The Gong Reacts to AVENGED SEVENFOLD - "Nobody" Reaction

Will I give Avenged Sevenfold the gong?
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Edited by Andrew Jackson and Trey Xavier
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[@Roonagu]

I will always prefer artists trying something new, daring and "failing", over "dishonest" regurgitation, but this definitely doesn't sound like a failure.

[@SwitchMusicS7U]

Sounds like a win to me

[@Jacksmusicshack]

@@SwitchMusicS7U absolutely

[@mad7stringer]

So you are the judge of what music is considered "honest"? What a huge ego you have! lol Seriously though..... that's a really lame assertion because it assumes you have heard all music that has existed before now and so you know everything that can be considered "regurgitated". Case and point., someone who never heard the band Death before my hear Gruesome and absolutely love them even though they are kindof a direct rip off (and awesome as f***).... each persons individual listening experiences determine what is "new" to them.

[@ronnymarcano1805]

It’s an absolutely piece of art. The more I listen the more I like

[@munchenonyou3774]

I can not wait to hear what they do with the synths mixed with the orchestral instruments. I am stupid excited.

[@delix787]

Avenged sevenfold makes music that they wanna do, they don’t allow their fans to control them. 💙

[@riffrigerator666]

Avengenged Sevenfold listened to Devin Townsend 😂

[@sridharraju7588]

People can shit on this song all they want. One undeniable truth is that it didn't get gonged as much as the new Metallica singles.

[@TomTomTom87]

Because A7X, like it or hate it, is trying new shit. Whereas Metallica (whom I love) has been phoning it in for 20+ years

[@ScreaminT81]

That’s because it’s Metallica and fans expect more. The vocals on this track are garbage

[@sridharraju7588]

@@ScreaminT81 To each their own, bud.

[@ScreaminT81]

@@sridharraju7588 100%

[@SorooshMhs]

definitely experimental even by A7X standards. nice job on the editing Andrew :D

[@andrewjacksonmusic]

Teacher corrected some mistakes 😂 I have my notes 😂

[@RainerK.]

"The new album was written and recorded over the span of four years, and inspired by the writing and philosophy of Albert Camus."

[@patriarch739]

God that main riff is so synister(pun intended) it sounds like it could be a war horn from an undead army that’s approaching from off in the distance

[@everthealtruist]

If you listened to The Stage, Nobody shouldn't feel like it came out of nowhere. They've been getting weirder since they escaped major-label purgatory and I'm so very here for it.

[@MothmanCold]

I’m def not that was awful

[@mattgames7543]

The Stage was so good, and super underrated. So many tracks on that album are growers too. They have a catalogue full of headbanging, scream-worthy tunes, sometimes I also like to get lost in what I'm listening to, you know?

[@PewciSlayer]

Vocals on The Stage were WAY better.

[@mattgames7543]

@@PewciSlayer I reckon it's a mixture of two things. Stylistic choice, and the fact that Shads' voice has changed since he had issues with his throat.

[@everthealtruist]

@@PewciSlayer It's almost like he aged 7 years or something.

[@mattsumusic9679]

I love A7X's new conceptual style of songwriting, in which even the instrument choice and song structure works towards conveying a message/story

[@afsaudio9177]

I just wished it would open up much more at some point, but it basically stays on the same dynamic level the whole thing thru.

[@PasiFourmyle]

This is the kind of stuff that will save the industry from its own "arbitrary genre tropes".

[@JustinBA007]

I am actually not a big fan of A7x. City of Evil is like a 6 or 7 to me, and The Stage is decent, but not really into any of their other albums. However, I actually am fuckin loving this new song. If the rest of the album is this good, I'll consider myself a new A7x fan.

[@AJ-qz7ji]

The dropping off at a build-up was done intentionally to create a feeling of tension and pent up emotion to go with the lyrics and what the song is about. The more you listen to it the more it grows on you

[@Nooneofconsequence47]

I was taken off guard on first listen, but I’ve liked it more with each listen. Very unique and cool.

