My First AVENGED SEVENFOLD Experience! Vocal ANALYSIS of "So Far Away" almost left me in tears.

[@chrisnaude2929]

Nightmare as an album is a masterpiece. So many elements that make it absolutely stand alone.

[@TheTheAndreiasantos]

I agree. It's proggy, and proggy is good 😄

[@testok404]

Absolutely agree with you, nightmare is masterpiece alongside waking the fallen and city of evil, solid top 3 album for me

[@MrOasis316]

@@testok404 personaly the self titled album is the best for me. Afterlife, a little piece of heaven and dear god basically show all elements of what the band can do and the rest of the album is fire as well.

[@andrewrethlake8613]

BIG FACTS. Easily the best album

[@JMRxYM]

@@TheTheAndreiasantos I can only imagine the direction they would’ve taken if Jimmy was still here to influence the writing. ❤

[@josey765]

Gunslinger is one of their more underrated songs with a very impressive vocal performance like this one. Worth a listen

[@carljeavons8447]

Yes yes yes yes yes!!!! Live in long beach version !!!

[@cheeserock4]

Yessss my favorite song not only by A7X but also ever.

[@rmaacc25]

Couldn’t agree more!!

[@marybethoriana]

I loved that song. My husband was deployed and it made me feel closer to him.

[@_cineris]

Gunslinger also has more of a "country" feel in the intro, like she said would suit the nasality in his voice. Not only that, it's another of theirs that really tugs on the heartstrings

[@ScottishImmortal]

The crying of Syn's guitar paired with the pain in Matt's vocals is so powerful. The guitar strap you were trying to read says 'foREVer'.

[@EricT3769]

Thank you. I’m watching on my phone’s small screen. That’s awesome.

[@RTSRAZORBACK]

Syn (striped guitar) also got foREVer tattooed across his chest

[@Avenged_foREVer]

Hell yes i changed my youtube name to this way back when nightmare came out and havent changed it since lol. I have one of the red and black striped guitars from 2012 too! It was hard to find because its only one of 50 and i bought one of the last ones available. And im the first owner of it and ive barely played on it. Probly like 50 or 100 hours of play on it.

[@downrighttt]

@@Avenged_foREVer that’s sick man. Desperately want to save up and get a LH version of Syn’s Schecter

[@dethbreederguitars]

His guitar fretboard on this song also said REV instead of the normal SYN he does

[@zichithefox4781]

This song wasn't just a tribute. It was a cry of broken hearts for a lost piece of their whole. Matt's vocals at the ends feel like a man standing on a hill shouting to the heavens to give his brother back.

[@kevinhegwood615]

Damn , well said

[@synysterkatz6911]

The shouting at the end gives me chills every time, such raw emotions

[@jamesfergusson7917]

❤❤❤

[@jas_mandalorian]

this comment gave me goosebumps

[@raaab1212]

I shouted and screamed at the back of my boat 5 am in the morning when i heard the news

[@crnibass1994]

What's really gut wrenching is that Jimmy knew he wasn't gonna live long. He suffered from enlarged heart, and he just knew. There's a song by Avenged Sevenfold called 'Fiction' and Jimmy is singing together with Matt. One of the lyrics say: "Promise me you'll never feel afraid" and then in So Far Away, Matt sings a lyric: "Sleep tight I'm not afraid"... Sends chills down my spine every time I hear it.....

[@WSlopeAggie]

I'm pretty sure So Far Away was actually originally written by Syn, not Jimmy, for his grandpa or something. But the lyrics definitely could've been modified to keep in with Nightmare as a whole.

[@Kerfuffledj]

@@WSlopeAggie you are right, but it was definitely written for the Rev, He whipped it up after they stopped mourning so they could finally get their best album out. and Crni is right about the lyrics... I tear up whenever I hear either one. I can even hear his goofy voice singing along matt in my head. if either of you haven't ventured into Pinkly Smooth, I suggest it. Jimmy lead vocal band for the win.

[@crnibass1994]

@@WSlopeAggie Fiction was written and sang by Jimmy and Matt.

[@1WildNevada]

I hope she listens to Fiction! It's so powerful

[@Kerfuffledj]

​@@1WildNevada it never ceases to bring me to tears. INSANE! even from beyond the grave he was able to create a masterpiece. only those who understood him deeply could have pulled off the album the way they did. It's also an uplifting moment a legend like Mike would do the honors of finishing the studio work. 😭

[@rallyking13]

I’ve come here to vote for A Little Piece Of Heaven. Because a) it’s a brilliant song that showcases the whole band, and b) I want to see Elizabeth’s reaction to the subject matter.

[@Sethmacd0]

That and also the fact that The Rev is the one who wrote it and does all the laugh tracks

[@raoufjigsaw]

Facts

[@adriandrake2720]

Oh man yes it would be so much fun. It's also 8 minutes long so plenty to chew on.

[@timelessninja]

We don't want to scare her away from A7X until she's too hooked to escape. I love A Little Piece of Heaven, but that song is effed up.

[@adriandrake2720]

@@timelessninja Oh yeah that's true. I suspect her video review team will probably steer her away from it (especially the video). It is way too graphic for this channel. But there are plenty of other great songs to pick.

[@metalmark1214]

Guitarist Synyster Gates wrote this song originally for his grandpa but after the band's drummer Jimmy "The Rev" Sullivan was found dead on December 28, 2009 of an accidental opioid overdose, he dedicated it to him. It is Syn's way of saying goodbye to his friend and is the first Avenged Sevenfold song to be written both lyrically and instrumentally by him since "I Won't See You Tonight Pt 1

[@53ryanadams53]

Man I've been in love with this band since the self titled album and this song still make my heart hurt everytime i hear it.

[@gregtheflyingwhale]

Syn does seem like a guy to write I won't see you tonight XD

[@emerje0]

The music video is the short radio version right? Shame because I love the extended ending of the album version.

[@chrismeadows4216]

This song had actually been written in its entirety in 2009 when The Rev had been alive, for Synyster Gates' grandfather Dustin Haner, who had passed away in 2008. Papa Gates, Synyster's father, had recorded the acoustic guitar parts for this song. The song isn't about The Rev. The music video is about The Rev, for fans to relate more to the song.

