Avenged Sevenfold's M. Shadows on the Polarizing 'Life Is But A Dream...' Album: 'I'm Unfazed by the Mixed Reviews'
Avenged Sevenfold's latest album, 'Life Is But A Dream...', has sparked a whirlwind of emotions and opinions. In a revealing interview with Rolling Stone Brasil, frontman M. Shadows delves into the band's experimental approach and the album's existential themes. But here's where it gets controversial—the record has received a mixed bag of reactions, leaving fans and critics divided.
Shadows reflects on the album's journey, which took four years to write and record, saying, 'I don't let the mixed reviews get to me. I think it affects others more than the band.' He adds, 'It's healthy for us to be oblivious to the criticism because when we created this album, we had a clear purpose.'
But why the mixed response? Shadows believes it's about personal connection and perspective. He recalls performing in Greece and wondering what the audience thought when they first heard the album. 'It's funny to me,' he says, 'We love the album and stand by it.'
Shadows continues, 'Some fans will embrace the journey and learn to love it, while others might never listen again. But the idea that we can influence people's emotions through our art is fascinating.' He compares it to a painting, stating, 'Artists should create freely, without the burden of others' expectations.'
The band's motivation to push boundaries is evident. Shadows explains, 'I'm drawn to unique melodies and riffs that make us feel something new. We want to chase that feeling and create music that excites us.' He believes in challenging themselves and their fans, saying, 'It's about finding that unique sound that makes you feel crazy, good, or just plain weird.'
The album's polarizing nature is further emphasized by M. Shadows. He mentions that the record has received both perfect and abysmal reviews, which he sees as a positive. 'In 2023, a zero-out-of-10 review is better than you'd think. It gets people talking,' he says. Shadows believes artists should reflect their true selves, not be confined to past styles.
He gives examples of artists who defied expectations, like Weezer's 'Pinkerton' and Mr. Bungle's 'Disco Volante'. Shadows asserts, 'These artists stepped outside the box, ruffled feathers, and created something special.'
Avenged Sevenfold's songwriting process for 'Life Is But A Dream...' was unconventional. Shadows reveals, 'We sought bold moments in life, art, and film, and translated them into music.' He adds, 'We wanted to break the rules and create something abstract, yet meaningful.'
The album's sales and chart performance are intriguing. 'Life Is But A Dream...' debuted at No. 13 on the Billboard 200 chart, selling 36,000 units in its first week. This contrasts with their previous album, 'The Stage', which debuted at No. 4 but had lower sales. The band's recent tour postponement due to Shadows' vocal injury adds another layer to the story.
And this is the part most people miss—Avenged Sevenfold's 'Life Is But A Dream...' is a bold, experimental album that challenges listeners. It's a journey through existential themes, leaving fans divided. But the band remains unfazed, embracing their artistic freedom and the diverse reactions their music evokes. What's your take on the album? Do you think artists should cater to fan expectations or stay true to their creative vision, even if it's controversial?
