Avenged Sevenfold Presents Breakdown: "Mad Hatter"

M. Shadows and Synyster Gates talk about the writing and recording process for the song "Mad Hatter" from their album, "Black Reign."
Directed & Edited by Rafa Alcantara
Produced by Alex Reese
& TWENTYFOURCORE Productions
From the manner of
Cutting whisper
Rising vapors through
Clouds of gold
Giving fire and
Change the demons
With undercurrents
Far too strong to haul
The sun burnt out today
Fools are dancin' in the rain
Stopped by the acid stain
And on the shelf, the jar that holds my brain
Nightfall hunts us all
From the shadows
Cynical beauty now
Lies the host
Before the flicker
There's only blackness
The end is coming
All my friends are dead
The sun burnt out today
Fools are dancin' in the rain
Stopped by the acid stain
And on the shelf, the jar that holds my brain
Rid by an empty world
Suffer the crushing weight
Madness will crawl inside
Alter the selfish stage
Feeding on the voices in my head
The unruled hedges we
Turn to someone
All those weeping will
Go unheard
Up on that once green hill
Around the mazes
And seeing the darkness
The jaws will take it slowly
The sun burnt out today
Fools are dancin' in the rain
Stopped by the acid stain
And on the shelf, the jar that holds my brain
Rid by an empty world
Suffer the crushing weight
Madness will crawl inside
Alter the selfish stage
You're feeding all the voices in my head
You're feeding all the voices in my head
They're feeding all the voices in my head
They're feeding all the voices in my head

[@locochester4909]

This song is horribly underrated and a hidden masterpiece.

[@dr.loomis4221]

Who's underrating it? Also how's it hidden when it was in a game that sold millions of copies?

[@locochester4909]

​@@dr.loomis4221 Ah, you yankees. Always so condescending... Yeah, Captain Obvious, but I don't think everyone has discovered that easter egg. And I'm sure nobody cared too, only those who knew the band, or well... curious ones.

[@vizokhrieo1209]

​@@locochester4909yes you're right! I didn't know this song existed untill now. Great song indeed. 👌🏻👍🏻

[@scylentdeth3198]

It’s horribly underrated?

[@handler803]

I loved the part wherein Matt was talking about letting Brooks do his own thing. That really shows they have great chemistry and Brooks really is the perfect successor of Jimmy

[@XFTFX]

I agree, though we will miss Rev's backing vocals and piano, Brooks is totally an amazing drummer.

[@danlc95]

Two of my all time favorite drummers..

[@DamienM1984]

@@danlc95 couldn't agree more

[@willstillwell9618]

Brooks and Brian are adorable when they are around each other lol

[@EmperorPalpamemes]

Thank you Avenged Sevenfold, very cool!

[@anthonyz3564]

A surprise to be sure, but a welcome one.

[@larkinc4572]

this is getting out of hand now there's two of them

[@stefank.8818]

Emperor Palpamemes Ironic

[@maxsolis5538]

666 likes

[@alexl.4362]

Execute Order 66.

[@Saint_Synyster]

02:45 "But we added these kinda synyster - no pun intended - guitars" Thanks Matt :D I was surprised they didn't laugh.

[@OllieWales]

The word sinister isn't actually spelt with a Y, just so you know

[@Saint_Synyster]

@@OllieWales i know, but i think it just looks better with two y instead of i

[@alancraig782]

Technically it's phonetic spelling it Synyster ;D

[@Beefer300]

I don't get it

[@Saint_Synyster]

@@Beefer300 The Guitarists (the dude without the hat) stage name is called Synyster Gates

[@LeQuartermaster]

I wonder if anyone remembers “Not Ready to Die”

[@haydenpidgeon7657]

Best zombies song they have made

[@AmazingBlaze0]

Ofc

[@dilco9118]

@@haydenpidgeon7657 speaks only truth

[@goob1791]

Literally my favorite song by them

[@guts6874]

HELL YEAH! BEST SONG.

