Simon RushworthIt’s that time of the week again when rushonrock gives you a sneak preview of tomorrow’s top rock releases – or, in this case, release – today. Yes, with new tunes thin on the ground our sole focus is the new A7X DVD/CD package…
Avenged Sevenfold – Live In The LBC & Diamonds In The Rough (Warners)
It seems a shame that a band like A7X feel the need to advertise ‘No Overdubs’ on the front of their new live package – there was a time when such a statement would have been utterly unnecessary. But once we know that this is 100% genuine M Shadows and the boys then it’s possible to sit back and enjoy one of the sets of the year.
The DVD looks stunning and sounds awesome. But even in adversity – remember Leeds anyone – these Long Beach natives know how to rock and it’s no surprise that the boys blast through standards Beast And The Harlot, Scream and Almost Easy with aplomb.
A receptive home crowd certainly helps to lift this beyond your average concert film but you get the feeling anyone, anywhere would have lapped up a truly memorable show.
It might be that die-hard A7X fans insist the accompanying CD is more killer than filler but here at rushonrock we’re not quite sure. The remix of Almost Easy is almost brilliant but the alternative version of Afterlife only serves to prove that the original is the best.
Covers of Maiden’s Flash Of The Blade and Pantera’s Walk are competent enough but we’d have liked a little more shock and a little less straight down the middle rock from this collection of B-sides and rarities.
rushonrock rated: 6/10 Diamonds Need More Polish