The North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre in Chula Vista came alive on Thursday night as fans poured in from all over southern California for an unforgettable night with Avenged Sevenfold and Atreyu. This show was rescheduled from a last-minute cancellation earlier in the month (due to M. Shadows’ illness) and ended up being the final stop of their North American tour. The atmosphere was electric and charged with anticipation as the venue filled up for what many fans arguably believed was A7X’s most electric performance over the last few years. When all the dust finally settled after a stellar cover to cover performance, I agreed with their sentiment 110%. To date, this show sits atop the altar of rock as my favorite live performance in 2023, bar none.
On June 2, 2023, Avenged Sevenfold released their 8th Studio Album, Life Is But a Dream. From the moment it dropped, strong emotions began to swirl within the Deathbat community. Some absolutely loved the album, while others felt it was a complete disaster. After careful consideration (and countless spins on the record player), I can honestly say Life is But a Dream might be their best overall album in the band’s storied 20+ year history. To the naked eye, it is not what it seems initially, yet everything you would expect from a band that has always lived by a different set of rules—on their terms. And on Thursday night, A7X brought it to life for its legions of fans.
Atreyu, the first to hit the stage, immediately set the tone with their high-energy performance. Their song choices were a perfect blend of old favorites and new tracks, pleasing both long-time fans and newcomers. What immediately stood out in their 13-song set was how much fun this band had playing for its fans. Led by frontman Brandon Saller, Atreyu went scorched Earth, cranking out hit after hit including “Falling Down,” “Ex’s and Oh’s,” and “Warrior.” Dan Jacobs and Travis Miguel brought their signature sound on the guitar, while bassist Marc “Porter” McKnight and drummer Kyle Rosa kept the low end in fine form. My favorite moment came when McKnight leapt into the pit and lunged into the crowd during “Right Side of the Bed.” The fans’ faces were those of pure joy and set the stage for what was about to come, Avenged Sevenfold
After a brief intermission, Avenged Sevenfold finally took the stage around 9PM to a deafening chant of “A7X…A7X…A7X…!” Centered on a foggy dark stage, M. Shadows appeared sitting alone in a low sling back chair in what looked like a Christmas sweater, donning a black ski mask with the words “We Love You” across his forehead and “Nobody” around his throat. It was truly “Game Over” from this point forward with bandmates Zacky Vengeance (guitar), Synyster Gates (guitar), Johnny Christ (bass), and Brooks Wackerman (drums) joining Shadows on stage for a 17-song set that ended up being a masterclass for the legions of Deathbats in attendance.
Over the next two hours, Avenged Sevenfold took their fans on an amazing musical journey that captivated the mind and invigorated the soul with classic A7X tracks mixed in with songs off their latest release. While many might feel adding too many “new” songs to a set might be pushing it, I felt their inclusion highlighted to fans and critics while these songs are so special. Tracks like “Mattel,” “We Love You,” and “Nobody” were amazing to hear live and came to life for fans via life-size LED graphics and band interaction with Deathbats throughout the amphitheater. M. Shadows engaged with many at the rail who dressed up in custom shirts and/or holding up decorated signs commemorating their love for Huntington Beach’s most cherished sons.
For me, my favorite tracks of the night were the ones that resonated with me personally over the years including “Buried Alive,” and my all-time favorite A7X song, “So Far Away.” For those who have experienced the loss of a close friend or family member, one can’t help but tear up to this amazing tribute to their lost brother, James “The Rev” Sullivan. I think many in attendance felt the same as tears were flowing throughout this incredible song. And prior to the encore, fans got to revel in one of Rev’s most amazing tracks, “A Little Piece of Heaven.” It’s definitely a bit strange, but a perfect fit that highlighted why Jimmy was so beloved by friends and family all around the world. In addition, a special shout to the percussion genius of Brooks Wackerman. A member of A7X since 2015, he has truly impacted the band and its trademark sound, and it came out in spades on Thursday night. Well done.
Avenged Sevenfold’s finale on Thursday was a 3-song encore consisting of “G,” “(O)rdinary,” and “(D)eath” off of the latest, Life is But a Dream. These songs capture what I believe is the magic of the album with unique musical interpretations that span many musical genres and tastes. It’s definitely not traditional A7X (i.e., “Unholy Confessions” or “Bat Country”), but again, I am not sure A7X should be categorized that way anyway. Avenged has always forged their own unique path, and these songs are no exception. And in a world full of cookie cutter albums and sounds, there are truly refreshing on a multitude of sonic levels. Walking out to the instrumental, “Life is But a Dream,” I had an ear-to-ear smile on my face knowing what I just experienced quite possibly one of the best shows I have seen all year. I am sure the thousands in attendance would mirror my sentiments 100%. Long live A7X!
ATREYU