[@T0oM3T4L]

i thought they were sticking with newer songs glad to see that almost easy is next. We get to dive into Jimmys mind a bit cant wait

[@assugoburin]

@Ø They were good with Mike Portnoy tho

[@aidenwhite2284]

T0oM3T4L4u Rest In Peace Jimmy, you were a fucking genius

[@Synicall]

As someone who studies technical production (sound production) these videos have to be the coolest thing A7X have ever done *Edit* Actually crazy to see how much the track is clipping!

[@AM-fp1jc]

I'm not seeing where it's clipping. Timestamp?

[@12345678907830]

Synicall dude, metallica has most of their production filmed

[@GabrielXDrums]

Nothing WRONG with clipping.

[@Shane-nq7or]

@@12345678907830the difference is that avenged is relevant and interesting....

[@12345678907830]

@@Shane-nq7or bruh, matallica came first and put out a album 2 years ago, and they are still performing live all across the country

[@Colt6661]

At 2:23 I love how they are both so proud of brooks and his way of playing. So badass.

[@ExternusArmy]

Brooks’ is so melodic and rhythmic at the same time that you can’t help but appreciate his skill. Not only is it musically beautiful drumming, it fits the song and drives a groove home the entire song. But then during the bridge he challenges the listener by changing the groove. This guy is seriously one of the best drummers in a lifetime.

[@wingedskull5666]

Yes Avenged is uploading more

[@AxxLAfriku]

WARNING I am the unprettiest human alive and I need YT to afford my house and the desires of my two girlfriends so please observe my highly stimulating videos, dear skull

[@wingedskull5666]

I will watch some and subscribe

[@badvengeance]

@@AxxLAfriku Stop promoting your dumb account

[@human2069]

@@AxxLAfriku for god's sake I've seen you before and all you do is promote your weird channel full of videos with more dislikes than likes and weird clickbatey titles and you always use your cousin's saying they're your girlfriends Just stop promoting your channel in the comments it'll never work

[@salomefrancis5332]

Matt and Syn are so intelligent and talented. I could listen to them talk about their craft all day.

[@You-Cant-Do-That.]

I could listen to them debate Wendy's or Burger King for half a day.

[@DavidNwokoye]

I love these studio vids.

[@laurazucchiatti8761]

Me too 😊

[@emilianodiaz1119]

Thought yo were rudy ayoub

[@solarwinds5114]

This song is so unique, I have always wanted to know the mindset and ideas behind it since I first heard it. It's interesting to see all the specific layers to it I didn't notice beforehand. It's quite fascinating what's really happening.

[@renansantos6533]

Brendan Keller Avenged is amazing. All of this makes you appreciate the songs Even more 😀😀😀

[@solarwinds5114]

I agree, and it's so wonderful to see the intentions and mindset behind the song's creation

[@marioblue22]

Should check the description. the song lyrics are not the mad hatter lyrics.

[@humanoiddemon9416]

MarioBlue22 lol they’re mad hatter by Melanie Martinez

[@marioblue22]

@@humanoiddemon9416 lol good to know. i just noticed it and thought it was interesting.

[@amandawright1372]

The fact that A7X have mentioned that The Beatles/Paul McCartney were an influence has made my day. Scouser born and bred #proud. I love The Beatles and I love A7X

[@ZosofoxyMusic]

Avenged Sevenfold wanted (and executed) some Zeppelin-inspired drums... this is officially the coolest thing I've heard today.

[@noname-jr3qr]

This song reminds me sooooo much of the day I tried to live by soundgarden

[@badvengeance]

OMG THE NEXT EPISODE IS GONNA BE FROM THE SELF TITLED. YESSSS 🤘🔥🤘

[@loganadler9308]

SnappyCar4 please tell me you being serious

[@badvengeance]

@@loganadler9308 I am, it's almost easy. Look in the bottom left corner in the outro. I'm so fucking hyped, prepare for more of Jimmy.

[@friskyfella1199]

@Gustavo Silveira de Azevedo hail to the king isn't bad lol

[@Mirul-ss7hp]

@Gustavo Silveira de Azevedo not a cover obviously.More to tribute to those band who inspired them.

[@ghoulbeansz]

Self titled best Ax7 album.

