Avenged Sevenfold

Avenged Sevenfold Artistfacts

  • 1999-
    M. ShadowsLead vocals
    Zacky VengeanceGuitar
    James "The Rev" SullivanDrums1999-2009
    Synyster GatesGuitar2000-
    Johnny ChristBass2003-
    Arin IlejayDrums2011-2015
    Brooks WackermanDrums2015-
  • Avenged Sevenfold came together in Huntington Beach, California in 1999. The band took their name from a story in the book of Genesis in The Bible about the brothers Cain and Abel. ("But the Lord said to him, therefore whoever slayeth Cain, vengeance shall be taken on him sevenfold.")
  • The members of Avenged Sevenfold were still in high school when they recorded their first album, Sounding the Seventh Trumpet, in 1999. The album was re-released on Hopeless Records in 2002.
  • In 2006, Avenged Sevenfold upset Rihanna, Chris Brown, Panic! At the Disco, Angels & Airwaves and James Blunt to win the MTV video award for Best New Artist for their song "Bat Country."
  • In 2009, Avenged Sevenfold joined legendary guitarist Slash onstage for a cover of Guns 'N Roses' "It's So Easy" in Los Angeles. Other memorable covers by A7X include Pantera's "Walk" and Iron Maiden's "Flash of the Blade."
  • On December 28, 2009, Avenged Sevenfold drummer James "The Rev" Sullivan was found dead in his home. He died due to heart failure brought on by a combination of several prescription drugs. After his death, Avenged Sevenfold considered disbanding. In February 2010, the band announced they had decided to continue making music and that they had begun recording new material with Dream Theatre drummer Mike Portnoy.
  • Avenged Sevenfold's fifth album, Nightmare, debuted at #1 on the US albums chart when it was released in July 2010. The band dedicated the record to their former drummer and friend, James "The Rev" Sullivan.
  • In September 2011, Avenged Sevenfold announced they were making a video for the single "Buried Alive." The band wanted to get acclaimed horror director and musician Rob Zombie to direct the video, but Zombie declined because he was too busy with other projects.
  • Avenged Sevenfold took their name from a biblical passage and some of their songs incorporate religious themes, but the band members themselves have not publicly identified as being Christian and their music covers a range of themes beyond religion.

    "I don't believe in those things. I try not to get into that because a lot of our fans are Christians and a lot aren't," M. Shadows told San Antonio Current in 2013. "I have my own beliefs, but I don't believe in any kind of religion that we have nowadays. But we're definitely not a Christian band."

Comments: 3

  • Bigjim007 from Warrensburg, MissouriWell anyone whose listened (I mean really listenaed), or read the sleeve should know that although it shows a Christian upbringing songs like: Nightmare, Hail to the King and others are about the other end of the spectrum. Altho to me I don't care, as they are this millennia's version of Metallica !! I have the same awesome feeling listening to Nightmare or Hail to the King. Even on the earlier l.p. like Set me Free or I won't see you tonight (at least Pt 1) as I ever did to Master of Puppets or Ride the Lightning. I excluded the Black l.p. as the overplay still has me. I had it the 1st day it came out, so have difficulty listening to it anymore. That being said: A7X is different in that I've never tired of 1 song, and Syn still amazes me on his perfect leads. Much like Hammett.
  • Delilah from Minneapolis, MnThis Band Is Amazing.
  • Autumn from That One City, United KingdomYou should add that Mike Portnoy left and was replaced by Arin Ilejay.
    Most fans would have already known that but just so the information is up to date.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Paul Williams

Paul WilliamsSongwriter Interviews

He's a singer and an actor, but as a songwriter Paul helped make Kermit a cultured frog, turned a bank commercial into a huge hit and made love both "exciting and new" and "soft as an easy chair."

Grammar In Lyrics

Grammar In LyricsMusic Quiz

Lyrics don't always follow the rules of grammar. Can you spot the ones that don't?

Chris Squire of Yes

Chris Squire of YesSongwriter Interviews

One of the most dynamic bass player/songwriters of his time, Chris is the only member of Yes who has been with the band since they formed in 1968.

Krishna Das

Krishna DasSongwriter Interviews

The top chant artist in the Western world, Krishna Das talks about how these Hindu mantras compare to Christian worship songs.

Rick Springfield

Rick SpringfieldSongwriter Interviews

Rick has a surprising dark side, a strong feminine side and, in a certain TV show, a naked backside. But he still hasn't found Jessie's Girl.

Rickie Lee Jones

Rickie Lee JonesSongwriter Interviews

Rickie Lee Jones on songwriting, social media, and how she's handling Trump.