[@J_THOR]

I finally figured out the music video.. it was def meant to be a dmt trip. Btw all real strings on this album

[@andrewpappas9311]

I honestly liked the song, it has a cool vibe to it

[@idiotburns]

Ending up being my favorite song of 2023 so far

[@aaroncall5274]

I’ve been waiting to see your review on this. I’m a huge A7X fan. I still prefer the older A7X and at first I thought this new song sucked but it’s grown on me to where it’s okay/kind of good. I guess I wanted to hear more riffs but that’s just cause I play guitar and they have always been very riff oriented. While I agree they are pushing the envelope and that can be a good thing I also hope they don’t do it so much as to where they become unrecognizable in their sound. I see a lot bands I love do this where they are trying to be overly hip and creative and they lose what made them great in the first place. Just my take on it. Thanks for the video! Your channel rocks!

[@shredforceone]

This was an excellent evolution from The Stage, which, to me, is their best album.

[@NeverDieAloneMusic]

If you have a couple hours to kill, go listen to their podcast where they do a deep dive on this song. The high hat was all Brooks, though obviously on a separate track. Apparently there were 3 different kits in the studio for him to play. Also all of the orchestral parts were done for real and recorded in John Williams' studio. (yes, Mr. Star War John)

[@hangmanspark]

This one grew on me a lot. The solo is FIRE tho

[@Marta1Buck]

this is one of those songs, when I heard the first time I didn't get it. Now I've heard it multiple times, I get it.

[@hangmanspark]

@@Marta1Buck that's how I feel about it, too

[@Jacksmusicshack]

Yes the whole song is absolutely great but what's saves it is that freakin solo... It's the parmesan cheese to this awesome musical spaghetti..

[@everrest8830]

Feel the same way, first listen I wasn't impressed but after 7 playthroughs I'm addicted. Synyster once again showing why he is one of the most underrated guitarist of this generation.

[@cyndigarr862]

its been 7 yrs since they came out with a new album they have been working on this new album that hits 6/2/23 for 4 yrs , i love artists that go out of the box an experiment with new genre of music , an avenge sevenfold has done just that in previous albums , they have re invented what it is meant to be metal , many times over. An i will say REV would be proud of where they have gone since his lovely soul has been ripped from us. This is expected of avenge sevenfold always testing the limits and going further then most bands do ... i cant wait until they release more teasers or it drops 6/2 , i already have mine on pre order ....... the fact that they went back to the old school style of making music where bands take forever to create also amazes me because most artist now especially come out with new albums back to back to back , i love it when artist take there time an make sure its exptremely special and i will say they surely have something special here

[@Simon-tf5ng]

in fact, the rev was the biggest fan of prog metal among the band, he would be very proud with the stage and surely with this album (which is confirmed to be a concept album)

[@RPM_Nutrition]

I wanted more “traditional” A7X as The Stage was hit or miss for me. But…this was pretty good in terms of “different”. Production is great. Song structuring kinda wonky, and it doesn’t pop off as much as you’d hope given the continuous build. Instead it meanders at a fever pitch the entire time. However more parts and layers keep coming so it stays interesting. Not sure I could take a WHOLE album of this but I’m eager to hear the rest.

[@sVieira151]

Its fairly simple structurally, I think. It's basically AAB (with B being the solo) and feels kinda like a hip-hop track in that it's essentially just two verses with instrumentation variation in the 3 or 4 sections to each verse. It's a pretty interesting approach.

[@mrhawkeye293]

I hated the stage and I don’t like this. Sigh. Sad.

[@munchenonyou3774]

It doesnt pop off because it isnt supposed to. Its track #3 of 11 so this is probably a build up kind of track. Its very existential and chaotic.

[@sVieira151]

@@mrhawkeye293 what about the stage didn't you enjoy?

[@ugxsan]

@@sVieira151It wouldn’t be odd to think people that followed A7X for that more archetypal metalcore/Heavy Metal sound they had on earlier albums might be let down for the more experimental and dark progressive style of The Stage and this new single. Mind you I am HERE for the weirdness. This song’s quickly growing on me as I hear it more, but I do also feel for people that were more about their City of Evil and Nightmare days.

[@onionheadguy7094]

I hope the rest of the album maintains this spacey vibe. There's no way they can match the metal and hard rock they've already put out so I think this is a good move.

[@mcuniboob]

Why

[@onionheadguy7094]

@@mcuniboob why what?

