Classical Composer Reacts to Avenged Sevenfold (Afterlife) | The Daily Doug (Episode 377)

#AvengedSevenfold #Afterlife #AvengedSevenfoldReaction
In this episode of #TheDailyDoug, I'm listening to Afterlife from Avenged Sevenfold. This is my first time listening to music from this band. The song focuses on the desire to return to earth to tend to unfinished business after arriving in the afterlife. I found the lyrics and sounds to be quite effective and powerful. I hope you enjoy!
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[@AtomizedSound]

I definitely recommend you do “A Little Piece of Heaven” next or down the road Doug. Epic piece and some strings in that song as well.

[@myturbulance]

yes yes yes. That's solid Doug song from Sevenfold. Live version maybe better for react.

[@BoredSebastian]

adding to this "Exist" is a very unique song

[@ian2]

Maybe an instrumental. Don't know if the lyrics for that song are the best for this channel lmao.

[@122rakshithrk2]

@@BoredSebastian "Exist" is a journey I'm sure that the single song comprises of their entire talent ✨

[@raskofineart]

Yes, “A Little Piece Of Heaven” is a very unique song, you have to check this one out!

[@alvaroblanco2314]

A Little Piece of Heaven, Save Me, Exist, The Stage, Acid Rain. Those songs deserve an episode for sure.

[@KosmicWolf]

I would be really curious what Doug has to say about Exist and a A Little Piece of Heaven

[@122rakshithrk2]

Acid rain is underated 🔥

[@angelaleader-alford6905]

Agree, 100%, but I think Roman Sky, should be included.

[@nickhaas9185]

No love for second heartbeat

[@Marc-xo2rx]

all this !!! 100%

[@soocool78]

yea the next one Little PIece of Heaven is their most "composed" song. Also from their now deceased drummer "The Rev" (as mentioned in the video), who started composing it as a Piano song....the lyrics are commically messed up and very explicit, but the composition it self is VERY interesting....

[@AtomizedSound]

Very Danny Elfman inspired if you ask me composition wise. Nightmare Before Christmas/Corpse Bride is the vibes I always got when listening to that song

[@Needynators1]

Just checking to see if somebody already dropped this one! One of their master pieces for me!

[@lucasimmons075]

I really hope he checks that one out next

[@CarlosFreitas99]

I'd say their most "composed" song is Exist. A Little Piece of Heaven is the one with more symphonic instruments

[@user-ve1yd3op4l]

Up

[@justjamie3717]

Avenged Sevenfold is so creative and unfairly derided by a lot of "old heads" in metal. They have so much fun contrasting metal riffs with pop hooks and melodic; almost borderline showtunish; choruses.

[@TobbeBoll]

Afterlife is a great song, very catchy and because of that it may not be the most complicated or interesting by them. Would like to suggest some of the more complex ones like "Save me" , "Blinded in chains" or progressive like "The Stage". But there are so many great ones to choose from.

[@Vampiric_Fish]

Always good to see a fellow Blinded in Chains enjoyer

[@earlplaysgame9456]

@@Vampiric_Fish city of evil is top 10 albums of all time easily

[@jayhill2193]

@@Vampiric_Fish Best song from Need for Speed: Most Wanted and top three of the album for me.

[@gustavofring4363]

A song doesn't have to be complicated to be interesting.

[@the_verTigO]

THANK YOU for listening to the studio version... so many people miss the full experience because they only check out the music video.

[@spunk88888]

Nightmare or Buried Alive would be great, both are masterpieces.

[@Spectrum0122]

I took music theory in college and my professor at the time was classically trained and we actually bonded by sharing music with each other. He loved avenged's drummer The Rev and in turn I realized Vivaldi is my favourite composer

[@ebg342]

Please do Save Me, one of their most ambitious songs with Mike Portnoy from Dream Theater on drums.

[@deadsightsx]

I love this band lol I really think you would enjoy either A Little Piece Of Heaven or even Exist.

[@daleowen2606]

their song "the stage" would probably be one you would like musically. Lots of musical talent in this band and that' maybe their most complex popular song musically and lyrically

[@Stephen7102]

YES! So happy you got to Avenged Sevenfold, they have so much great stuff. If you want prog stuff kind of like Dream Theater, then definitely listen to Save Me and Exist. Also you also ABSOLUTELY need to do A Little Piece of Heaven for a weird Wednesday.

