Funny you mentioned the Truman Show parallel in Mattel, cause I'm pretty sure the line "And in case I don't see you again, good afternoon, good evening, and goodnight" is a direct quote from the movie!
Never in my life would I have expected A7X to just casually drop prog metal album of the year but this album is a wild awesome ride start to finish. The sheer number of different influences they are drawing from here is incredible and they still make it sound undenyably A7X. Cosmic is one of the most emotionally impactful songs ive heard in a long time.
@@Kalebsweeten yes i did. who is they? Edit after the fact. Holy shit I'm a fucking dipshit. I completely thought A7X was referring to ALEX, not AvengedSevenFold. Yes, yes I am a moron. And I've been a fan since the Nightmare days.
Metalheads hate it. Musicheads Love it. I think people will love the songs more if they think of the 3 aspects: Music, Concept, Lyrics Love how they are heavily circling around Absurdism and Existentialism. Here are my short overview for each song. These can still be expounded upon as the lyrics have multiple layers to them : 1. Game Over - Meaninglessness of Life 2. Mattel - Reference to the Truman Show. Simulation/Illusion but in reality everything is predefined. Much like a continuation to The Stage album concept 3. Nobody - Realization that we are "one with the universe" and a "nobody" in the grand scheme of things 4. We Love You - Most say it's about capitalism. But I interpret the song as representation of human ego and the illusion of choice. Thinking about it, Capitalists only 'capitalizes' over human ego and greed to 'manufacture a need' (more more more...build build build...we love you...you're on in a million). Without these 2 human qualities they are nothing. Problem is, we cannot separate these 2 qualities to our humanity. Thus, in the end, we consume what they provide regardless. 5. Cosmic - Cycle of Life and Death. The idea that we are all made up of the same cosmic energy - we do not go away. We just take up a new form or has been in a different form in our past lives. Written in beautiful love song 6. Beautiful Morning - A character who faces an inner struggle and attempt to find meaning. This character they are trying to portray in this song is everyone's worst day of their life. 7. Easier - The same character who wants to Surrender. Suggesting to take the 'easy way out'. Uplifting music but sinister meaning between the lines. I interpret the random 'pew pew pew' sounds at the solo that the character has thoughts about taking that gun to the head. Again another cute sci-fi gun sound a contrast to it's meaning. 8. G - Referencing the story of Creation. And an irritated God is contemplating to just wants to delete what he made and restart. 9. Ordinary - Other songs talk about suicide, emptiness, meaninglessness, hopelessness, etc of human life. This song is an attempt to say that "you got a problem with life? I don't even have one and I desperately want it. you must be lucky to live" from an AI (thus the electronic vibe). This song is perfectly placed in the sequence of the album because right after it, the human in the next song commits suicide nonetheless without regard. 10. Death - The same character from 'Beautiful Morning' and 'Easier' in the end commits suicide 11. LIBAD - Closing the curtains Everything is done with intent. It's chaotically beautiful
HATED Nobody. Wasn’t a fan of We Love You. Only listened to the whole album when it came out just to see how right I was that it was gonna be absolutely awful. I was wrong. I love them both on their own now, I love this whole album. It’s something you won’t understand unless you listen to the whole thing first. Knowing most of the “effects” are from Syn using all sorts of different pedals and whatnot on guitars and that they had a whole orchestra with no synths makes the musicianship that much more impressive. Syn also spent literal years learning how to play the title track so they didn’t need a session guy for it. I have so much more respect for them for not letting themselves be confined exclusively to metal, and for embracing the idea that music is ART.
I’ve found myself just sitting there THINKING about this album in my free time even when not listening to it. I’m feeling things I’ve never felt listening to music before and I just, don’t know how to feel. It’s incredible. Best album I’ve heard in literally years, probably the best metal album since Fear Inoculum from Tool
You really need to look into Alan Watts and other philosophical thinkers. This entire album is centered around this kind of thinking. Then you find there is more to this album. It is a spiritual journey through and through
I have also had a lot of feeling come up with this album. I think the weird part for was was that I had theses strong feelings just with the instrumental part of the songs and not by knowing what the songs were speaking about. The musicality itself carried all the emotion and dread and the lyrics made it even more clear.
Same. And I'm so obsessed playing it from the beginning and finishing it and starting it over. Every night I start the album again and put it on repeat
One thing I love about the final chorus in "Mattel" is how he sings "Hell" as opposed to screaming it in the first two, implying that by the end of it all, he's come to terms with what his life is. It may not be peace, but instead acceptance.
This comment gave me chills because I think you're right. The last hell is almost like a peaceful resignation to the absurdity and darkness of life. It's acceptance of the things you can't control. Holy shit!
As a fan of A7X, this album doesn't feel like listening to anything that bears resemblance to past work. As a music enthusiast in general... Holy shit, this is one of the best artistic albums I've heard in forever. I have no doubt it will be divisive, but I personally loved the album.
I agree and would like to add that Life Is But A Dream is truly nothing like its predecessors but has call backs and elements of each previous album up to date while still being a total different experience in its own right. I didnt know how to feel about the album upon release but shortly after found myself playing it on repeat every single day I love it. Im glad ive been able to witness my favorite band successfully break the mold and climb to another height.
The last few lines of 'Death' always break my heart. When the guy jumps off the edge and says 'in my dreams, I fly away'. I interpret that as meaning that he actually didn't want to end it all, he just wanted to escape. In a perfect world he would've stepped off that edge and flown somewhere he could be truly happy, but in this world this was the best he could do.
The first time I heard the lyrics fucked me up lol. I didn’t realize what was happening until “as I make myself more comfortable with the edge” and I was like OH!
I’m disappointed in some avenged fans claiming they have been diehard fans yet, they act so surprised that A7X are always different per album. How can you call yourself a fan but you’re still shocked that they always experiment every album? This is not news to anybody lol. They stated they don’t want to give the same material back to the fans because they believe it’s insulting to give the same thing back over and over and over again. I don’t get why a fanbase wants to sit there and claim a band doesn’t try anything new and when they do, you take back what you said and you instantly say you want them to sound back how they used to 20 years ago, and when they do that. YOU take back what you said again and you want them to be more original. Honestly, make up your goddamn mind!! 😬
EXACTLY!! "Fans" seem to forget that the stage was released after Hail to the king which was two very different albums. Some people really act like they've stayed the same since city of evil until now and only changed with LIBAD
When the single hit I didn’t like it at all, then with the full album I got it. It was like entering a conversation half way through I didn’t understand it now I get it and love it
Avenged just released the freshest thing in music in a decade... and the metal community is crying because it isn't City Of Evil!! This is album of the year all day long!!
Avenged fans aren't bitching! We know exactly what this is! If you have followed the journey over the past 20+ years....after listening to this album you will realize its journey of their entire career, a taste of everything they have created
People dont give (d)eath enough praise. I never thought id hear something like this from them. I feel like they do a great job of bringing the sinatra vibe while making it their own. The instruments were beautiful
If you're a fan of A7X and music in general then this album should check every box. Love the homage to Alice in Chains, the Beatles, Mr Bungle/Mike Patton, Yes and Daft Punk. Love the evolution of this band so much. Waking the Fallen and The Stage are my 2 favorite albums and they are SO different.
Honestly, no "mainstream" rock band has made a modern-day Queen record... It's divisive, it's honest, and it ROCKS!!! This album is the current days "A Night At The Opera". It has so many twists and turns, you don't expect what's next. I agree with you Alex!!! This is the band doing exactly what they want to do. The Rev would've been SUPER proud!!! G is a song STRAIGHT out of the Frank Zappa vein. IMO the title track is like the end credits to a movie.
G and Ordinary both just kick my but. The 20 yr old me would have slapped my face. But the 60 yr old me just loves this album. Even after almost a year still can't get enough. It F'n Rocks but in a different way. Fills my heart with joy that only music can do. 😊
This album is god damn masterpiece. You can feel the anxiety and pressure in the music. This album really creeps you out when you really think about it. Unreal album.
I agree about the anxiety and pressure, particularly during cosmic when they randomly inserted ear rape for like 15 seconds before moving into the last part of the song
I’ve loved A7X for many many years and they never cease to amaze me. I’m addicted to this album. Jimmy would be proud. You can feel Jimmy in these songs
This album is a timeless MASTERPIECE! They really knocked it completely out of the park here. The first listen caught me off guard, but every listen since has been a new experience. The replayability of almost every song on the album is there as well. 10/10
Best way to describe this album is this: its a audio book album. You really have to listen to it from beginning to end in order to truly understand and appreciate it. Seriously a masterpiece of an album.
