AVENGED SEVENFOLD's M. SHADOWS: 'I Want To Stay Away From Trends And Do What We Want To Do Musically'

January 28, 2015

In a brand new interview with The Jakarta Post, AVENGED SEVENFOLD singer M. Shadows spoke about the band's musical evolution and the group's connection to the metalcore genre, which AVENGED SEVENFOLD is often credited with pioneering.

Asked if fans can expect a comeback of the "metalcore" elemens of AVENGED SEVENFOLD's sound, Shadows said: "The metalcore has been left behind. It's not something that any of us find enjoyment in listening to, so it's obviously that the direction we would write songs in. I wouldn't hold my breath for a comeback. We are ever evolving and never repeat ourselves."

Regarding how he would like to see AVENGED SEVENFOLD develop as a band, Shadows said: "I want to stay away from trends and do what we want to do musically.

"We write music because we have to — it's a part of our very being. As we develop, I just see us following our heart on this musical journey."

Asked if the resurgence of metal heroes such as BLACK SABBATH, IRON MAIDEN and METALLICA affected AVENGED SEVENFOLD as a band, Shadows said: "It has been good for us, because there are some big bands to play with.

"People think this is a competition between bands, when the reality is the more successful bands the better. It really does help everyone when there are some big bands leading the charge."

AVENGED SEVENFOLD's latest album, "Hail To The King", was certified gold in July 2014 by the RIAA (Recording Industry Association Of America) for shipments in excess of 500,000 copies. Released in 2013, it was the band's second straight CD to debut at No. 1 on the Billboard chart, following 2010's "Nightmare".

The special edition reissue of AVENGED SEVENFOLD's second album, "Waking The Fallen", sold around 22,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 10 on The Billboard 200 chart. The 2003 disc was the first to feature guitarist Synyster Gates and bassist Johnny Christ as full-fledged members, and its last independent release before signing a major deal with Warner Bros. Records.

Although the record sold just 3,000 copies in its initial week of release, it was eventually certified gold for sales of more than half a million copies in 2009.

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