AVENGED SEVENFOLD’s M. Shadows on Spirituality, Religion, and Finding Freedom in a Godless Universe

In a candid conversation on the “Artist Kind with joel Madden” podcast,M. Shadows, the frontman of Avenged Sevenfold, revealed his nuanced perspective on religion, spirituality, and the essence of existence. Born Matt Sanders, the 43-year-old musician shared a profound outlook on life, weaving personal insights that transcend the boundaries of rock music.

“I’m not religious at all,” M. Shadows admitted. “But I find beauty in the idea of no purpose. I’ve discovered a sense of positivity in that because it feels like ultimate freedom. I don’t want to be told what needs to happen. I want to carve my own path.” He elaborated that his life gravitates toward universal values—love, family, empathy, and the drive to foster human connection. Tho, he added a striking caveat: “If you said, ‘Matt, does any of it matter?’ I would say, ‘No.’ At the very end,the only reason it matters is as while you’re here,I don’t like to see suffering. I believe that if you look at a five-billion-year timeline, when Earth gets wiped out, I think nothing will ever know we were here. It doesn’t matter.”

diving deeper into his skepticism toward religion,M. Shadows pondered the concept of God and the origins of the universe. “I look at deep history, and there’s no sign of… I mean, you could always go back, back, back. The thing that God has going for it is that you can always ask, ‘Well, what created that?’ And you can always go further back. These conversations just go in circles.” With a touch of humor, he questioned the timeline of divine intervention: “At what point did God start taking notice or care? Was it 2000 years ago? Was he like, ‘Those guys are kind of apes, but they’re starting to look like this new thing I’m into. I’m gonna send Jesus out in a couple thousand years.’ There’s a bunch of funny things to me.”

The singer acknowledged that modern believers often articulate their faith in more abstract terms. “I understand that people who believe in God have become more savvy,” he said. “They go, ‘Well, I’m not talking about the guy in the sky.'” This shift in framing reflects a broader trend where faith is interpreted through lenses of philosophy and personal experiance rather than traditional dogma.

In a deeply personal and introspective revelation,M. Shadows, the frontman of the iconic rock band Avenged Sevenfold, opened up about a transformative experience that reshaped his understanding of life, spirituality, and the nature of existence. His journey, marked by profound realizations and a candid exploration of faith, offers a compelling narrative that resonates with anyone grappling with questions of meaning and selfhood.

Shadows recounted a pivotal moment during a conversation with his friend Jeremiah, who had recently embraced a deeply religious outlook. “I gave him a hug and said, ‘You were right all along. He exists,'” Shadows shared. In that moment, the labels—whether God, the universe, or something beyond comprehension—faded into insignificance. What mattered was the shared sense of connection. “What Jeremiah believed and what I experienced were the same. He gives it a name, but I felt connected to everything and everyone that has ever existed,” he explained.

This profound realization didn’t just remain a personal epiphany; it found its way into the band’s music, particularly in their song “Nobody”. Shadows elaborated on the song’s themes, stating, “The first lyric is ‘a feeling’ or a consciousness.” The track delves into the idea of losing oneself, of dissolving into the vastness of the universe. “There’s no ‘you.’ You are one with the whole universe,” he said. “God might have his hands around the whole universe, but at that point, you’re in an ocean.”

Shadows’ journey away from traditional religious belief was both intellectual and deeply emotional. “When you want to know what you feel is the truth and you read as much as you can on it, there’s a shock to the system,” he reflected. “The day I realized that God was not a feasible option for me, my whole body just shook in fear. I know that’s usually the spot where most people go, ‘Okay, I’m going back. I’m gonna run back to it.’ But I stayed calm and continued to explore,to see if I could find answers on either side.”

central to his evolving worldview is the concept of interconnectedness and the dissolution of the self. “The belief in God and the comfort in God almost feels like I’m going to carry on in some way or there’s a ‘me,'” he explained. “But a lot of the ideology I believe in is that there is no ‘you.’ That’s what the song ‘Nobody’ is about.You are one with the whole universe.”

Shadows’ exploration of these ideas was further deepened by his experience with 5-MeO-DMT, a potent psychedelic frequently enough referred to as the “God Molecule.” Describing the experience, he said, “The point of it is indeed to wipe away you… It’s very scary. But one thing that it led me to was a deeper understanding of my friend Jeremiah’s perspective. When I did 5-MeO,you loose yourself. You don’t exist when you’re on this. And it’s not something you can describe with words. You come back, and you can’t even talk.”

This transformative encounter left Shadows with a renewed perspective on existence and the nature of self. “the next day, I saw things differently,” he said, hinting at the profound impact such experiences can have on one’s outlook on life and spirituality.

Through his candid reflections, M. Shadows invites listeners to question their own beliefs and explore the boundaries of faith, freedom, and the human experience. His words serve as a reminder that the search for meaning is a deeply personal journey—one that continues to inspire and challenge us all, nonetheless of where we stand on matters of faith.

Avenged Sevenfold’s M.Shadows on Spirituality, Psychedelics, and the Search for Meaning

In a year marked by both personal introspection and professional milestones, M.Shadows, the lead vocalist of Avenged Sevenfold, has been exploring profound questions about existence, spirituality, and the human experience. His journey, deeply intertwined with the band’s latest album “Life Is But A Dream…”, has resonated with fans worldwide, offering a glimpse into the philosophical underpinnings of their music.