People call this album a chaotic mess, but people forget that The Rev had a very psychotic, chaotic method to his drumming. I believe that this album is their final ode of their love for Rev. The lyrics in Cosmic also feels like M's finally letting go of Rev so he can rest. I fucking love this album.
I love that you think you’re overanalyzing things, but you’re not, you’re getting it, you understand the themes and underlying messages, great video dude!
That's what I love about art in general. You can take it at face value and either love it or hate it. On another hand, you can over analyze and find meaning in all of the little things. If it has meaning to you, then it's true. I(think) I remember Freddy Mercury not telling people what his music was about because he didn't want people to take his perspective, he wanted them to have their own thoughts and emotions. There are songs that were written about an ex or a divorce or a lost loved one. But when I listen to them I might think of a current love, or a living relative and that's the meaning that song holds for me. Like he said about one of the songs. We're all seeing everything from our own point of view, and if your point of view is analyzing the guitar solos, then it's no more correct or incorrect than what was actually happening when the song was written. And to me, that's the most magical part about it.
I really think they fulfilled everything I as a fan wanted from a new avenged album. They’re my favorite band so I love when they put out new stuff, but I would’ve been pissed if I waited this long just tor them to play it safe. This album is everything I could’ve wanted from a new album!
agreed! imma be honest they went even more left-field than I thought they would, couldn't be happier with the result though. beautiful project, came at the perfect time in my life
Couldn’t have said it better, this album was everything I was hoping and so much I wasn’t expecting. They’re my favorite band as well and this album came at a great time for me. I’m beyond stoked for more from them
I loved the album, especially after more than the third listen it really started to sink in, but I have to say I was hoping for another country ish song. Other than that though, they did everything I was hoping for and THEN some. It sort of fulfilled everything I thought was missing from The Stage.
@@_WeDontKnow_ I don’t listen to much country either, but every time Matt’s down something with a country or western twist it’s phenomenal. Id absolutely love an entire A7X country album more than any country music to ever country 😂
Cosmic is one of the few a7x songs that just left me speechless, i literally had to take 5 minutes just to gather my thoughts before continuing, what a ride EDIT: and i should say, the whole album was like that, it made me go deep into thought about things i had never really thought about for prolonged periods of time, this is the first album in at least a decade that made me actually think, perfect to me, 10/10 (and one last thing, easier would have been a complete banger with less autotune, just saying
You have no idea how heartbroken I was when you posted the first video and it was only 3 minutes. I was waiting to see how you reacted to this album! But specifically a Cosmic! Thank you for releasing the whole reaction!
I love the idea of Cosmic so much, it’s taking inspiration from different ideals from different parts of the world of what happens after we die, but also saying we’ve always been here regardless of whether we had individuality or not, we’ve always been here, “there you’ll find me”, to those who need to know you’re still there. It’s beautiful. This could just be my take, but I enjoy the thought.
I can't lie, when I first heard the singles I was devistated, the whaling guitar on Nobody really grinded me, We Love You just didn't gel with me but ever since Monday I've had them on repeat. For me this album is just completely misunderstood on the first listen but over time it somehow becomes more and more enjoyable over time and you really appreciate the music. I know some people will dislike it and they're entitled to and others will say "well music shouldn't be like that, a song should be good the first time you hear it." And that again is fair. But for me I'm enjoying falling in love with the album from initially disliking it. Easily in my top 3 so far this year.
I gotta say I started seeing your first reactions to metal and I feel like a proud father seeing you accept this album when so many of their fans can't even do that
It is just too complex and incohesive man and at times does not sound like A7X to me, I liked the start of the album but then it just dies off for me. Reminds me of being a kid and trying to mix all the goodies into one weird cream, if the incredients are too many and incohesive, you end up with a disgusting mess. Self Titled, Waking The Fallen, City of Evil, Nightmare, all had varying songs and albums were very cohesive.
@@samuelsiltala119 I obviously disagree but I do get what you're saying... That being said, I'd take something complex and adventurous over something safe and 'the same'. These guys have so much talent and I feel like this is a true showcase of that, they could've just released Nightmare 2.0 but I'm glad they're exploring their potential and trying something new.
@@jono2330fr, matt said in an interview that fans didn't liked their change of sound when City of evil was released but now it is considered by many fans their best album.
This album is something like having a door at the edge of your comfort zone locked for years then finally a timer counts down to unlock and you can see through a peep hole to see a portion of what’s inside, upon opening you enter to feel uneasy and somewhat un-intrigued but after taking time to adjust to the difference and focus on the content you feel as if there is excellence in every detail.
the end of Mattel gives me, camera zooming out as someone walks slow in a city full of people zooming everywhere , while they feel meaningless to life. This album was literally a full experience. Love every bit of it.
I don't know what you're going to say, but imo it is one of the best albums of recent years and is a complete masterpiece. This album will be their defining legacy and will open so many doorways for other artists in the genre to explore, as well as for people to become fans who otherwise would steer clear of rock and metal. Absolute genius work by the band.
Lmao no. Masterpiece albums are projects like Constellations by August Burns Red, When The End Began/Iridescent, both by Silent Planet, Meteora by Linkin Park, Issues by Korn, Alien by Northlane, The Dark Pool by Thornhill, Heavener by Invent Animate, Sempiternal by Bring Me The Horizon, Toxicity by System of a Down, White Pony by Deftones, In Utero/Nevermind by Nirvana, Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness by The Smashing Pumpkins, etc. Don’t ever call something this terrible a masterpiece ever again.
@@the_ZAMURAI yessir, wont happen again sir, do you want your shoes cleaned while im at it? Get outta here with that "dont ever call something this terrible a masterpiece ever again" shit lol
Hi Liam, I lost both of my grandparents almost two years ago now due to this stupid pandemic, and Cosmic for me too, has been very healing. I could not stop thinking about them through out my first listen, and still brings me to tears every time I put it on. It is such a powerful and meaningful song. Hope you are doing better now, It does not get any easier, but you start to remember them with joy more and more each time.
This album is so deep, I have listened this album complete like 5 to 6 times, and every time I listen the conclusion of this album "Life is but a dream" it makes sense for me. According to the science when you are dying you have a lucid dream of your whole life, so everything you did in your life it turns into your last dreams
I've had it on repeat non stop while I'm driving to or from work, at work, put it on while Gaming or cleaning the house or whatever else, I had to make a playlist just for G Ordinary and Death because I was wanting to listen to them so much, I love the themes of the songs, Prog is one of my favorite Subgenres of Metal so loved that, just everything about it I love just makes you think
Thank you for doing a video for the whole album, as you said the experience wouldn't be the same if you listen to each song as a single. This album surpassed my expectations. What an amazing job and what a trip!
I was the same way halfway through the title track. my friends and i were listening and we were all pleased with it, and i was like "wait imagine if they end it on a piano piece" and i was thinking "please let this be just piano" and i was really happy to find out it was. it felt like the natural and perfect way to end an album of this magnitude
It totally could’ve. That one was most like their other work-it honesty sounds like an epilogue to So Far Away, and it didn’t do anything that crazy. It even went a little bit Starset in the end, which is certainly radio friendly.
For me Musically A7X's discography, is the most complete. I am so glad they never stuck to one single sound. For me personally. One of the greatest bands of all time. This album for me is top 2 from them.
I am a card carrying member of the A7X fan club, have the deathbat tattoo, when they released the 2 singles I had no idea what they were doing. But listening to the album in its entirety, this is a masterpiece
It’s funny how many people think Talkbox and Vocoder are Auto-Tune. So to help identify the differences: Auto-Tune effects one voice and you really hear it in note switches. Talkbox makes a solo voice sound like a synth. Vocoder takes a vocal track and makes it into chords with a synth sound. Most (if not all) of the vocals in this album that people think are “Auto-Tune” are actually Vocoder using the same vocal tracks in other parts if the song and running it through a synth playing chords. The sample from “Whatcha Say” by Jason Derulo (which is from Imogen Heap “Hide and Seek”) is the most recognized use of Vocoder. Hope that helps clear it up for any interested (especially if you’re a music nerd like me)
Btw Alex there's legit autotune on Ordinary, but that vocal effect in Cosmic and Easier is called a vocoder. So you sing into it, and the output can be a bunch of new notes. It sounds autotuned as a result! Really classic effect that was popularized in the 80s.
Some really interesting notes...The Rev is credited for some lyrics for Beautiful Morning and the bridge melody on Mattel. Synyster Gates played piano on 10 songs, including the final instrumental. He also played flute and Mellotron. Not bad for a lead guitarist.
