Is M. Shadows Living or Dead?

About M. Shadows

M. Shadows, born Matthew Charles Sanders on July 31, 1981, is the lead vocalist of the American heavy metal band Avenged Sevenfold. He grew up in Huntington Beach, California, where he formed the band with his high school friends in 1999.

Shadows' distinctive voice and powerful stage presence have made him one of the most recognizable figures in modern metal. He cites bands like Metallica, Guns N' Roses, and Iron Maiden as major influences on his music.

Avenged Sevenfold's breakthrough album, 2005's "City of Evil," showcased Shadows' range as a vocalist, with songs like "Bat Country" and "Beast and the Harlot" becoming instant classics. The band's subsequent albums, including "Avenged Sevenfold" and "Hail to the King," have cemented their status as one of the biggest names in metal.

In addition to his work with Avenged Sevenfold, Shadows has collaborated with other artists, including Slash and Device. He has also been involved in various philanthropic efforts, including the band's own charity organization, the A7X Foundation.

Despite his success, Shadows has faced personal struggles, including the loss of his best friend and bandmate, Jimmy "The Rev" Sullivan, in 2009. He has spoken openly about his grief and the impact it has had on his life and music.

Through it all, Shadows has remained dedicated to his craft and his fans. As he told Rolling Stone in a 2013 interview, "We're not trying to be anything other than ourselves. We're just trying to make music that we love and that our fans love."

References:

- "Avenged Sevenfold's M. Shadows: My Favorite Metal Albums" (Rolling Stone)

- "Avenged Sevenfold's M. Shadows on 'Hail to the King' and Moving Forward After The Rev's Death" (Billboard)

- "Avenged Sevenfold's M. Shadows Talks New Album, Metallica Tour and More" (Loudwire)