[@chrismeadows4216]

@@emerje0, there isn't a released short version of So Far Away. There's only the 5:28 album and single version. There are short single versions of Bat Country, Beast and the Harlot, Afterlife, and Dear God, the latter of which you're most likely thinking of.

[@ballpython365]

They didn't just lose a band member, they lost a childhood friend that happened to also be a band member. Every time I watch the music video and it gets to the memorial videos I tear up like a baby. You should listen to Fiction if you haven't already, it was a song written by The Rev and was finished recording very shortly before he passed. Knowing he wrote it right before he passed away is a gut wrenching feeling.

[@jordandubinskas3908]

I agree with this! Please listen to fiction.

[@darcystcorner2580]

This ^

[@guly3584]

It was the last song Jimmy wrote. Matt said he handed it in and said "There, it's' done." He passed away very shortly afterward.

[@zachcampbell3240]

have always felt like fiction was his way of saying goodbye

[@DanielDillard95]

This song still chokes me up after all of these years. I wasn't expecting to be a puddle of tears but here we are. 😅

[@EricNeuls]

dude same, i shouldnt be feeling this much at 11 am lol

[@HeWhoOvercomes]

To this day lol I don’t even really listen to metal anymore, but I always tear up at this song.

[@Cherokeelion]

Still breaks me man.

[@yakbreeder]

I'm not crying, you're crying.

[@devcor]

Damn. I thought I gotten resistent over the years, but nah, the ending of the first chorus got me. Again.

[@chrismeadows4216]

Elizabeth, when you're more familiar with his vocals after a few more Avenged Sevenfold reactions, I strongly recommend Beast and the Harlot (album version or a live performance from 2006), M.I.A. (album version), Dear God (album version), God Hates Us (live at Rock Am Ring 2011), Save Me (album version), and Roman Sky (Live at the Grammy Museum 2017), M. Shadows is definitely a person to reach for a discussion, if you can!!! Matt had been vocally trained by Ron Anderson since the mid-2000s, who had vocally trained W. Axl Rose, Chris Cornell, Myles Kennedy, Hayley Williams, Selena Gomez, Seal, Alicia Keys, and Matt Heafy, among many others!!! Matt has tons to express about vocals which hasn't generally been addressed in interviews of him!!! Matt also has tons to express about technologies which are used to market music!!! Matt is an awesome conversationalist, very polite, very aware, and you'd definitely be able to gleam tons of information from him for others to learn from!!! Matt's one of the greats of the past 25 years!!! You'll have tons of fun!!!

[@douglashenrysr748]

Do a comparison on his voice between Hail to the King & Nightmare/Shepherd Of Fire/Bat Country (to name a few).

[@shadowproductions969]

Save me is a song I think she'd definitely love. Beast and the Harlot is a great song but kind of feels like they've evolved a lot since that.. Buried Alive is another great song and of course Nightmare is another great song.. I even like wild concept songs like Sidewinder that feel like 4 different genres in one song

[@michaelromeo9567]

But why you don't mentions songs where The Rev sings..? 😕 Like critical acclaim live! (The rev singing while drumming! ) Or songs that the Rev heavily composed and looks like a movie OST with very intersting orchestration that would surprise Elizabeth (A little piece of Heaven..! 😉) I LOVE the song you mentionned. But it would be selfish to recommend them and less interesting for a reaction video in my opinion sorry for my English

[@vitorbizerril]

God Hates Us (live at Rock Am Ring 2011) and Save Me (album version) definitely!

[@VeritabIlIti]

@@michaelromeo9567 A Little Piece of Heaven may be a bit much, to be fair... That is just asking for demonetization

[@Greendayboy01]

I Won't see you Tonight Part 1 by Avenged is one of their early songs before Matt blew his voice out and had to learn to sing properly, and its pure emotion and vocal power and ability. A beautiful song and my absolute favorite song of all time

[@gowgowgowgow]

absolute banger

[@puppetmaster8551]

Man I wish vocal coach’s would react to that one, probably features Matt’s most difficult vocals ever. Masterpiece of a song and a hell of a performance by Matt

[@anakinskywalker5838]

Couldn't agree more master

[@Greendayboy01]

@@anakinskywalker5838 wish i didnt leave you for dead then

[@anakinskywalker5838]

@@Greendayboy01 I forgive you. Let's hug and listen to a7x

[@samrichardson9487]

'your pain is gone, your hands untied' what a power piece of empathetic writing.

[@Miragexe]

16:38 I think that's why a lot of metal/rock fans really enjoy this channel because the genre has always just been a bit of an outcast and dismissed as loud/angry/screaming when many of the songs convey feelings, emotions or pain that resonates with people. And I think many people appreciate seeing someone like you look past the rough exterior and give the genre some of the appreciation and acknowledgement it deserves.

[@spooky_basil202]

It’s very refreshing 😁

[@matthewmaas8945]

Very well said.

[@joshualewis393]

Yes. A high number of rock/heavy metal singers can really sing but it's hidden in their deep, ruthless vocals. Corey Taylor (Slipknot/Stone Sour), Matthew Sanders (Avenged Sevenfold), Lzzy Hale (Halestorm) David Draiman (Disturbed) and James Hetfield (Metallica). Just to name a few.

[@moonchildah]

Well said man

[@davidfrischknecht8261]

@@joshualewis393 And we can never forget the late Chris Cornell.

[@LexSevenfold33]

Anyone who has lost someone knows the pain in the vocals. He screams for us all... Love this song

[@kennelson7559]

Seize the Day is another one I think you'll really enjoy. It shows his softer vocals throughout, similar to this song, then he hits you with some 'wailing' towards the end and effortlessly drops back into the softer range.

[@veerodriguez1751]

Great choice

[@mattcyr2109]

@@veerodriguez1751 Seize the day is 100000% the one I think she should listen to its so perfect.

[@chrismeadows4216]

It's a masterful song vocally!!! Most A7X fans know that M.'s bridge vocals are incredible!!! M.'s backing vocals and outro vocals are beyond them!!! Elizabeth will have tons to appreciate in it!!!

[@DekkarJr]

give her something harder - Bat Country !

[@chrismeadows4216]

@@DekkarJr, it should be clarified that the video of Bat Country definitely shouldn't be its music video, because it uses the radio edit of the song, which has significant cuts.