[@Aven115]

I really hope they bring these series back with the new album (LIBAD), they went nuts as an experimental/prog type of style which i'm all for after a lot of listenings.

[@michamankowski5781]

I'm so happy you came up with the series about song making. What amazes me is that you pay so much attention to every single detail while making music and analyzing a piece of it once it's done. There's a pure excitement and satisfaction in your eyes and smiles. Love you all guys!

[@whateverwhatever5715]

The one thing that I love about A7x is the melodies in their songs ...their songs have like this kick in the teeth , heavy parts but it has change ups into these nice melodies and riffs ..always something different

[@gray-fox6789]

I know lots of people love to see their rockstar performs on stage, but for me I love them more when their in studio in the process and discuss on how to creates awesome and beautiful musics like this... Pure genius ❤️❤️😎😎👍👍

[@misssevenfold3232]

I love watching how they come up with their songs. Their minds fascinate me lol. Love these guys!

[@Justdat799]

they should breakdown Not Ready To Die! That would be a cool breakdown

[@carsoncoley1]

I think they hit gold with this song. Matt's vocals really steal the show.

[@vegangetaways]

My heros, I would do anything to meet you ❤❤

[@vegangetaways]

@darkjedi351 they have existed... I'm sure you have a hero or heros that I wouldn't understand as much because they mean something to you and I would respect that 😊 I have loved Avenged for so long thatthey have become my heros, the way their music has impacted me is a personal thing, as I'm sure they and other artist do for other people ❤

[@paulogimenes5785]

Anything?

[@lyndseyoconnor6162]

Couldnt agree more ♡♡♡

[@TheWhitetiger011]

@@vegangetaways such a mature answer. Well said

[@joshjohnson9179]

Omg same this band has been my entire childhood and i wanna see them so damn bad

[@raegurule3384]

10:38 Those light little harmony vocals they sing remind me of little metal lullabies.. Make a metal lullaby album so I can start my babies off early!!! 🤘🏼🤘🏼

[@allanv3237]

Never understood lyrics until i heard the entire podcast story of “s-town” and how it inspired shadows to write about John B. Macklemore. How shadows is able to write and bridge such mind blowing lyrics and link it to a zombie mode.. just shows how these guys are always thinking outside the box

[@jrmcrlmorales]

Yeah I listened to that podcast because of this song too, and it makes so much more sense now.

[@allanv3237]

@@jrmcrlmoralesit was a good listen! I always think its so surreal to listen to what my favorite artists are listening to as well

[@allanv3237]

@exodus K when he said it himself... yeah ok enlighten me what those lyrics are about then please

[@milliekatherine3277]

The solo is so great, sends chills down my back

[@karvalarva9416]

No

[@karvalarva9416]

Noob go play fortnite

[@milliekatherine3277]

KARVA Larva noob go listen to some quality music

[@karvalarva9416]

@@milliekatherine3277 ok

[@loganlines1527]

It’s so cool to see how well you all know the music. Synyster air drumming. Matt air guitaring. You guys are so awesome!

[@KoRnMnky]

I'm obsessed with this song!! 😩

[@matasg7600]

Maybe some Nightmare stuff at some point? Like 'Welcome to the Family' and 'God Hates Us'? As a music student, it's always interesting to see (and hear) this kind of stuff, as well as you guys talking about the processes of creating music! From your boi down in England!

[@Branflakes1522]

I love the drums in this song. Really cool to see that Brooks was just jamming, really displays his talents and how he’s meshing with the group

[@duhrelhall5501]

Never clicked on a video faster.

[@mclovin3372]

Never seen such an original comment

[@lethalpenguin61]

Darrel Hall never disliked a comment faster

[@duhrelhall5501]

Never had my feelers hurt faster

[@krisztabakos5462]

The solo is amazing❤️❤️thanksssss

[@syn6610]

Hell yeah Almost Easy next

[@donkeymanusa6364]

Definitely

[@nolanw4030]

already been done. google for it. you'll find it.

[@RedChubbyNutz]

@@nolanw4030 no it hasn't. Look at the bottom left of the video at the end. This video just came out, and almost easy is the next one, so how would it make sense if it already came out?

