by M. Shadows recently addressed the polarizing reception of Avenged Sevenfold’s album “Life Is But a Dream…” in an interview with Rolling Stone Brasil.
The frontman shared his perspective on how the band approaches criticism and maintains creative control over their work when asked about the album’s divisive nature among fans.
“I don’t think any of that stuff weighs on me at all. I think it weighs on other people more than it weighs on the band,” M. Shadows said. “But I think it’s healthy for us to be kind of oblivious to it, because when we wrote that record… Every one of our records, I think, served a really cool purpose at the time. I definitely think it’s funny.”
He went on to describe a moment of reflection during a recent performance that highlighted the album’s impact.
“There’s those moments where you go… We were playing in Greece, and I think there was, like, 10 or 12,000 people, and I’m looking at these faces and I’m thinking, I just wonder what those people thought the first time they put on ‘Life Is But A Dream…’” he continued. “It’s kind of funny to me. I get more of a kick out of it than anything. ‘Cause we totally back it. We love it. We think it’s great.”
M. Shadows concluded by emphasizing the band’s confidence in their artistic choices and the various ways fans might respond to their work.
“I think those people can either go on a journey and learn to like it, or they loved it off the bat, or they’ll never put it on again,” he said. “But the idea that we have some sort of control over our art and we can put it out there and we can affect people in that way, it’s just kind of funny to me. It can’t be that serious, right?”
The frontman’s lighthearted approach to fan criticism reflects the band’s commitment to artistic experimentation, even when it challenges their established fanbase.
Wikipedia reported that “Life Is But a Dream…” was released on June 2, 2023, through Warner Records. The album was produced by Joe Barresi and Avenged Sevenfold in Los Angeles. Andy Wallace mixed it in the Poconos, PA. The project represents a deeply personal exploration of existential crises and the meaning of human existence, inspired by Albert Camus’ philosophical novel “The Stranger.”
The album’s experimental nature marks a significant departure from the band’s previous work. Wikipedia highlighted that “Life Is But a Dream…” is characterized by its genre-blurring approach. Tracks like “Nobody” and “We Love You” showcase the band’s venture beyond conventional songwriting. These songs incorporate elements of tension and groove that push the boundaries of Avenged Sevenfold’s traditional sound.
This bold artistic direction likely contributed to the mixed reactions M. Shadows referenced in his interview. The album’s unique thematic focus on existentialism and its daring musical experimentation created a divide among longtime fans. Some embraced the evolution while others struggled to connect with the new direction.
The band’s willingness to take creative risks demonstrates their commitment to artistic growth and their refusal to be confined by fan expectations, despite potential backlash. M. Shadows’ candid acknowledgment of the album’s polarizing effect shows the band’s awareness of their impact while maintaining confidence in their creative vision.
