Life Is But a Dream...
by Avenged Sevenfold
Metascore
87

Universal acclaim - based on 4 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 4
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 4
  3. Negative: 0 out of 4
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  1. Sputnikmusic
    Jun 22, 2023
    90
    In short, whatever your thoughts are on the band, leave your preconceived notions at the door and give it a try, Life is But a Dream… is set to be one of the best albums of 2023.
  2. Classic Rock Magazine
    Jun 22, 2023
    90
    With Life Is But A Dream… Avenged Sevenfold haven’t just transcended their metal peers for good, they’ve also created their definitive artistic statement. And it’s bloody fantastic. [Jul 2023, p.80]
  3. AllMusic
    Jun 22, 2023
    80
    Avenged Sevenfold go further down the rabbit hole with an innovative set of progressive metal epics rooted in existential crisis.
  5. Kerrang!
    Jun 22, 2023
    80
    A trip worth taking, over and over again.

User Reviews

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User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 26 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 21 out of 26
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 26
  3. Negative: 3 out of 26
  1. airey
    Jul 9, 2023
    3
    Avant-garde is supposed to be a lot of things, but predictable is absolutely not one of them. The band sounds as if they've made a checklistAvant-garde is supposed to be a lot of things, but predictable is absolutely not one of them. The band sounds as if they've made a checklist of all the things an experimental metal album should have and were crossing off the items the list as they were writing the album. The sudden style changes, the dissonant melodies, the break into other genres... It's all there, but it all comes off as a counterfeit of an Avant-Garde Metal album without the element of surprise, the honesty and the resolution that characterizes them. All in all, this is just a failed experiment from the California band where they were desperate to be something they obviously are not.
    If you want to listen to better records or somehow liked this album, give yourself a favor and listen to To-Mera or Mr. Bungle's "California", "Disco Volante" and their Self-Titled, which are way better in my opinion.
    Standouts: "Cosmic", "Life is but a Dream...", the lyrics of "Mattel", the guitar outro of "Game Over", Brooks Wackerman's drumming performance    … Full Review »
  2. neuroplasticity
    Aug 2, 2023
    10
    Been a (casual) fan since I discovered them during Nightmare era. Even though I like their sound and great live, I was not that obsessed withBeen a (casual) fan since I discovered them during Nightmare era. Even though I like their sound and great live, I was not that obsessed with them and my interest waned during HTTK but caught interest once again during The Stage but went under the radar after a year. I didn't even know 2018 was the last tour they had. I heard the first 2 singles and was just "it's just okay" until I heard the full album. This album reignited my interest with them at the same time became obsessed with the whole album. I know they have "their own formula" that kinda made them distinguishable and predictable but this whole album caught me off guard; it was a roller coaster ride, with them showcasing their influences and it was enjoyable from start to finish. AOTY for me and would enter my top 10 or 20 for this decade.… Full Review »
  3. Asgard0822
    Aug 1, 2023
    0
    this is not A7X.
    Just an experimental mess that doesnt sound nowhere near Avenged Sevenfold.
    No feeling or whatsoever in these songs.    this is not A7X.
    Just an experimental mess that doesnt sound nowhere near Avenged Sevenfold.
    No feeling or whatsoever in these songs.

    Really wonder what they did all these years.    … Full Review »
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