Waking The Fallen - Avenged Sevenfold

Author's product rating:   

Originality	Groundbreaking
Lyrics	Sublime
Quality and consistency of tracks	Flawless
How does it compare to the artist's other releases	Outstanding
Value for Money	Excellent

Advantages:	A7X's greatest effort so far
Disadvantages:	The last pure metalcore album they did

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

For those of you that have not read my review on Avenged Sevenfold's first album "Sounding The Seventh Trumpet" I will give you an introduction to who these metal monsters in the making are.

Avenged Sevenfold, often just called A7X, are a band from Orange Country. The California rockers tear the metalcore scene to shreds in this brilliant display of powerful vocals and scathing riffs. If you are not familiar with A7X then their first two studio albums were done with very fast guitar and drum rhythms, screaming vocals coupled with meaningful singing and the odd heart warming melody thrown in for good measure. A7X influence is mainly taken from metal behemoths such as Metallica and you can certainly see their styles incorporated in the music. However A7X have managed to create a very unique style of their own. Although fans of many other bands would be expected to enjoy this band their isn't really another band which I could say A7X sounds like. They have a sound all of their own much like Korn, another well respected name of metal, do aswell. As A7X are one of my all time favorite bands I felt I needed to review them without trying to sound biased. You must respect that any marks out of 10 I give are based on how good I think the song compares to the competition of the genre and not my own personal views. For those that you who did read the first review that was just to refresh your mind and I will now go into more detail about where A7X went from their first studio album.

Waking the Fallen was the band's second studio album and released through Hopeless Records on August 26th 2003. The album is by no means Hopeless though but an epic follow on from an outstanding debut. The album focused even more on how metal should sound with blistering guitar sounds and amazing vocals. The lyrics are incredible and ,as with most A7X songs, very meaningful. This album would be the groundbreaking start the band needed to edge closer into the mainstream where they would earn millions of fans and their well deserved spots on the main stages at festival gigs.

For fans of: Trivium, Metallica, Chimaira, As I Lay Dying, Mendeed , Atreyu and Bring Me The Horizon

The quintet consist of:
Zacky Vengeance - Guitar
Matt. Shadows - Vocals
Johnny Christ / Dameon Ash (dependent on album) - Bass
The Rev - Drums
Synyster Gates - Lead Guitar

Keeping with the theme of the last album the album artwork is quite similar. The woman on the front again represents that of an angel however the image is quite ghastly. There are many gruesome hands reaching for her and the melting flesh on her arm adds to the haunting feeing this album gives. The back shows us bits of the faces of the "fallen" ones. The inlay Is better than the previous album as the lyrics are presented better and there is a picture of the band inside as well. Not something the last album included. Overall the album has a very haunting feel about it which, given some of the subject matter throughout, is very relevant and just like the last album its another 12 songs to blow you away. Here it is anyway: "Waking the Fallen"

Tracklist:

1. Waking the Fallen- 1:42

The introductory to Waking The Fallen fades in utilizing a very ghostly style. The head nodding guitar and drums kicks in before Shadows kicks off and although he can hardly be heard over the powerful instruments his voice represents that haunting theme as mentioned earlier. A good opening to an excellent album and will be the stepping stone for the next song.

Rhythm: 9 Melody: 8 Instruments: 9 Lyrics: 10 Vocals: 9

2. Unholy Confessions - 4:43

So yes now you all know where I stole my ciao name from! From the word go this song becomes instantly recognizable by metal fans as A7X's most acknowledged accolade. A cult in the metal world it is easy to see why. The powerful opening is coupled by powerful lyrics and incredible guitar riffs in between which may often sound simple but are very effective. Shadows does his usual switching of tone from hard to soft which creates for an amazing crescendo of purified metal. The drums are as simple but effective as the guitar riffs. The Rev probably does not get as much credit as he deserves being surrounded by such talent however he certainly makes a case for himself on this album. The well timed and efficient screams add to a song that overall is very neatly put together, if that is the right phrase to use for such "barbaric" music! Ask 100 A7X fans to name one of their songs and 90 would say this one. 10/10

"Two vibrant hearts could change
Nothing tears the being more than deception"

Rhythm: 10 Melody: 9 Instruments: 9 Lyrics: 10 Vocals: 10

3. Chapter Four - 5:42

One of my personal favorites and one with history. The song refers to Chapter 4 of Genesis in the Bible and the story of Cain and Able. This is also a chapter from which the band would take their name. Anyone who relieved Cain of his misery by killing him would have "vengeance taken upon him sevenfold." Proof that not all metal is devil music! As for the song itself it pretty much carries on from where Unholy Confessions left off. The familiar guitar riffs and drums open the song as it finally builds up to a very well gelled tune. Shadows' trademark style is constantly utilized during the song and is particularly meaningful throughout the choruses'. The song is not really as hardcore as many of the others on the album and that's the variety that makes the album feel complete. Another quality song which is again instantly recognizable by A7X fan's. 9.5/10

