Avenged Sevenfold Presents Breakdown: "Acid Rain'"

Synyster Gates and M. Shadows discuss the classical approach to "Acid Rain," off their album "Hail to the King," and how it set the band on track to write "The Stage" on Breakdown.
Directed & Edited by Rafa Alcantara
Produced by Alex Reese
& TWENTYFOURCORE Productions

[@synysterjazmyngates]

"It's hard to sing that part live." "Well, you make it sound easy." "Well thank you." MY HEART!

[@that1drummerguy11]

Make it sound easy. Almost easy

[@dausus5527]

@@that1drummerguy11 oh this comment w

[@JZJ7777]

Talk about charming. Can’t get enough of these two cuties.

[@josteinrefseth]

Syn has a large vocabulary featuring; Totally, Yeah and Totally

[@jellebouroos1193]

Dont forget “fucking”

[@Baconbeerify]

Then he slips in a "virtuosic" at the end there

[@Filiperock94]

so many shit happening

[@theemptybox8343]

@@jellebouroos1193 or cool

[@ythinder]

He doesn't have to have one, his guitar does the talking

[@gesh92]

This is one of my favorite songs but I still hope they'll break down their absolute best - Save me

[@muhammadridwan6502]

Hope so dude, because its great song

[@fightingbacon6199]

I love this song

[@rajbodh2116]

not going to do any breakdown from nightmare record.

[@ttguitarnoob]

They probably won't because I think that was on another record label so they probably don't have access to the recording projects

[@kyledockstader199]

@@rajbodh2116 Really? That depresses me. It would be really interesting to see exactly where Jimmy was involved with the stuff on that record. Seeing fiction and save me broken down are both ones I was anticipating

[@strahilvasilev8209]

5:11 That little compliment from Gates to Shadows warmed my heart !!!

[@florianritter147]

I always love it when they incorporate real orchestration. They should do a concert with an orchestra where they play all those songs like that one, A Little Piece of Heaven, etc.

[@carrionwithout_me]

Yes! Like Metallica did! They would be perfect!!

[@facu2649]

Well, actually the Grammy Concert has orchestra. I love that concert

[@NukemNash]

I've always thought this! I loved that Bring Me The Horizon did. AS would sound amazing with a full orchestra!

[@johannlothe]

My god this needs to happen.

[@DaddyDinkus]

Save me would be amazing but acid rain is still fucking incredible, brought tears to my eyes first listen. Why is A7x so badass? They do things most metal bands would be scared to do

[@encikkayangan9885]

Because A7X is not TOTAL METAL or WHOLE LOTTA METAL BAND.. They are the VERSATILE ROCK/METAL ACTS 🤘

[@Bloorgusgoorge]

Actually there self titled album is hard rock nightmare is heavy metal and coe is prog and httk is hard rock and wtf and stst are metal core and the stage is prog

[@98izzark69]

@@encikkayangan9885 No they're not and that's why

[@MichaelKhaimraj]

This is honestly one of, if not the ABSOLUTE best written song Avenged has ever put out, and it's one of their most underrated. The attention to detail in every note. The thought that went into every lyric and motif. The way how every instrument plays off each other perfectly. It's masterfully crafted, and it tells a story in such an organic way. Amazing!

[@Falkuzrules]

Personally I'm not as interested in it because of the slowness and I'm sure a lot of other people feel the same, which is probably why it feels underrated. When I'm in the mood to hear something slower though it's pretty good and the lyrics are great too, but otherwise I'd rather listen to the more energetic parts of the album like Coming Home.

[@akikoivunoksa635]

People only give enough attention to Hail to the King and Shepherd of Fire on this album, while masterpieces like this one and Crimson Day go unnoticed. Although I feel like HTTK is not the best A7X's put out there it still holds a special place in my heart

[@asafmenachem6934]

Falkuzrules I love all their dark songs but that song gives me goosebumps every time I hear it

[@munchenonyou3774]

Idk i think Exist is just a bit better

[@green31OSU]

6:10 This part sounds absolutely amazing with all the other instruments stripped away.

[@Shane-lc5do]

M.I.A., Save Me, Fiction & Exist would be really cool, great breakdown thanks!

[@CosmicMonkey.]

