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The American band Avenged Sevenfold first saw the light of day in Huntington Beach, California when the then 18 year old founding band members came together. The band name was the idea of vocalist M. Shadows. Although the name carries sinister suggestions, it is actually a direct reference to the biblical story of Cain and Abel. The group has clarified though, that they are not a religious band.

In addition to the band’s unique name, its members also carry nicknames that clearly reflect the group’s fascination with dark underpinnings. Among the founding members are Zacky Vengeance, James “The Rev” Sullivan and Matt Wendt. Joining Shadows and Vengeance in its current roster are Synyster Gates on lead guitar and Johnny Christ on bass.

From the very beginning, both the image and the sound of the group was resoundingly metalcore in nature. The debut release Sounding the Seventh Trumpet under their first label Good Life Recordings gave a taste of the group’s early music. Its original 2001 release was followed by a second 2002 release by Hopeless Records.

The year that followed gave the group more exposure with the release of Walking the Fallen and loads of Avenged Sevenfold merch. It was also at this point, up to 2004 that the band performed in the Vans Warped Tour. It didn’t take long for the band to finally decide to go mainstream. As if to mark the move, Warner Bros. Records became the group’s new label.

It was under their current, more popularly known label that the band released its third album, City of Evil in 2005. Although considered definitive by many music critics, this release showed a marked difference in the band’s musical style. Rather than sticking to its metalcore roots, Avenged Sevenfold transitioned to rock. The transformation is apparent because of the absence of intensely screamed vocal renditions.

The band became truly recognized by the general public in the 2006 MTV Video Music Awards where they were named Best New Artist. This year, they saw more action in the Ozzfest and the Vans Warped Tour. What made this year truly significant for Avenged Sevenfold however was their first world tour. This became a perfect introduction for the following year when they came out with their self-titled album that debuted on the fourth spot.

The end of 2009 cast a pall on the rising fame of this gritty band. Drummer James “The Rev” Sullivan was found dead due to drug-related causes. He was only 28. The timing was unfortunate since the band had come in second place in the same month to Metallica in Ultimate Guitar’s list of Top Ten Bands of the Decade. Although the band mourned the loss of its member, they eventually decided to move on in February of 2010 with new drummer Mike Portnoy from Dream Theater.

The band has emphatically mentioned that Sullivan will forever be part of Avenged Sevenfold. The group’s new drummer however is obviously set to see more action in the months to come. Shadows has revealed that the group’s fifth album will be out by July. By his own admission, it will be the group’s darkest work yet.

Avenged Sevenfold has moved well beyond its young, metalcore origins. Despite having undergone unique developments however, there is no question that the group stands on solid foundations. The band obviously knows where it wants to go with its dark tones. This group is bound to figure in more fan band posters.