Life Is But A Dream…is not only the latest album from Avenged Sevenfold but also what must feel like a realization after so many years away from performing live, but now on stage to packed Hollywood Casino Amphitheater in St. Louis, MO. On what M. Shadows said was a controversial tour (his own words), the singer told the crowd they (A7X) were determined to give their all. The band was back on the stage and were ready to return after health issues, label issues, pandemic, and everything else the world can throw at a group.
It has been nine years since I have shot Avenged Sevenfold live. The differences in stage presence from 2014 and 2023 is staggering. Full production video boards based around songs from Life Is But A Dream… surrounded the stage while spotlight rigs shined down on the group to the point of being a planetarium spectacle.
This performance gave me a new appreciation for songs from the 2023 album. Hearing “Mattel” live as the second track on the setlist made me appreciate the grit and drive more than hearing the album version. Seeing the crowd jump during “We Love You” made me realize that the song is able to get a positive reaction; more so than I would have thought from hearing the single months ago.
Avenged Sevenfold impressed me on this night. M. Shadows was able to perform with no throat issues. The guitar work from Synyster Gates and Zacky Vengeance was as creative as it was impressive. From starting with a calm opener under a ski-mask to closing the night with a St. Louis crowd screaming, this band has avenged their name as a force in heavy music. The St. Louis performance is proof.
You can listen to songs from Life Is But A Dream… and see a review of the album below. The band is continuing on the Life Is But A Dream…North American Tour Pt. 2 through 10/15/23 ending in Fort Worth, Texas.
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From Google Bard: “Avenged Sevenfold is an American heavy metal band from Huntington Beach, California, formed in 1999. The band currently consists of lead vocalist M. Shadows, lead guitarist Synyster Gates, rhythm guitarist Zacky Vengeance, bassist Johnny Christ, and drummer Brooks Wackerman.
Avenged Sevenfold is known for their energetic live shows and their diverse range of musical styles. Their music incorporates elements of heavy metal, hard rock, progressive metal, and alternative rock. They have been praised for their songwriting skills, their musicianship, and their ability to blend different genres together.
In 2023, Avenged Sevenfold is currently on a North American tour in support of Life Is But A Dream… They are also scheduled to perform at several major festivals, including Aftershock Festival in Sacramento, California.
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Avenged Sevenfold Tells St. Louis “We Love You”
