Why Brooks Wackerman Left Bad Religion for Avenged Sevenfold: “I Wanted to Spread My Wings” Brooks Wackerman has now spent a full decade as the powerhouse drummer behind Avenged Sevenfold, but making the leap from punk legends Bad Religion wasn’t a decision he took lightly. In a recent interview with former Sum 41 drummer Steve Jocz (aka Steveo 32) on his new podcast, Wackerman opened up about the pivotal moment in his career and what ultimately inspired the transition. Before joining Avenged Sevenfold, Wackerman had been the rhythmic backbone of Bad Religion for 15 years. That’s no small commitment, especially for a musician who had already built a reputation as one of the most technically gifted drummers in punk rock. So what made him walk away? A Surprising Opportunity with Avenged Sevenfold It all started with a familiar face: Diony Sepulveda, Wackerman’s former personal manager, who at the time was also working as Avenged Sevenfold’s tour manager. Sepulveda helped initiate the conversation that would eventually lead Wackerman to reconsider his path. At first, Wackerman admits he was surprised. After all, jumping from Bad Religion’s melodic hardcore to the progressive metal stylings of Avenged Sevenfold is no small shift. But as he began to imagine himself in a completely new musical environment, the idea took hold. “You just start envisioning yourself in a completely different light,” he explained. Craving a New Musical Challenge For Wackerman, it wasn’t just about joining a bigger band—it was about growth. While he remains grateful for his time with Bad Religion, he was ready to stretch himself creatively and technically. “It was exciting. I was like, ‘Okay, I haven’t felt this way in a while.’ I wanted to spread my wings a little wider, too, musically.” The offer from Avenged Sevenfold wasn’t just to fill a seat behind the kit—it was an invitation to collaborate. The band made it clear they wanted Wackerman to contribute to their next record, not just perform on tour. “Not only are they interested, but they’re also interested in writing with me for this record. They want me to contribute. And I’m like, ‘Yeah, let’s do this.’” That sense of creative inclusion sealed the deal. After years of performing songs largely written by others, Wackerman saw a chance to be an active part of something new—and to reconnect with the raw excitement of pushing musical boundaries. “To actually feel like you’re a proponent between five guys in a studio—it’s special,” he added. From Punk Roots to Metal Stages Since making the jump, Wackerman has become an essential part of Avenged Sevenfold’s evolution, bringing both precision and passion to their live shows and studio recordings. His transition from punk to metal might have surprised some, but for Wackerman, it was the natural next step in a career defined by fearless exploration. Here’s an expanded and polished rewrite of your new section, ideal for a professional blog post: Why Brooks Wackerman Chose Avenged Sevenfold Over Staying in Bad Religion Brooks Wackerman is the kind of drummer who thrives on musical growth—and when it came time to decide between continuing with punk veterans Bad Religion or stepping into the powerhouse rhythm section of Avenged Sevenfold, it came down to creative possibilities. During his conversation with Steve Jocz on the “Drumming Out Loud” podcast, Wackerman was quick to clarify that Bad Religion wasn’t creatively stifling. In fact, he spoke with deep respect about his former bandmates. “The writers were Brett [Gurewitz] and Greg [Graffin], and as they should be, because they created the sound. I always call them the Lennon and McCartney of punk rock. There’s no one that can write like those guys,” Wackerman explained. Though he had creative input, Wackerman noted that it took time to feel truly at home within the band. “They did allow me creativity,” he said, “but I didn’t feel like I was fully myself in that band until my second album with them.” Avenged Sevenfold: A Drummer’s Playground What made Avenged Sevenfold stand out wasn’t just the size of their stages or the scope of their tours—it was the band’s willingness to explore complex musical terrain. For Wackerman, that meant a return to drumming techniques he had been developing since his early teens. “When you get the Avenged call, it’s like, ‘Okay, so the Latin beat that I practiced when I was 12—I can now apply this in a song,’” he said. “The rhythmic possibilities, the creative possibilities—they felt endless.” This musical openness gave Wackerman the chance to bring a broader skillset to the table, helping him grow as both a drummer and a collaborator. The Songs That Sealed the Deal Every big opportunity starts with an audition—and in Wackerman’s case, he had to show Avenged Sevenfold that he could handle their dynamic and challenging catalog. So what songs did he play to land the gig? “’Nightmare,’ ‘A Little Piece of Heaven,’ ‘Bat Country,’ and I think ‘Buried Alive.’ Yep, ‘Buried Alive.’ I think it was just that.” These tracks span a variety of styles—from theatrical balladry to thrash-inspired metal—making them the perfect test for Wackerman’s versatility and finesse behind the kit. Avenged Sevenfold in 2025: What’s Next? A decade into his tenure with the band, Wackerman remains a vital part of Avenged Sevenfold’s sound—and the band isn’t slowing down anytime soon. They’re heading back on the road this summer, kicking off a European tour starting June 4 in Turkey and wrapping up June 29 in Sweden. Then it’s back to the U.S. for two massive shows supporting System of a Down in Chicago (Aug. 31 and Sept. 1), followed by a performance at the Louder Than Life Festival. From there, the band heads to South America for a run of fall dates.  Here’s a polished and expanded version of your post for “The 25 Best Metal Songs of the Last 25 Years” with the four songs you provided, keeping it engaging and informative for your readers: Avenged Sevenfold, “Nightmare” (2010) Album: Nightmare In the wake of the tragic passing of their beloved drummer Jimmy “The Rev” Sullivan, Avenged Sevenfold faced one of their most daunting challenges yet: completing the album they had started with him and delivering a powerful statement to both their fans and themselves. “Nightmare,” the title track from their 2010 album, showcases a perfect blend of grief and defiance, drawing heavily from The Rev’s initial work before being brought to life by the rest of the band. This track is a testament to the songwriting brilliance of Sullivan, with Avenged Sevenfold masterfully finishing what he had started. The song opens with haunting, atmospheric tones before building to an intense, larger-than-life sound. It’s grandiose, a fusion of dark melodies and complex arrangements that highlight each band member’s skill—especially the unforgettable guitar solo. Meanwhile, M. Shadows’ vocals take on an almost sinister quality, adding an eerie layer that further solidifies “Nightmare” as one of the band’s defining moments. Babymetal, “Gimme Chocolate!!” (2015) Album: Babymetal When Babymetal burst onto the scene in 2010, the world of metal had never seen anything quite like them. Blending the fierce energy of heavy metal with the cheerful, upbeat aesthetics of J-pop, the Japanese trio presented a unique genre known as “kawaii metal”—and nowhere is this contrast more striking than in their 2015 single, “Gimme Chocolate!!” On the surface, “Gimme Chocolate!!” might seem like an innocent, pop-infused track, but it holds a deeper, more serious message. The lyrics explore issues of body image and societal pressures, using chocolate as a metaphor for indulgence in the face of those standards. The song fuses aggressive, bottom-heavy metal with sugary sweet refrains, creating a sharp contrast that leaves an impression. With “Gimme Chocolate!!,” Babymetal opened new pathways for listeners across genres, attracting both metalheads and pop fans to the heavy music world. It’s a cultural bridge that has influenced a variety of artists and led to the global acceptance of genre-bending within metal. The Black Dahlia Murder, “What a Horrible Night to Have a Curse” (2007) Album: Nocturnal The Black Dahlia Murder emerged as the dominant force in death metal during the 2000s, taking a genre known for its brutality and making it thrilling, fun, and accessible—without compromising the extremity fans love. The band’s 2007 album Nocturnal stands as a prime example of this blend of malice and melody, with the track “What a Horrible Night to Have a Curse” becoming one of their most iconic anthems. This song is a masterclass in death metal composition, pairing