M. Shadows regrets naming one Avenged Sevenfold single

The 2007 Avenged Sevenfold self-titled album has been a pivotal record for the band, featuring iconic songs such as “Afterlife” and “A Little Piece of Heaven” while achieving platinum certification from the RIAA. Avenged Sevenfold frontman M. Shadows recently discussed his dissatisfaction with the album’s release, particularly with regard to the choice and treatment of its singles.

In an interview with FIRE, Shadows highlighted the increased influence of the band’s label at the time, Warner Bros., during the album’s rollout. This stark contrast to the band’s previous independent approach on records like Waking the Fallen and City of Evil was a significant shift for Avenged Sevenfold.

Shadows shared his frustration over the label’s response to the track “Afterlife,” which he believed was a clear choice for a single. However, when played for Warner Bros. CEO Tom Whalley, he described the song as “a little Warped Tour,” setting off a chain reaction that shifted focus and direction away from the band’s original vision.

This marked a departure from the band’s previous efforts to assert creative control over single selections like “Bat Country” and “Unholy Confessions.” Shadows acknowledged that this was the first time they had let the label take the lead, resulting in a scattered approach with songs like “Almost Easy” and others.

Looking back, Shadows identified “Afterlife” and “A Little Piece of Heaven” as the album’s standout tracks, describing them as the “lights” of the record. Despite their eventual selection as singles, Shadows revealed that “Afterlife” faced setbacks with the solo being cut in the official release, highlighting a series of decisions that negatively impacted the album and its reception.

While the Avenged Sevenfold album has since become a fan favorite and a critical milestone for the band, Shadows’ reflections shed light on the compromises and challenges faced behind the scenes. Despite the success of the album, the experience revealed the delicate balance of creative control and external influences in the music industry.

The comments from Shadows offer insight into the dynamics at play within the music industry and underscore the importance of maintaining artistic integrity amidst commercial pressures. The Avenged Sevenfold album serves as a reminder of the complexities of the music business and the enduring impact of decisions made during the creation and release of music that can reverberate for years to come.