Avenged Sevenfold [PA] (Vinyl - 2007)

After solidly establishing themselves on the contemporary heavy music scene, Avenged Sevenfold wasted little time with following up their 2005 break-through effort, CITY OF EVIL. The band took a bold step on their fourth and self-titled full-length, opting to produce it themselves--a risky task indeed for such a young band.

Right out of the gate, Singer M. Shadows leads A7X even further into melodic territory--but not without a little help. Lending her vocal support to the slow-grooving "Gunslinger" and the heavy country rocker "Dear God" and taking a solo turn on "(Unbound) The Wild Ride" is Nashville implant Shanna Crooks. A7X explore dramatic power metal in the epic "A Little Piece Of Heaven," while first single "Critical Acclaim" cuts close for what has become the group's signature sound. Nonetheless, it is on this self-titled set that the band sets its sights on the mainstream. minimize