Avenged Sevenfold

Avenged Sevenfold, an iconic American heavy metal band, originated in Huntington Beach, California, in nineteen ninety-nine. The current lineup features the powerful vocals of M. Shadows, alongside guitarists Zacky Vengeance and Synyster Gates, bassist Johnny Christ, and drummer Brooks Wackerman. Known for their diverse rock sound and striking imagery, the band has captivated audiences with their unique style.

Their journey began with a metalcore sound showcased in their debut album, Sounding the Seventh Trumpet, and continued through their second album, Waking the Fallen. By their third album, City of Evil, they transitioned into a more traditional heavy metal style, further evolving their sound with their self-titled release. The tragic passing of founding drummer Jimmy "The Rev" Sullivan in two thousand nine marked a pivotal moment for the band, yet they persevered, enlisting Dream Theater's Mike Portnoy to support their fifth album, Nightmare, which debuted at number one on the Billboard 200.

In two thousand eleven, drummer Arin Ilejay joined the band, contributing to their sixth studio album, Hail to the King, released in two thousand thirteen. This album, a tribute to their influences, achieved number one status on multiple charts, including the Billboard 200 and the UK Albums chart. After Ilejay's departure in late two thousand fourteen, Brooks Wackerman took over as drummer, with the announcement coming in two thousand fifteen. The band then surprised fans with their seventh studio album, The Stage, in October two thousand sixteen, which marked a shift towards a progressive metal sound.

Avenged Sevenfold's discography includes eight studio albums, one live album/DVD, two compilation albums, and eighteen singles, with over eight million albums sold worldwide. Their work has garnered numerous accolades, including five platinum album awards from the RIAA. Additionally, they contributed four original songs to the Call of Duty: Black Ops series, compiled in the 2018 EP Black Reign. Recognized as one of the most successful metalcore bands of the early twenty-first century, they were ranked forty-seventh on Loudwire's list of Top 50 Metal Bands of All Time.