LOS ANGELES, CA – OCTOBER 19: Synyster Gates, Johnny Christ, M. Shadows, Zacky Vengeance and Brooks … [+]
Ever since the masterpiece that was Avenged Sevenfold’s 2016 album, The Stage, fans have grown more and more restless for the ambitious follow up that the band has in store. For well over the past year, members of Avenged Sevenfold have continually brought up the new album in interviews and in press, teasing all kinds of details about the album like how Kanye West influenced the record, and how there’s even a 78 piece orchestra baked into the new music:
“Well… this Happened on Tuesday. We-Avenged Sevenfold- started writing this record 4 years ago and I can’t believe we are 90% done…One of the perks-in the creative process- is that we are able to track a 78 piece orchestra on our records,” says AX7 drummer Brooks Wackerman. “The fact that we are able to bring incredible musicians together to enhance our art still gives me chills.. I can’t wait for the the world to hear this.. all I can say it’s unlike Anything we’ve ever released.. ALRIGHT and good night!
As of yesterday, drummer Brooks Wackerman took to social media to announce that the band is finally “done” with the writing, recording, and mixing stages for the new album. Wackerman posted a photo of the band all together huddled around famed producer/mixing engineer, Andy Wallace (Sepultura, Gojira, Slayer) with the short caption “Done.” Aside from the marketing and promotion side of things (to which their last studio album skipped out on entirely as it was a ‘suprise release’), all that’s left for completion is the mastering stage for this new record.
While it’s certainly exciting news that we’re finally one big step closer to hearing this album, I’d be very surprised if the band dropped it before the end of this year. With the fall season already upon us, there’s no chance the band will be eyeing any of the coming months for a release window as it’s likely not enough time for marketing and physical production (i.e. vinyl, merchandise etc.). December is also considered ‘off limits’ as far as major albums releases go, so don’t hold your breath for a 2022 release window. Instead, I’d wager the band are eyeing spring of 2023 for the release of the album, as it’ll provide ample time for them not only to promote the record, but also go full force back into touring for the spring/early summer concert season.