“We grew up with every type of band from Primus to Mr. Bungle to Elton John to pop music to metal, and we try to throw it all in a blender. And whatever comes out of that is more Avenged Sevenfold than metal or metalcore.”

American singer, lead vocalist and founding member of Avenged Sevenfold

M. Shadows, born Matthew Charles Sanders, is an American singer and the lead vocalist and founding member of the heavy metal band Avenged Sevenfold. He is known for fronting the group since its early days and for helping define its sound and public identity. His work is tied to heavy metal performance and the role of a modern frontman. In 2017, Ultimate Guitar ranked him third on its list of the Top 25 Greatest Modern Frontmen, reflecting his standing among contemporary rock vocalists.