Avenged Sevenfold, 'Nightmare' -- New Single

I love Avenged Sevenfold.

Glam or otherwise, Avenged is a great band. The band will release the studio album Nightmare this summer. Nightmare is significant because it marks Avenged Sevenfold's return to the world stage after the sudden death of drummer Jimmy 'The Rev' Sullivan at the end of last year.

The album's first single, also called "Nightmare," just hit iTunes. At first listen I wasn't sure what to think. Mike Portnoy is playing drums on the record as a tribute to The Rev. While there are some subtle differences in the drumming, the classic Avenged sound is intact. I feel like the mix has the drums pushed a little lower than other Avenged songs - but overall - this track is a winner. It's long by commercial standards, coming in at just over six minutes and it takes awhile for the chorus to kick in. Still, the wait is worthwhile and it's clear "Nightmare" is soon to be a live staple.

Like with every A7X song, the guitars are the most important element, effortlessly blending harmonics with complex runs at crazy speeds. Then there is M. Shadow's unique voice...In a lot of ways, "Nightmare" sort of sounds like Avenged Sevenfold [2.0]. This song would fit on that mega hit disc. In fact, it's somewhere between "A Little Piece of Heaven" and "Scream."

Oh yeah, the beginning of the song is creepy as hell, too.

Nightmare is due July 17. Have a listen: