Often shortened to A7X, Avenged Sevenfold is an American heavy metal band that’s renowned for its genre-defying music. Since their formation in 1999, the band has gained global recognition for their strikingly powerful rock songs like “A Little Piece Of Heaven,” “Dear God,” and “So Far Away.”
Their musical versatility, ranging from hard rock to progressive rock to heavy metal, has garnered them a diverse fanbase, proving their unique influence within the genre. Their fiery performances, underscored by the raw vocals of frontman M. Shadows, have become the band’s unmistakable trademark.
If you’re a fan of their hard-hitting music and captivating stage presence, here are 13 bands like Avenged Sevenfold that you might enjoy.
1. Bullet For My Valentine
Hailing from Wales, Bullet For My Valentine (BFMV) is a metalcore band formed in 1998. Initially known as Jeff Killed John, this talented quartet started their journey with covers of Metallica and Nirvana songs before refining their distinct sound.
The powerful line-up consists of Matt Tuck on lead vocals and rhythm guitar, Michael Paget as the lead guitarist, Jamie Mathias on bass guitar and backing vocals, and Jason Bowld taking charge on drums. Over the years, they have gone through lineup changes but still retained their impactful music style.
BMVF is known for its melodic yet aggressive style of music, much like Avenged Sevenfold. They’ve made a significant impact in the heavy metal scene with hit songs such as “Tears Don’t Fall” and “Your Betrayal.” These tracks showcase their intricate guitar riffs and the impressive range of Tuck’s vocals.
To this day, Bullet For My Valentine continues to create compelling music, with their latest release in 2022 being the single “No More Tears to Cry.” This new track showcases their continued commitment to pushing boundaries in their genre while staying true to their metalcore roots.
2. Trivium
Florida-based band Trivium has emerged as a major force in the world of heavy metal and new-wave thrash metal music. Their impact on the metal scene has earned them a spot in what is considered the “big four,” alongside other icons like Avenged Sevenfold, Slipknot, and Lamb of God.
Be it through memorable live performances or ear-catching singles such as “Pull Harder On The Strings Of Your Martyr” and “In Waves,” Trivium proves that they are masters at maintaining a delicate balance between power and melody, a trait that has solidified their place in the annals of heavy metal.
Over the years, Trivium’s style has undergone a captivating evolution. From their early work on Ember to Inferno to their more recent albums, Trivium’s sound has matured, showcasing their unique blend of thrash, progressive metal, and melodic death metal influences.
This unique amalgamation of styles, spanning different sub-genres of metal, is what makes Trivium’s discography a fascinating journey for any heavy metal aficionado.
3. Atreyu
Post-hardcore rock band Atreyu started their journey under a less fantastical name: Retribution. As they began to refine their sound and carve out their unique niche in the music industry, they felt the need for a name that better represented their evolving style, thus adopting the name Atreyu.
From their early days of independent music, the band has grown tremendously, incorporating elements of metalcore and alternative rock into their post-hardcore roots. This evolution in their music, paired with their energetic performances, has made them a memorable force in the genre.
Their current style features thundering drums, in-your-face guitar riffs, and soaring vocals, making them an ideal choice for fans of Avenged Sevenfold. Atreyu has also shared the stage with Avenged Sevenfold on several occasions as tour co-headliners, which speaks volumes about their musical compatibility.
Over the years, Atreyu has developed a loyal fan base drawn to both their electrifying live shows and chart-topping studio albums. Notable tracks like “Bleeding Mascara,” “The Crimson,” and “Right Side of the Bed” showcase their dynamic appeal, cementing their position in the mainstream music scene.
4. Five Finger Death Punch
Sometimes referred to as FFDP or 5FDP, Five Finger Death Punch is a thrash metal band that delivers a sonic punch as powerful as its name suggests. With their heavy riffs, pounding rhythms, and aggressively passionate vocals, they create a sound that’s both raw and captivating, reminiscent of A7X’s style.
Hailing from Las Vegas, Nevada, the band was formed in 2005 and quickly rose to fame with hits like “The Bleeding” and “Bad Company.” What sets Five Finger Death Punch apart from other bands is their connection with the military community.
The band made a powerful statement with the release of their music video for “Wrong Side of Heaven.” This poignant video sheds light on the plight of homeless veterans after their service in the military. In highlighting this, the band has used its platform for meaningful advocacy.
FFDP has also raised its profile through collaborative performances with other notable rock bands, such as Breaking Benjamin, Papa Roach, and From Ashes to New. These joint performances have allowed them to broaden their fanbase, fostering a broader understanding and appreciation for their distinctive style.