blistering rhythms with mesmerizing melodies. Trevor Strnad’s dynamic vocal delivery perfectly complements the intense, choppy riffs and blackened tremolo-picked leads, establishing an instantly recognizable sound that’s both vicious and captivating. What makes “What a Horrible Night to Have a Curse” so memorable is its balance between gut-wrenching extremity and melodic allure—an element that has helped The Black Dahlia Murder stand apart from other bands in the genre. It’s fast, ferocious, and impossibly catchy. Bullet for My Valentine, “Tears Don’t Fall” (2006) Album: The Poison One of the definitive tracks that helped catapult metalcore into the mainstream during the 2000s, Bullet for My Valentine’s “Tears Don’t Fall” is a heartbreak anthem wrapped in searing guitar riffs and emotional intensity. The song deals with themes of regret and the pain of a failed relationship, capturing the raw emotion that’s central to the band’s sound. The song opens with a searing guitar riff that quickly builds into an anthemic chorus, driven by Matt Tuck’s powerful vocals. The mix of aggressive screams with melodic clean singing creates the perfect contrast that’s synonymous with metalcore. Though “Tears Don’t Fall” found success on both sides of the Atlantic, it truly resonated in the U.K., where it reached No. 3 on the Rock chart and earned Bullet for My Valentine Kerrang!’s “Best Single” of the year. With this track, they cemented their place in the hearts of metal fans worldwide and became a cornerstone of metalcore’s evolution. These tracks are just a few examples of how metal has continued to evolve over the past 25 years, blending genres, experimenting with new ideas, and proving that the genre’s possibilities are limitless. Each of these songs has contributed to the sonic landscape in a unique way, leaving a lasting impact on metal’s future direction. Stay tuned for more of the best tracks in metal! Here’s an expanded and rewritten version of your next batch of songs for your blog, maintaining a professional yet engaging tone that’s fit for a human-written post: Bring Me the Horizon – “Shadow Moses” (2013) Album: Sempiternal “Shadow Moses” marks a turning point in Bring Me the Horizon’s evolution. As the lead single from Sempiternal, the track introduced the band’s bold new direction—melding crushing metalcore aggression with cinematic electronics and melodic sensibilities, largely thanks to the addition of keyboardist Jordan Fish. Released in early 2013, this was more than just another heavy track—it was a statement that BMTH was no longer bound by genre limitations. From Oli Sykes’ throat-shredding screams to the eerie, anthemic “This is Sempiternal!” chant, “Shadow Moses” became an instant classic. The song takes on dystopian themes and layers them with haunting keys and breakdowns that feel both visceral and elevated. It set the tone for the band’s creative renaissance, opening the doors to a wider audience without abandoning their heavy roots. A true game-changer. Children of Bodom – “Needled 24/7” (2003) Album: Hate Crew Deathroll Few songs better represent the full-throttle chaos and technical wizardry of Children of Bodom like “Needled 24/7.” As the explosive opener to Hate Crew Deathroll, this track combines the Finnish band’s signature blend of melodic death metal and neoclassical shredding. It’s fast, furious, and unrelentingly catchy, serving as a bold bridge between their early years and the groove-laden sounds they’d explore in future releases. The late Alexi Laiho was at the peak of his game here—his riffing, soloing, and snarled vocals all working in harmony to deliver a blistering attack. “Needled 24/7” wasn’t just a song, it was a mission statement: fun, fearless, and frenzied metal that made no apologies and demanded your full attention. DragonForce – “Through the Fire and Flames” (2005) Album: Inhuman Rampage For many metal fans, Guitar Hero III was their first encounter with “Through the Fire and Flames”—and what an introduction it was. DragonForce’s magnum opus took power metal to absurdly entertaining heights, with dueling guitars from Herman Li and Sam Totman delivering some of the fastest and most jaw-dropping solos in modern metal history. But this track isn’t just about speed. It’s an epic journey filled with soaring vocals, triumphant melodies, and