I agree

[@jesush7016]

They won't do fiction. It's to personal for them

[@xaviervilabril]

They can't breakdown fiction, the rev composed it Alone and he ain't here to explain it

[@Shane-lc5do]

Xavier you make a valid point

[@TheWhitetiger011]

Oh God, I wanna hear all the details and meanings behind Save Me. That was my obsession for some time when Nightmare came out and no one in my circle of friends ever gave it enough credit ''They say that all beauty must die, I say it just moves on'' is probably my favorite lyric ever.

[@maliatfirst9]

you know this whole freakin band just never ever ceases to amaze me. and M.Shadow his voice it doesn't feel like one. it is just soo sooo sooo damn incredible. will always ALWAYS be an A7X fan. love you guys. so so so much.😊😊

[@VoidSixx]

That's probably because most of the time, there isn't just one voice. He records multiple parts that all play at the same time (whether it's vocalising the same thing, or vocalising a harmony)

[@eclecticmuso]

Still an accomplishment to blend all the parts so well together. Gives it a choral effect

[@Aukudama]

The funniest breakdown’s gonna be A Little Piece Of Heaven

[@kaikennedy7058]

EvBuN have you seen the ‘making of’ video for A little piece of heaven ?

[@Aukudama]

Kai Kennedy multiple times

[@yusrilfalah0738]

i wanna know they reacting into that making lmao

[@violetwicks4082]

@touma The punchline is it did :)

[@tyleredwards970]

And the saddest would be tonight the world does or fiction

[@brianmulhern1073]

I LOVE that they do live strings. It’s what makes their sound so unique

[@sofieingraham6663]

I find it kinda funny how Matt will harp so hard on Brooks, but even when talking about the drum tracks and tone and what not, they won't say anything about Arin. I don't think they disliked Arin, but I think it says something about how much they love Brooks, and how much he brings to the band.

[@rudymeneses7471]

Arin deserves more credit, although brooks is more talented

[@therealupergirl477]

*Arin. I don't feel that he ever fit in with them. Brooks fits in better. Or just a different drum style could have been it. Idk

[@sofieingraham6663]

@@rudymeneses7471 idk, Erin didn't click with the band. To me, at least. He seemed totally out of place, and I haven't heard any of his playing except from his short stent with them but he didn't have much flare or style, imo. Brooks is, I think, as talented or more than Jimmy, and brings that personal flare to their music like Jimmy did. He just works so much better with them.

[@rudymeneses7471]

Kork Wahmett *arin never really got a chance to play on a record like The Stage. I don’t think brooks is more talented than jimmy because jimmy was more than a drummer, he pretty much made almost easy, a little piece of heaven etc. etc. I think they all are great in different ways.

[@sofieingraham6663]

@@rudymeneses7471 oh my bad everybody, I literally just realized I was misspelling his name 😂😂 and I think Arin has more talent than what was displayed on HTTK, but I don't think he could do what Brooks or Jimmy did. Not with Avenged at least, imo. He just felt so out of place, and I agree no drummer will ever take Jimmy's place in this band, but Brooks is so talented and unique that I think he's doing a pretty good job filling the role that Jimmy left, Erin just didn't fit that role. He wasn't a bad drummer though, by any means, but Brooks is definitely superior.

[@AlexBoyer]

INSANE! Am I the only one who wanna see Beast and the Harlot & old school A7X ????

[@OpTicbloodshot]

Alex Boyer yes

[@eanalbe3525]

Me also especially their first album.

[@susansparks4763]

I heard in an interview of Syn, he stated that he wished they had never done the song Beast and the Harlot. I bet he really wouldn't like to break it down either

[@spartan6984]

Ur not alone, I want them to do Gunslinger

[@AlexBoyer]

Yes!!!@@eanalbe3525

[@AdriDzG]

We're living in a great era IMO, such a lucky thing to have your favorite band analyzing their own music and showing us the rip apart of the song. Do you imagine our parents having Led Zep doing this? We're so lucky.