[@TexasRho83]

I've seen a few of your other videos and while I think reaction videos are overdone, I find yours 100% authentic based on your genuine engagement of the material. You sincerely get into what you're listening to (as I guess you should given your composer background) and your musical feedback from a symphonic perspective is very enlightening. It's like watching a kid in a candy store lol. Thank you and keep em comin'! You have a new subscriber.

[@TheCrimsonOne508]

8:52 You just described a key difference between rock and metal. Rock is typically based around chord progressions, metal is more often based around riffs

[@mjrnj]

You put more thought and analysis in your videos compared to most of the plethora of "reaction" videos. Authenticity is key, and you present it. Keep it up! Subscribed.

[@Mermi]

"Blinded in chains" is my favorite song from that band! City of Evil is a great record!

[@budi.haryono]

Amazing content as always! There's so much to dive into A7X, like A Little Piece Of Heaven, Sidewinder, Fiction, or The Stage. And also, still waiting for another Muse or DT reaction. Keep rockin' Doug!

[@yannicktremblay9462]

Sidewinder is such a hidden gem, definitely my favorite from A7X

[@edelcorrallira]

Ohhh yeah!!! Let spring begin with something new. I know little about Avenged Sevenfold so pretty pumped to listen in

[@abbymacdonald5247]

Their latest album is such a wild ride! Especially the second single, We Love You

[@garymaddux2000]

This song is such a great peice from a classical standpoint. If you have any classical musicians listen to this song, that have never heard it before, they all have the same reaction of "wow". When Synyster Gates comes in with the solo, even the guy on cello (his name is Miles) said that was an amazing solo when they heard it for the first while recording the strings. Look up "The Making Of Avenged Sevenfold Afterlife" and watch that video. It's a few minutes long, but gives a great intro to the band and their writing style.

[@thomasz9226]

Awesome man. I envy that ability to find any note or chord, especially on piano, just by listening like you can. Doing it with drums seems so much easier.

[@Logan-dk8of]

i've only ever heard the version with the strings, can't imagine the song without them, I think they fit the song and sound great

[@joefilipelli3867]

This reaction was incredible my friend!!!... love the way you're breaking down with the piano, your talent is a beautiful thing to see...

[@Arrow2theACL]

A little nugget for you @Doug Helvering. After Rev's death, Mike Portony filled in for the Nightmare tour. This may or may not have been a contributing factor in Mike Portnoy leaving DT. However, I think him leaving DT was in the works for a while before this. Although when Portnoy and A7F decided to split because of the looming issues with DT, Portnoy tried to go back to DT, but they had already entered a contract with Mike Mangini.

[@Yallstupidkidsgetofftiktok]

I recommend watching the live version live in lbc. That whole show was so well done it’s a must see.. any of their songs!

[@anestismouz]

Where to even begin with song recommendations.. Save me, I won't see you (tonight both parts), Strength of the world, Sidewinder, Blinded in chains, M.I.A, So far away, Dear God, Danger line, and so many, many more amazing melodic songs with deep meaningful lyrics. Hope you explore Avenged Sevenfold as much as Iron Maiden!

[@byronhubbard1510]

Excellent job Doug, been watching your reactions for over a year now. Keep up the good work.

[@franciscahazlet4021]

A very deep meaning in this one and the song and you are both right never wait to long we have no way of knowing how long we really have to do the things we want to do. Thanks for this video and song to remind us.

[@raminbohlouli1969]

I just loved the little piano run that you did there 6:16

[@tylerrhoton9848]

Syn literally setting his fretboard on fire and homie focused on chord progressions and snare hits. Thug life haha

[@tomaskelly9028]

Hi from Ireland Doug, I think you would enjoy listening to "A little piece of heaven" and "Save me" both epics from the band. Great videos 👍

[@muhamaddesfan8216]

a little piece of heaven, save me and exist that unexpected songs

[@nicbarnett4707]

Just like everyone is saying A Little Piece Of Heaven is a gorgeous piece

[@Scottjf8]

Now do "A little piece of heaven" I've been asking for a year! :)

[@AG-ur1lj]

Everyone talking about ‘A Little Piece of Heaven,’ but he composed the last 2 tracks on Nightmare as well. I believe as one ~15min piece

[@NeboslivesRocks]

Its great to see some one of your appreciation of music to embrace Metal. There are really great composers that are overlooked, you are awesome!

[@unimentill]

Really enjoy when you start playing along with the song after figuring out the chords

[@reztech0ne]

Doug you are so fucking cool. Love seeing someone get genuinely excited about the music they listen to. Huge respect from one musician to another

[@Jonathan-br6oh]

i defenitely reccommend doing more stuff from this band, they've got some really amazing stuff

[@boyangeorgiev9275]

I requested it in a comment some time ago. Thanks @Doug Helvering for delivering!

