Artist: Avenged Sevenfold Album: Nightmare

Year: 2010
Duration: 1:06:30

A of the Album Nightmare by Avenged Sevenfold: A Must-Listen for Metal Fans

Avenged Sevenfold is a American heavy metal band that has been making waves since 1999. The band has released several ground-breaking albums, including Nightmare, serving up a blend of classic heavy metal with hard rock, punk, and some AOR. This 2010 album is specially notable, being the first release after the death of the band's drummist Jimmy The Rev Sullivan, and the appearance of his temporary replacement Mike Portnoy of Dream Theater. In this post, I will provide a of Nightmare, and break down the music genre, best songs, most innovative parts, and critiques of the album. Keep on reading for everything you need to know about this excellent album!
Nightmare is a heavy metal album through and through, but also incorporates elements of hard rock, punk, and some AOR. The songs are full of big riffs, blistering guitar solos, powerful vocals, and fast-paced drums and bass. The band also employs some atmospheric elements, including some strings and synths, to provide some contrast with the heavier parts of the music.
The album's opening track, Nightmare, sets the tone for the rest of the album with its ominous piano intro and crushing distorted guitars. Other standout tracks on the album include Welcome to the Family, with its explosive chorus and catchy guitar hooks, Buried Alive, a slower-paced track which features some epic guitar solos later on, and Save Me, the album's epic closing song, which clocks in at over ten minutes and encompasses all the elements that make Avenged Sevenfold such a beloved metal band.
One of the most innovative parts of Nightmare is the use of guest performers on certain tracks. God Hates Us features Mike Portnoy of Dream Theater on drums, and his playing provides an extra level of energy and technical skill that pushes the track to new heights. The song Fiction is also notable, being the last song to feature lyrics written by The Rev before his untimely death. The song is hauntingly beautiful, and The Rev's vocals add an extra layer of poignancy to the track.
Critics of the album may argue that some of the tracks on Nightmare are a bit too similar to each other, and that the album lacks a bit of variety in terms of songwriting. However, I would argue that the album's cohesive sound is a strength, and that the songs complement each other well.
Overall, Nightmare is an exceptional album that showcases Avenged Sevenfold's skill and creativity within the heavy metal genre. The album combines classic metal influences with contemporary production techniques, resulting in a sound that is both familiar and fresh. While some may criticize the album for its lack of diversity, I believe that the consistent sound and quality of the songs make it an instant classic. Whether you're a long-time fan of Avenged Sevenfold or just discovering their music, Nightmare is an album that is sure to satisfy any fan of heavy metal or hard rock. Give it a listen today!