Avenged Sevenfold
Bio
Avenged Sevenfold was formed when the members were in high school. Their first album was entitled Sounding the Seventh Trumpet, and was recorded when the band members were only 18 years old. It was originally released on their first label, Good Life Recordings, and again on Hopeless Records. Their next album was entitled Waking the Fallen (also released on Hopeless) was very widely accepted and was given a good rating in Rolling Stone. Not long after the release of Waking the Fallen, Avenged Sevenfold was signed to Warner Bros. Records.
The name of the band is a reference to a story in the book of Genesis in the Bible--Cain and Abel, where Cain is sentenced to live in exile, alone and miserable. Anybody who relieved Cain of his misery by killing him would have "vengeance taken upon him sevenfold." The title of Avenged Sevenfold's song "Chapter Four" is a reference to Genesis IV, the chapter of the Bible where the story of Cain and Abel can be found. Its subject also appears to be this story. Beast and the Harlot, another song derived from the Bible, is from the book of Revelation and deals with the punishment of Babylon and the destruction of Pagan nations. Even though the band's title and members' stage names make not-so-subtle references to religion, Shadows stated once during an interview that they are "not really religious at all." "Anyone that read the lyrics and really knew anything about us, they would know we're not promoting either," he said. "That's one thing about this band that I love is that we never really shove any kind of, like, political or religious beliefs on people. We just, the music's there to entertain and maybe thought-provoking on both sides, but we don't try to, like, really shove anything down anyone's throat. There's too many bands that do that nowadays, I think."
Synyster Gates
BORN ON: July 7,1981
Synyster Gates (born Brian Haner, Jr. on July 7, 1981) is the lead guitarist (and back-up singer) for Avenged Sevenfold. He attended Musicians Institute in Hollywood, California as part of the GIT program,while there he studied the Jazz guitar. He is also a member of the band Pinkly Smooth, a side project with The Rev (Avenged Sevenfold's drummer). His Favorite Band is Mr. Bungle. He is the son of Brian Haner, Sr., also a musican and songwriter who helped with guest guitar work on the album City of Evil. Synyster and Zacky Vengeance often play guitar back-to-back since Synyster is right-handed and Zacky is left-handed, this is visually appealing and has become a mainstay of the band's live shows. In an old magazine article, Synyster claims to have come up with his name when he was seventeen years old. "I was out with Jimmy (aka The Rev). We were drinking a lot and driving around the park in Jimmy's car. I was driving, as drunk as a fuck and all of a sudden I just blurted out, 'I am Synyster Gates and I am awesome!" I don't know why I said it (laughs) but now that's my name!"
Zacky Veangeance bio
real name: Zachary Jonathan Baker
born: December 11,1981.
Some other info:
Zacky Vengeance is the rhythm guitarist for the metal band Avenged Sevenfold. He and M. Shadows formed the band when they were in high school. He has released Vengeance University (his clothing line). It is currently available only in the USA but is soon to be released in other countries. Zacky is left handed and Synyster Gates is right handed so when on stage they often play back - to- back
The Rev bio
The Rev (born James Owen Sulliven Febuary 10,1981 , short for The Reverend Tholomew Plague) is the drummer for A7X.
The Rev attended a Catholic school with A7X lead singer M. Shadows, but was kicked out in 2nd grade. His first record was released when he was at the age of 18. He and Synyster Gates have a side project, as well as members from Ballistico in which he sing besides drumming called Pinkly Smooth. His stage name in this band is Rat Head. Two of his favorite bands are Rancid and Transplants. As for drumming, he's sponsored by DW, Evans, Promark and Sabian. The Rev's influences are Pantera's Vinnie Paul, Slayer's Dave Lombardo, Dream Theater's Mike Portnoy and Slayer's Paul Bostaph.He has said that he has 6 different cars, one for all but one day of the week. Ironically, he used to live in a car, and at another time lived in a Laundromat, where he worked during the day, and slept at night. He is engaged to a girl named Leana. He has been arrested 7 times, although only for incidences such as bar fights.
M. Shadows
M. Shadows short bio
M. Shadows (born Matthew Sanders on July 31st, 1981) is the lead singer of Avenged Sevenfold. He had minor surgery to repair a vocal strain, he has however spoken out on many occasions to dispute claims that the surgery was the cause for the band's change in musical style. In fact the cause was largely because of the bands ability to progress as artists since signing with major label Warner Brothers.
Shadows was formerly a member of a punk band called Successful Failure, during this time he penned Streetsthat would be recorded once Avenged Sevenfold was formed.
Shadows feels a strong support for the troops serving the United States and has very close friends who are currently in service. The song "M.I.A." was written in tribute to these friends. Before performing the song every night however Shadows stresses that Avenged Sevenfold is not a political band and do not intend to become one.
Johnny Christ BIO
Johnny plays bass with a pick, and has only played one song with an 8-String.
Hes been playing for over 8 years, and has never had a lesson.
Has 3 piercings, his nose and his ears.
He also smokes.
Hes very short! 5'4. Like he says, If he ever wanted a gnome, all that he would have to do is stand out in his front yard for a while. (Not in the exact same words)