TRASHEDLOST&STRUNGOUT

    Today marks the day I finally get down to writing that blog about music that I’ve wanted to start for months now. 

The concept of this series of articles, collection of words, if you will, is to be an ongoing review and discussion of good music, old and new. 

Now that the not-so-formalities are out of the way, today marks an important day (Dec. 28), and that is the day four years ago that we lost a legend in the modern hard rock/metal scene. Jimmy “The Rev” Sullivan, known as the former drummer for the ever-growing, insanely popular metal powerhouse that is Avenged Sevenfold (aka A7X). 

Without getting into the details of his tragic departure, we can all remember Jimmy as, for lack of better words, one talented motherfucker. Whether it be the brutal thunderous kicks he brought to Sounding the Seventh Trumpet, or the intense, blinding speed and accuracy of his magical sticks in songs like Burn It Down and Trashed and Scattered from the City of Evil record, this guy clearly had something amazing to offer. His brothers in A7X obviously spotted this from the beginning, and that talent took the band sky high.

What many don’t know about this musical wizard is that he was more than just a drummer. He contributed vocals to a significant number of A7X songs, as well as piano. The song Fiction showcases both of these skills. Furthermore, not only did The Rev play piano, sing, and drum, as well as help found the band in the first place, but he also wrote a few of their better-known songs. Such tunes include Almost Easy and Welcome to the Family.

It is apparent that he was a well-loved and respected character, as well. If we think back to 2010, Jimmy had just passed away in December the past year, and in February, as A7X was struggling to record their then-latest album, Nightmare, without a drummer, who better to step in, than one of The Rev’s biggest influences, and someone widely known as the best drummer in the world next to Neil Peart, Mike Portnoy (Formerly of Dream Theater)?

And we all know what a fantastic record that was. 

Without a doubt, Jimmy’s incredible talent and attitude helped drive this band to be what it is today. Without him, they may not have made it past the garage. But with this being said, it is time to look forward. Avenged Sevenfold, while they took a tremendous blow in 2009, seems to be back on their feet with new drummer Arin (Formerly of Confide). He may have enormous shoes to fill, but he has stepped up and proved his worth. Their latest album, Hail to the King, is possibly one of the best modern records to come out with so much 80’s metal influence. It showcases every member of the band at their very best, and has noticeably pleased critics and fans abroad, topping the charts in the US, UK, Canada, and others, for weeks upon its release. If you haven’t heard it yet in its entirety, do yourself a favour. You will not regret it. Noteworthy songs are Hail to the King, This Means War, and Requiem.

-Carl Edge Middleton