[@paradigmshiftz7]

PLEASE DO A LITTLE PIECE OF HEAVEN!!!!! or at least Beast And The Harlot Edit: ok, now just ALPOH

[@DemonicPotatoil]

i dont thnk they can just simply do that. it looks like all of these breakdowns were planned since they were actually making the songs, and are not just made by demand

[@paradigmshiftz7]

@@v.harlot haha I get it, it's because Syn hates playing that song, if they do ever do a breakdown of BATH, Syn won't be there lol

[@paradigmshiftz7]

@@DemonicPotatoil true, but there no harm in just speaking your mind.

[@123acmbm2]

@@paradigmshiftz7 Why Syn hates play Beast and thr Harlot??? Or is a joke???

[@instaman34]

They had break downs for most of their self titled album, look em up

[@michaelingram7690]

Breakdown I Won’t See You Tonight please!!!

[@antwon5578]

Hopefully they do breakdown episodes to “Critical Acclaim” and “Scream””!!!

[@AlexJasso100]

Anthony Dorame They already have “making of” videos of every song in the white album. Sure it’d be cool to see em go through them once again, but i’d rather see them break down music we’ve haven’t heard broken down before like anything off of Nightmare or The Stage. Definitely would love to see some City of Evil and Waking the Fallen.

[@susshexe7987]

@@AlexJasso100 but you see, they have the making of AND the break down of Almost Easy, so...

[@JohnnySnipshow]

Scream is literally one of the worst songs they've ever written. They even say so themselves

[@maxneal7852]

JohhnySnipshow evidence?

[@antwon5578]

Alex Jasso yeah you’re right and I agree to see them do some City of Evil & Waking the Fallen too.

[@ayapamungkas2267]

5:57 seriously, I want the piano + string section only layer for this song. So beautiful. I love how A7X always put beautiful layers and complexity in their songs.

[@The_Real_Pete_ZaHutt]

I love seeing these every week! Keep it up!

[@kaine69]

my favourite song, it means so much to me i’m so happy it’s got a breakdown

[@rafaelgonzalez7230]

The strings just make there songs so much more Beautiful ❤

[@shahin75pf97]

Be quiet everyone you might scare them away. just stand still and they might keep uploading!!!!!

[@Falkuzrules]

I think you misspelled "Shhh, be quiet, you might piss somebody off" there.

[@shahin75pf97]

@Xerø While you feed off others insecurities you stand in front of me and bite the hand that feeds

[@shahin75pf97]

@Xerø lies inside your head your best friend

[@shahin75pf97]

@Xerø broken glass, your fake reflection

[@shahin75pf97]

@Xerø So how does it feel to know that someone's kid In the heart of America has blood on their hands Fighting to defend your rights So you can maintain a lifestyle That insults his family's existence Well, where I'm from we have a special Salute that we aim high in the air Towards all those pompous assholes Who spend their days pointing fingers

[@horrorknight3096]

Let's hear some Nightmare and White album songs, or maybe The Stage like Roman Sky. Maybe have Zacky V and Johnny on more.

[@mrs.interpret]

Horror Knight they’ve done the stage :)

[@WillLeitner]

they did almost easy, but little piece of heaven would be cool and anything from nightmare. Fiction would be really awesome

[@joshuapyle6371]

GALAXY_ PANDA it’s also referred to as “the white album” for obvious reasons, genius.

[@dale1782]

@@absolutelynot9823 damn, we are all a7x fans, why are you so rude to fellow fans?

[@horrorknight3096]

@@absolutelynot9823 Chill. I know its their self titled album but its another name for it.

[@thetheeser659]

Absolutely love this series. I´ve come to appreciate A7X even more not only as fantastic muscians but as people in general. Would have been nice though to see Brooks involved too, if you decide to unwrap some more of The Stage stuff.

[@Thedominatorimatator]

Please do So far away, Afterlife or a little piece of heaven next on breakdown

[@Kelsey1309]

As much as I would love to see a breakdown of So Far Away, I think it would be just too emotional for them. Especially considering the songs origins.

[@kzshrr]

They have every fucking song of the self titled album which include songs like little piece of heaven and critical acclaim already “breakdowned” years ago when the Rev was alive and you can find em on KZbin

[@CFGhostyXbox]

Acid Rain is probably one of my favoritr A7x songs , ive been a fan from the start ive met them and this song just resonates for me , but listening to it makes me invision a couple slow dancing as the world ends around them , just such beauty !