[@Questioneverythingx]

Agreed

[@mcuniboob]

@@onionheadguy7094 why do you not want them to try. I've had conversations with people I know, trying to figure out what the worst avenged sevenfold song is because they don't have any bad songs, now this is released we have an obvious answer. I don't mind bands trying something new but not after 7 years of silence, and god forbid they continue like this because that'll ruin the band

[@onionheadguy7094]

@@mcuniboob I've heard worse songs on 7th trumpet amd the stage. If they tried pulling from an empty well of old ideas I don't think that would impress fans either. This far in the game, with the catalogue they already have, I think left field is a good approach. Not saying you have to like it though obviously you're entitled to feel the way you do about it.

[@renanmarchet9865]

I just love it. It's highly unique and refreshing.

[@trv020]

I gonged that thing like 20 times.

[@danmccloskeyjr.2654]

this song is weird and feels like its almost missing something. i can't help but think this was on purpose though since they clearly built up the song several times just to drop you in this strange mental void. i personally think this song perfectly represents the feeling of emptiness. right when you think something big, and explosive is about to happen it gets weirder and darker leaving you feeling lost and confused.

[@striker80ify]

100% agree with this, how many times in life does one think their just about to hit a big break only to fall flat simply because sometimes this worlds wants to fuck you xD this vid perfectly goes with the song

[@justinbowen1183]

It's missing a rhythm section. Their rhythm player brings the energy with his play style.

[@piptyson5512]

Progress while making us think...I'm not the biggest A7X fan, but I respect this approach immensely.

[@diecast4556]

this song is a grower its gets better the more you listen to it

[@Jacksmusicshack]

I almost exactly reacted the same way except I'm not as great at things.. But anyway the song is definitely fresh and spells A7X with a capital A IN AWESOME 😎🤘🏻

[@shredlabstudios]

I wanna be a meat sack again

[@timothyhayden5192]

"It's getting weird!" ~ MeeSeeks

[@stepitupandgo67]

"I wanna be a meat sack again"....best band name ever...!!!

[@RNAMusic]

That was way more interesting than the last few metallica singles. and i like metallica way more than A7X

[@BosGaurus05]

This song is awesome! 100x better than the new metallica's singles

[@Mr2it3881]

As someone that's not a fan of this band I loved this. It's different but still heavy. By the way pretty sure that's a vocoder not horns.

[@blue_serpent]

Here's a take of the song and to those who didn't like it: Having an idea about the theme may change your perspective about the song. It is mentioned in their video that they are inspired by the philosophy of Albert Camus. Read his view about existentialism and absurdism. "Absurdism - a philosophy based on the belief that the universe is irrational and meaningless and that the search for order brings the individual into conflict with the universe." Quotes from Albert Camus : - "The realization that life is absurd and cannot be and end, but only a beginning. This is a truth nearly all great minds have taken as their starting point. It is not this discovery that is interesting, but the consequences and rules of action drawn from it." - "There is but one truly serious philosophical problem, and that is suicide. Judging whether life is or is not worth living amounts to answering the fundamental question of philosophy. Then have a listen again to the song and pay attention to each element. The lyrics, the chords and notes, and the unusual writing pattern. Lyrics and Video - representation of this philosophy Music and Song Structure - A representation of the "...universe is irrational..." and us searching for order brings "conflict". It doesn't make sense. And that's the point, I guess. Truly artistic in my opinion.

[@rafahellorsato]

I'm so fucking happy that they're staying on the prog path

[@vincelupone]

This is so reminiscent of Faith No More it isn’t even funny. Fantastic new song!

[@dissected731]

The main beat could be used as a rap track

[@13guitard00d]

Trey, please react to the new Sylosis single, Deadwood. Also, Josh Middleton should be a guest on your songwriting podcast. Deadwood is a masterclass on how to write a concise, yet dynamic metal song.

[@_utsav]

I just love this song ❤️. I can enjoy Waking The Fallen on sunday, Nightmare on monday, City of Evil on tuesday, Self-Titlef on wednesday, The Stage on thursday, STST on friday and new album on Saturday ..... The only album I don't quite enjoy is Hail To The King, but always blessed to an Avenged Sevenfold fan ❤️

[@charlesrocks]

This is a very good song. Super well produced. Just very competent. The drums are the only thing that didn’t really fit for me, but the drums were very good.

