Avenged Sevenfold seems to be the quintessential band that everybody loves to hate, the guilty pleasure that nobody will seem to admit liking at one point or another. Whether you fell in love with them during there Heavy Metal, vocal splitting days, are have recently become a follower of their more mainstream songs and lighter over tones, there is one thing that cannot be denied: Avenged Sevenfold is the epitome of maturity.

In an industry where many are content to have found their niche or there trademark and stick with it, Avenged Sevenfold has refused to find theirs, and that stubbornness has worked to their benefit. Starting with Sounding the Seventh Trumpet, Avenged Sevenfold introduced themselves with the likes of Trivium and Taking Back Sunday in terms of the heavy guitar riffs, chaotic drums, and guttural screaming that would make any death metal lover swoon. However, as the band developed their style changed and that change can be documented on every album. Waking the Fallen (arguably there more critically lauded work) was the catalyst of that development process, where melodies and genuine took the presence of the previous indecipherable screaming. City of Evil as well took a farther step back from Sounding the Seventh Trumpet and undoubtedly took the band in an entirely different direction.

Now in terms of evolution, their new self titled album does not disappoint. The track "Scream", with its deep, chest moving bass line, tantalizing guitars, and the sheer bad ass style with which M. Shadows delivers his vocals is a clear depiction of their new style. "Critical Acclaim", the track that was leased across youtube when the album itself was still in post production, however, lends itself back to their roots with its opening "screamfest" by Shadows and the bands drummer The Rev. His high pitched squeal is an easy accompaniment too Shadows own raspy falsetto.

though a sound album, those who were looking fo rthe complex guitar duels that lead guitarist Synester Gates and Zacky Vengeance engaged in on previous works, will be disappointed in this album. Though they are trying a more mainstream sound, it is sad to say that the guitar work on this album is definitely lacking the flare and over the topness that made it so appealing on Waking the Fallen and City of Evil.

"Avenged Sevenfold" is a sound effort at the group trying something new and fresh, and really is a solid work that deserves its position among the previous four. 9/10