"Concieved and born was one of light
Rain and dark, the other born black night"

Rhythm: 9 Melody: 9 Instruments: 10 Lyrics: 9 Vocals: 10

4. Remenissions - 6:06

The album has some rather long songs on and this is generally a good thing in my opinion as some of the tunes are outstanding. This song is perhaps a bit to long though. The tune is very good and there's some memorable riffs but that isn't why the song is so good. The lyrics are amazing and very well delivered with the constant transition of screaming and singing. The background tune is often forgotten about in favor of the lyrics which is possibly why the song doesn't stand out as much as some of the rest. The bits in between the vocals are very powerful and it is there where the instruments are given their chance to shine and although not as well known as most of the other tracks it still remains a very good song. 8/10

"A good friend once told me we are our memory
Without it we equal nothing"

Rhythm: 8 Melody: 7 Instruments: 8 Lyrics: 10 Vocals: 10

5. Desecrate Through Reverence - 5:38

The long build up to the dual vocals of Gates and Shadows is well delivered. With double guitars and double vocals this song should be something really good. It has very well timed riffs in relation to the vocals. The two styles work in unison to make for some rapid head nodding. The song is about what the title suggests. About how someone can be destroyed by meaningful feelings for someone else. The song is of a good style to deliver this and although again not the best on the album is still a fantastic piece instrumental wise. 9/10

"But its not true, I don't need you
Don't waste your time, and don't waste mine"

Rhythm: 9 Melody: 8 Instruments: 9 Lyrics: 9 Vocals: 10

6. Eternal Rest - 5:12

I really like this song as it shows off each band members individual talents. The starting is a hurricane of notes and some frantic finger work from the guitarists while Shadows kicks in with his usual screaming voice which in this song is so quick, you have to wonder how he keeps his breathe. The song transforms from thrash style to a very memorable tune you would more associate with a blues band and some very eerie sounding lyrics are on hand to back it up. The song switches from the very heavy to almost melodic building upon that haunting feel I mentioned at the start. The ending is less furious with more melodic riffs and Shadows reverts to a lesser screaming. Overall the instrumentals are fantastic and the lyrics very eerie. If asked to pick a song to reflect the album artwork then this would be it. 10/10

"Dark in their hearts, I can feel it burn inside of me
Tormented young with no souls, haunting me"

Rhythm: 10 Melody: 9 Instruments: 10 Lyrics: 10 Vocals: 10

7. Second Heartbeat- 7:00

In my opinion possibly the albums best track. The lyrics are amazing and well delivered and the instruments flawless and impressive. The song itself is very well put together with well times riffs and vocals. The transition between hard and soft is spot on about the subject of losing two best friends. A subject that I don't think many of us could deal with. The lyrics reflect this changing from heavy when he talks about regrets and more melodic when reminiscing. The song keeps more or less the same tempo throughout which makes it flow really well right up until the final guitar solo to bring a very impressive close to very impressive song, and one which doesn't quite get the recognition it deserves. 10/10

"Two in my heart have left me a while, I stand alone.
When they get back, it wont be the same"

Rhythm: 10 Melody: 10 Instruments: 9 Lyrics: 10 Vocals: 10

8. Radiant Eclipse - 6:09

The long intro is rather creepy with pounding drums and bass rifts attempting to drown out the lead guitar. The lyrics to this song are the best thing about it. There weird in a way but definitely haunting with a theme of being killed by a friend and how quickly fate can change. The vocals are very good with regular transitions from hard to soft the latter sounding a lot more like he style from the up to date City of Evil album. The tune is still very good although nowhere near as catchy as some of the albums other songs. The song doesn't seem to flow as well as some of the others such as Second Heartbeat either as the vocals sometimes seem out of sync with the guitars but overall it is still not a bad song. The song ends more melodramatic than how it started, sounding a lot more epic than creepy. It definitely isn't one of the albums stand out tracks but to say this is probably the worst on the album is still a compliment to A7X and they should be proud of that. 8/10

"Close your eyes or look away,
Fate exposed and won't let me stay"

Rhythm: 7 Melody: 8 Instruments: 9 Lyrics: 9 Vocals: 9

9. I Won't See You Tonight Part 1 - 8:58

The albums longest song, and very much like Warmness on the Soul from the previous album in terms of style. It's a beautiful effort with a melodic opening and touching lyrics about losing a lover, and judging by the lyrics, presumably through his own fault. The guitars and vocals sound so soulful and you can feel the meaning in Shadows' voice like he has actually suffered this scenario himself. There is no screaming in the song and the backup lyrics are a nice touch as the whole thing comes together really well in relation to the tune to make for a very complete song. For a lot of the song there are no lyrics but the guitars are left to do the talking. The melody is thought provoking in itself and just hearing it makes you feel what this situation must be like. Towards the end the drums and guitar becomes a bit me powerful as Shadows sings out the final lyrics, more emotionally than what has already been heard. The best thing about this song is what it leads into. This is probably not an original idea by A7X however I cannot think of another album its been done on. This song is part one of a two part story with which the second half proceeds. This half is melodramatic and emotional and the second part is powerful, scathing and full of anger. The song fades out calmly only to explode into the second part to the story. 9/10

"Don't mourn for me, you're not the one to place the blame,
As bottles called my name, I won't see you tonight.