[@teejay2468]

This song always brings me to tears. I would vote for "Buried alive", still a bunch of vocal highs but damn a lot of guitars.

[@THECaptainPlanetHD]

Buried alive is a masterpiece.

[@tharob]

Absolutely, do buried alive

[@THECaptainPlanetHD]

@Ddsko indeed

[@jennylynn8314]

Favorite song of A7X

[@Twinspinner]

They did an unplugged show at the Grammy museum, and their performance of Roman Sky was just absolutely perfect, and you get an even more unfiltered version of Matt's voice

[@wallacesantos0]

I hope she revisits this song in this version in the future

[@gustavos.9177]

up

[@samirshirani]

I go back to that roman sky version just for acoustic solos. Man, they're just perfect!

[@suspect794]

Rock Am Ring 2011, God Hates Us live is one of my favourite A7X live performance

[@VampireSniper97]

Dope imma have to check that out

[@mitchcavanaugh7796]

I still can't watch this video without crying. He was the heart and soul of the band. A songwriter, backup vocalist.....the glue that kept everything together. His loss has been incredibly difficult to move on from.

[@Darth_MoonMoon]

I'm sitting here crying also, it hurts so much

[@daavigiroux]

It's crazy how I still cry watching this after all this time...

[@deacon19899]

Yes I remember watching them live at download fest I was in tears but it was very healing too

[@misfitdad4073]

Same. So hard to contain emotions to this song

[@beckyheath5412]

Yeah same and when I've seen this live they put all the vids/ pics of the rev up and I'm there in audience in tears along with like 99.9% of the rest 😢😢

[@GonerWind]

yes!! Finally sevenfold is being covered on this channel. M Shadows is definitely one of my favorite vocalists. Rest in Peace James Owen Sullivan foREVer (Edit) If I could make a request for more A7X, it would be St. James. Another tribute but this time a positive look back on the legacy The Rev left behind.

[@douglashenrysr748]

Can you imagine Elizabeth listening to "Little Piece of Heaven"? Lol

[@digitalmouse3314]

Agreed

[@chriscrocker3976]

Omg little piece of heaven haha

[@masterv2041]

@@douglashenrysr748 We just listened to a tribute to the Rev. Why not get a reaction to Rev's masterpiece?

[@susanconstable2113]

To me he is about as good as Chester- voice of an angel and scream of a demon!

[@sarakruse3294]

I gott tell you something about this band. They started their Nightmare tour unofficially in Puerto Rico. This was their first appearance after Jimmy died, and I did my damn best to be there. When they played this song.... I can not describe the unbelievable sadness that overtook every single one of us when we heard them. And we just stood there, quiet, hearing them pour their sadness over us more than us enjoying them sing for that whole song. We just stood there and let them grieve publicly, and we joined them in mourning the loss of lead lyricist, badass, and the driving force of who AX7 was. It was honestly the most heart-wrenching moment in my life. I haven't gone to a concert since and I will not go to any concert after this moment. It was lethargic in a healing way but not overly so. I still hurt his loss. As a drummer myself, I enjoyed him and his approach, and it just devastated me in a way I still can not explain. 12 years later, and I am still hurting. I can not imagine how they still must feel.

[@tiffymcconkey]

Thank you for sharing this

[@TacNuke951]

you should see them again if you get a chance, the Rev would be so proud of the band they've become

[@H1DDENASSASSIN]

I grew up with A7X and when news broke that the REV passed it was devastating to all the fans. This song showed me how to handle grief in my own life and if they could do it so could I.

[@themoondog6567]

That was about the time I found about A7X. Nightmare was just starting to play on the radio, and then I learned about the Rev.

[@DekkarJr]

I learned about it because I'm a Dream Theater fan and heard that after Mike Portnoy left he filled in for a tour or two on drums for The Rev. I got into them around then I think? They aren't super technical enough for me but I love their hits, Bat Country is a rockin song for sure. RIP to the rev. Drugs suck :/

[@plebisMaximus]

@@DekkarJr You should check out the new album if the old stuff isn't technical enough for you. Exist is an incredible track.

[@juanrosario4612]

My personal favorite song from A7X is “Afterlife”. His vocals are just so powerful in that song and there’s just nothing bad about any part of the song

[@rubemevangelista3868]

The Rev vocals in that song 😭

[@BoomDawk]

Their best song in my opinion. The vocals from shadow and rev, and just the pure talent from gates in the guitar. it truly is an incredible song.

[@ChillnVilln_]

@@BoomDawk Talent from Gates and Zacky. They trade guitar parts back and forth through the whole song and solos. It's one of my favorites.

[@NaomiMoonMusic]

That's my favourite too 😁

[@alishatoleu4062]

Afterlife and buried alive the best

[@True_Rarity]

The Rev was an insane drummer. He really was like Portnoy Jr. when he played, and Portnoy definitely did the band the truest justice on the Nightmare album. Jimmy will always be known in history as a drumming legend.

[@treznorNSFW]

insane and unique as hell. bat country

[@lindso7959]

The fact that you are picking up on all the subtle clues of “The Rev” shows not only your attention to detail but the fact that you’re understanding the emotional view of the song.

[@M3WT-va]

Alright here's your next four in no particular order: Fiction - The last song the Rev wrote and recorded before he passed, pay attention particularly to when he says "Promise me you won't be afraid" and think about this song and how M says "Sleep tight I'm not afraid" Nightmare - Title track of the album, killer song, absolute masterpiece Dear God - You mentioned his voice being suitable for country with the nasality and this song is an even better show of it A Little Piece of Heaven - shows off more of the Rev's vocals and the subject matter is... Something to behold lol

[@jakecox1398]

What he said plus carry on and a i wont see you tonight

[@benscott7476]

Dear god is absolutely beautiful 🙏🔥

[@benscott7476]

@@jakecox1398 and victim

[@tylerjones3894]

AND the Rev sang in it which makes it that much more

[@manofyourdreams481]

@@benscott7476 and afterlife

[@nathanrodriguez914nr]

I absolutely love that you research bands and the history and meanings of songs. It's a sign of respect that might not mean much, but to the fans, it means a lot.

[@stevewade3313]

I think that is what makes her videos stand out for me above some others that I have seen.