[@Bagdadbrot007]

I gotta say, it took me some time to appreciate this song, but the more i listened to it, the more i began loving it. Especially the bridge is magical

[@BiggDeli]

These videos are wonderful and make my week. I absolutely love Acid Rain, what a beautiful song.

[@florentinaflo4502]

Breakdown Critical Acclaim, Not Ready To Die or Heretic next pls

[@svintjvck]

Totally Heretic! it has some weird thing going on in the background of the chorus

[@suddenswarm5944]

I'm guessing these were recorded en masse quite a while ago

[@antoinedeude8380]

Florentina Flo especially not ready to die

[@davidboyajian1399]

Every time I think they're posting a video lmao.

[@AxxLAfriku]

every time i think i have two hot girlfriends. oh wait, i actually have

[@NairobyMS]

@@AxxLAfriku 14 btw

[@larouge9395]

Thank god

[@masteratemu]

Dammit I will not give up, Do Natural Born Killer!!!

[@rhysgross2955]

Natural born killer or God Hates us :) Both are bloody awesome

[@davidbaca2425]

i don’t think they will. they don’t typically like NBK, i remember seeing a video or an interview with Syn and he said that one doesn’t get played live because it’s too generic. he says it’s just another heavy metal song. i actually think it’s great tho, and should replace Afterlife in the setlist

[@98izzark69]

@@davidbaca2425 I agree with him

[@themisterg.]

@@davidbaca2425 No replacing Afterlife but it's an awesome song

[@isaswinter]

my favoritie song on the album… truly such a beautiful song, all the instruments and matt’s vocals sound amazing

[@87atxskater]

This song is a masterpiece!

[@KeepItMarvelous]

I hope more people can just appreciate these videos instead of keeping suggesting songs they would like the guys to break down. be grateful

[@akshaybaura]

Synyster "totally" gates

[@theladyoftheinvisibleempire]

I think akshay meant that syn said totally a lot in the span of a few minutes. 😏

[@akshaybaura]

Diana Prince yeah and sometimes I felt he wasn't even listening 😂😂

[@theladyoftheinvisibleempire]

I felt that too. Like he wanted matt to shut up. 😢

[@akshaybaura]

Diana Prince yeah. This one was still okay. Paradigm breakdown felt weird to me like they both were not on the same page at all.

[@theladyoftheinvisibleempire]

It's kind of like Matt is excited about every song and it's just another day at the office for Syn. I gots mad love for all of them fuckers though. 😎

[@kaburnicas]

These breakdowns are not only awesome, but they help me play Zacky and Synyster's pain in the ass guitar! Thanks guys and keep playing!

[@xr280xr]

Matt's face at 8:14

[@TheGeekFactor]

I’m loving these videos! I’m a high schooler trying to start my own little band and everyone in the band are massive fans of your work! I’m loving this stuff. It makes me want to pursue with my dream of songwriting

[@вєѕт-р7ю]

Please do some of your old songs ..like seize da day....dear God .. unholly confession...etc .I listen to it when back at 2007 ..I always love it ..bring back the memory A7X ...please

[@xLordSpicy]

These videos are the best thing on the internet right now

[@martin174]

These videos give me life

[@YuxinZhou13]

OMG! This’s my all time favorite song to listen, jam, and cover!

[@raheemtaylor3017]

Acid Rain and Crimson Day are 2 of their best. I replay those 2 songs at least once a week. Am I the only one that loves Crimson Day? No-one ever mentions it.

[@Lyendith]

I loved Crimson Day too at first but got a litte tired of it after a few listens… I kinda wish they had kept Set Me Free instead. =[

[@YoungDyl99]

I listened to crimson day earlier today it’s so fire

[@keelycrawfordmccoy4623]

Crimson Day was a favorite when it came out and to this day I still deeply enjoy it.

[@katielowry9448]

Of all the breakdown videos so far, this one is the best; simply because you can see for Matt and Brian it’s like hearing this song again for the first time. It’s beautiful.

[@oscarRuizF]

Una de mis canciones favoritas de hail to the king...esta clase de videos mostrando parte del proceso que se llevo para hacerlo es fantástico ...

[@yessicaisgone]

It's been a long time since I don't sit and watch my guys talk about music. I really missed it, they still make me feel like I'm writing music with them.