[@JimBob_McRob]

I appreciate your breakdown of the composition and playing along as well. Thanks for sharing another side of the music.

[@mrs.interpret]

Buried Alive is one of my favorite songs. A7X is my absolute favorite band. such talented men.

[@fathanrobbiansyah1047]

Just found your channel, what a wholesome guy you are. So fun to to watch antusiasm from your reaction. Guess im gonna be watch all of your video

[@deminybs]

Yay I'm always happy when the non cut version of any song gets checked out

[@davidrm28]

“A Little Piece of Heaven” & “Save Me” have to be next on the list for you to check out from Avenged Sevenfold!

[@conconkelly16]

You know, I absolutely love these kinds of videos, when people who've never experienced A7X ever before in their lives listen to them for the first time and are blown away by how amazing their composition is. You've gained a new subscriber now good sir

[@sw1ftw1ngs]

As others have said, “A little piece of heaven” would be amazing for you to check out, completely written by The Rev. “Almost Easy” is another completely written by The Rev, Synyster Gates said that it was difficult for him to get some of the playing done because it wasn’t how he would have written it. I believe most of the songs are originally done on a piano, and M Shadows has even played on stage.

[@fatimapalacios2292]

Your channel is awesome!!! Greetings from Venezuela,

[@booga2059]

Wow, your reaction to the song was great. The words after where a real bonus, thank you.

[@jasonallen5318]

Good call on listening to the full version

[@ericvi3921]

THE STAGE.....another song of theirs..... Worth your time....and ours

[@noahlopez7667]

People sleep on A7X's compositional talent. Songs like Save me, A little piece of heaven, and Acid Rain are truly beautiful songs

[@yogameilana2937]

A little piece of heaven doug,must see

[@vabiantorinno4441]

LITTLE PIECE OF HEAVEN!!!!!!

[@RushAss]

Watching your musical brain at work is always a joy. Keep on Douging it up my man!

[@thisisjer]

The stage album will be right down your alley with its progressive writing

[@NoSageMeadow]

Hey! I just found you while searching for the Lost in Vegas reaction to this because it's very funny and rewatchable, and that brought me to this channel, and I really love your input on it.

[@guitarmania2554]

Oh man you’d love the stage. Such a great song

[@Nathan-fz8wx]

a little piece of heaven and exist should be on the list for the next avenged sevenfold songs. Exist is by far one of my favorites just because of the context.

[@RobbieFitzgerald]

The little walk down towards the end of the last chorus as a varation is so good.

[@jeremydisbrow9814]

His last full album. He wrote and recorded quite a bit for Nightmare as well.

[@BlizzyBear]

I appreciate the play alongs you do on your keyboard. Thanks for the effort!

[@TheJerseyNinja]

I’d love to hear a piano cover of this from you, sounded so good lol

[@SmegmoliO]

yes. its wonderfull music.

[@leoreyes5994]

I have no idea why you were recommended on my feed but I am happy you were. I enjoyed your entire breakdown, please do more by A7X. It would be great if you also did Linkin Park!

[@eversonaguiar3647]

oh man, that was fun, love this react Youre so awesome

[@jariel1031]

Okay mister Doug. It's 2 years later and we need more Avenged Sevenfold. So Far Away. A Little Piece of Heaven. Nightmare. Cosmic. How about it?

[@masonpeterson8894]

Any longer Avenged Sevenfold song is a great composition “A Little Piece of Heaven” “Exist” “Save Me” “Acid Rain” and “Roman Sky” are all very good. “So Far Away” is a tear jerker too

[@geraldnutini7070]

I think The Stage may be one of their most dynamic songs. Save Me is also ABSOLUTELY worth the listen. Any more A7X songs would be much appreciated. I also think you might be interested in hearing something like Sidewinder or my personal favorite I Won't See You Tonight, Part 1.

[@ShanetheTutor]

You're the only 'reaction' YT'er I watch. Always interested to hear your takes.

[@joshualemieux7534]

I love seeing people who really understand music reacting to things I love

[@mrwillbe9387]

You also should check the Alternate Version, that one is more Angelic Strings on the chorus.

[@Gamma2224]

Doug coming in the with the deep heavy stuff. Love it. Love your analysis.

[@douglasplinhares]

Best music analysis channel in KZbin

[@jpirard]

So it was nice meeting you and Megan at the Transatlantic show!

[@alejandrocabrera6646]

A little piece of heaven!