[@chrismeadows4216]

Elizabeth's greatest assets as a KZbinr are her considerations, her keen observations, her many practical vocal experiences, her abilities to clarify her thoughts and emotions, her emotive facial expressions, and her amazing editing skills!!! She's one of a kind which only she is!!!

[@jodiemanthei6160]

I don’t know how anyone can listen to/watch this and not sob uncontrollably. The pain is raw and real. What a beautiful tribute to The Rev…he truly was a force of nature. They actually wrote a fun song about him called St. James that I just love. I would also highly recommend Unholy Confessions, Afterlife, and Almost Easy.

[@LILJROD90]

It’s gotten easier over time but you do still get a lump in your throat watching it

[@BlenderMage]

I have a rule with my music, we don't skip St. James. No matter what mood I'm in, I never skip it because it's a disservice to the memory of the Rev

[@baconshreds1772]

I recently attended a funeral for my best friends sister who lost her life in a robbery. The whole family are metalheads, myself included. This was one of the songs on the Playlist that day. It was unreal how well the subject matter fit with capturing how they felt. Ill never hear this song the same way again, it has multiple meanings to my friends and I. Truly a beautiful piece.

[@TheGucc1]

For the first time?!?! Please listen to them play this live at the grammy museum you wont regret it. Song makes me cry every time

[@kristianjohnson8787]

Posted the link 👍

[@markworley8068]

You've got one heck of a rabbit hole to fall down here with A7X. From earlier stuff where Matt's voice was still really fresh like Unholy Confession or I Won't See You Tonight to something that shows his octave and vocal range like Bat Country, Hail To The King or Almost Easy. There's A LOT to choose from! Take us on your journey with you. I think they'll really climb up you liked bands list. Especially with their melodies and harmonies that always end up fitting so well

[@slaterbater1988]

Another amazing song on this album called Victim- "House full of roses A letter on the stairs A tape full of messages For anyone who cares Collage of broken words and stories full of tears Remembering your life 'Cause we wish that you were here" The Rev was the founding member... they were together since they were teenagers. Such a sad story. Love him. Love them. Probably my all time favorite band

[@s4dowgames926]

they got a lot of songs in which they mention rev in such beautiful and powerful ways - save me, victim, ... (basically the whole nightmare album was made in memory of him), st james, acid rain...

[@slaterbater1988]

@@s4dowgames926 yep yep. Powerful stuff

[@karmakrusader1674]

Definitely vote for "Buried Alive" next, not only is it my personal favorite. But the Vocalist, M. Shadows said that he enjoys performing it live the most of their songs.

[@willvel81]

The first time I cam across Avenged Sevenfold was when I was in Iraq (2010/2011). They came out to do a show for the military and the reason they came was because their fallen drummer always wanted to perform for the soldiers and they wanted to honor his request. They were awesome live and they were blown away by the amount of soldiers that came out to see them. They were expecting like maybe 100 and over 1000 showed up.

[@alibenamerr]

Is there any footage or something ?

[@BFMV34002]

Yes I would love to see a video of this! I bet it was a fantastic show

[@DlMLEZ]

Haha “safe head banging” as Matt said

[@lennydan81]

No freaking way! I fell in love with this band while in Afghanistan in 2011!

[@albertstroh6401]

I saw them at COB Adder in Talil. That show solidified me as a lifelong fan.

[@kevinhunt3311]

The guitar strap said foREVer. This whole album hit hard for me. The band I was in for a long time was dealing with the death of our guitarist when this was released. For us, our band didn’t survive his passing. We tried but every practice I think we were all waiting for him to walk in. Lots of great songs from A7X. Unholy Confessions, Scream, Afterlife, Bat Country, Beast and the Harlot. Someone mentioned you can hear The Rev sing in A Little Piece of Heaven. He also sings in Critical Acclaim and is also the main vocals in Fiction. Enjoy your Avenged journey!

[@williamkramer9731]

It was sad, but almost full circle..... if I recall, Mike was Revs biggest influence, and many people analyzed a lot of similar styles in his playing. So for Mike to come in and play, and do it justice, by sticking to what the Rev wrote, only adding fills, that stayed true to the Revs style, was amazing...... would've rather still had Rev, obviously, but there was no better fill in for the album.

[@GNelson1989]

This band is a perfect example of how people evolve and change, if you go back to their old stuff and then instantly change into something like their self-titled album you'll notice how they changed over time and how M Shadows found his true voice.

[@thecrowing1989]

I am an huge Avenged Sevenfold fan, and the fact that you caught that it says "REV" on his guitar is huge. It normally says "SYN" for Synester Gates, the guitarist playing it. Big props for catching that detail.

[@LadyMistborn]

tbh they've been one of my favorite bands since like 09ish and I never noticed it said REV in this vid until now

[@thecrowing1989]

@@LadyMistborn Me too! And I just noticed your name, are you a fan of the Mistborn series? I just finished Book 1, The Final Empire two days ago! Very odd coincidence to see your user name.

[@LadyMistborn]

@@thecrowing1989 Omg yes I love Mistborn and everything Brandon Sanderson has made so far, that's a crazy coincidence The way most of his series are tied together in the same universe is so so cool I can't say literally anything without spoilers, but those 7 books are probably my favorite series out of any book or TV show ECT Michael Kramer doing the audiobooks really brings them to life too, he's amazing at doing all the voices and accents and making every character distinct like it's a separate voice actor

[@schxzoid]

"Seize The Day" is also a great ballad from them. The videoclip is also devastating. There's something about your voice and tone that's always so relaxing. Keep up the great work :)

[@driddordark7902]

I love how Mike Portnoys' sharp drumming blends in in the song and makes it more dramatic. Also i love the whole Album and this song in particular.

[@darkhoursofday6250]

Portnoy is amazing. His stuff on Images and Words with Dream Theater is still some of the best drumming ever.

[@hannahshalvey9879]

Not me crying just watchig you watch this. Also if no one had said it already, the guitar strap says 'foREVer', its like a staple remembrance thing the band and community created to honor his memory. The Rev was the reason I became a drummer; his death was very impactful on me, and I think this song truly captures the love the band and the fans had for him.

[@dylanhayes2271]

I've got the jersey tattoo on my tricep. The Rev was a huge inspiration to me, too.