The song before the "GOD" trilogy is Easier, and if you spell it all out it says "EGO DEATH", which is something M Shadows has mentioned quite a bit for inspiring the writing process for the album
At first I was like WTF? Didn't like it at first but then kept listening and it grew to me. Then saw them live with Falling In Reverse Oct. 2 and their show blew me away. Then started listening to their album again and now I tear up when I listen to this album. I am emotionally sold for this album. I finally get it...yeah they have evolved and grew and not the same band years ago. Okay I get it and I'm now 49 and I appreciate their new sound. When I tear up with these songs I know I have grown with this band. A++++ Thumbs UP!!!
This album shocked me because based off the singles i didnt know if id like it. It came out and I listened to in its entirety and I absolutely love it even the singles. The flow is incredible
Honestly this album really surprised me. Happy for it and really appreciate it. As a whole its amazing. Some songs really stand out (Nobody for example is a massive Jam.)
Fun fact, easier is a completed song that they were gonna release in 2006/07 but replaced it with almost easy. I’m so happy they made this into reality again. There’s a demo of the og version called “It’s easier”
This album is my new favorite of theirs. So much creativity flooding throughout every song. It's been refreshing and pleasure to listen over and over since it's been out.
I absolutely love your take on these songs, the concepts, the lyrics, and your analysis. The lyrics really drive these songs more than any other A7X album.
Man at first was like eh, it's ok, after a couple for more listens I started to really get it then your video pushed that new understanding where it needed to be. This album is BRILLIANT! You just gotta understand it's not about coming out shredding although there's plenty of that, there's a story here and a big message. Honestly I think it's on another level, great great album!
I waited 7 years for this album and it was all I could ask for and more. I get what you said about being proud of them like they’re your own children putting out this music. I feel the same way. I wanted this so badly since I bought and over played “the stage” back in 2016. 9.9 out of 10. Easy! Top album of the year
In Beautiful Morning, they say "Don't Let It Be" a bunch, and I feel like the middle of the song was inspired by The Beatles. And then you were saying that this song is like nihilistic. The Beatles song "Let It Be" is about Mother Mary and it's like The Beatle's preach about having a hand to hold and someone to guide you. A7X is saying "DON'T Let it be" here, to enforce that there is nothing and it's all meaningless. Just a thought!
Game over is dope. Cosmic is amazing I really like G because it's so different and feels like another "a little piece of heaven" almost just because it feels so random and all over the place. But Mattel might just go down as one of the best songs they've ever made imo
I know you did this one 5 months ago, but just caught it. First time through this album, I was so unsure… my friends who I spoke to about it listened to me muse, rage, think, love, complain and gush about it, unsure how I felt. However, after listening again and again and again, at least once a day for about 2 weeks, trying to figure out how I really felt it dawned on me that I loved it. Each time I listened it gave me exactly what you describe, and introspective experience. I love progressive rock and metal, and this is a masterpiece of the genre and that I am so happy A7X went this way. It’s stands up there with some of my favourite prog albums from masters like Steven Wilson (In Abstentia from Porcupine Tree) and even much heavier stuff from Opeth (Ghost Reveries), truly a masterclass.
Only thing I can say about this album is that it's not music, it's a work of art. I know, those two things aren't mutually exclusive, just saying. Not all music rises to the level of pure art, but this one does. I do agree with Alex though about the individual songs not being something you would just throw in a playlist. This is the kind of album you have to sit down and listen to straight through, and really think about the meaning along the way. So it's great that you reacted to it in this format. One of the very few times I will actually watch a RUclips video longer than 20 minutes or so. Also, the imagery in the video for Nobody hits a lot harder once you've listened to the whole album a few times. You see little references to other tracks thrown in there. I doubt they will do it, but I would totally be down for a stop motion animated video for every song.
I remember seeing a reaction video of yours to “A Little Piece of Heaven” a couple years ago, mostly just doing a dive getting a kick out of seeing strangers react to the absolutely appalling nature of the lyrics. I’ve been yearning to show this whole album to anyone I think would actually take the time to listen to it, and it absolutely made my day when you turned the phone off to take it all in. When “Nobody” and “We Love You” dropped I was viscerally disappointed, but Avenged is my favorite band, and as someone whose played guitar for 20+ years I will always give Syn the time of day out of respect for the absolute genius he is. This is music at its best, story telling with sound, full artistic realization for 55 mins. It’s not comfortable, it’s not mellow, it’s rarely sparkly, but it just embodies the entire vague nature of existence in every note. Those that don’t enjoy or “get it” just never will. Nothing but love for giving the boys the ears that this album deserves.
Mattel and Cosmic are such incredible songs, some of the best they’ve ever made. I cannot wait to hear/ see these songs live! The whole album is a masterpiece imo. 🖤💀🦇🤘🏻
I know this album was made with existential and absurdist philosophy in mind, but I feel like that is all more a "scholarly" front to lead some groups off the point. To me, this album is about depression and trying to cope with it. Most of the songs of this album is almost exactly how I felt in highschool from 2014 to 2018. It was hard to give a shit about anything back then, especially when most "art" is just pandering to us, you have to survive off commercialized products, and the days just repeat over and over, faced with a future that is just as repetitive with every chance that any value you might have could be replaced. When advocates say suicide is a selfish act, they mean it. It really is, but when you're so deep in your own head as the only place that seems to matter, then yeah everything else will feel disconnected, absurd, and unreal. Friendships I had then felt so surface level, my parents, while caring in their own ways, one drank too much and was distant at best or an asshole at worst, and the other misunderstood me so much that we could only speak through mixed signals, like I was still a child to her that needed help with small stuff without big issues to worry about, versus me turning into a man who can handle the small stuff, but needed help with the big issues that were already happening. And it wasn't like I could go get myself diagnosed because the doctors would just put me on more drugs, and that medical history would have ruined future opportunities. So for me, my escape out of depression wasn't to "go into another dream" I got fed up and pissed off. I realized I had no control over my life anymore, everything I wanted to enjoy fell short. I couldn't go through life at the whim of what people told me to do, being fed what I was told to be fed. If life offered no meaning to me, then I would make my own meaning. I changed my college major from Engineering to English: Creative Writing, I stopped caring what anyone said and just did my own thing and I am much happier for it, AND I seem to be pretty good at writing now. I spoke up to my parent who drank and they cut cold turkey. The other still doesn't quite understand me, but they know I'm happier now. I'm actually now pursuing my M.A now and it is essentially paid for too. I wouldn't say my life is perfect, but I'm no longer depressed and no where near that state of mind. I can't recommend this route for anyone who has depression. No one should get that low on themselves to the point of snapping back at life like that. Just know there are many of us who do understand. This album came out this year, but it really felt like a snapshot of what I went through and what I have risen above. Looking back at how I was, and the album's whole philosophy (along with much post-modern philosophy in general), it is so narcissistic and pretentious and our society and culture reflects and encourages that we become hopeless and dour trying to live up to impossible standards. And I mean my last sentence as a compliment for how accurate the album captures this industrialized individuality-destroyer our society and culture created. I'm sorry for the essay, and to anyone who read this far, you are not alone. We're out there. Stay safe, and God bless.
I'm so grateful for this review. I've listened to this album so many times. And everytime it gets better. I can explain it but this album really dug at my soul. Knowing that Shadows and Gates had their awakening is a beautiful twist for this album. This album takes you on a journey. They were able to kill their egos and just their souls be free. Idk, I'm totally rambling now. But this isn't everyones cup of tea. Thank you for this review
One thing I loved is how the end of life is but a dream and the beginning of game over when playing the album on repeat fits so well as if the cycle is starting again and it’s just a loop. Just like life and civilisation
It's crazy. I hadn't actually connected Mattel to The Truman Show past the quote 'Good afternoon, good evening, and good night' and yet you called it out without having seen the movie moments before that line. It made this song hit a whole different way
the contextual attitude of the album isnt ment to be digested as a fan of music but a fan of life. after you breathe and exhale the statue of yourself, then the music of it all is a clever and pretty bonus.
What you're hearing most of the time Alex is called a Vocoder, M Shadows talks about using it in a few interviews. They make a lot of choices on this album that to them is super organic. So instead of using samples they use real instruments, instead of using digital audio effects for the voice and guitars, they use a real vocoder and real autotune that's meant to add musicality. It's completely different from traditional autotune which isn't meant to be heard, the solo in Mattel uses some version of autotune but on guitar. So everything you hear in this album that is "weird" or "questionable" is because they made a conscious choice to do so FOR the music.
@@nemesis8626in this case they aren’t using any samples or your typical program to make themselves sound like they do man. Clearly didn’t understand what he was getting at.