5. Killswitch Engage
After the disbandment of rock bands Overcast and Aftershock, the metalcore phenomenon known as Killswitch Engage emerged. The band harnessed their collective experiences and influences, creating a unique sound that defined them as a pivotal influence in the metalcore genre.
Renowned for their impactful anthems such as “My Curse”, “In Due Time”, and “The Arms of Sorrow,” Killswitch Engage has sometimes drawn comparisons to Avenged Sevenfold. The parallels stem from the way their hit songs resonate with listeners on both thematic and stylistic fronts.
Despite Killswitch Engage’s well-recognized role as a pioneer in the metalcore genre, lead vocalist Jesse Leach takes a different perspective on categorizing their music. He refrains from limiting their sound to a single genre, expressing his belief that it does not accurately encompass the diversity of rock bands.
This open-minded approach to their music reflects in their evolving sound and unique style, demonstrating that they are more than just a metalcore band: They are musicians with a shared goal of creating meaningful, boundary-pushing music.
6. Slipknot
Featuring a comparable aggressive metal sound to Avenged Sevenfold, Slipknot is another band that’s highly recognized in the music industry. Slipknot’s discography boasts an impressive array of hit songs, each delivering a powerful punch of heavy metal.
Songs like “Duality” and “Psychosocial” exhibit their signature style, combining intense, driving rhythms with raw, emotional lyrics. “Wait and Bleed” stands out with its blend of melody and aggression, encapsulating the band’s dynamic range.
With their striking stage costumes and signature masks, Slipknot’s visual elements are far from being just gimmicks. They play a crucial role in shaping the band’s enigmatic persona, enhancing their intensely theatrical performances.
The band’s distinctive visual imagery hasn’t been confined to the stage; it’s spilled over into other facets of their career as well. In 2008, Slipknot ventured into the world of fashion with the launch of their clothing line, Tattered and Torn, aptly named after a song on their self-titled debut album from 1999.
Related: Next, check out our list of other groups like Slipknot.
7. Disturbed
Diving deep into the realm of heavy metal, one band stands out that has a similar metal style to Avenged Sevenfold: Disturbed. Hailing from the bustling city of Chicago, Disturbed is best known for its hit tracks “Down with the Sickness” and its cover of “The Sound of Silence.”
The shared musical synergy between Disturbed and Avenged Sevenfold (A7X) is clearly demonstrated by their history of touring and collaboration. These shared stage experiences have fostered mutual respect and influence, leading to an enriched sound for both bands.
Disturbed’s members have also embarked on various side projects over the years. These include ventures like John Moyer’s supergroup Adrenaline Mob and David Draiman’s Device.
These projects have given them the opportunity to experiment with different styles and work with a diverse range of artists, which has further refined their musicianship.
Not only do these endeavors showcase their individual talents, but they also enhance Disturbed’s collective creativity, adding a new layer of richness to their already potent musical identity.
8. Lamb Of God
Stepping onto the scene in the mid-1990s under the original name of Burn The Priest, our next highlight is a prominent heavy metal band known today as Lamb Of God (LG). With their unique and influential sound, LG is revered as one of the pioneering leaders of the New Wave of American Heavy Metal movement.
Embracing themes of religion, Lamb Of God often weaves biblical narratives into the fabric of their music. This unique approach has led to powerful and thought-provoking songs such as “Laid To Rest” and “Blacken The Cursed Sun.”
The band’s ability to fuse heavy metal intensity with these profound themes has not only created memorable tracks, but it’s also earned them a dedicated fanbase. Listeners are drawn in by the high-energy performances, which often draws comparison to Avenged Sevenfold’s intense music style.
Along with Avenged Sevenfold, Lamb of God often finds itself compared to Metallica, one of the biggest metal bands in history. This comparison speaks volumes about Lamb of God’s impact and standing within the metal community.
9. All That Remains
Emerging in the late 1990s, All That Remains is a metalcore band that had melodic death metal roots in their early days. Originally, All That Remains began as an exciting creative outlet for lead vocalist Phil Labonte, who was also a member of the rock band Shadows Fall.
However, it didn’t take long for this “side project” to capture the attention of metal fans worldwide, eventually becoming a mainstay of the genre. Labonte’s powerful vocal range, coupled with the band’s skillful blend of melodic and heavy elements, made All That Remains a force to be reckoned with.
All That Remains’ music style, often described as a compelling blend of melodic metalcore and hard rock, shares a notable resemblance to Avenged Sevenfold’s genre-crossing sound.
Over the years, All That Remains has also produced several notable hits like “Two Weeks” and “What If I Was Nothing.” These tracks exemplify the band’s ability to deliver powerful music that not only captivates the listeners but also stands the test of time.