[@NatureSounds3202]

Jordan Rice I think what he means is that they explained the meaning behind almost easy but they haven't actually broke it down musically

[@nikolaypingarov]

When will it come out?

[@robertreyes6938]

i love avenged sevenfolds ability to take any style and make it unique

[@XFTFX]

Damn man, Brooks seems like he's going easy on this one yet his part is still amazing.

[@android8xc942]

coração aqui para o Brasil

[@ultramanfightingevolution3181]

SEVENFOLD! SEVENFOLD! SEVENFOLD! SEVENFOLD! SEVENFOLD! SEVENFOLD!

[@laurazucchiatti8761]

SEVENFOLD! 🤘🏻✊🏻❤

[@ashtonschuler683]

This means war?

[@marcusfranca9650]

Just keep going in this way guys, always bring us some original and different stuff for our ears

[@TiagoGarciaK]

Sempre serei fã do avenged sevenfold!!

[@YourUGaming]

Can't wait for Almost Easy, this is a type of series I've dreamed for in years!

[@firechilde2341]

Awesome! This was the exact same stuff we were talking about and going over while we record. Good to know our band is on the right track! :)

[@orangeboiiiii]

love the ‘black hole sun’-ny vibes on the chorus

[@BlueFlameBird]

the thing i love most about watching them record and break down songs is how much they compliment everyone in the band. "this is the best guitar track ive heard you do" "i really like this thing you did hear." I love that they do this.

[@MichaelKhaimraj]

I love that you guys are going back to your older albums. The white album is the one that got me into Avenged a decade ago, so to see Almost Easy get broken down will be amazing. Mad Hatter was so much more complicated than I expected as well. It’s nice to hear a lot of the embellishments that may get a little lost in the mix. Can’t wait for Almost Easy!

[@stupendous7848]

These guys are legends

[@prodbytdash4013]

As far as their musicality goes, they’ve matured so much. These guys are geniuses.

[@jonathanwolverton705]

Because of the unique combination of my love for music, mixing, metal, and zombies, I would literally pay a stupid amount of money just to be able to mix this song. Obviously I'm not gonna do it better than Andy but just to be able to pull up the tracks and mix one of my all time favorite songs would bring me so much joy.

[@kurtrosenthal6313]

These things are so cool. It’s interesting to hear you talk about that late snare because that’s something I enjoy to do in my own playing.

[@Professor-fc7vc]

These videos really do a great job of letting you appreciate what exactly goes into making these songs and how everyone works off of each other to create a great final product. Well done gents!

[@jadedatheist1828]

I could watch these breakdown videos all day, every day.

[@fftax444]

hoping they keep going in this grungy direction for the next album. I love it.

[@DARKOWNAGE97]

I want to see the breakdown for "Not Ready To Die"

[@Samuel-wh4yt]

This is so awesome!!! Thank you to give the fans that present ;)

[@benawoah1603]

It's so good to see their anthusiasm on song writing, how they breakdown the parts of the song and the efforts to make some music. This guys just real musician .... I cant wait to see how they breakdown EXIST !

[@celinegloeckner6406]

We need more of this 😛🖤

[@yamas_messenger48]

Been waiting all day for this finally uploaded

[@jypsyjen4134]

So many layers of greatness going on ^_^

[@pinemarten7509]

Shads and syn bobbing their heads together at 2:29 was so cute ♥️

[@ChucksPullingVideos]

Love these videos. Keep 'em coming!! Y'all are one of my all time favorite bands, and have been since I first discovered A7X music in 2005.

[@yaboirichy]

First of all this song was BADASS!!! And glad to see you guys are back in black ops zombies.😄

[@yappybjrthday9193]

I’m just glad that Matt’s feelin better!!

[@loganpalardy5147]

I was looking forward to watching this all day!

[@Avengedsevenfoldxfan]

I am doing research on this because I am trying to do a backing track of the guitar and I am gonna do vocals for it as well, but I was trying so hard to get that phaser into the mix of the Verses and I kept running into the issue of that the phaser was set into auto alike many when using them on Bias Fx 2, I knew it had to either be many upon 1 good takes on getting that phaser in correct spots on where you needed them or used it as a whammy pedal. I myself have not seen a phaser pedal before so that is interesting and relieving to hear that it isn't just an auto set effect! Good job guys!!! You learn new stuff everyday.