Rhythm: 9 Melody: 9 Instruments: 9 Lyrics: 10 Vocals: 10

10. I Won't See You Tonight Part 2 - 4:44

A complete contradiction of the first part to the story part two detonates from the start as a huge wall of sound and powerful vocals. The theme is also different. Whereas in the first part the split seemed to be because of something he's done in this one it seems to be the fault of the partner, although it sounds as though this is because of death. A theme touched upon many times on the album. The song deals with thoughts of suicide and other touchy subjects and the lyrics seem to actually reach out and grab you round the throat. The riffs are deafening and very quick but the hardcore style is not continued throughout the whole song. Occasionally the song does become slightly lighter if that's the right term to use however this transition is not kept for very long. The majority of the song is lightning quick to fit the theme of anger and depression and the ending sounds just like the singer has slipped into insanity. The screams are coupled with a guitar tune that seems to spin and pierce the mind which is a nice ending touch. The two songs although very different go hand in hand and are an excellent addition to the album. 9/10

"Come back to me, this is unconceivable
Breaking apart the ones you love"

Rhythm: 8 Melody: 8 Instruments: 9 Lyrics: 10 Vocals: 9

11. Clairvoyant Disease - 4:59

This is a lot tamer start than the song that was previous to it. Its more melodramatic anyway but still has a very haunting feel to it. The vocals are the stand out on this track as they are powerful and quite obscure about disease and death. There are regular intervals in the song where the guitar is left to do the talking however overall it is not one of the album's standout tracks. It doesn't have any of the crushing riffs and lightning fast sounds that some of the other songs have. It is a slightly different style to the other songs; neither as hardcore as Unholy Confessions or as soft as I Won't See You Tonight Part 1. The transitions of different tones of voice in the song is good and effective finally panning out to silence on a real "get your lighters out" ending. 8/10

"Theres nowhere to run and hide
When you're living to die"

Rhythm: 9 Melody: 8 Instruments: 7 Lyrics: 9 Vocals: 9

12. And All Things Will End - 7:40

Like the last album Waking The Fallen ends with a long track and just like the album it proceeds it's a great way to sign off. The starting sounds quite epic before bursting into familiar riffs and a head nodding tune. The transition of hard and soft vocals in this song are done brilliantly and flow with the music incredibly well. The guitar work is very neat and the drums are quick and effective. It isn't only the vocals that make the transitions though. Half way through the song turns back to that epic feel the starting promised. The singing is soft and soulful as are all the instruments. The lyrics are very thought provoking but we know A7X's style by now and before the long those heavy sounds from rapid finger work take over again. The song never really loses is way and is something you could easily learn the words to despite its length. It sounds more like an anthem than a metal core song. There is an amazing solo towards the end as well where Gates manages to hit every imaginable note on his guitar before the song finally slows down and fades out to the sound of just the drums. A great ending to a great album and one highly recommended. 9/10

"Sometimes life is altered
Won't turn out right. Can't turn out right."

Rhythm: 9 Melody: 9 Instruments: 10 Lyrics: 9 Vocals: 10

Running time: 68 minutes
Availability: Available from all good music stores due to A7X's recent popularity.
Price: inexpensive some places even cutting prices to only 5 pound. Well worth listening to for that.
Top 3: Second Heartbeat, Unholy Confessions, Chapter Four
Worst song: Radiant Eclipse
Mood: Listen to if your angry or depressed and its going to make you feel worse unless it helps you relive stress, but it's a fantastic album to listen to get in the mood when going out on the town.
Overall album rating: 10/10

The album seems to have a song to fit every mood and just like the last one I think many people will be able to relate to a lot of the themes and lyrics. For those of you new to A7X you may have only heard the more mainstream City of Evil album, but if you are really that big a fan I would recommend this one to you. Before changing styles from the metal core sound A7X established themselves as one of the best in the business; this album being deafening proof. There are very few flaws to the album should you be into this kind of music and should you not be then I would recommend at least giving the lyrics just a quick glance over. You never know, the next poem you post on this site could well be inspired by none other than this band. I've tried not to be to biased in getting people to listen to them as you can tell! I hope you have enjoyed reading this review as much as I have enjoyed listening to the cd whilst writing it.