Update: February 27th, 2023 11:53 PM:
The alleged ‘hacker’ in question has come forward leaving breadcrumbs to another website, libad5343.net.
Original Story:
Avenged Sevenfold fans are well aware that the band have taken their time completing their eighth studio album. However, that wait appears to be nearing an end, with the group seemingly ramping up to its release with some online shenanigans.
The progressive metal outfit wrapped up mixing that follow-up to 2016’s “The Stage” back in September of last year with Andy Wallace (Nirvana, Faith No More) once again behind the boards.
With an album cycle likely mapped out and the band having already trickled out some live dates for this year, things took an unexpected turn over the weekend. A since-deleted announcement using apparent deepfake AI technology surfaced on the band’s official Spotify, it featured the apparent voice of the band’s frontman M. Shadows and stated:
“Hey, Trax listeners, we’re so sorry to bring bad news to you all, but I wanted you to hear it straight from the horse’s mouth. We’ve had some unexpected delays on the new album and have decided to cancel our appearances at Welcome To Rockville and Sonic Temple to focus on finishing it up. It breaks our heart to do this, but some things have to be done.
I understand this is disappointing news for everyone, and I want to let you know, that we are truly sorry for any inconvenience this may have caused. Creating new music is a passion we have dedicated our lives to, and we believe our fans deserve nothing but the best from us. We put our hearts and souls into this new project to make it the best it can be.
We’ve been working tirelessly on this new music and are committed to bringing it to you as soon as possible. We know that cancelling more shows is a major disappointment, and I want to assure you that this is a decision we did not make lightly. Many of you will be let down and frustrated. And for that we are deeply sorry.
We want to thank you for your understanding and support during this time. Your dedication to our music and your unwavering enthusiasm for our shows inspire us every day. We promise to make it up to you, and we will see you soon. Once again, we apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused, and we thank you for your patience and understanding.”
M. Shadows was quick to disavow the announcement, offering:
Yikes! This is NOT TRUE. We are still playing. Getting to the bottom of this. https://t.co/dQ9yC3mc1T
— M. Shadows (@shadows_eth) February 26, 2023
Literally walking in the streets of Mexico and listening to this. What the actual fuck… NOT ME! https://t.co/PmCLrWX4NT
— M. Shadows (@shadows_eth) February 26, 2023
Given the band’s current fascination with all things technology, many believe this could all be a promotional stunt for what’s in store with Avenged Sevenfold‘s next full-length. For now, the group’s confirmed live appearances include:
05/19 Daytona Beach, FL – Daytona International Speedway (‘Welcome To Rockville‘)
05/26 Columbus, OH – Historic Crew Stadium (‘Sonic Temple Art & Music Festival‘)