[@ryanandangieisbell8444]

I love this song! Love the drumming on this track!

[@jacksonward9181]

Love those weedlies 🙌

[@poopydoody7618]

Jackson Ward weedle weedle weedle-lee

[@andrewpappas9311]

“Weedly that shit!” is a new reason why Jimmy will forever be awesome

[@sunnydeyaliofficial]

The toughest job here is to edit this video, God knows how much time did it take to find footage of actual recording and add it on the video.RESPECT!

[@igorsama1285]

Ainda esperando o Avenged Sevenfold dizer que vem para o Brasil. Amamos vocês! 🇧🇷❤

[@HatoziGaming]

Love this Breakdown episodes and this song is an absolute masterpiece!!

[@dotsonkyle60]

The drums are so sick in this song! Literally some of y’alls best work

[@shasasa]

CAN'T WAIT FOR NEXT EPISODE

[@Oilid]

As a music/mixing nerd: this video is PURE GOLD !!! Oh and I love you too.

[@Shaun-vf4yc]

The music is amazing but the fact that their just chill makes the video so great 💀rock on A7X

[@alexl.4362]

Break down hail to the king.

[@mikeanglada742]

All's I Know Is,,, this Groove ROCKS!!! So emotionally Powerful and Personal... Thanks for what You Guys Do! \,,/

[@OlliBolliBollBoll]

I really hope this is not the last episode, cause I love these videos!

[@OlliBolliBollBoll]

And please make a Breakdown episode of "Fermi Paradox". I love that song!

[@therev7340]

I LOVE avenged sevenfold

[@samanthaparker2428]

Amazing!

[@tegan0110]

Love these so much!

[@bakazyuranger]

KEEP THIS SERIES GOING!!!

[@alyssaplunkett6798]

This one definitely gives me some Pearl Jam/Soundgarden/grungy vibes. LOVE it

[@aizatms]

Fucking loooove Mad Hatter for one reason or another. I wish everyone can afford a basic studio monitors with a sub, their sound now are just so surreal. Thank you for these. Keep on rockin' lads!

[@joaofilipedecastro2559]

Keep posting that. Best videos ever

[@Severe-Serenity]

I am in love with this series!

[@jesseduran5674]

I never miss a video!

[@diegodoesmusic]

Ive been waiting for this!!! I love this song so much. The vocal melody like really grabs me

[@GoodDealington]

It’s videos like these that give you a greater appreciation for what a band goes through to write and record music. It’s always very inspiring to aspiring musicians. Thank you, A7X!

[@thatdonkey7215]

Hoping this gets played live at some point

[@renansantos6533]

Adoro esses vídeos, é foda demais ver o processo de criação das músicas. Faz vc apreciar ainda mais o trabalho dos caras 😀😀😀

[@JSkeleton]

Man, these videos are seriously the best!

[@longstoryshort2029]

I like this band so much and what they've done with their songs is always magic ❤

[@evansaukam]

Love you guys!!

[@dashaa472]

I miss you Avenged Sevenfold from Indonesia😫🇮🇩

[@TheRealHaloLover]

THEY'RE EVOLVING

[@EllieAvenged44]

Such a great song but the thing I love the most about this song is the meaning behind the lyrics! Like Dose, it’s a great song to research the meaning behind the lyrics. I fell down so many holes researching this song which is something I love doing ❤️

[@mayor2813]

Ive been waiting for this one 😍💗I love this song so much haha. Cant wait for Almost Easy, another one of my favourites!

[@GingerStorm13093]

These episodes just make the music geek in me so happy!

[@MarwanAbdElghany]

matt is the nicest person ever he can be a friend with anyone so easily

[@DiablitoKawaii]

I feel like even if those riffs sound like something out of space it is just so elegance and sinister I love it Those dark verses are deep and beautiful as the universe it self When I'm blasting Madhatter my walls get haunted and we go possessed .