@@nemesis8626with that logic, nothing at all is organic in music and hasn't been "organic" since the... oh, I don't know, 40's-50's? Compression, EQ, Mastering, Overdrive, Clip-Peaking, Distortion, Reverb (digital, not analogue), Delay, and I could go on... are all effects and since "effects" are not "organic" (they are just electricity acting in funny ways, warping currents and sound-waves, so it is organic), then nothing you listen to is organic either. Even 90% of the folk/country songs you hear where it's just an acoustic and a dude singing, chances are it has reverb, compression, mastering, and hints of overdubbing along with sprinkles of delay for flavor. Get off your high-horse. Music is music and it is ALL organic, as it comes from the creative human mind. Just because they chose some wacky fun sounds doesn't make it any less human than it is.
Thank you for having such an open outlook on this album. I'm constantly seeing popular RUclipsrs trash this album, but you give it the praise it deserves. Big subscribe from me
Last song is so heavy & chaotic man... sounds really a chat with death and saying .. "what a ride huh? yeah ironic isn't it? I wished it could last more... "You really believed you could do something about it? that's all you get" and it finishes with that crisis.
Thank you for giving the album the credit that it deserves. This album is phenomenal. I am beyond proud to called A7X my favorite band. Now, it is time to continue enjoying of this masterpiece!!!
Bro. Excellent review. I appreciate hearing some of the mature thoughts you conveyed that many wouldn't be able to even think. It does the album justice and gives me a deeper insight into it.
I haaaaaaate how so many people hate this...but omg, it's genious. I'm obsessed with prog, though. I looooove D(eath)...prettiest, calmest song about Self deletion...if you don't listen to the words, you wanna slow dance to it.
So glad I got to see your full-on reaction to every song :D I love to talk about song lyrics because poetry is a song but with no music and I love hearing people's understanding of songs I enjoyed seeing your take on each song of the album!! Thank you so much, Alex again for your reaction to the whole alum and to tell you the truth when I listen to "Death" I waltzed to it no lie I love this album so much!
Nobody is pointing out how incredibly smart Alex is and it hurts me! (Somebody might have, but I haven't read every single comment!!!) This dude made me cry to Game Over after watching his reaction when I've listened to the song about 100 times now. Plus, the analytical prowess he holds on every other song is insane. You go Alex, you helped me appreciate this album even more, which I didn't think was possible!!!
I feel like in couple to ten years there are gonna be uni classes and theses written on this material. As many here have said, major wtf moments on first listen, and then you just need to go back again and again and it gives you more and more chills the more you dive in and more you (think you) understand. Daaamn. And major props to you too, really loved how your mind works and the insight you shared. Made me overthink this some more 😅 As for the conclusion you put out, specifically the notion that many people reject stuff like this because it's not easy and approachable and "what they already know" - doesn't it go full circle with one of the themes in the album like the part of human experience could but should not / doesn't have to be going just for the mundane, repetitive, "all-figured-out", and never pushing themselves? When you think about it they must pride on the listeners taking their special time to delve into something so complex and multilayered and appreciating all their work. (Not to sound like a poser but for once I am proud too.)
In we love you when the video goes to that security room with the computers, the computers are showing all of the different scenes you've been through during the video, as-well as portraying that someone or some people have been watching or controlling.
This album was so fun to listen to, fully immersed in. I love the trippy feel, the nods to their musical influences, M.'s voice (and screaming! I was SO excited to hear that!) Scratches something in my brain. His deep talk/sing moments gave me chills.
This album is a masterpiece. I’ve been following them through their musical journey. This shows incredible growth in them as artists. Those who don’t like it most likely have a very specific sound they choose to stick to or are afraid to step out of that box. These songs spoke to me and I’m here for it.
This album for me is a very crazy journey, it's not for everyone, I loved it, it's like an existential crisis, you just need to put on your headphones, forget about everything, forget the previous albuns , drink a beer and enjoy the songs .
Funny you mentioned the Truman Show parallel in Mattel, cause I'm pretty sure the line "And in case I don't see you again, good afternoon, good evening, and goodnight" is a direct quote from the movie!
Correct
Never in my life would I have expected A7X to just casually drop prog metal album of the year but this album is a wild awesome ride start to finish. The sheer number of different influences they are drawing from here is incredible and they still make it sound undenyably A7X. Cosmic is one of the most emotionally impactful songs ive heard in a long time.
Im totally using A7X from now on
@@nephlemhunter2171 did you just discover the acronym they’ve had in place for 24 years now lol?
@@Kalebsweeten yes i did. who is they?
Edit after the fact. Holy shit I'm a fucking dipshit. I completely thought A7X was referring to ALEX, not AvengedSevenFold. Yes, yes I am a moron. And I've been a fan since the Nightmare days.
@@nephlemhunter2171 a7x
@@nephlemhunter2171 The band has had A7X as their acronym for decades is what they tried to explain.
The album was at first like " oh this is weird but I dig it" and the more I listen the more I appreciate it
this dude went from a normal dude to a metalhead with sleeveless shirt and an undercut 😂 i witnessed his transformation
I remember when he called himself a hiphop head lol
bro i rememeber this so well😭😭
Lol probably the fastest transformation I’ve ever seen
He was b-s-ing for views
It's like his come from another Multiverse 😅, it so quick
They're going into a new Era. This album and their new aesthetic almost makes it feel like we're time traveling on a spiral to the future.
Deep.
Seriously so good. People complaining because it's not like other albums but I love that they put more theatrical moments in there
Timestamps
0:30 Game Over
6:21 Mattel
13:30 Nobody
20:08 We Love You
26:46 Cosmic
35:30 Beautiful Morning
43:16 Easier
47:53 G
53:46 (O)rdinary
56:54 (D)eath
1:00:20 Life Is But a Dream...
1:04:48 Final thoughts
Not all heroes wear capes
Thank you soldier
What an angel
You drop this *W* king
@@xentaza 44mubeen gbl
Metalheads hate it. Musicheads Love it.
I think people will love the songs more if they think of the 3 aspects: Music, Concept, Lyrics
Love how they are heavily circling around Absurdism and Existentialism. Here are my short overview for each song. These can still be expounded upon as the lyrics have multiple layers to them :
1. Game Over - Meaninglessness of Life
2. Mattel - Reference to the Truman Show. Simulation/Illusion but in reality everything is predefined. Much like a continuation to The Stage album concept
3. Nobody - Realization that we are "one with the universe" and a "nobody" in the grand scheme of things
4. We Love You - Most say it's about capitalism. But I interpret the song as representation of human ego and the illusion of choice. Thinking about it, Capitalists only 'capitalizes' over human ego and greed to 'manufacture a need' (more more more...build build build...we love you...you're on in a million). Without these 2 human qualities they are nothing. Problem is, we cannot separate these 2 qualities to our humanity. Thus, in the end, we consume what they provide regardless.
5. Cosmic - Cycle of Life and Death. The idea that we are all made up of the same cosmic energy - we do not go away. We just take up a new form or has been in a different form in our past lives. Written in beautiful love song
6. Beautiful Morning - A character who faces an inner struggle and attempt to find meaning. This character they are trying to portray in this song is everyone's worst day of their life.
7. Easier - The same character who wants to Surrender. Suggesting to take the 'easy way out'. Uplifting music but sinister meaning between the lines. I interpret the random 'pew pew pew' sounds at the solo that the character has thoughts about taking that gun to the head. Again another cute sci-fi gun sound a contrast to it's meaning.
8. G - Referencing the story of Creation. And an irritated God is contemplating to just wants to delete what he made and restart.
9. Ordinary - Other songs talk about suicide, emptiness, meaninglessness, hopelessness, etc of human life. This song is an attempt to say that "you got a problem with life? I don't even have one and I desperately want it. you must be lucky to live" from an AI (thus the electronic vibe). This song is perfectly placed in the sequence of the album because right after it, the human in the next song commits suicide nonetheless without regard.
10. Death - The same character from 'Beautiful Morning' and 'Easier' in the end commits suicide
11. LIBAD - Closing the curtains
Everything is done with intent. It's chaotically beautiful
I dig your Beautiful Morning thoughts. Ive been trying to figure that one out. Thanks...