[@DaenysT]

I’m 28 now but this band was 90% of my formative years. I remember watching as much Behind the Scenes clips as I could find on KZbin because I loved this band so much. Me and my friend group were DEVASTATED when he passed. My bf even got the Rev’s haircut. Listening to this song, and seeing the real clips really takes me back 😢

[@TheTheAndreiasantos]

A7x is still one of my favorite bands after several years. Dear God and Seize the Day are also beautiful, amazing soft songs. They are so great in both heavier and softer realms ❤️❤️

[@DMRankin]

Seize the Day live in the LBC is M Shadows greatest vocal performance imo

[@joevk6274]

Dear God surprised me when I first heard it because it's a full-on Country song, which I was not expecting from them. But it's an awesome song. Seize the Day is straight up GnR and awesome as well. The video for it even had a GnR feel to it.

[@TheTheAndreiasantos]

@@joevk6274 Yeah, nice observations! Dear God is really something different from their stuff. I love when bands are diverse and yet you have no doubt it's them in every song! About Seize the Day, I never noticed that and now I totally see it! Maybe bcs I was never really a fan of GnR but they surely take inspiration from them.

[@Nour-wd6to]

11:32 Matt's voice is extremely powerful, So powerful he holds the mic at an arm's length when he screams in concerts and it still sounds VERY loud

[@chrismeadows4216]

It helps tons with clarity. Matt would get all sorts of feedback if he'd belt point blank into a Shure SM mic.

[@Fieldaqua]

It's been so much years but I still can cry on this video. RIP Rev. 🖤🖤🖤

[@NFCSiLENCE]

Yes. Everytime I watch this video and they start to show moments with him I get goosebumps and everytime Synester starts to sing with his guitar and Shadows starts these powerful lyrics I also get goosebumps. Even after hear this song a thousand times

[@kuyevon]

14 years later and I still feel The Rev's passing. He was the reason I ever picked up the drums. He will always be my idol.

[@Rocknlikeahurricane]

It's really wonderful to see someone from a more sophisticated musical background have such a clear appreciation for the things that make this song so heartbreaking and beautiful. The little voice break at 18:05 tells you all you need to know. From a lifetime fan who's been lucky enough to see this song performed live, thank you for this expert analysis and showcase. Rest in peace, Jimmy. foREVer.

[@BrianStuf]

you can also see at 18:41 that he genuinely looks like he's about to burst out in tears. I couldnt even begin to imagine the pain they all went through. they all must have been devastated.

[@beastxandxthexharlot]

i am always still impressed at how well they do this song live on tour. Even after all these years, you can see the pain and yet joy in the memory on their faces. I saw them live last week though and I was fucking DEAD cuz Johnny was in this shirt that was depicting female oral........ ya know... and they KEPT CUTTING TO HIM ON THE JUMBO SCREENS IN THIS SHIRT! and I was fucking laughing my ass off.. of all the songs to just FOCUS ON THE BASSIST! hahahah

[@dionie1177]

I wasn't prepared, I thought I was prepared but I wasn't. I cried throughout, and I'm glad you enjoyed. ♥

[@rideordie750]

Avenged Sevenfold Live in Long Beach April 10, 2008 was by far their best performance when they were all together and really displays their raw natural talent. Every one of those songs from that set was amazing.

[@jessiesmyth1949]

Ugh, the powerful pain in his voice towards the end always makes me cry 😢 This is a very personal song to the band, but anyone who has lost someone can relate to the grief expressed ❤

[@thoma9410]

"A Little Piece of Heaven" is probably my favorite song from them. You can hear the Rev sing in that song as well, and it has a lot of layers to it.

[@masterv2041]

That is basically Rev's masterpiece. He was basically involved in every part of writing and styling that song.

[@jordanray6459]

Definitely their best song imo, an accidental masterpiece that was started as a joke!

[@theresilientspud]

Shes gonna love the video 😆

[@chrismeadows4216]

@@masterv2041, it's common to believe this, but ultimately on the album, The Rev hadn't played the recorded piano parts which he'd demoed, and Steve Bartek from Oingo Boingo had done the horn arrangements of the song. The Rev's vocals, a few of Matt's vocals writing-wise, and drums are The Rev's doing. Everything else about A Little Piece of Heaven is collaborative. M. Shadows had completed the song's concepts, written lyrics, and revised The Rev's lyrics, Synyster Gates had written guitar parts, and Johnny Christ had written bass guitar parts.

[@morsecodex]

lots of people are recommending "a little piece of heaven" and I totally understand why- it's a wild song and has some incredible vocals, but I personally would LOVE to see you react to "Unholy Confessions" because it's one of their earliest songs, and the music video is one that will really help you understand how deeply this band is loved and how much they love their fans.

[@tetsuoshema]

I agree, it also showcases all the things he does with his voice, his scream, his low gutteral, his clean soft and loud, and his soft nasal tones all in one.

[@lakeshoresubtleties]

Unholy Confessions or Chapter Four.

[@kennethmoore427]

This band is simply amazing. They are probably in my top 2 of metal bands of all time. All of them true musicians. They were childhood friends. What are the odds of all that talent in one place. They sing metal, country stuff. They loved Metallica and their song “Hail to the King”. Is a tribute to Metallica if you want to hear them rock out.

[@sophd.7230]

I cry everytime I watch this video, ugh what a great song. M shadows voice just tears me up

[@mattroxbury2691]

If you enjoyed this give “I won’t see you tonight pt 1” a listen. There’s not much as far as videos to react to, but it is an epic ballad that you would probably really enjoy!

[@papyschulys]

This song... gets to me everytiime..!!

[@oliverolivar7884]

Absolutely! The second part of the song really showcases his vocal range. This one and also Tonight the World Dies.

[@timsisel3563]

Yes this one! It has all of M Shadows' range and the piano and guitar and everything in it is amazing! Please this song!

[@NotZahidatall]

Yeah bro i heard that song being a fan of a7x since 2020 i was thinking that song is just a normal song but when i heard that song it was a banger ❤🤘🏽

[@Dhowl101]

I wont see you tonight pt 1 and so far away were for a long time the only 2 songs synyster gates exclusively wrote. Man of few words but god damn can he write an emotional song.

[@nstied]

I lost my 94 year old grandfather and both my dogs within 6 months, when I was 36. Losing someone like that as an adult was more like losing a parent, and then a few months later holding my two dogs as they both simultaneously died in my arms absolutely crushed me. I can’t listen to this song without remembering them and breaking down. It’s a fantastic work, and every time I listen to it I’m flooded with both happy memories and overwhelming pain.

[@KryptiKFred]

They wrote something so personal and yet so universal. In the last couple years I lost my best friend and my dad. This song always helps me acknowledge and purge the pain of that loss, but I always feel a little better afterwards. Great band and great song.

[@X3Andy]

I lost my dad back in 2007 and the song Fallen by Volbeat helped me soooo much with that. Wish you well.

[@hbabycakes]

It's amazing how many times I can hear this song and it still brings so much emotion. Amazingly written, much like a lot of their music, but this in a more unique way than their other stuff.

[@dudaajunges]

Omg can't believe you finally reacted to Avenged Sevenfold! And you chose this song, I'm all tears righ now. This is one of the most emotionally heavy songs I've ever heard, it gets me every single time. Making chorus to the other comments: you should definitely choose the next A7X song from the live in the LBC. M. Shadows's voice is probably what you were expecting in the beggining of this video, and you'd also have the opportunity to hear The Rev singing in some of the songs. P.S.: what's written in Jonny Christ's strap was "foREVer"

[@vdi419]

hell yeah live in the LBC is the one

[@hwzeiler9726]

You could listen to A7X - Fiction, which if I recall was written and recorded almost exclusively by Jimmy and handed over to the band a couple of days before his passing as a farewell. He wrote, recorded the piano and then the drums before doing the vocals himself. M.Shadows added vocals but not much else was done (note especially the lack of other instruments). It is an incredibly emotional song to listen to and you can feel so much pain in Jimmy's voice. This song, So Far Away, is a response to his farewell in Fiction.

[@gabrielberilli6581]

This is one of the many tributes they have to Jimmy 'The Rev' Sullivan, I think you could do an analysis of a song with The Rev, one of my favorites is Critical Acclaim live at LBC, in this song you can hear all the power of Matt's vocals and also Jimmy sings a part on this song it's just incredible.

[@chrismeadows4216]

Most Avenged Sevenfold fans recommend A7X's Live at The LBC performances to reactors, but it feels out of place for an opera singer and vocal coach like Elizabeth to react to a performance which is overdubbed and missing half of its vocals which are in its studio version. Most of the message of the song is in Matt's post-chorus political rants. It's lost in that performance of it. The Rev's singing in the chorus of Critical Acclaim hadn't been as clean in the actual Taste of Chaos 2008 performance in Long Beach Center. The Rev had re-recorded it in a studio because he'd experienced chest pains for most of 2008 due to his health and Warner Brothers Records have quality policies on DVD releases being pristine. It seems like a lost effort for Elizabeth to react to anything from A7X's Live at The LBC over studio versions and unedited footage from streamed A7X live performances.

[@Kaden_532]

Wow! How'd I forget about Critical Acclaim when I wrote my recommendations earlier. It's such a banger.

[@dirtbikenike]

As a life long fan of A7X this song brings tears every time I hear it. Seeing them preform this live with the old footage of the band is amazing.

[@duffyt26]

When I went to see Maiden in 2008 at Ullevi (Sweden) these guys were the pre-act and I was caught by surprise because I had been hearing a few of their songs on a rock radio station during the prior months. Had no idea they were there to play. Could not believe my ears as they started playing, from the getgo, perfect sound and voice live that easily matched the pre-recorded versions of the songs I recognized. It was their first international tour. Me and my dad saw Maiden, obviously great, but what stuck with me the most as we left was how f-ing great Avenged Sevenfold were live.

[@Neo2k7]

"I won't see you tonight, Part 1" is one of their first and greatest songs, TONS of raw emotion

[@natedanaste]

Part two is great too!

[@samuelpaquin7160]

OMG IM SO HYPED TO SEE THAT REACTION! This band has a special place in my heart and i love seeing people enjoying what i like.

[@AnneBeamish]

This is so beautiful. I am new to this band as well and I have so much respect for them.

[@TheSynvalen]

My brother passed a few months ago and I’ve been thinking of a way to honor him and I rediscovered this song and I was just starting to practice it for a talent show coming up in the spring. It’s a great song and it has so much emotion and I can relate so hard to it just that feeling of wanting to say so much but their so far away. It’s a beautiful song

[@PineappleZBS]

So sorry for your loss 💔 and good luck in the talent show. Your brother would be very proud of you

[@marinemomma62]

My sincere condolences to you. This song is beautiful. Prayers for you and your family 🙏🙏🙏

[@boogalo781]

Sorry you had to go through so much sorrow already. Great song choice for the talent show though. Best of luck

[@wickedwings7611]

I'm so sorry for your loss 💔 and kick ass at the talent show! 🤘🏻🤘🏻❤

[@chardeemacdennis3852]

Sorry for your loss

[@thorgaming3477]

As far as Avenged Sevenfold (A7X) is concerned, I HIGHLY recommend anything from their Live in the LBC video. This was when The Rev was alive and he sang a ton of backing vocals live. The pairing of Shadows and Rev's vocals is amazing. My top 3 from LBC is Critical Acclaim, Second Heartbeat, and A Little Piece of Heaven. Great video, always coming back for more.

[@thepiromaster3901]

Until the End from the b side is my absolute a7x fav.

[@chrismeadows4216]

Unfortunately, The Rev's vocals on Critical Acclaim and A Little Piece of Heaven in Live at The LBC aren't his vocals from Avenged Sevenfold's Taste of Chaos 2008 Long Beach Center concert. There's fan-shot footage of it, and his vocals in it are different. They'd been re-recorded in a studio for the DVD and aren't examples of The Rev singing live. A7X's The Key Club 2007 concert is a pro-shot concert from A7X's self-titled era which A7X are entirely live in.

[@Theportraitdude]

I'm a drummer. Hitting things with sticks and rhythm make sense to me and singing / harmonies mystify me. That being said I don't understand a lot of the terminology you use, but I love the emotion I see when you listen to a song and get excited about something I didn't even notice. It's something I can fully appreciate when I hear a song with a drum part that my friends don't get, but I know how had it is to do that properly with everything else going on. Thank you for pulling back the curtain of vocals to let folks like me see a glimpse of the world you live in and share your love of music in a very unique and real way. Your efforts are seen and appreciated - please keep doing what you are doing.

