Nightmare

Okay, I realize this is perhaps a little late, considering the album was released on July 27, but I've gotta do a quick review of Avenged Sevenfold's latest, Nightmare. Many thought the band was toast after the death of their drummer, Jimmy "The Rev" Sullivan in 2009. They had already started work on the album by then, though, and the band recruited Dream Theater drummer Mike Portnoy (allegedly Sullivan's favorite drummer) to finish the rest of the drumming. Honestly, I don't think they could have used anyone else (except maybe Lars Ulrich). The machine-gun double kickpedals and psychotic speed with which Sullivan executed such songs as "Beast and the Harlot" and "Almost Easy" could only be done by someone of Sullivan's caliber. According to bassist Johnny Christ, in an interview with Ultimate Guitar: "The lyrics then became mostly – not 100 percent – but mostly to do with [the Rev's] death and his life." In fact, the song "So Far Away" was written by lead guitarist Synyster Gates in tribute to his bandmate.
The subject matter is hardly darker than that of past albums (who could forget the murderous, necrophiliac deathfest that was "A Little Piece of Heaven"?), but it has a different mood about it, more somber and grim.
The title track is an interesting exploration of a Dante-esque version of hell, with the music video paying tribute to a fallen comrade with a set of empty drums appearing throughout. I think it is one of the strongest songs on the album, both lyrically and musically.
Another great one is "Natural Born Killer"; this one is a story told from the point of view of a murderer. One of the great things about Avenged Sevenfold is that they aren't afraid to explore the people and subjects that most people won't even go near, and it pays off in interesting, original songs, much as it did for their predecessors Metallica.
"Buried Alive" has a melancholy, bluesy feel that merges into a very James Hetfield ending, and the guitar solos are just as wicked as ever. Avenged Sevenfold is continuing to produce great stuff, despite the tragedy of losing a valuable member. In my mind, this album is a close second to, if not neck-and-neck with, 2005's City of Evil as their best album ever.

Recommended tracks: "Buried Alive", "Natural Born Killer", "God Hates Us", "Nightmare"