The drumming was insane. The entire album is produced so well.
it's called Brook's works
Brooke's is tight been a fan of his since the vandals "look what I almost stepped in"
@@onionheadguy7094 I mean - if someone like Mike Portnoy is a big fan of your playing, you know you're good. 😅
Man, listen to cosmic while toasted. It’ll make this album a complete journey, and make cosmic a musical and life reflective and foreseeing journey
It is not produced very well at all 😂
HATED Nobody. Wasn’t a fan of We Love You. Only listened to the whole album when it came out just to see how right I was that it was gonna be absolutely awful. I was wrong. I love them both on their own now, I love this whole album. It’s something you won’t understand unless you listen to the whole thing first. Knowing most of the “effects” are from Syn using all sorts of different pedals and whatnot on guitars and that they had a whole orchestra with no synths makes the musicianship that much more impressive. Syn also spent literal years learning how to play the title track so they didn’t need a session guy for it. I have so much more respect for them for not letting themselves be confined exclusively to metal, and for embracing the idea that music is ART.
Art for the sake of art instead of money is one of the greatest things ever. such a sweet album
I’ve found myself just sitting there THINKING about this album in my free time even when not listening to it. I’m feeling things I’ve never felt listening to music before and I just, don’t know how to feel. It’s incredible. Best album I’ve heard in literally years, probably the best metal album since Fear Inoculum from Tool
That’s a great assessment actually. I haven’t been this happy to hear a new album since then as well.
You really need to look into Alan Watts and other philosophical thinkers. This entire album is centered around this kind of thinking. Then you find there is more to this album. It is a spiritual journey through and through
I have also had a lot of feeling come up with this album. I think the weird part for was was that I had theses strong feelings just with the instrumental part of the songs and not by knowing what the songs were speaking about. The musicality itself carried all the emotion and dread and the lyrics made it even more clear.
Fear Inoculum and LIBAD are my favs albums now... And I feel the same.. There's just something special about them
Same. And I'm so obsessed playing it from the beginning and finishing it and starting it over. Every night I start the album again and put it on repeat
One thing I love about the final chorus in "Mattel" is how he sings "Hell" as opposed to screaming it in the first two, implying that by the end of it all, he's come to terms with what his life is. It may not be peace, but instead acceptance.
It's weird, I see it as him giving up on being angry and accepting the world as hell and knowing it'll never be "as it should"
This comment gave me chills because I think you're right.
The last hell is almost like a peaceful resignation to the absurdity and darkness of life.
It's acceptance of the things you can't control.
Holy shit!
As a fan of A7X, this album doesn't feel like listening to anything that bears resemblance to past work. As a music enthusiast in general... Holy shit, this is one of the best artistic albums I've heard in forever. I have no doubt it will be divisive, but I personally loved the album.
Listen more. It sounds like Waking the Fallen mixed with the Stage. Obviously with progressive/experimental elements
Thank you. It has small signs of old them but overall is an evolution
@@_ThunderFire 10/10!
I just think that’s crazy, A7X has a signature sound even with changes from album to album.
I agree and would like to add that Life Is But A Dream is truly nothing like its predecessors but has call backs and elements of each previous album up to date while still being a total different experience in its own right. I didnt know how to feel about the album upon release but shortly after found myself playing it on repeat every single day I love it. Im glad ive been able to witness my favorite band successfully break the mold and climb to another height.
The last few lines of 'Death' always break my heart. When the guy jumps off the edge and says 'in my dreams, I fly away'. I interpret that as meaning that he actually didn't want to end it all, he just wanted to escape. In a perfect world he would've stepped off that edge and flown somewhere he could be truly happy, but in this world this was the best he could do.
The first time I heard the lyrics fucked me up lol. I didn’t realize what was happening until “as I make myself more comfortable with the edge” and I was like OH!
Yeah it’s heavy stuff 🥲
I’m disappointed in some avenged fans claiming they have been diehard fans yet, they act so surprised that A7X are always different per album. How can you call yourself a fan but you’re still shocked that they always experiment every album?
This is not news to anybody lol. They stated they don’t want to give the same material back to the fans because they believe it’s insulting to give the same thing back over and over and over again. I don’t get why a fanbase wants to sit there and claim a band doesn’t try anything new and when they do, you take back what you said and you instantly say you want them to sound back how they used to 20 years ago, and when they do that. YOU take back what you said again and you want them to be more original.
Honestly, make up your goddamn mind!! 😬
they're just haters in disguise
I don't like LIBAD but I fully agree lol.
I recognize that LIBAD is good and creative but it just ain't for me
@@SolarGlu Nothing wrong with that. Its art.
EXACTLY!! "Fans" seem to forget that the stage was released after Hail to the king which was two very different albums. Some people really act like they've stayed the same since city of evil until now and only changed with LIBAD
I did not like Nobody at first. At all. Now it’s on my walking list.
Same
It aged very well in just a few months!
Absolute Shit song
When the single hit I didn’t like it at all, then with the full album I got it. It was like entering a conversation half way through I didn’t understand it now I get it and love it
At least it’s actually tolerable now that they didn’t make the drums deafeningly loud like it was as a single.
Avenged just released the freshest thing in music in a decade... and the metal community is crying because it isn't City Of Evil!! This is album of the year all day long!!
@MEMESupreme-by1qv I agree. It seems that it's split down the middle. Love it or hate it.
💯 agreed. This album is an artistic masterpiece. It's fucking beautiful 😍
The metal community hated City of Evil when it came out 😅
@@moonlapse_vertigo no they didn't city of evil is what basically launched there career and gave them the success they had
Avenged fans aren't bitching! We know exactly what this is! If you have followed the journey over the past 20+ years....after listening to this album you will realize its journey of their entire career, a taste of everything they have created
People dont give (d)eath enough praise. I never thought id hear something like this from them. I feel like they do a great job of bringing the sinatra vibe while making it their own. The instruments were beautiful
glad somebody else thought of Frank Sinatra.
The lyrics too, the beauty of a dream where everythings perfect and the switch back to reality and the emotion in it
When i first listened to the album it was my favourite!
If you're a fan of A7X and music in general then this album should check every box. Love the homage to Alice in Chains, the Beatles, Mr Bungle/Mike Patton, Yes and Daft Punk. Love the evolution of this band so much. Waking the Fallen and The Stage are my 2 favorite albums and they are SO different.
I've always felt that Nightmare was the ultimate avenged album, but damn this one is good
I think this is my favorite album of theirs, but I also totally get why it wouldn't align with some people's tastes
@@gonzalozamora5715 My only issue with Nightmare is the lack of lyrical diveristy, given the rev’s death affecting the writing
Don't forget led zeppelin, frank Sinatra and Chopin;)
And System of a Down by the first track.
Honestly, no "mainstream" rock band has made a modern-day Queen record... It's divisive, it's honest, and it ROCKS!!! This album is the current days "A Night At The Opera". It has so many twists and turns, you don't expect what's next. I agree with you Alex!!! This is the band doing exactly what they want to do. The Rev would've been SUPER proud!!! G is a song STRAIGHT out of the Frank Zappa vein. IMO the title track is like the end credits to a movie.
Agreed.
I hear a little queen in it but it really gives me dark side of the moon meets Use your illusion.
Honestly just such an impressive album.
G and Ordinary both just kick my but. The 20 yr old me would have slapped my face. But the 60 yr old me just loves this album. Even after almost a year still can't get enough. It F'n Rocks but in a different way. Fills my heart with joy that only music can do. 😊
This album is god damn masterpiece.
You can feel the anxiety and pressure in the music. This album really creeps you out when you really think about it. Unreal album.
I agree about the anxiety and pressure, particularly during cosmic when they randomly inserted ear rape for like 15 seconds before moving into the last part of the song
Totally agree it makes you feel something
@@agitatedaligator5340 it’s a Beatles trick! See A Day in the Life!
@@mr.steinhaus6014 yeah it’s god damn annoying trick
@@mr.steinhaus6014 I'll check it out!
This album is the perfect mix of heavy, creepy, atmospheric and ethereal and I am HERE for it
And beautiful
I’ve loved A7X for many many years and they never cease to amaze me. I’m addicted to this album. Jimmy would be proud. You can feel Jimmy in these songs
Yes!!!!!!!! That’s freaking right. It’s almost like they wrote the album about their friends ghost!!
Its the first album that he actually has writing credit on since nightmare so they may have scavenged through his old music note books or something
There is an ai rev cover of Mattel and it sounds like it should have him singing it.
@@StretchyMCAU They referenced one of Pinkly Smooth's unreleased songs iirc.
This album is a timeless MASTERPIECE! They really knocked it completely out of the park here. The first listen caught me off guard, but every listen since has been a new experience. The replayability of almost every song on the album is there as well. 10/10
One listen was enough for me. This album is shit.
Agreed
Best way to describe this album is this: its a audio book album. You really have to listen to it from beginning to end in order to truly understand and appreciate it. Seriously a masterpiece of an album.
People call this album a chaotic mess, but people forget that The Rev had a very psychotic, chaotic method to his drumming. I believe that this album is their final ode of their love for Rev. The lyrics in Cosmic also feels like M's finally letting go of Rev so he can rest. I fucking love this album.
