Put simply, not even close to Avenged Sevenfold's previous albums. M. Shadows (lead vocals) damaged his voice before this album was made and the "choice" was made that he wouldn't scream on this album or on tour anymore. This is the worst detail of the whole package because he had a killer scream that was ridiculously strong in "Waking The Fallen". If you are looking for a more hardcore type metal band, go somewhere else. Now for the good parts, the album is very catchy and is pleasing musically, just again the only thing holding it back is M. Shadows strained out voice that isn't at its former peak.
