1. Avenged Sevenfold
Arguably the most iconic metal band to come around since the 80s; the origin years of the biggest metal bands of all time, Avenged Sevenfold are good enough to sit side by side with giants like Metallica and Iron Maiden. No easy feat. Since their debut album, Sounding the Seventh Trumpet, A7X have stormed the rock world and solidified their place amongst the all-time greats. The band has tweaked their sound with each album, meaning that now that theyve had five albums (and a sixth on the way), they dont sound much like they originally did. With most bands this would be a worrying fact but A7X never get worse, sure fans may like particular time periods and sounds better but their adaptability and diversity is unparalleled. To compare their sound changes I suggest listening to Darkness Surrounding, Bat Country, Gunslinger and Hail to the King. Each of those songs come from a different album and each sound incredibly different, yet all are great songs in their own way. With past-paced screaming, slow ballads, epic metal and country under their belt, its clear A7X have delved into many genres and came out strong in them all. Not many bands can do that! Frontman M. Shadows has a voice like no other; raspy and yet smooth he can sing ballads and scream with one of rocks greatest and most unique voices. Backing the awesome voice of M. Shadows is Zacky Vengeance on rhythm guitar, Johnny Christ on bass, Synyster Gates as lead guitarist and Arin IIejay on drums, a quintet that have a very interesting sound. A7X have reached the status that allows them to experiment, like they did with their self-titled album, and attempt to do different things, which not every band can pull off. In 2009 A7Xs drummer, Jimmy The Rev Sullivan, died of a drug overdose. This was a massive blow to the group as The Rev was not only a fantastic drummer who was there from the beginning but he wrote and sang parts of songs too. That kind contribution is uncommon for a drummer and he was obviously an integral part of the band that wasnt easily replaced. The Rev died shortly before A7Xs fifth album, Nightmare, was released and thus the band dedicated the album to him. Hail to the King is their sixth studio album, due out on the 23rd August 2013, and will be their first without the charismatic drummer. Danger Line, Almost Easy, Unholy Confessions, Beast and the Harlot, Nightmare, Chapter Four, Dead God, Seize the Day, Critical Acclaim, Welcome To The Family and Burn It Down are just a few Avenged Sevenfold songs that make-up the groups legendary discography. With their insane amount of talent and diversity in sounds I can't think of any other band that better proves rock's livelihood.
If anyone out there thinks rock is past its prime or even 'dead', simply listen to some of the bands on this list, they will undoubtedly prove you wrong. These are the bands that I believe are the best around. I limited this list to as few bands as I possibly could but there are many more I deem worthy of such recognition. Let us know what bands you think deserve a spot on such a list!
Which bands do you think are amongst the best in the world? Disagree with the choices I made? Let us know in the comments below!