★★★
As far as the secret release of a concept album goes, perhaps it was a good thing the latest drop from Avenged Sevenfold was kept hush-hush – the lead-up hype if it were an ordinary release might have led to disappointment.
That being said, Avenged Sevenfold aren’t an ordinary band. They deserve credit for their consistent attempts at pushing boundaries: The Stage is an impressively original concept record rife with themes of artificial intelligence and sci-fi. It’s also their most lyrically serious album by far – ‘Creating God’ in particular is a powerful illustration of how the world is crafting its own demise.
Efforts at whimsical concepts and futuristic imagery apparent, The Stage still proves to be a return to form for the band – the impressive guitar work is back, catchy hooks are littered throughout almost every track, and the addition of drummer Brooks Wackerman (Bad Religion) proves a great move, particularly on ‘Simulation’. And that’s the thing: perhaps The Stage is a little too classic. Though the instrumentality is largely excellent, nothing is particularly innovative.
Prepare for intergalactic adventure aboard Starship Sevenfold, but be ready to voice a resounding ‘meh’ if you were hoping for something new.
Avenged Sevenfold’sThe Stageis available now through Capitol/EMI.
