(Single from album, “Avenged Sevenfold”)
This review was a very frightening journey for me. Firstly, because I wasn't entirely sure I would be able to endure the several listens of a song that usually entail writing a review. Secondly because I didn't (and perhaps still don't know) what I'm talking about; this genre is new ground for me. Thirdly, I had an indie moment, and panicked that XTC's reputation would be ruined by this song, which, I initially feared to be a cover. And finally - there was a real prospect of losing my head if I got it wrong, courtesy of some fans I know...hopefully, they approve...
I poked around A7X's discography, desperately in search of a song that didn't just fulfill my heavy-metal prejudice of unbearable volume, senseless and annoying thrashy screams and also, the famously bad metal album art. The eponymous album immediately stood out amongst the others, stylishly finished and with, what appeared to be, the most successful singles output (having not reached the Wikipedia article for the far better received "Nightmare" at this point).
I also didn't just want a different song so as to satisfy my apparently weak ear-drums. I figured that a band who have written tracks like "Lost" and "Critical Acclaim", would only stand out in my books if they achieved something defining and different from their catalogue of (good-considering-the-genre) metal songs. Whilst the mentioned songs weren't particularly my 'cup-of-tea', other tracks by the band, almost did it for me; "Gunslinger", "Sidewinder" and the suitably reserved "I Won't See You Tonight (Part I)" were all pretty good. However, the acoustic noodling and country 'n' western slide opening this track gripped me. Ok, I thought, a country song...far more suited to me. But hang on, this is a metal band. Can they do it?
The answer is yes. They can.
Not in fact a cover of the British XTC's disturbing 1987 track "Dear God", this "Dear God" is an original song.
The American twang in the accent is perfect. This an a phenomenal combination of Dolly Parton-esque guitars has the listener sliding in and out of consciousness, as a wavy, sleepy feel to the sound permeates the ear canal and achieves rock/punk-acoustic mastery on a par with (and possibly better than) the likes of Green Day's seminal "Wake Me Up When September Ends" and Blink-182's surprising "I Miss You".
The lyrics are a great emotional trip through an individual's relationship with a love, and their hopes and fears for the welfare of their partner after death. I am harsh really about the USA-ness of everything - the lyrics have a national patriotism to them, presenting that religious old-school aspect of the wild west wonderfully, and giving the song a real cowboy feel, especially as, later on, it kicks up and turns rock, similarly, in a few ways, to "Knights Of Cydonia" - well at least in the video in my head anyway...maybe it is this I mistake for crummy American dramatising of music...
At 2:40, the sound becomes more power-chord driven and begins to climb more towards rock music, before jumping acutely back to acoustic country, the lyrical plea to a religious figure, amplified by the strangled and dying tone in the vocal. Then, it goes rock again for one tremendous solo. Synyster Gates shows off his skill here, winding in and around the rules of country guitar playing, to face suitably metal-core standard solos, and jumping seamlessly back into Memphis, Tennessee mode for the chord sections. It is very accomplished playing and definitely something to look up to.
In fact, much of the instrumental portion of this track is of a high standard. The bass is low-key and out of sight, just as it should be, with a great acoustic dwindle in the background. This track really works, and I would guess, in the context of the album, or a live show, it is a special moment, and something of a reflective one as it represents such a stark change of tone from the band's usual sound, despite managing to include traits such as the solo and the power chord moment in the middle.
If anything, "Dear God" makes me respect Avenged Sevenfold. I may not be ready to embrace "Nightmare" just yet, but this is a very interesting emotional outpour with a very distinctive and independent sound, paying homage to a genre I don't especially love, in a style that I fallen head over heels for.
Even if you're not a metal fan, have a listen. It might inspire you to have a technical peek at the genre, just as you realise the complexity of what is going on sonically for bands like this. Though not especially famous for my appraisal of heavy rock musicians, I am impressed - and that, is something you might want to screenshot...
★★★★
Versions of "Dear God"
Album Version - 6:33
Single Version - 4:43