[@chrismeadows4216]

You may be interested to watch a few of Dave Grohl's interviews. He describes how he plays guitar and sings as different notes and different chords being played being like hitting certain drums or cymbals on a drum kit. Music is all interconnected. Certain terminologies make different instruments seem alien, but they all relate to different terminologies. What you recognize as a roll, guitarists and vocalists recognize as vibrato. What you recognize as a flamb, guitarists and vocalists recognize as a hammer-on or staccato. What you recognize as a rim shot, guitarists and vocalists recognize as a harmonic or falsetto. I play seven instruments (guitar, drums, piano, trumpet, clarinet, saxophone, and harmonica) and sing, and I don't use many terminologies myself to develop techniques because I prefer to instinctually understand mechanics, but I understand most terminologies and how everything relates. Learning mechanisms to apply them efficiently is fascinating!!! Elizabeth is exceptionally gifted!!!

[@thefakefrydryce6304]

This band was the biggest inspiration for me growing up. Got me through tough times and both synyster and jimmy made me want to become a musician. Seeing the rev past then watching this video made me ball my eyes out. I can’t watch the music video without crying and it’s been years since his passing. One of the best and most beautiful ballads in metal history

[@michaelirwin7258]

A tribute song is only truly good when written from the heart and you feel it in the lyrics and the cry of instruments. This one is one, for me, that exceeds that level. This is one of those songs in my play list I never skip.

[@That_Cajun_Guy]

Saw them back in '06 at the HOB in New Orleans. They were amazing live. One of the best concerts I've ever been to. Rev and Syn blew us away in person... was something to see for sure.

[@heytallman]

A7X has some real fun songs. I would HIGHLY recommend "A Little Piece of Heaven" as a buckwild showcase for both creative songwriting and highlighting The Rev's vocals too. The Rev had an incredible voice too! You could get a lot of videos out of their stuff overall though, can't wait for more!

[@palo4117]

Live @LBC is it

[@DrDoomrider]

This. ☝️

[@matthewbutcher5050]

🎉

[@Chonas96Dh]

Live at LBC

[@rebelwithoutaclue7667]

I cannot say enough how much I want to see a reaction to Little Piece of Heaven 😂

[@Darth_Sepharious]

I'm not crying you're crying. RIP Rev. I know how hard this was for all of them. My favorite band.

[@ViibesGames]

A7X got me through so much in my younger years, will love them forever and I'm so glad you got introduced to them! Take a look at the "Live in LBC" show/album , it has some of Matt's greatest vocals imo! R.I.P REV

[@dkaulitz13]

I am SO excited for this!This band has been a part of my life since highschool. I'm 35 now. I still remember the day he passed and it was absolutely DEVASTATING. RIP Rev ❤️

[@dantekazuma]

Avenged Sevenfold was my gateway band into metal, and The Rev was my inspiration to start playing drums. I was incredibly sad when he died, and this song still to this day gives me chills

[@calypsoraz4318]

I haven't heard this song in a while. Always makes me cry. Glad to see you appreciate his beautiful voice.

[@LucasGabriel-xz8nk]

If you would like to hear another beautiful and deep song, I would recommend you to listen to "Victim". Another of their songs that is similar to So Far Away in meaning and one of their best songs ever is from the same album and it's called "Save me". Both of them are quite long but definitely worth it. I loved your reaction, please continue!!!!!

[@LucasGabriel-xz8nk]

I would also like to recommend "Strength of the world", its probably my favorite song from them

[@cw9515]

Yeah this song still gives me goosebumps even after all these years later. Just so powerful

[@limhiblackburn7168]

M Shadows might be the absolute best at vocal compression, Syn is a legend on guitar his slides are phenomenal. Thank you for picking this song. I listened to this on repeat after one of my closest friends passed by drowning.

[@personsmith9849]

Loved this reaction. Would love to hear more from them!

[@Arke_PG]

This song never fails to make me cry, there's so much emotion shown. A beautiful tribute to a clearly well loved friend

[@TalanXavier]

Avenged Sevenfold is one of my favorite bands. I was lucky enough to see The Rev playing with them at Ozzfest in 2006. This song in particular is one that hit me hard after my mother passed away in August last year. Yesterday would have been her birthday. Thank you for this reaction.

[@ChuckRusty]

To this day, I still can't make it through this video without tears running down my face by the end of it. Sooooooo happy you have finally been able to listen to Avenged Sevenfold. You'll continue to be amazed by their music as you hear more, I can promise you that.

[@paulvalenti2279]

As someone who’s been a fan of them for 18years and now such a big fan of yours, I’m so happy you checked one of their songs out and loved it. This song shows so much heart. I cried the whole time watching this video. So thank you. Two songs i think you’ll like are Seize the Day and Save Me. Hope you like them. 🥹🥹🥹

[@LauraNozkla]

I wish I could go back to listening to this song for the first time. It gave me chills, you can feel the song, feel his emotion, through his voice. Beautiful. They did the rev proud with this one. You should definitely give more of their songs a listen!

[@Pingkonk]

I’m of the belief that M Shadows has one of the absolute best, most powerful voices in modern music. They have soooo many good songs. Try Afterlife, Dear God, Unholy Confessions, A little piece of heaven, Sidewinder, MIA, Scream. The list goes ON

[@jacksonsteele5084]

Okay this is my post viewing comment. It was such a treat to get to experience the emotion of this video with you. 13 years later and this song still puts tears in my eyes and a lump in my throat. I stand by "Little Piece of Heaven" as a must react vid. However you should also check out their live performance at the Grammy museum of this song. These next ones are recommendations to listen to, even if we don't get a reaction vid. "Afterlife" is the most quintessential A7X sound. In a band as diverse as them, this is the song that defines what it means to be A7X in my opinion. "Dear God" and "Gunslinger" both tap into a bit of a western feel as you mentioned in the video. "Unholy Confessions" is arguably their best song from one of metalcore's most definitive albums in the early 2000's, and showcases the band's heavier side before they changed up their sound. I hope this is the start of a new love for a wonderful band for you!

