In this episode, Tim welcomes special guest M. Shadows from the band Avenged Sevenfold. They discuss the bands 8th studio album, "Life is but a Dream", their recent shows and upcoming tour preparations. Matt reveals some behind-the-scenes technical challenges they faced during a recent concert at The Forum and their plans to rectify them for their upcoming Madison Square Garden (MSG) performance.
Matt explains that their sound engineer who works with Avenged and Slipknot, had to prioritize their commitments with Slipknot, leading to some technical difficulties during their Forum show. He shares how all his vocal effects were accidentally turned off, leaving him with a raw vocal sound. Although they were unaware during the performance due to their different in-ear mix, they realized the issue when watching the playback.
Additionally, they plan to improve graphics and visual elements that didn't meet their expectations. They introduce Ryan McKinnon, an AI and Unreal Engine expert, who will enhance their live show experience with his technical wizardry. He is currently building Unreal Engine 5 versions of their visuals, which may be implemented later on the tour. They discuss the potential for holograms and other Web3 technologies and exploring new ways to engage the audience.
Matt also discusses Avenged Sevenfold's approach to creating music and the importance of having diverse tastes. He emphasizes the significance of trusting the artists they admire and allowing them to explore different directions. He mentions various artists they appreciate, highlighting their unique tastes and influences. Matt touches upon their new album and how they wanted to break genre barriers, incorporating elements from EDM, punk rock, and metal. They explain the thought process behind certain songs, such as "G," which started as a 70s game show-inspired tune but evolved into a more tongue-in-cheek and narrative-driven piece. The episode concludes with anecdotes about the album's impact on listeners and the excitement of pushing boundaries in their music.
Check out the Avenged Sevenfold's new album, here.
