REVIEW: Nightmare By Avenged Sevenfold

(Warners)

4 out of 5

It’s hard not to feel for a band when a member dies. Their friend is dead and their circle is broken. When A7X lost their drummer Jimmy ‘The Rev’ Sullivan just after Christmas last year, it was no secret how devastated the band were. Dream Theaters’ Mike Portnoy, Jimmy’s all time favourite drummer, stepped up to record the drums. The result is a pretty solid album with some poignant moments and some heartwrenching lyrics. Playing wise, the boys have stepped up to make their late mate proud. Sizzling guitar riffs and solos and stellar drumming set the CD alight. M. Shadows’ voice, though it doesn’t sit that well in the mix for me, is on top form.

Review by The Axeman