Review by Adam on January 6, 2005.

Avenged Sevenfold is like an eighties metal band in a modern metal band’s body. Waking the Fallen is a little bit of the new wave of American metal with more than its fair share of 80s metal guitar and vocal tributes, yet it still feels fresh and new. Avenged Sevenfold are looking to surpass their contemporaries and forge into new territory.

The standard Gothenburg harmonies still apply here as they do with many of the new American metal acts, but Avenged Sevenfold really comes into their own on Waking The Fallen. The music melds melodic punk and both traditional and modern metal with ease. It is no wonder why so many people are falling in love with this band. The vocals are what truly set Avenged Sevenfold apart from the rest of the modern metal pack. The guy’s range and versatility is simply outstanding. The perfect example of this is on the epic track “I Won’t See You Tonight Part 1.” All I can say is wow!

Avenged Sevenfold has a bright future ahead of them. They are terrific musicians and their songwriting skills continue to improve. Just a short year after their debut they come back with more focus and strength. Waking The Fallen is over an hour in length and worth every minute of your attention.

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship: 8
Atmosphere: 8
Production: 9
Originality: 7
Overall: 9

Rating: 8.2 out of 10