Avenged Sevenfold: M. Shadows (vocals); Zacky Vengenance, Synyster Gates (guitar); Johnny Christ (bass); The Roll (drums). Where Avenged Sevenfold's debut, SOUNDING THE SEVENTH TRUMPET, announced their unique metalcore sound, their follow-up, WAKING THE FALLEN, perfects it. The band manages to sound both more melodically accessible-drawing on classic metal and dark, Alice in Chains-like harmonies-and more punishing-wielding a death metal-influenced crunch. The writing and performances are stepped up, too, yielding an album that consistently matches its sonic architecture with memorable vocal melodies and dizzying guitar leads. The title track opener invites the listener in with its ominously atmospheric feel, setting the stage for the pummeling to come on tracks like "Unholy Confessions" and "Reminissions." Frontman M. Shadows alternates between throat-shredding screams and hook-laden melody lines with ease, while the band's dual lead guitar attack offers up no shortage of grinding riffs and solos spilling over with superhuman technique. Add to these a rhythm section capable of splitting skulls, and one is left with an album of undeniable power.

• Genre: Pop
• Format: CD
• Released: 08/25/2014