[@darkrams9653]

My grandmother passed around the same time this music video came out. We were very close and when she passed it felt like my whole world fell apart, i watched the music video and i was tearing up but when it came to the guitar solo with showing memories of jimmy i broke down crying thinking of my grandmother. It helped me coop with her loss, this song still hits me in the feels.

[@rainbowshane3603]

I did not expect to well up in tears to start my morning. Dang. I've already been listening to this song for a while, but there's just something different watching someone else experience it for the first time that brings up a ton of emotion. I'm glad you got to experience the song and M Shadows' amazing vocals.

[@syl3ntjay]

After The Rev passed, the band went a few years without performing in Anaheim (their hometown) because they just couldn't cope returning home missing a family member to perform where EVERYTHING started for them, it's heartbreaking really.

[@pokerfacevinny]

A7x seems underrated for some odd reason, they're fantastic musicians. Personally I recommend in no particular order, The stage, Roman sky, Dear God, Almost easy, afterlife, unholy confessions, welcome to the family, gunslinger and chapter 4. If you listen to the different albums from oldest to newest you can really hear shadows vocal technique change and improve over the years

[@dymbag1]

Hell yeah dude. The stage is such an awesome song. The unplugged version of Roman sky is killer to

[@williamkramer9731]

Mostly, I think it was having some of the most annoying fanboys out there, early in their career. It turned a lot out people away from them. Very talented and enjoyable band though

[@chrismeadows4216]

Hell yes!!! These are great A7X recommendations!!!

[@chrismeadows4216]

@@dymbag1, Elizabeth will definitely love A7X's acoustic performances!!!

[@chrismeadows4216]

@@williamkramer9731, most annoying A7X fanboys likely hadn't even been committed fans of A7X. With most artists' fanbases, there are many unstable people who own the artist's merchandise, enjoy a few of the artist's songs, feel that the artist's newest music is the best of their career, and they're often not people who know every song which the artist has released. They're often hyped about newness. If you have conversations with many annoying A7X fanboys who had been around then, many will say that Sounding the Seventh Trumpet is a bad album, many will complain about everything which A7X have released after Waking the Fallen or City of Evil, many will say that they haven't listened to A7X since The Rev had died, many will say that A7X had sold out with Hail to the King, and many will say that they don't like A7X because M. Shadows is invested in NFTs. These people really can't be reflections of A7X if they aren't committed to enjoying A7X's music. A7X having annoying fanboys doesn't mean that they create annoying music for annoying people. Judgmental associations are issues of people who judge. Someone having misconceptions of A7X or any other artists has little to do with A7X or any other artists. It's shallow projection.

[@TheDylls]

Jimmy may have passed, but you never truly die until the final time that someone says your name out loud. You "brought Jimmy back" with this video... Thank you ❤

[@suspect794]

Theres no music video for it, but I think Tonight the World Dies is M Shadows best vocal performance, he was perfect the entire album actually imo

[@bradsimpson9396]

Nice to see some A7x on this channel!! Yes, this song is a tribute to The Rev, and not only was he a key member, they all grew up together. Jimmy was a supremely talented drummer and a great songwriter. If you hear songs like “Afterlife”, “Critical Acclaim” or their opus “A Little Piece of Heaven”, you’ll hear The Rev do backup vocals as well! Good choice Elizabeth!

[@OvExX]

you got me in tears rn... its been a while since i cried with this song and you reminded me why. thank you

[@dougspence6710]

Ok, this might be a long post. I didn’t realize you had already reviewed this song. It’s one that makes my cry ever time I listen to it. My sister was murdered shortly before this album came out. I made a tribute slide show to her using this song. I was already a fan of Avenged Seven Fold before the loss of the Rev and my sister. This song is doubly emotional for me. It makes me cry but I love it so much. Your break down of it had me balling once again, in a cathartic way. Thanks for your insight.

[@abeldiaz3877]

I'm so glad that you finally got to A7X. This song gets me every time, especially when I'm watching the video. Any song you pick will be awesome to analyze, as the lead vocalist has this amazing variety of tricks under his sleeve, or his tongue should I say. I didn't really care about the band in their first two albums, but it was after the third one that I fell in love with their metal/pop style. Lyrics are outstanding in every single one of their songs. The poetry and the arranging serving it is just phenomenal. If you don't mind long songs (10+ minutes) , I'd say you analyze "M.I.A." One of, if not my favorite piece of art from the band.

[@vdi419]

i love mia but its shorter than 10 mins

[@abeldiaz3877]

@@vdi419 you're absolutely right. It's been so long since I've heard A7X. I need to go down that rabbit hole again.

[@vdi419]

@@abeldiaz3877 you won't regret it

[@cirriustech]

I haven’t listened to A7X For far too long and I know this is gonna have me playing them a lot in the next few days! You picked a great song to be introduced to them! This song always destroys me emotionally - it always reminds me of people I’ve lost to suicide for some reason. Hauntingly beautiful, but also soaring and uplifting in a way too!

[@jackbeckett2838]

I'd highly recommend you check out anything from their live in the LBC show, Afterlife has some wonderful harmonies. A Little Piece of Heaven is also a must. I'm not even a big fan of theirs but that is one of the greatest live performances I've ever seen. Stunning vocals and there was a real magic in the air.

[@devcor]

YES. While they really DO have LOTS of great songs, A Little Piece of Heaven is an absolute masterpiece. It's really not a joke when people say it's their Bohemian Rhapsody -- it really is. Compositionally, the song is just beyond.

[@reubenlane]

agreed. such an incredible live show

[@ImRobertVallejo]

A Little Piece of Heaven truly deserves a TCV review. Bold creative vocals, a bunch of parts to go through, and she can actually listen to The Rev singing. And he wrote the thing! Jimmy was quite a character and a very talented guy. I would recommend the music video over the LBC show because, well, the shock value 😀

[@maaaaajin]

Agreed! Amazing concert.

[@abeldiaz3877]

@@ImRobertVallejo I agree, though I don't know whether the content of the video would be allowed in the channel. It's very explicit.

[@mrdanker6756]

Ive heard songs like these over a hundred times through the years, and it all kinda just blurs into a familiar background noise. So I love seeing your fresh and extremely detailed perspectives, but also the excitement and emotional reactions. It helps me appreciate old music with a new point of view

[@justsomeguy727]

Glad you're keeping an open mind about it :)