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The second release from Avenged Sevenfold’s new self entitled album, ‘Afterlife’ takes no prisoners, running hot from the word go and blasting the listener with crunchy melodic metal that’s touched with melodic harmony. But what would be genius for most is second rate for A7X. The bass-heavy verse pounds moronically like a deaf roady tuning a drum, while M Shadows’ vocals are positively knackered throughout the formulaic chorus. Even the astounding virtuoso solo by usually flawless guitarist Synyster Gates has problems, lacking vitality and in places almost losing the rhythm completely. A tired-sounding and patchy effort, ‘Afterlife’ is an after-thought from more creative times. A rare miss by a band usually right on the forefront of top notch metal.
Released 21/01/08 on Warner.