[@spoonerluv]

Trey, you should check out the new Sylosis song 'Deadwood'. It's pretty slammin'

[@RazBenAri]

Me: "This time I will listen to the song before seeing Trey's reaction, surely we have different opinions!" Trey: (says exactly what I think verbatim) Welp

[@chirpywiggins5796]

Song is a grower and kicks ass

[@0odles0fBrutals]

theyre trying something new thats definitely a thing

[@Negative.mrb1]

I’m glad someone had a lot to process too !! It’s so awesome it’s different it has to many layers I was blown away and the melody has been just stuck in my head!!!

[@MFKitten]

This one is very Jack Black.

[@edwincrain986]

NOBODY ...lol It's time to inspire ,not bury us further Avenged Sevenfold.

[@nisterror]

I will call this the "if darkness had a son" effect. They dragged the song for way too long. If they shortened the song, would have been great. As usual, Synester Gates rips on guitar for sure.

[@myronmosley2167]

I think…. This song would get gonged in the first minute and a half if it was submitted to the song writing contest by someone that’s not A7X. Which is ok because A7X is basically our generations Metallica. Like Metallica, they could put out a song of them squeezing one out to the sounds of waterfalls, and as long as it has some type of drum beat and Syntster Gates ripping off some arpeggios and some tasty noodles, it’s gonna sell millions… and I’m here for it.

[@deminybs]

back end of the song is easily the best part of the song. totally gonna buy the album when it drops

[@LimeyDave]

Sounds to me like they tried to replace chug-chug with wub-wub but it turned out to be flub-flub and they just ran with it.

[@jonmland]

Maybe it’s saying adieu bc it’s the retirement album where they put their creativity over everything.

[@jeremymcclure3372]

If there’s one person who could play the high hat and the drum fills it would be Brooks Wackerman he’s an incredible drummer.

[@oen4945]

my absolute favorite band.

[@CodyJamez707]

It’s cool…. Weird as F… but S.Gates SLAYS THAT SH*T! It’s cool man!

[@RedGandalf]

Randomly picked this video from the search results. Saw the Immortal Guardian shirt. "Oh yeah, I'm gonna like this guy."

[@fulm1n314]

I’m in love with this song ❤❤❤❤❤

[@nickmallory9901]

I love this new song! I cut my A7X teeth on City of Evil and love every song on the album. I don’t need every album to sound exactly the same. An album for every mood! Huge fan of this! Great reaction btw!

[@iDealMedley]

I like the song, yeah I agree the song need something that's bigger maybe the production or something

[@chegosvoice]

It's just me, or this "horn" part sounds like #DomoArigatoMrRoboto?

[@brucanthwood]

If ax7 could be compared to an actor, I'd compare them to Keanu Reeves and they just entered their john wick era. I have a feeling this album could change how the public looks back on the rest of their career.

[@joeoliver4266]

It’s what I imagine new Muse would sound like if they’d just stop… completely sucking.

[@puppetmaster8551]

I appreciate them always trying new shit and this song has grown on me a lot with more listens, I find it very addicting and want to hear more of the album. Shoutout Syn for the great solo, also very much lookin forward to hearing more brooks drums on the album, I assume the drums on this song are probably on the easier side for brooks compared to some of his other stuff that’ll be on the album

[@el_kammeroni]

The sound is weird too, there isnt the "band in a room" sound. The instruments sound so seperated... Interesting but not my cup of tea 😂

[@Butterpants1987]

synyster gates never disappoints.

[@joshuagodinez5867]

I like it, but it felt a little long and could have stripped out some of it to get the same effect. On the other hand, if you're just vibing to music then it's totally fine. Long enough to get the dishes done.

[@justingarcia4314]

Fuck this song caught me off guard... but the more I listen to it the more I love it! Can't wait for the rest!

[@bradr9903]

Roots of Little Piece of Heaven eh.......? Im liking it tho! \m/

[@rmp5s]

I remember when they first came out...heard about this new metal band and how their first song is about Fear and Loathing, one of my favorite movies. I was stoked! Then he started going "ieeeieeeieeeeeeee" and I was instantly the exact opposite of stoked. In my eyes, they're a good band with a shit singer.

[@ryan_nstuff]

If this had been submitted to the competition I don't know that we would have made it past the horn before getting gonged.

[@Durkhead]

Sounds like his voice is hurting like axel voice before it totally died

[@geodio]

I feel like they binged a little on Porcupine Tree before writing this track.

