Avenged Sevenfold's new self-titled album, out today, has more of a pop-oriented sound than the band's previous efforts. It's not really a pop CD, it's just not as "metal" as their other albums.

Anyway, per usual, when a band makes even the slightest move toward popular music, a bunch of people come forward with the "sell-out" chants. Avenged Sevenfold singer M. Shadows has responded to critics by unapologetically admitting that he is a fan of pop music.

No. You can't. But you're still welcome to try. A7X is holding a guitar solo contest on its official website, as a lead-up to the band's self-titled album.

If you're not busy putting razorblades into apples, Avenged Sevenfold is playing a free show at the Key Club in West Hollywood on October 20th. The show will be Halloween-themed, and everyone who goes must wear a costume.

"Almost Easy" is the first single off Avenged Sevenfold's forthcoming self-titled album (out October 30th). This video really matches the intensity of the song.