People don't seem to have listened to Rev and Syn band, Pinkly Smooth
Bro that was my profile pic on Xbox for like 10 years😂
I think they even referenced an unreleased Pinkly Smooth song in one of the songs. Can't remember which.
I love that you think you’re overanalyzing things, but you’re not, you’re getting it, you understand the themes and underlying messages, great video dude!
That's what I love about art in general.
You can take it at face value and either love it or hate it.
On another hand, you can over analyze and find meaning in all of the little things.
If it has meaning to you, then it's true.
I(think) I remember Freddy Mercury not telling people what his music was about because he didn't want people to take his perspective, he wanted them to have their own thoughts and emotions.
There are songs that were written about an ex or a divorce or a lost loved one. But when I listen to them I might think of a current love, or a living relative and that's the meaning that song holds for me.
Like he said about one of the songs. We're all seeing everything from our own point of view, and if your point of view is analyzing the guitar solos, then it's no more correct or incorrect than what was actually happening when the song was written.
And to me, that's the most magical part about it.
I really think they fulfilled everything I as a fan wanted from a new avenged album. They’re my favorite band so I love when they put out new stuff, but I would’ve been pissed if I waited this long just tor them to play it safe. This album is everything I could’ve wanted from a new album!
agreed! imma be honest they went even more left-field than I thought they would, couldn't be happier with the result though. beautiful project, came at the perfect time in my life
Couldn’t have said it better, this album was everything I was hoping and so much I wasn’t expecting. They’re my favorite band as well and this album came at a great time for me. I’m beyond stoked for more from them
I loved the album, especially after more than the third listen it really started to sink in, but I have to say I was hoping for another country ish song. Other than that though, they did everything I was hoping for and THEN some. It sort of fulfilled everything I thought was missing from The Stage.
@@loosecannon4520 I dont listen to much country but Matt's voice works so well with the genre, i hope they touch on it again some day
@@_WeDontKnow_ I don’t listen to much country either, but every time Matt’s down something with a country or western twist it’s phenomenal. Id absolutely love an entire A7X country album more than any country music to ever country 😂
Cosmic is one of the few a7x songs that just left me speechless, i literally had to take 5 minutes just to gather my thoughts before continuing, what a ride EDIT: and i should say, the whole album was like that, it made me go deep into thought about things i had never really thought about for prolonged periods of time, this is the first album in at least a decade that made me actually think, perfect to me, 10/10 (and one last thing, easier would have been a complete banger with less autotune, just saying
Snip I had the same experience. Thoughts and memories I haven’t thought of in many many years.
No way you think ordinary is Fr good
@@thatrandomguy-qc2cw i do actually
You're right, Ordinary is just ordinary...
@@thatrandomguy-qc2cw The autotune and vibe in Ordinary is justified given that it's from the perspective of a robot.
You have no idea how heartbroken I was when you posted the first video and it was only 3 minutes. I was waiting to see how you reacted to this album! But specifically a Cosmic! Thank you for releasing the whole reaction!
I love the idea of Cosmic so much, it’s taking inspiration from different ideals from different parts of the world of what happens after we die, but also saying we’ve always been here regardless of whether we had individuality or not, we’ve always been here, “there you’ll find me”, to those who need to know you’re still there. It’s beautiful. This could just be my take, but I enjoy the thought.
I can't lie, when I first heard the singles I was devistated, the whaling guitar on Nobody really grinded me, We Love You just didn't gel with me but ever since Monday I've had them on repeat. For me this album is just completely misunderstood on the first listen but over time it somehow becomes more and more enjoyable over time and you really appreciate the music.
I know some people will dislike it and they're entitled to and others will say "well music shouldn't be like that, a song should be good the first time you hear it." And that again is fair. But for me I'm enjoying falling in love with the album from initially disliking it. Easily in my top 3 so far this year.
Love this album, what else is in your top 3??
Nobody is my favorite song of the year of all the music I’ve listened to so far.
I gotta say I started seeing your first reactions to metal and I feel like a proud father seeing you accept this album when so many of their fans can't even do that
I've actually been a fan of theirs for years, and i absolutely love this album. I've been listening to it non stop ever since it was released.
Shocked so many fans dislike this album, honestly this is the most exciting album they've made since City of Evil. Album goes places! Love it!
It is just too complex and incohesive man and at times does not sound like A7X to me, I liked the start of the album but then it just dies off for me. Reminds me of being a kid and trying to mix all the goodies into one weird cream, if the incredients are too many and incohesive, you end up with a disgusting mess. Self Titled, Waking The Fallen, City of Evil, Nightmare, all had varying songs and albums were very cohesive.
@@samuelsiltala119 I obviously disagree but I do get what you're saying... That being said, I'd take something complex and adventurous over something safe and 'the same'. These guys have so much talent and I feel like this is a true showcase of that, they could've just released Nightmare 2.0 but I'm glad they're exploring their potential and trying something new.
I guess it's the same reaction that city of evil had half the fan hated it and half loved it
@@jono2330fr, matt said in an interview that fans didn't liked their change of sound when City of evil was released but now it is considered by many fans their best album.
City of evil is not good album
Cosmic just hits different more than any other song! The vibes! And the guitar wails reminded me of the self titled album
First person I noticed that made the connection between the plastic daisies in Mattel and Nobody.
Also similar droning sounds in both songs although they sound more aggressive in Mattel
The songs have massive replayability. You just need to listen to the album a few times. The songs tie themselves together
Sleep token: has so many different music styles and super creative.
Avenged sevenfold: hold my bat wings!
Bat wings lol thats when you pull ur nutsack out into wings 😂
sleep token does a sub-par job of merging genres (imo). i think a7x does it far better
Sleep Token is overrated.
Sleep Token is so fucking boring to listen to. LIBAD is artistic perfection!
@@jasonvandrese2581 literally so true
This album is something like having a door at the edge of your comfort zone locked for years then finally a timer counts down to unlock and you can see through a peep hole to see a portion of what’s inside, upon opening you enter to feel uneasy and somewhat un-intrigued but after taking time to adjust to the difference and focus on the content you feel as if there is excellence in every detail.
the end of Mattel gives me, camera zooming out as someone walks slow in a city full of people zooming everywhere , while they feel meaningless to life. This album was literally a full experience. Love every bit of it.
I don't know what you're going to say, but imo it is one of the best albums of recent years and is a complete masterpiece. This album will be their defining legacy and will open so many doorways for other artists in the genre to explore, as well as for people to become fans who otherwise would steer clear of rock and metal. Absolute genius work by the band.
Spot on man!
Agree to the fullest. Probly the best modern prog album
Lmao no. Masterpiece albums are projects like Constellations by August Burns Red, When The End Began/Iridescent, both by Silent Planet, Meteora by Linkin Park, Issues by Korn, Alien by Northlane, The Dark Pool by Thornhill, Heavener by Invent Animate, Sempiternal by Bring Me The Horizon, Toxicity by System of a Down, White Pony by Deftones, In Utero/Nevermind by Nirvana, Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness by The Smashing Pumpkins, etc. Don’t ever call something this terrible a masterpiece ever again.
no
@@the_ZAMURAI yessir, wont happen again sir, do you want your shoes cleaned while im at it? Get outta here with that "dont ever call something this terrible a masterpiece ever again" shit lol
I lost my grandfather about a month or 2 ago, Cosmic has been such a healing song for me
Hi Liam, I lost both of my grandparents almost two years ago now due to this stupid pandemic, and Cosmic for me too, has been very healing. I could not stop thinking about them through out my first listen, and still brings me to tears every time I put it on. It is such a powerful and meaningful song. Hope you are doing better now, It does not get any easier, but you start to remember them with joy more and more each time.
Did anyone else get chills when they first heard Mattel ? Just me?
This album is so deep, I have listened this album complete like 5 to 6 times, and every time I listen the conclusion of this album "Life is but a dream" it makes sense for me. According to the science when you are dying you have a lucid dream of your whole life, so everything you did in your life it turns into your last dreams
I've had it on repeat non stop while I'm driving to or from work, at work, put it on while Gaming or cleaning the house or whatever else, I had to make a playlist just for G Ordinary and Death because I was wanting to listen to them so much, I love the themes of the songs, Prog is one of my favorite Subgenres of Metal so loved that, just everything about it I love just makes you think
DUDE!! I said the exact same thing to a friend you did at 7:30. I’m so happy for those guys
0:30 Game Over
6:21 Mattel
13:30 Nobody
20:08 We Love You
26:46 Cosmic
35:30 Beautiful Morning
43:16 Easier
47:53 G
53:46 (O)rdinary
56:54 (D)eath
1:00:20 Life Is But a Dream...
