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Avenged sevenfold

Those looking primarily for a cathartic release live, as so many of the kids moshing their brains out at the Music Box were, need only turn to the ferocious energy of 'Bat Country, a song written for Hunter S. Thompson about the band's own adventures in Vegas, and the Maiden-esque guitar and Shadows' perfect caterwaul of the line 'city of evil (where the album's title stems from) in the opening 'Beast & The Harlot.

And while Avenged, whose influences range from Maiden, Pantera, and Guns 'N' Roses (Shadows calls Use Your Illusions 1 and 2 his favorite albums of all time) to Billy Joel, Queen, and Elvis Costello, may not be your typical hard rock band musically, they can hang with the best of them. Epic nights of late night fun have followed this band around the country, and it's something all of the members freely acknowledge. They like to party, and they like to drink: and plenty. Additionally, and fitting with their chosen lifestyle, the members of Avenged could write the A7X equivalent of the Zagut guide to strip clubs in America.