[@AlanWatts33]

A real A7x listener understands that Sidewinder is their best composition

[@Mermi]

it's his first taste of the band, give him a chance 😂

[@MrNeosantana]

Sidewinder, absolutely. But MIA and Afterlife are still perfect songs, that achieve 100% of what they want to achieve. Avenged Sevenfold just gets better with age. I haven't listened to this song in 14 years really, and I was grinning from ear to ear. Incredible.

[@michaelmendoza1615]

@@MrNeosantana great song. I think anything off city of evil would be great

[@arthurantoniow]

Well, isnt my favorite but we have to agree that alpoh is the best composition

[@airconditioningunit9777]

i’d say save me is, but to be honest they’ve made so many good ones it’s hard to choose

[@ashbyd00]

Hey Doug. Hi from New Zealand. Love your work especially on Metal Mondays. How about doing a reaction to an Overkill number. A classic and underrated IMHO thrash metal group from New Jersey. If you did one, I can highly recommend the song Ironbound. There's a lot going on in this track and I would love to catch your facials and reactions to this one.

[@ManakJa.]

Beast and The Harlot is rlly good, Almost Easy, Seize the Day, Bat Country, Dancing Dead and finally M.I.A are my favs

[@ridiculous1755]

I love classical music more than anything else, but thank you for doing this one, I really this song.

[@stewjacks1]

Looking for Fates Warning 👀👁

[@Triggerman-ld4yp]

We all know what's next... A LITTLE PIECE OF HEAVEN BABY!!!

[@adamsoyer]

In a few days, on April 23, will be the release of Kirk Hammett's (Metallica) solo album. One single, "High Plains Drifter," has already come out. It is quite far from what he plays in his main band. A bit like film music. It is really beautiful music.

[@mihailojevtovic5043]

I absolutely love this guy. Next you have to do coming home.

[@Brauniersc]

Dude u might be the best reactor I've ever seen

[@crypto630]

Now that we've had a chance to absorb the 2023 album, I'd highly recommend doing Cosmic. The whole album is great, and the G/O/D tracks are very different musically, but Cosmic is just such an awesome track that really stands out in my opinion. I suspect I'm not alone in that opinion.

[@LeonardoNR]

Sidewinder and Strength of the World are two great songs which they gave a nice acoustic touch

[@edelcorrallira]

Somehow this reminded me of Helloween's "King for a thousand years" which is one of their proggiest songs. It also switches between colors quite a bit and has a similar character. I honestly enjoy that piece quite a bit and recommend you check it out if you enjoy this and also are into proggy stuff (it only flirts with prog, but it does so quite effectively). Andre Deris really kills it on that one.

[@robertpavlicart1332]

Helloween for sure...a lil less Maiden but still present.

[@47474747able]

Really happy you found out about avenged sevenfold!! Keep it up!

[@bnigh5495]

Yes! I love A7X, and this is such a beautiful song! RIP The Rev, such an amazing drummer, great vocals (screams sometimes, lol). So amazing that you played it as well! Great video, love you, Doug! Thank you so much! I love Metal Mondays! The entire album is good, you really should listen to it.

[@TheSuperSnake313]

So many changes in this song, prob my fav song by them. Thanks Doug

[@Ravenwish1990]

Synyster Gates has a very strong musical theory background from his family. I'm not completely sure about the others. The musical composition is quite clever in most of their music.

[@puppetmaster8551]

Great stuff man, “Save me” is a must do from them.

[@eomerika]

They are incredibly talented musicians

[@alexdkm]

Love your reaction, talent recognize talent!

[@GregsWildlife]

I've been hoping you'd do some Avenged Sevenfold songs, they're my all-time favourite band. There's so many good songs, and such a range of styles throughout their catalogue. Can't wait for you to look at some more of their songs.

[@paulbyrne7617]

Another couple from this band worth a listen- 'Buried Alive' and 'So far away'. Keep the metal Mondays going- some more Judas Priest would be good as well. Cheers

[@FFNOJG]

this really is one of my favorite songs by them! its soooo goooddddddd!

[@ronr149]

Really cool analysis and play along Doug!!

[@Nutty31313]

Great video, I'd highly recommend A Little Piece of Heaven, The Stage and Exist. A Little Piece of Heaven is extremely messed up in lyrics and the imagery in the official video, but compositionally really interesting and fun. The Stage is closer to Afterlife, but with some more progressive themes, and a really powerful music video that I rank as one of my favourite ever. Exist is less popular than the previous two, and is definitely the longest and most progressive at almost 16 minutes, but is also really interesting compositionally.