[@dustinlouis1543]

I’d really like to see breakdowns for Dose and Second heartbeat ! Anything off of waking the fallen would be cool to see actually

[@stonehillproductions129]

Nightmare, or afterlife next :D love these videos 💕

[@jeremyfromsd2148]

I have listened through HttK about 70 times, but after watching these breakdowns, I go back and listen to the things they point out and always find something new. I really enjoy this series and the songs they're covering.

[@darksunshine9313]

6:14 to 6:45 is the best part..❤️

[@MichaelMegaX]

I wish more bands did this I absolutley love this series!

[@triasainto]

what a great and humble band! love you guys A7F reacting to A7F covers please!

[@brelovely9107]

Never seen it written like and it fucked with my head

[@BillyAtwood1216]

I love that they’re still giving arin love for what he did for them

[@detectiveshortmen2212]

I always come back and re listen to the intro. I need a link to a version of the song that sounds just like that, like a instrumental without drums or something

[@DarkestSecrets1]

This has been my favorite song ever since it came out! I was at their show in Amsterdam in the beginning of 2017 and when they started it, goddamn it was my favorite moment in all of the concerts I've been to. I love this song so much!

[@veronicaarielle265]

This goes to show how truly talented of songwriters they are, not just one trick ponies

[@CesarSandoval024]

Ive been a fan for a really long time. Some longer. So these episodes answer all those questions I asked as a child and its fucken great

[@yv2r]

Gotta do save me!! That would be epic

[@daduka]

Acid rain is underrated masterpiece. I love it. Such wonderfuly doomy-poetic..

[@tyronbaek6518]

Totally, cool -Synyster Gates

[@aidanlarose6901]

Do Unholy Confessions

[@vermilion272]

its awesome how they used the outro to make a smooth transition for their next album or back to the beginning. brilliant

[@charlesa6142]

Please do “A Little Piece of Heaven.” I want to learn how the idea of the song came about and how the parts were written. Especially the orchestra and choir

[@jonpierce3340]

Charles Amargo pretty sure there’s a video like that out.

[@TheRunkinator]

I absolutely love this series. As a drummer who is working on his second album with his band, it’s really cool to see how other bands do stuff. Truly inspiring. Thank you for this, guys! Also, I would LOVE to hear either Save Me or A Little Piece of Heaven broken down. Absolute favorite songs by you guys.

[@metalgirl9173]

I NEED DEAR GOD☹🤘

[@yaadaniel42069]

Me too, that's one of my favorite songs

[@Lucofur]

That's the only song by Avenged I absolutely despise. But good for you guys

[@PinkgradientMan]

Honestly probably one of my top favorite songs. Play it and listen to it daily. This song really is a work of art so keep up all the great work you guys do!

[@DedeBmAndre]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/a3umm3hpib56Z6M

[@WyWyOG]

Breakdown Fiction

[@AnteroJokinen]

I'm really interested in hearing about the vocals on that one!

[@icantthinkofagoodusername4464]

Yeah, I heard that all of the Rev’s vocals in that song were pulled from a demo track too, so hearing the story behind that and how they implemented it alongside the lead vocals would be really interesting, if what I heard was correct.

[@jakeseitzomegareddrums557]

They really can’t because the rev wrote it

[@icantthinkofagoodusername4464]

Omega Red that isn’t an issue. They own the license to all of their tracks, no matter who wrote them, because it’s all intellectual property of Avenged Sevenfold, and not of the individual writer. I’m pretty sure Almost Easy was largely written by the Rev (don’t quote me on that I’ll look it up later), and they did an episode on that. Also, they all recorded for it, and writing isn’t a one-man process in a band. They all have influence. The finished version of Fiction is all re-recorded by the rest of the band, excluding the Rev’s vocals from the demo. They know what’s in the song, since they performed it themselves. Even the drum track was re-recorded using Mike Portnoy without a single note changed, to make sure everything was up to a album release standard. They essentially put the song together themselves from what the Rev wrote, to my understanding.

[@richiewolfson3871]

@@icantthinkofagoodusername4464 but since the rev wrote all the lyrics, and played most if not all the instruments to the song behind closed doors, it's hard to explain why and how some things were chosen since the rest of the bend simply redid what the rev had already created

[@KuroShiiiiro]

The bridge to the end is honestly my favorite part. So great.

