the live in the LBC version of the song A little piece of heaven, It's and 8 minute long crazy piece filled with brass and violins and a choir :P
Live they also do all their own vocal backing tracks and it can really let you see how good this vocalist is, or just the band in general
Kamelot - Memento Mori
Dream Theater - Space Dye Vest
That whole album from Kamelot is PURE musical gold
@@bromurodearmonio indeed
Definitely recommend you check out The Stage, the title track of their latest album and definitely one of their most "progressive" albums to date. Also, this song has such unique rhythmic feel as a result of The Rev (the drummer) writing most of the song.
Also, the album was mixed by the legend Andy Wallace who mixed Nevermind, Reign in Blood, Rage Against The Machine (self-titled) which is why it sounds so good mix-wise.