[@28dirtj]

M Shadows and Syn came up with this because of DMT😂

[@Melancholic_Tiger]

Make how avenged sevenfold writes a song, please!❤️🦇

[@hashinator7]

I think the theme in general is droney and repetitive. Fever dream, melancholy etc...

[@tatman5780]

I hope this song was just the intro for the album because I feel like this song went nowhere

[@brolsonmusic]

Wackerman is manly wacking those wacky drums

[@Turiyaband]

Me 30 seconds in... GONG 😂😂😂😂

[@JohnnySideburnsX]

Let it be known that bending an octave is Not weird.

[@derickrichards1105]

To me it sounds like it could be the first song on the album.... Maybe it's building up to a faster heavier track

[@ericfritts5994]

This is like the cheezing South Park episode

[@TomTomTom87]

GONG!

[@Rightchickenwing]

09:45 yeah I really noticed this anticlimactic thing there now you said it 😀😆

[@lauscho]

This video is just a prolonged version of the Arthur meme with Binky's mind being blown by music.

[@Psychlist1972]

That flanger-type guitar sound sounded like a synth to me.

[@DominiqueHeine]

I really like how freshly weird this is. Mixing wise, I felt the horns and at times the vocals were a bit too much on top of the mix. Personally, I would have liked them to be a tad more embedded. But still, so many cool moments and surprising elements.

[@jpizzleforizzle]

This is some neat-o wacky stuff. Me likey.

[@shephrd296]

Just started the vid, if the song gets gonged I will lose all faith in trey. Edit: that mini gong was fair, they couldve added just a tad more variation slash buildup

[@timmunson7699]

Fun fact, the video is 100% stop animation

[@davidturner2974]

Half of it was "Great Value Sleep Token"

[@PotatoEsquire]

Trey can you react to Jari Maenpaa's new "Warning"?

[@mattgames7543]

This song sounds like a very natural progression from The Stage album. Shads' voice is different now too, which will probably throw the odd listener off a little. I love all A7X, but The Stage was a top 3 album for me. The whole album really nailed the idea of a 'concept album,' their style sounded great while authentically sounding like A7X (the guitars were as great as ever, and Brooks on the drums feels like a great homage to the Rev's sound while innovating in his own way). If The Stage explored the idea of creation, AI, the universe, the expanse, time etc. This song is about the subsequent existential crisis, the feeling of loneliness, and being nobody compared to said expanse, and the direction of technology. I saw Matt describe it as a 'panic attack' on Twitter and honestly, that fits very well, and transitions greatly off the back of The Stage. I really dig this direction. If you break down all the elements, all of them are still performing super well, and I really look forward to hearing the rest of the album. If I want to hear them sound like City of Evil, I'll listen to City of Evil. If I want to listen to them sound like Nightmare, I'll listen to Nightmare. And honestly? All their albums are still super diverse. The Stage song was a great midpoint between their new and old sounds, and God Damn straight sounds like a throwback song too. Even stuff on older albums almost foreshadows the direction they'd progress in too. I guess this was a really long-winded way of saying, this song is good. It's growing on me massively. I am now confident the album won't disappoint and they'll have a bit of something for everyone.

[@danielbuongiorno7093]

The Stage brought me back after Hail to King. Exist, Little Piece of Heaven, and Save me, love the 10 minute plus tracks.

[@mattgames7543]

@@danielbuongiorno7093 Save me is STELLAR, I love it, and I love A little piece of heaven and exist too. I just really dig this more progressive direction they've gone in. Their music REALLY suits the idea of a concept album, and at it's core its still A7X. The drums on the Stage were really good, the guitar just keeps getting better and Shad's vocals are so consistent. There's really nothing to criticize. Sure, people might not dig the sound, but anyone who says its bad is tripping

[@mjstories7181]

Your plug was FIVE SECONDS and the fact that it wasn't super long and obnoxious meant I didn't skip it, and I am actually going to get the course once I have the cash now. THAT is how you do in-video ads.

[@drloqutis2492]

I would love to hear Rob Halford sing this song!

[@earthone777]

Definitely has some Opethy theatrical type artistic vibes

[@ansem1134]

We definitely need another city of evil idk wtf this is .... if this the tone for the rest of the album idk man this song is just messy and weird even for a7x

[@scoopskiii]

None of the brass or orchestra are synths. They took a while to release the album because they couldn’t get their producer into the studio to be able to record an orchestra because of the risk of Covid.