an uplifting narrative of perseverance. The storytelling is as gripping as the instrumentation, opening with the now-iconic line: “On a cold winter morning / In the time before the light.” Even as the metal scene veered toward metalcore and deathcore, DragonForce proved that melodic, fantastical power metal still had a massive role to play in the genre’s future. Gojira – “Flying Whales” (2005) Album: From Mars to Sirius Few metal tracks have the atmospheric and emotional depth of Gojira’s “Flying Whales.” As one of the standout tracks from From Mars to Sirius, the song takes listeners on a journey that’s as meditative as it is heavy. It opens with an ethereal intro filled with ambient sounds and whale calls—hinting at the track’s ecological themes—before descending into a sludge-filled groove punctuated by intricate riffs and growls from frontman Joe Duplantier. What makes “Flying Whales” so special is its dynamic structure. The shifts between crushing heaviness and tranquil interludes make every minute feel purposeful and profound. This track is Gojira at their most introspective and inventive—a perfect representation of their eco-conscious ethos and musical ambition. Iron Maiden – “The Wicker Man” (2000) Album: Brave New World The year 2000 saw Iron Maiden fully reborn. With the triumphant return of Bruce Dickinson and Adrian Smith, “The Wicker Man” ushered in a new era for the British legends. Taken from Brave New World, the song captures the band’s classic sound with renewed energy and modern production, serving as a rallying cry for longtime fans and new listeners alike. From the opening lyric—“Hand of fate is moving and the finger points to you”—to its galloping rhythm and layered guitars, this track delivers everything fans love about Maiden. It’s proof that legacy doesn’t mean stagnation. With “The Wicker Man,” Iron Maiden reasserted themselves as one of metal’s most vital and enduring forces. Jinjer – “Pisces” (2016) Album: King of Everything With “Pisces,” Ukrainian metal band Jinjer didn’t just release a song—they sparked a global conversation. The track is an emotional rollercoaster that showcases the stunning versatility of vocalist Tatiana Shmayluk, whose transitions from soft, sorrowful clean vocals to bone-rattling growls have left even seasoned metal fans speechless. Musically, “Pisces” flows through delicate melodies, progressive grooves, and jagged breakdowns. The band masterfully juxtaposes beauty and brutality, crafting a song that’s as cathartic as it is unpredictable. It’s no surprise that a live clip of “Pisces” went viral—this song is a perfect introduction to Jinjer’s unique blend of technical metal and raw emotion. Killswitch Engage – “The End of Heartache” (2004) Album: The End of Heartache Killswitch Engage helped define metalcore in the early 2000s, and “The End of Heartache” remains one of the genre’s most enduring anthems. With Howard Jones taking over vocal duties, the band hit new emotional and melodic highs, blending soaring choruses with punishing riffs and breakdowns. Jones’ performance is the soul of the track—his ability to convey pain, hope, and power all at once is unmatched. This song became the emotional centerpiece of the album and helped Killswitch Engage earn a Grammy nomination and massive mainstream appeal. It’s metalcore at its most refined: heavy, heartfelt, and unforgettable. Knocked Loose – “Counting Worms” (2016) Album: Laugh Tracks Clocking in at just 1:11, “Counting Worms” wastes absolutely no time making its presence felt. This short, explosive burst from Knocked Loose helped solidify the band as one of the rising stars in the modern hardcore scene. The infamous “ARF ARF!” bark may be meme-worthy, but beneath the surface is a raw, primal energy that signals a shift in heavy music toward unapologetic aggression and simplicity. With chaotic riffs, crushing breakdowns, and the throat-tearing delivery of Bryan Garris, “Counting Worms” became a fan favorite and a live show staple. It’s a feral, no-holds-barred statement that hardcore—and its heavier hybrids—were back in a big way. Here’s the next polished section of your blog with a consistent tone, detailed insights, and strong transitions that position each track as an essential piece of modern metal history: Korn – “Here to Stay” (2002) Album: Untouchables