As I slap on the ol’ headphones to soak up Avenged Sevenfold’s Waking the Fallen, I’m struck by two thoughts. Numero uno, don’t forget to take your Immodium this afternoon (we don’t want that unpleasantry all over again). Secondly, this record kicks alotta groin.
A surprisingly melodic blend of fast solos and throaty screams, Waking the Fallen pulls from Avenged Sevenfold’s proud metal and punk roots. Though it may seem as if the band is trying to emulate every aspect of So-Cal brethren AFI–from the dark Davey-like demeanor, to their not-at-all-obvious names–the album’s sound is more reflective of groups like Pantera, Iron Maiden, and various death-metal influences.
Avenged Sevenfold is more sinister, dark and true to their metal roots, while being more Misfits and Refused-tested than anything the pop-punk world could ever produce. Songs such as "Unholy Confessions," "Radiant Eclipse" as well as "And All Things Will End" hit satisfyingly hard.
Though some of the record is a bit repetitive, the whole bloody romp of Waking the Fallen is rather enjoyable–perfect for those times you just want to crank the tunes and break fine china.
From beginning to end, the record is loud, dark, and freaky–and if you don’t expect a change-the-world-type album you won’t be disappointed.