A7X set sights on OTT album

Avenged Sevenfold are turning their thoughts to their seventh album – and guitarist Zacky Vengeance says he's been inspired to write material by watching Ice T's Body Count.

Last year’s Hail To The King, their first with drummer Arin Ilejay, propelled the band to number one in the UK and US, and was certified gold in the States two weeks ago.

But they’re not planning to rest on their laurels when they complete their current touring schedule next month. Vengeance tells Billboard: “Once we get home the ideas are going to start brewing.

“Synyster Gates has been writing a ton, purely for fun, trying different styles, keeping himself busy. I’ve been thinking of all sorts of ideas, listening to different music to get inspiration, as have all of us.

“Being on tour I’m so inspired, seeing bands like Body Count – they’re so old-school and riff-based, over the top and slightly offensive. It’s fucking awesome. So there’s tons of inspiration I knew we’ll be drawing from.”

Freelance Online News Contributor

Not only is one-time online news editor Martin an established rock journalist and drummer, but he’s also penned several books on music history, including SAHB Story: The Tale of the Sensational Alex Harvey Band, a band he once managed, and the best-selling Apollo Memories about the history of the legendary and infamous Glasgow Apollo. Martin has written for Classic Rock and Prog and at one time had written more articles for Louder than anyone else (we think he's second now). He’s appeared on TV and when not delving intro all things music, can be found travelling along the UK’s vast canal network.