Music
Review: Avenged Sevenfold and Disturbed at London’s O2
Avenged Sevenfold and Disturbed deliver a double metal powerhouse at London’s vast arena.
Closing the evening, Avenged Sevenfold are no strangers to massive headline performances, having in recent years topped the Friday of the UK’s premier alternative festival, Download. It’s therefore no surprise to see masses of fans roll up for their visually and musically spectacular turn at London’s O2 Arena.
But before they take to the stage, long-established rock club staples Disturbed showcase their perhaps surprising musical variety, jumping from their ever-played Down With The Sickness and Stupify to a particularly haunting rendition of Simon and Garfunkel’s The Sound of Silence.
It’s testament to vocalist David Draiman’s ability, offering the opportunity to show off his rousing pipes that wouldn’t be out of place in one of the countries many emerging rock operas. Their stage presence is quite literally on fire, as pyrotechnics complement the metallic thud of their old-school sound.
Avenged Sevenfold aren’t holding back on their stage presence either. Although the physical design remains somewhat minimalist, other than the appearance of a humungous suspended spaceman half way through their set, it’s all about their giant floating screens.
As the backdrops bookending the stage project the jubilant movements of the creatively named M Shadows, Synyster Gates and the remainder of the clan, the middle screens tell a story. Be they transporting audiences through space or retelling the often-macabre lyrics presented to the increasingly enthusiastic audience, it’s an undoubted visual spectacular.
Far from simple gimmickry, the often jaw-dropping visuals are matched by their note perfect delivery. It’s energetic and fiery, as M Shadows proves a vocal skill that alongside their theatrical storytelling as propelled Avenged Sevenfold to metal royalty.
Playing at least one song from each of their albums, it’s the Holy Grail for long-time fans, as well as a fantastic introduction to those enticed by last year’s surprise release, The Stage. Long-time fan favourite Unholy Confessions is met by rapturous cheers as the night draws to a close, but it’s their later material that shines darkest.
Tonight is a product of a continued growth, and as they continue to build their visual production to match their faultless performance, Avenged Sevenfold are hell-bent to cement their place as today’s metal titans.
Avenged Sevenfold and Disturbed have just finished their UK tour, but add them to your favourites on Ticketmaster.co.uk to be one of the first to know when they return.
Check out more photos from Avenged Sevenfold and Disturbed in our full gallery.
