In a 2006 interview with Revolver magazine, lead singer M. Shadows said, "We're not Satanists. We're not Christians. We're not anything. We're just people who play music."
In a 2007 interview with Kerrang! magazine, Shadows reiterated this point, saying, "We're not trying to push any kind of religious agenda or anything like that. We're just trying to make music that people can enjoy."
Avenged Sevenfold's lyrics often explore themes of death, loss, and anger. However, these lyrics are not meant to be taken literally. The band uses these themes to create a dark and atmospheric sound, not to promote any specific religious or political views.
Here are some examples of lyrics from Avenged Sevenfold songs that may seem satanic, but are actually not:
* "Unholy confessions, the devil's in your bed" (from the song "Beast and the Harlot")
* "I am the beast I worship" (from the song "Nightmare")
* "Cut my wrists and black my eyes, I'm going down" (from the song "Buried Alive")
These lyrics are not meant to be taken literally. They are simply meant to create a sense of darkness and despair.
Avenged Sevenfold is a popular and successful band with a large fan base. Their music is enjoyed by people of all different backgrounds and beliefs. The band's refusal to be pigeonholed into any one religious category is part of what makes them so appealing to their fans.