1:04:48 Final thoughts
i think you hit it right on the head when you said this album is about human experience from a unique perspective. beautiful album
Thank you for doing a video for the whole album, as you said the experience wouldn't be the same if you listen to each song as a single. This album surpassed my expectations. What an amazing job and what a trip!
I was the same way halfway through the title track. my friends and i were listening and we were all pleased with it, and i was like "wait imagine if they end it on a piano piece" and i was thinking "please let this be just piano" and i was really happy to find out it was. it felt like the natural and perfect way to end an album of this magnitude
Cosmic is my favorite by far. It makes me feel some type of way. I also think it could be a radio single, but that's just me.
It totally could’ve. That one was most like their other work-it honesty sounds like an epilogue to So Far Away, and it didn’t do anything that crazy. It even went a little bit Starset in the end, which is certainly radio friendly.
For me Musically A7X's discography, is the most complete. I am so glad they never stuck to one single sound. For me personally. One of the greatest bands of all time. This album for me is top 2 from them.
Nothing will ever beat Hail to the King!
@@rickyzeck2755no
I am a card carrying member of the A7X fan club, have the deathbat tattoo, when they released the 2 singles I had no idea what they were doing. But listening to the album in its entirety, this is a masterpiece
Even the deathbat they stole from overkill 😂
@@nemesis8626and make better version, tbh
I’ve been a fan for 15 years now and I can confidently say that this is my favorite album ever. I’m so glad they did this.
It’s funny how many people think Talkbox and Vocoder are Auto-Tune. So to help identify the differences: Auto-Tune effects one voice and you really hear it in note switches. Talkbox makes a solo voice sound like a synth. Vocoder takes a vocal track and makes it into chords with a synth sound. Most (if not all) of the vocals in this album that people think are “Auto-Tune” are actually Vocoder using the same vocal tracks in other parts if the song and running it through a synth playing chords. The sample from “Whatcha Say” by Jason Derulo (which is from Imogen Heap “Hide and Seek”) is the most recognized use of Vocoder. Hope that helps clear it up for any interested (especially if you’re a music nerd like me)
This album is such a breath of fresh air. Every listen it gets better and better.
Btw Alex there's legit autotune on Ordinary, but that vocal effect in Cosmic and Easier is called a vocoder. So you sing into it, and the output can be a bunch of new notes. It sounds autotuned as a result! Really classic effect that was popularized in the 80s.
Some really interesting notes...The Rev is credited for some lyrics for Beautiful Morning and the bridge melody on Mattel. Synyster Gates played piano on 10 songs, including the final instrumental. He also played flute and Mellotron. Not bad for a lead guitarist.
The middle part of BM is from REV and Syn's band, Pinkly Smooth. They tried to have another member on it but werent able to
The song before the "GOD" trilogy is Easier, and if you spell it all out it says "EGO DEATH", which is something M Shadows has mentioned quite a bit for inspiring the writing process for the album
That's brilliant. Bet your dead on. That's the minds of the most creative group of artists.
WTF you’re right
My first listen to the entire album... and it's really great. The more you listen, the more you become immersed.
At first I was like WTF? Didn't like it at first but then kept listening and it grew to me. Then saw them live with Falling In Reverse Oct. 2 and their show blew me away. Then started listening to their album again and now I tear up when I listen to this album. I am emotionally sold for this album. I finally get it...yeah they have evolved and grew and not the same band years ago. Okay I get it and I'm now 49 and I appreciate their new sound. When I tear up with these songs I know I have grown with this band. A++++ Thumbs UP!!!
This album shocked me because based off the singles i didnt know if id like it. It came out and I listened to in its entirety and I absolutely love it even the singles. The flow is incredible
Honestly this album really surprised me. Happy for it and really appreciate it. As a whole its amazing. Some songs really stand out (Nobody for example is a massive Jam.)
im so glad you're covering this entire thing, let's go bro
Fun fact, easier is a completed song that they were gonna release in 2006/07 but replaced it with almost easy. I’m so happy they made this into reality again. There’s a demo of the og version called “It’s easier”
he said this in the video i think, at least mentioned it was a demo
That’s a very cool fun fact, thanks for sharing! It’s not one of my favorites on the album, but glad they published and repurposed old material
Why wouldn’t it be in diamonds in the rough then?
@@chadphelps5809 the songs in that album were definitely diamonds in the rough. Easier…not so much
This album is my new favorite of theirs. So much creativity flooding throughout every song. It's been refreshing and pleasure to listen over and over since it's been out.
I absolutely love your take on these songs, the concepts, the lyrics, and your analysis. The lyrics really drive these songs more than any other A7X album.
Man at first was like eh, it's ok, after a couple for more listens I started to really get it then your video pushed that new understanding where it needed to be. This album is BRILLIANT! You just gotta understand it's not about coming out shredding although there's plenty of that, there's a story here and a big message. Honestly I think it's on another level, great great album!
I waited 7 years for this album and it was all I could ask for and more. I get what you said about being proud of them like they’re your own children putting out this music. I feel the same way. I wanted this so badly since I bought and over played “the stage” back in 2016. 9.9 out of 10. Easy! Top album of the year
In Beautiful Morning, they say "Don't Let It Be" a bunch, and I feel like the middle of the song was inspired by The Beatles. And then you were saying that this song is like nihilistic. The Beatles song "Let It Be" is about Mother Mary and it's like The Beatle's preach about having a hand to hold and someone to guide you. A7X is saying "DON'T Let it be" here, to enforce that there is nothing and it's all meaningless.
Just a thought!
Game over is dope. Cosmic is amazing I really like G because it's so different and feels like another "a little piece of heaven" almost just because it feels so random and all over the place. But Mattel might just go down as one of the best songs they've ever made imo
@The_Alex_Hefner--cringe bot
@@IAmBriceDolan why bruh?
@gorillawhisperer4984 not to you, there was a bot that commented under your post, but was deleted. It looks like it was towards you but wasn't sorry
I know you did this one 5 months ago, but just caught it. First time through this album, I was so unsure… my friends who I spoke to about it listened to me muse, rage, think, love, complain and gush about it, unsure how I felt. However, after listening again and again and again, at least once a day for about 2 weeks, trying to figure out how I really felt it dawned on me that I loved it. Each time I listened it gave me exactly what you describe, and introspective experience. I love progressive rock and metal, and this is a masterpiece of the genre and that I am so happy A7X went this way. It’s stands up there with some of my favourite prog albums from masters like Steven Wilson (In Abstentia from Porcupine Tree) and even much heavier stuff from Opeth (Ghost Reveries), truly a masterclass.
Only thing I can say about this album is that it's not music, it's a work of art. I know, those two things aren't mutually exclusive, just saying. Not all music rises to the level of pure art, but this one does.
I do agree with Alex though about the individual songs not being something you would just throw in a playlist. This is the kind of album you have to sit down and listen to straight through, and really think about the meaning along the way. So it's great that you reacted to it in this format. One of the very few times I will actually watch a RUclips video longer than 20 minutes or so.
Also, the imagery in the video for Nobody hits a lot harder once you've listened to the whole album a few times. You see little references to other tracks thrown in there. I doubt they will do it, but I would totally be down for a stop motion animated video for every song.
I remember seeing a reaction video of yours to “A Little Piece of Heaven” a couple years ago, mostly just doing a dive getting a kick out of seeing strangers react to the absolutely appalling nature of the lyrics. I’ve been yearning to show this whole album to anyone I think would actually take the time to listen to it, and it absolutely made my day when you turned the phone off to take it all in. When “Nobody” and “We Love You” dropped I was viscerally disappointed, but Avenged is my favorite band, and as someone whose played guitar for 20+ years I will always give Syn the time of day out of respect for the absolute genius he is. This is music at its best, story telling with sound, full artistic realization for 55 mins. It’s not comfortable, it’s not mellow, it’s rarely sparkly, but it just embodies the entire vague nature of existence in every note. Those that don’t enjoy or “get it” just never will. Nothing but love for giving the boys the ears that this album deserves.
Mattel and Cosmic are such incredible songs, some of the best they’ve ever made. I cannot wait to hear/ see these songs live! The whole album is a masterpiece imo. 🖤💀🦇🤘🏻
Definitely both of those songs were the best I’ve heard in a long long time.