10. Breaking Benjamin
Formed in 1999, Breaking Benjamin serves as an homage to frontman Benjamin Burnley’s initial venture into the music scene in 1998. The original incarnation didn’t gain traction, yet Burnley opted to breathe new life into “Breaking Benjamin” when he formed his new band.
From that point onwards, they embarked on a journey that has seen them evolve into one of the most celebrated acts in the post-grunge and alternative metal scene. They have since created memorable hits like “Angels Fall,” “I Will Not Bow,” “The Diary Of Jane,” and “Dance With The Devil.”
The titles of Breaking Benjamin’s songs hint at the infusion of Christian rock elements, sparking curiosity among fans about the band’s spiritual inclinations. While the band members haven’t explicitly defined themselves as a Christian band, they often explore faith-based themes within their lyrical narratives.
This unfiltered and bold approach to their music draws a parallel with Avenged Sevenfold. Beyond their stylistic similarities, both bands share an affinity for weaving profound and often philosophical narratives into their songs.
11. Three Days Grace
Previously named Groundswell, Three Days Grace had humble beginnings as a local band in Canada, playing at backyard parties and area establishments in the early ’90s. They hit a rough patch but soon reunited in 1997, rebranding as Three Days Grace.
This reunification turned out to be a turning point for them, sparking a transformative period that led to an exceptional career trajectory in the rock music industry. The band has created hit tracks like “I Hate Everything About You,” “Riot,” “Time Of Dying,” and “Animal I Have Become.”
Three Days Grace’s music parallels Avenged Sevenfold’s in their distinctive alternative-rock styling. This shared affinity was spotlighted in 2018 when Three Days Grace joined forces with Avenged Sevenfold and Prophets of Rage to co-headline the End of the World Tour.
This collaboration not only highlighted the common ground between the bands but also made for a memorable experience for fans who relished the opportunity to see these stalwarts share the stage.
12. Black Veil Brides
Consistent with its fashion-rooted name, Black Veil Brides have made a lasting impression on the music scene with their unique aesthetic. The glam metal band is renowned for its striking use of black makeup, intricate body paint designs, and a penchant for tight, black-studded clothing.
Their rebellious image, complemented by the members’ long hair, evokes a nostalgic nod to the extravagant glamor of ’80s glam metal acts. The band’s commitment to their visual identity extends to their approach to music. It serves as an embodiment of the powerful messages they convey through their lyrics.
Black Veil Brides’ music style can be described as a powerful blend of melodic metalcore and hard rock. Their hit songs “Knives And Pens,” “Fallen Angels,” and “Goodbye Agony” explore darker themes while also infusing theatrical elements that fans of Avenged Sevenfold might enjoy.
The synergy between the two bands is evident in their shared ability to seamlessly blend the aesthetics of glam metal with a contemporary and aggressive sound. This fusion allows them to attract a diverse fanbase, bridging the gap between fans of classic metal and hard rock.
13. Stone Sour
Founded by the current lead vocalist of Slipknot, Cory Taylor, Stone Sour is a rock band that masterfully intertwines the raw intensity of Slipknot’s songwriting with the compelling heavy metal style reminiscent of Avenged Sevenfold.
This unique blend of sonic influences has catapulted Stone Sour into a league of its own in the contemporary post-grunge, heavy-rock music scene. Since 1992, they’ve released Grammy-nominated songs like “Inhale” and “Get Inside” and chart-topping hits like “30/30-150” and “Song #3.”
After a brief hiatus beginning in 1997, Stone Sour made a triumphant return to the scene in 2000. Since their reformation, they’ve shared stages and worked creatively with some of the most renowned figures in the rock industry, including Avenged Sevenfold.
These collaborations have not only amplified their reputation but also enriched their musical style, combining their own distinctive sound with an infusion of fresh influences.
They have, however, announced an indefinite hiatus at the height of the pandemic in 2020. According to Taylor, the group shares the same sentiments that the band has run its course. Despite this, Stone Sour leaves behind a legacy of powerful music that continues to resonate with fans worldwide.
Summing Up Our List Of Bands Similar To Avenged Sevenfold
So that’s it for our list! From the defiant style of Black Veil Brides, through the raw aggression of Bullet For My Valentine, to the alternative leanings of Three Days Grace, this spectrum of rock bands offers A7X fans plenty to explore.
If there’s a hidden gem or fan favorite you feel we’ve overlooked; we would absolutely love to hear from you. Please share your recommendations with us, and we’ll be sure they find a well-deserved spot in our ongoing collection!
