How a slow-burning metal record became a defining anthem for a generation of fans
In short: Released in 2003, Avenged Sevenfold’s Waking the Fallen initially sold only 3,000 copies in its first week. Yet, it evolved into a cornerstone of the metalcore genre, eventually achieving Platinum status. This record marked the band's transition into a sophisticated metal powerhouse, blending complex guitar harmonies with theatrical, aggressive energy.
When Avenged Sevenfold released Waking the Fallen on August 26, 2003, through Hopeless Records, it signaled a major shift in their sound. It was the first album to feature lead guitarist Synyster Gates and bassist Johnny Christ, whose arrival followed the departure of Dameon Ash in September 2002. This lineup change ushered in more complex instrumentation, characterized by intricate guitar solos and harmonies that critics compared to the work of Iron Maiden and Pantera. The recording process itself was a departure from their past, as the band utilized a click track for the first time, a decision that reportedly frustrated drummer Jimmy Sullivan.
Musically, the album is a dense tapestry of metalcore, thrash, and traditional heavy metal, often described as having a gothic undercurrent. Tracks like 'Chapter Four' and 'Second Heartbeat' became fan favorites, with the latter’s guitar solo frequently cited as one of the best in the genre. The band’s rising profile was bolstered by the inclusion of their music in popular video games like Madden NFL 04 and NASCAR Thunder 2004, which helped them secure a contract with Warner Bros. Records. By 2016, Metal Hammer ranked the album as the sixth greatest of the 21st century.
The album’s legacy was further cemented in 2014 with the release of Waking the Fallen: Resurrected, a special edition that included old demos and live footage from the band’s early days at venues like The Henry Fonda Theater. Despite its modest commercial start, the album’s impact has been immense. As of March 2021, it holds Platinum certification in the United States and Gold status in Canada and the United Kingdom, proving that its 'anthemic' sound and 'inventive song structures' possessed a staying power that transcended its initial underground reception.
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