11 Great Non-Metal Albums | Avenged Sevenfold Guitarist Zacky Vengeance's Picks

Why It Matters

The list reveals the non-metal roots that inform Avenged Sevenfold’s approach to melody and songcraft, underscoring a broader industry trend of heavy artists mining outside genres for authenticity and storytelling. That cross-genre appreciation can shape future projects and fan perceptions of the band’s artistic range.

Summary

In the video Avenged Sevenfold guitarist Zacky Vengeance walks through 11 non-metal albums that shaped his taste, praising raw vocals, simple soaring melodies and authentic songwriting over technical virtuosity. He highlights records ranging from gritty country and punk to desert rock and singer-songwriter work — name-checking voices and albums that feel lived-in, emotionally direct and unmanufactured. Zacky repeatedly emphasizes authenticity, storytelling and individuality, citing examples like Johnny Cash–style imperfection, The Killers’ Sam’s Town desert mood, Social Distortion’s punk grit, Amy Winehouse’s raw delivery, and Weezer’s Blue Album as near-perfect songwriting. The picks illustrate how diverse, humble influences inform his creative priorities more than flashy musicianship.

Original Description

Avenged Sevenfold's Zacky Vengeance has had a hand in some of the most iconic songs in modern metal. But the guitarist doesn't only listen to heavy music — far from it. Indeed, Vengeance recently released his debut solo album, 'Dark Horse,' under his birth name, Zachary Baker, and it showcases his love of old-school country, rockabilly and more. Watch Baker pick and discuss 11 great non-metal albums that he thinks all metalheads need to hear.