[@brianhaner7118]

why always brian and M ?? Try jhonny and brian ! 😂 PRANK WAR 😎😋

[@azmodayus3712]

they wouldn't get through the session 😂😂

[@antoinedeude8380]

Brian Haner how about Brooks and Zack?

[@WhoAmIWill]

AceBlast brooks limits it to just the stage though. All other albums essentially require the other guys.

[@brianhaner7118]

@@WhoAmIWill right..

[@eanalbe3525]

@@antoinedeude8380 i think brook only can speak about the stage album.

[@SpacePlague]

Honestly one of my favourite songs by these guys. I can listen to it over and over.

[@maliatfirst9]

please a breakdown of victim. if you can breakdown of all the songs 😋😋😋😂🤣😂🤣 just kidding. good job guys. keep it up!!!!!

[@lloydyip8371]

amazing episode, favorite one yet, keep this going! this is making me fall in love with the songs again

[@lil_gerz]

St. James

[@ugiustuskeiserus8066]

Another underrated song.

[@theginge1715]

Definitely one of my favorites

[@killakaminski]

The comment about panning and making odd decisions made me so happy. These are the kind of progressions I love to see this band making

[@kelvinsitumorang8780]

Next episode chapter four please

[@rafaelfreitasgt]

yeaaah!

[@NowYanno]

One of my favorite songs of all time. Definitely favorite band hands down.🙌🏼

[@therev7340]

SCREAM SCREAM SCREAM!!!! I LOVE YOU THE REV

[@rhizelkhiangte1570]

im so glad that u made this episodes T_T I miss the rev like a lot

[@rafahellorsato]

I’d like to see Strength of The World.

[@aaronfilibeck1794]

Fuck yeah

[@mangelo97]

I absolutely love these breakdowns! Thank you. You guys are awesome!

[@darksunshine9313]

Yes! Yes! Yes!

[@josephrichichi3116]

Yesss!!!! I’m happy y’all did this song! Thanks you!!

[@Avishaylerner]

DO DANGER LINE!!!!!

[@kellyatriano6946]

I absolutely loved this song and i had to dance to it for my senior year dance solo. I can't wait to post a video of it, I hope you are able to see it.

[@immortalvenerable]

Send us hoooooommmmmeeeee

[@jets2457]

I look forward to these every week now

[@TheKrou]

Do a breakdown of "Girl I Know" lmao I wanna see the self-hate >:)

[@jordanfiction]

I love thissssss please don’t stop doing these guys

[@chepipitriadi8962]

breakdown of SAVE ME,, please!

[@RyanCho234]

I love seeing this because it shows how technical these songs are from this amazing band people think music is just recording and being done no its recording and stopping and writing during your recording this is absolutely amazing from avenged!

[@guilhermedaud8305]

BREAKDOWN OF SO FAR AWAY

[@richiewolfson3871]

This was everything I've always it to be. This song is just... Beyond words. Thank you so much for this video

[@misssevenfold3232]

One of HTTK's best songs.

[@DJones1048]

I love that they've been doing this series. Would love to see some with Brooks and hopefully a more in depth look at some older stuff.

[@KuroShiiiiro]

A Little Piece of Heaven would be lit even tho we basically did in the Self Titled Album Documentary. I'd prefer something like "Save Me"

[@hazardgaminghg122]

There you go, they did Save Me

[@andreahancock5472]

This song hits ALL the feels. ❤ Just incredible...

[@ojomnesir9182]

MIA?

[@sebastiaofpinto13]

MIA and Save Me would be awesome!

[@ojomnesir9182]

@@sebastiaofpinto13 that's another good one! I'd personally like to see some of their older stuff.

[@CoolaBoola]

They couldn't find the recordings.

[@sponnorcerling7188]

Dear A7X, thank you for doing these!

[@malviinotakbirzaa7059]

Breakdown of Second Heardbeat or Unholy conffesion please I from indonesia :)

[@kevparkour8769]

No one cares about where you came from!

[@malviinotakbirzaa7059]

Fck

[@heavymetal398]

Kev Parkour don’t need to be so rude bro

[@wongsoko3727]

@@kevparkour8769 OMONG KONTOL