Just saw them last night spectacular show
Death . Is so good
I know this album was made with existential and absurdist philosophy in mind, but I feel like that is all more a "scholarly" front to lead some groups off the point. To me, this album is about depression and trying to cope with it. Most of the songs of this album is almost exactly how I felt in highschool from 2014 to 2018. It was hard to give a shit about anything back then, especially when most "art" is just pandering to us, you have to survive off commercialized products, and the days just repeat over and over, faced with a future that is just as repetitive with every chance that any value you might have could be replaced. When advocates say suicide is a selfish act, they mean it. It really is, but when you're so deep in your own head as the only place that seems to matter, then yeah everything else will feel disconnected, absurd, and unreal. Friendships I had then felt so surface level, my parents, while caring in their own ways, one drank too much and was distant at best or an asshole at worst, and the other misunderstood me so much that we could only speak through mixed signals, like I was still a child to her that needed help with small stuff without big issues to worry about, versus me turning into a man who can handle the small stuff, but needed help with the big issues that were already happening. And it wasn't like I could go get myself diagnosed because the doctors would just put me on more drugs, and that medical history would have ruined future opportunities.
So for me, my escape out of depression wasn't to "go into another dream" I got fed up and pissed off. I realized I had no control over my life anymore, everything I wanted to enjoy fell short. I couldn't go through life at the whim of what people told me to do, being fed what I was told to be fed. If life offered no meaning to me, then I would make my own meaning. I changed my college major from Engineering to English: Creative Writing, I stopped caring what anyone said and just did my own thing and I am much happier for it, AND I seem to be pretty good at writing now. I spoke up to my parent who drank and they cut cold turkey. The other still doesn't quite understand me, but they know I'm happier now. I'm actually now pursuing my M.A now and it is essentially paid for too.
I wouldn't say my life is perfect, but I'm no longer depressed and no where near that state of mind. I can't recommend this route for anyone who has depression. No one should get that low on themselves to the point of snapping back at life like that. Just know there are many of us who do understand. This album came out this year, but it really felt like a snapshot of what I went through and what I have risen above. Looking back at how I was, and the album's whole philosophy (along with much post-modern philosophy in general), it is so narcissistic and pretentious and our society and culture reflects and encourages that we become hopeless and dour trying to live up to impossible standards. And I mean my last sentence as a compliment for how accurate the album captures this industrialized individuality-destroyer our society and culture created.
I'm sorry for the essay, and to anyone who read this far, you are not alone. We're out there. Stay safe, and God bless.
I'm so grateful for this review. I've listened to this album so many times. And everytime it gets better. I can explain it but this album really dug at my soul. Knowing that Shadows and Gates had their awakening is a beautiful twist for this album. This album takes you on a journey. They were able to kill their egos and just their souls be free. Idk, I'm totally rambling now. But this isn't everyones cup of tea. Thank you for this review
Love the new album! Glad you’re reacting to the whole thing
One thing I loved is how the end of life is but a dream and the beginning of game over when playing the album on repeat fits so well as if the cycle is starting again and it’s just a loop. Just like life and civilisation
It's crazy. I hadn't actually connected Mattel to The Truman Show past the quote 'Good afternoon, good evening, and good night' and yet you called it out without having seen the movie moments before that line.
It made this song hit a whole different way
Brooks Wackerman steals the show in the first half! Amazing🤘
the contextual attitude of the album isnt ment to be digested as a fan of music but a fan of life. after you breathe and exhale the statue of yourself, then the music of it all is a clever and pretty bonus.
G.O.D. is basically robot gets created, asks for a soul and to have feelings, kill itself.
What you're hearing most of the time Alex is called a Vocoder, M Shadows talks about using it in a few interviews. They make a lot of choices on this album that to them is super organic. So instead of using samples they use real instruments, instead of using digital audio effects for the voice and guitars, they use a real vocoder and real autotune that's meant to add musicality. It's completely different from traditional autotune which isn't meant to be heard, the solo in Mattel uses some version of autotune but on guitar. So everything you hear in this album that is "weird" or "questionable" is because they made a conscious choice to do so FOR the music.
I meen to say that using effects is organic is a total joke, organic meens natural and raw if you like. Effects are anything but organic
@@nemesis8626in this case they aren’t using any samples or your typical program to make themselves sound like they do man. Clearly didn’t understand what he was getting at.
@@nemesis8626with that logic, nothing at all is organic in music and hasn't been "organic" since the... oh, I don't know, 40's-50's? Compression, EQ, Mastering, Overdrive, Clip-Peaking, Distortion, Reverb (digital, not analogue), Delay, and I could go on... are all effects and since "effects" are not "organic" (they are just electricity acting in funny ways, warping currents and sound-waves, so it is organic), then nothing you listen to is organic either. Even 90% of the folk/country songs you hear where it's just an acoustic and a dude singing, chances are it has reverb, compression, mastering, and hints of overdubbing along with sprinkles of delay for flavor.
Get off your high-horse. Music is music and it is ALL organic, as it comes from the creative human mind. Just because they chose some wacky fun sounds doesn't make it any less human than it is.
Thank you for having such an open outlook on this album. I'm constantly seeing popular RUclipsrs trash this album, but you give it the praise it deserves. Big subscribe from me
Last song is so heavy & chaotic man... sounds really a chat with death and saying .. "what a ride huh? yeah ironic isn't it? I wished it could last more... "You really believed you could do something about it? that's all you get" and it finishes with that crisis.
How many songs can give you goosebumps on every play??? They absolutely nailed it with this album. So moving and emotional.
Thank you for giving the album the credit that it deserves. This album is phenomenal. I am beyond proud to called A7X my favorite band. Now, it is time to continue enjoying of this masterpiece!!!
Bro. Excellent review. I appreciate hearing some of the mature thoughts you conveyed that many wouldn't be able to even think. It does the album justice and gives me a deeper insight into it.
I haaaaaaate how so many people hate this...but omg, it's genious. I'm obsessed with prog, though. I looooove D(eath)...prettiest, calmest song about Self deletion...if you don't listen to the words, you wanna slow dance to it.
i only see glazers here. but i think it is trash personally. I've thought that always about this band though tbf.
So glad I got to see your full-on reaction to every song :D
I love to talk about song lyrics because poetry is a song but with no music and I love hearing people's understanding of songs I enjoyed seeing your take on each song of the album!!
Thank you so much, Alex again for your reaction to the whole alum
and to tell you the truth when I listen to "Death" I waltzed to it no lie
I love this album so much!
The Truman Snow will lead you to cosmological questions. It's happening all over the plane :P
Nobody is pointing out how incredibly smart Alex is and it hurts me! (Somebody might have, but I haven't read every single comment!!!) This dude made me cry to Game Over after watching his reaction when I've listened to the song about 100 times now. Plus, the analytical prowess he holds on every other song is insane. You go Alex, you helped me appreciate this album even more, which I didn't think was possible!!!
I feel like in couple to ten years there are gonna be uni classes and theses written on this material. As many here have said, major wtf moments on first listen, and then you just need to go back again and again and it gives you more and more chills the more you dive in and more you (think you) understand. Daaamn.
And major props to you too, really loved how your mind works and the insight you shared. Made me overthink this some more 😅
As for the conclusion you put out, specifically the notion that many people reject stuff like this because it's not easy and approachable and "what they already know" - doesn't it go full circle with one of the themes in the album like the part of human experience could but should not / doesn't have to be going just for the mundane, repetitive, "all-figured-out", and never pushing themselves? When you think about it they must pride on the listeners taking their special time to delve into something so complex and multilayered and appreciating all their work. (Not to sound like a poser but for once I am proud too.)
Damn I thought I was the only one who thought LIBAD was the absolute perfect way to end the album!
I loved it too! Sounds like the perfect "ending credit sound" after the "Death" song.
Me too😊
In we love you when the video goes to that security room with the computers, the computers are showing all of the different scenes you've been through during the video, as-well as portraying that someone or some people have been watching or controlling.
Alex, you are a treasure mate, love your vibe … been waiting for your reactions to the songs , this album is an actual masterpiece
Thank you for this breakdown! If you get a chance, go see them in concert. It's a whole ass experience with the music and the visuals.
This album was so fun to listen to, fully immersed in. I love the trippy feel, the nods to their musical influences, M.'s voice (and screaming! I was SO excited to hear that!) Scratches something in my brain. His deep talk/sing moments gave me chills.
This album is a masterpiece. I’ve been following them through their musical journey. This shows incredible growth in them as artists. Those who don’t like it most likely have a very specific sound they choose to stick to or are afraid to step out of that box. These songs spoke to me and I’m here for it.
This album for me is a very crazy journey, it's not for everyone, I loved it, it's like an existential crisis, you just need to put on your headphones, forget about everything, forget the previous albuns , drink a beer and enjoy the songs .