When Untouchables dropped, Korn wasn’t just continuing their dominance—they were reinforcing it with a sledgehammer. “Here to Stay” kicks off the album with crushing intent, boasting a thunderous low-end and one of the most punishing grooves in the band’s catalog. It’s an instant show-starter, and for good reason—it hits like a freight train. Lyrically, Jonathan Davis is in familiar territory, channeling emotional torment and internal conflict with a fury that feels both deeply personal and universally relatable. Whether you read it as a cry against internal demons or a reaction to the chaos of a broken world, “Here to Stay” is a perfect embodiment of nu-metal’s cathartic power. Korn has always excelled at turning pain into power—and this track might be their most commanding example. Lamb of God – “Laid to Rest” (2004) Album: Ashes of the Wake If any song signaled that a new generation of American metal had officially arrived, it was “Laid to Rest.” Coming from Ashes of the Wake, Lamb of God’s breakout album, this track distilled the aggression of ‘90s groove metal and infused it with a more modern, razor-sharp edge. It’s Pantera’s legacy updated for a new millennium—heavier, faster, and even more surgical. The main riff is instantly recognizable, and Randy Blythe’s venomous delivery ensured that his voice would be impossible to ignore. More than just a mosh anthem, “Laid to Rest” was a declaration that Lamb of God wasn’t just carrying the torch—they were reforging it. Lorna Shore – “To the Hellfire” (2021) EP: …And I Return to Nothingness Few modern metal songs have had as meteoric an impact as “To the Hellfire.” Released at the dawn of a new era for Lorna Shore, this track marked the debut of vocalist Will Ramos—and a seismic shift in deathcore. Ramos’ inhuman vocal range, especially his viral pig squeals, turned heads across the internet and solidified the band as leaders of the genre’s ongoing rebirth. What makes “To the Hellfire” truly powerful, though, is how it balances brutality with grandiosity. Orchestral flourishes and mournful melodies surround the punishing breakdowns and blast beats, resulting in a piece that’s as cinematic as it is crushing. It’s not just a song—it’s a deathcore opera. Mastodon – “Blood and Thunder” (2004) Album: Leviathan Mastodon’s Leviathan is widely hailed as one of the best metal albums of the 2000s, and “Blood and Thunder” is its mighty opening roar. Channeling the primal fury of Moby Dick, the song is equal parts sludge, prog, and thrash—all delivered with a rawness that feels totally unfiltered. Troy Sanders’ gritty vocals collide with Brann Dailor’s chaotic drumming and a whirlwind of technical riffing, culminating in one of the most anthemic choruses in modern metal. It’s a ferocious battle cry that announced Mastodon’s arrival as a serious creative force—and they haven’t looked back since. Meshuggah – “Bleed” (2008) Album: obZen By 2008, Meshuggah had long been pushing metal’s boundaries, but “Bleed” is the moment where their influence finally caught fire outside the underground. Built around a hypnotically complex drum pattern and guitar rhythm, this seven-minute mind-bender is a masterclass in technical precision and sheer endurance. What makes “Bleed” so groundbreaking is its control—every stuttering kick drum, every locked-in polyrhythm, is executed with terrifying perfection. It’s mechanical, but never robotic. This is organic chaos engineered to perfection, and a direct ancestor to the djent movement that would follow. Few songs have ever bent time signatures to their will quite like this. Nightwish – “Nemo” (2004) Album: Once “Nemo” stands as a defining moment in symphonic metal. Taken from Once, the band’s transitional and breakthrough record, it captures the full emotional and sonic scope of Nightwish’s sound. Built around a melancholic piano motif, sweeping orchestration, and massive guitar work, the song is both intimate and epic. At the heart of it all is Tarja Turunen, whose operatic delivery gives “Nemo” its soul. Her performance—elegant, powerful, and haunting—cemented her legacy and helped catapult the band to international acclaim. The track balances bombast with sorrow in a way few others can, making it a keystone in the symphonic metal genre and a farewell of sorts to one of its most iconic vocalists.