From Metal to Melodies: Zacky Vengeance’s Journey with *Dark horse*
It’s not uncommon for rock musicians to swap their electric guitars for acoustic ones,embracing a more contry-inspired sound. This trend has seen artists like Chris Shiflett of Foo Fighters, pop-punk icon Jaret Reddick, and Staind’s Aaron Lewis transition into this genre.the latest to embark on this musical journey is Zacky Vengeance, known as Zachary Baker, the guitarist for the heavy metal band Avenged Sevenfold. He has announced his first solo venture, *Dark Horse*, a project he admits was unexpected.
“I never thought I would create a solo album; it wasn’t something I had planned,” Baker shared in an interview with *Guitar World*.
Finding Time in a Hiatus
With Avenged sevenfold on a nearly five-year break, Baker found himself with an unusual luxury: time. “I would head to my studio, strumming my acoustic guitar, singing, playing the piano, and recording whatever inspired me.I kept gravitating towards simple, singer-songwriter tunes-three-chord melodies that differ from our usual sound in Avenged,” he explained.
“For modern country, I admire Zach Bryan. His music carries a sense of humanity that resonates with me.”
“I genuinely appreciate the beauty of simplicity in music. While I enjoy complex and progressive compositions,there’s something profoundly moving about straightforward songs; that’s what drew me to music in the first place,” he added.
Musical Influences and Inspirations
Fans familiar with Zacky’s earlier work will recognize the roots of his musical influences. “Initially, I was all about punk rock bands like The Misfits and Social Distortion-groups that could use the same chords for both verses and choruses,” he recalled. However, his musical palette has expanded significantly since then.
“I have a deep thankfulness for classic artists like Johnny Cash, Marty Robbins, and Willie Nelson. I love the rawness of music from an era when artists performed live into a single microphone,” he said.
“I’m notably drawn to unique vocalists like Bob Dylan and Tom Petty. In contemporary country, Zach Bryan stands out to me for his relatable storytelling and emotional depth,” he noted.
A Personal Journey Through *Dark Horse*
*Dark Horse* is a profoundly intimate album where Baker expresses his emotions candidly. This is especially evident in the track *The Storm*, which reflects on his journey with Avenged Sevenfold, including the heartbreaking loss of drummer Jimmy “the Rev” Sullivan.
“Every song on this album struck a chord with me,” Baker stated. “I had to delve deep into my life experiences and emotions. writing about Jimmy and everything that transpired was a cathartic process for me.”
“I wanted to convey my feelings authentically. While Matt [Shadows] wrote heartfelt lyrics for *Nightmare*, I aimed for a singular impactful moment in my own way,” he explained.
“While I was writing that, I just lost it. I was in tears.”
Creating a song about a lost friend was an emotional challenge for Baker.”I didn’t want to re-record the vocals; they were raw and rushed because I was genuinely sad. I think that authenticity is what makes it real,” he reflected.
breaking the Mold in the Studio
When one thinks of recording a country album, images of vintage gear and classic instruments frequently enough come to mind. Though, Baker’s approach to *dark Horse* was refreshingly unconventional. Embracing a DIY punk ethos,he opted for a more hands-on recording process. “I decided to record like I did when I was 15, in my punk bands-whatever it takes to capture the sound I envisioned,” he said.
Interestingly, Baker utilized digital amp modelers for most of the album’s guitar tones. ”I relied heavily on Fractal modelers, which we also use with avenged Sevenfold,” he noted. “While I’d love to say I used vintage Twin Reverb amps, I wasn’t aiming for a retro sound. I used what was available to me, tweaking tones until they felt right.”
Guitar Choices and Accessibility
In terms of guitar selection, Baker was not afraid to explore new options beyond his usual Schecter models. “I experimented with guitars I hadn’t previously considered for Avenged. I have a collection of Nashville Teles and Strats that I enjoy playing,” he shared. “I even pulled out some Schecter hollow bodies that I’ve never used on stage.”
when it comes to acoustics,Baker appreciates both high-end and budget-kind models. While he favors his Martins, he also champions an affordable Epiphone as one of his go-to guitars. “I want to convey to aspiring guitarists that they don’t need to spend a fortune to pursue their passion,” he emphasized.
“my favorite acoustics are Martin and Epiphone. I have several Martins I use with Avenged, but I also love the Epiphone Hummingbird for its sound and playability,” he said.”It’s on the album, and I used it frequently because it was what felt right in the moment.”
“If it’s good enough for me, a professional guitarist, it’s good enough for anyone. My first guitar was a Squier Strat that cost around $150, and I’ve always held onto that mindset. It’s not about the gear; it’s about who you are and what you create with it.”