A Year of Awakening and Achievement

2024 has been a monumental year for Avenged Sevenfold. The band kicked off their North american tour on March 6 at the KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York, marking their return to several cities after long hiatuses. Fans in Des Moines, Iowa, witnessed their first performance in 18 years, while Cleveland, Indianapolis, and Pittsburgh welcomed them back after 15 years. The tour supports their latest album, “Life Is But A Dream…”, which debuted at No. 13 on the Billboard 200 chart,selling 36,000 equivalent album units in its first week.

The album’s release was followed by their first festival appearance in five years at Welcome to Rockville in Daytona beach, Florida, on May 19, 2023. Just a week earlier, on may 12, the band performed their first concert since June 2018 at AREA15 in Las Vegas, Nevada. These performances have solidified their status as one of rock’s most influential acts, with over 10 million albums sold worldwide and over a billion video views and Spotify streams.

Exploring Spirituality and Psychedelics

In a recent episode of the “Artist Kind With Joel Madden” podcast, M.Shadows opened up about his deeply personal views on religion, spirituality, and the meaning of existence. Known for his introspective lyrics and thought-provoking music, Shadows offered a candid glimpse into his philosophical journey, touching on topics ranging from the nature of self to the transformative power of psychedelics.

Reflecting on his experiences, Shadows shared, “I’m a god. I’m awake. I’m the one in everything.I’m taking those words and letting them mean whatever resonates with the listener. It’s not about me being some higher power making decisions. It’s about unity and awareness.” He further elaborated, drawing from ancient wisdom: “there’s an old Buddhist saying, ‘Enlightenment is when the wave realizes it’s the ocean.’ That’s what I felt—like I was part of something much bigger, ebbing and flowing with everything around me. Jeremiah’s belief in God and my experience of oneness were just different ways of describing the same truth.”

The Role of Rituals and Practices

When asked about the role of rituals and practices in fostering a deeper connection to oneself and the universe, Shadows emphasized the importance of mindfulness and self-awareness. “Rituals and practices can be powerful tools for grounding and centering oneself,” he explained. “Whether it’s meditation, journaling, or even the act of creating music, these practices help us tap into a deeper understanding of who we are and our place in the universe.”

Shadows’ exploration of spirituality and psychedelics has not only influenced his personal life but also the band’s music. Their latest album, “Life Is But A dream…”, reflects these themes, offering listeners a journey through existential questions and the search for meaning.

Legacy and Influence

With over a decade of success, Avenged Sevenfold has cemented its place in rock history. Their 2010 album “Nightmare” and 2013’s “Hail to the King” both topped the Billboard 200 chart, while their music has garnered over a billion video views and Spotify streams. Their influence extends to rock radio, where they’ve achieved multiple No. 1 singles.

As they continue to evolve, both musically and philosophically, Avenged Sevenfold remains a beacon for fans seeking depth and meaning in their music. M. Shadows’ journey of self-revelation and spiritual exploration serves as a reminder that the search for meaning is a universal human experience, one that transcends genres and generations.

M. Shadows on Finding Meaning in a Universe Without Purpose

In a recent interview, M. Shadows, the iconic frontman of Avenged Sevenfold, opened up about his philosophical musings on life, spirituality, and the search for meaning. His reflections offer a unique perspective on embracing freedom in a universe that may lack inherent purpose.

The Liberation of a Purpose-Free Existence

When asked about his thoughts on the concept of “no purpose,” Shadows didn’t hesitate to share his views. “For me, the idea that there’s no inherent purpose to life is liberating,” he explained. “It means we’re free to create our own meaning. I don’t want to be told what needs to happen or what my path should be. I want to explore,make mistakes,and find my own way. That’s the ultimate freedom.”

Despite his non-religious stance,Shadows finds value in universal truths frequently enough emphasized by faiths.”I find a lot of value in the things that many religions emphasize—love, family, empathy, and human connection,” he said. “These are universal truths that resonate with me, even if I don’t subscribe to any particular faith.”

Spirituality Without Religion

Shadows’ journey into spirituality has been anything but conventional.While he identifies as non-religious, he has had profound experiences that blur the lines between science and spirituality. “I’m not religious in the traditional sense, but I’ve had experiences that have made me question the nature of existence and self,” he shared.

one such experience involved experimenting with 5-MeO-DMT, often referred to as the “God Molecule.” “It’s a powerful psychedelic that wholly dissolves your sense of self,” he described. “You don’t exist in the way we normally think of it. That experience was terrifying but also transformative.It made me realize how interconnected everything is. There’s no ‘you’ in the way we usually think—it’s more like being a drop in an ocean.”

This revelation inspired Avenged Sevenfold’s song “Nobody,” which delves into the concept of losing the ego and recognizing one’s place in a vast, interconnected universe.

Bridging the gap Between Faith and Skepticism

Shadows also touched on his relationship with a close friend, Jeremiah, whose devout religious beliefs initially created tension between them. “Jeremiah and I used to argue a lot about religion,” he admitted. “He’s become very devout, and I’m more skeptical. But after my experience with 5-MeO-DMT, I came back with a different outlook.”

He realized that both of them were seeking the same thing—meaning and connection.”The difference is that he finds it in faith, and I find it in the absence of faith,” Shadows explained. “Neither of us has all the answers, and that’s okay. What matters is that we’re both trying to understand the world and our place in it.”

Confronting the Fear of a Godless Universe

One of the most poignant moments in the interview came when Shadows described the fear he felt upon realizing that the concept of God might not be feasible for him. “It was a profound and unsettling moment,” he recalled. “I had been reading and researching, trying to understand the origins of the universe and the concept of God. The more I learned, the more I realized that the answers I was seeking might not lie in traditional religious frameworks.”

This realization, while initially frightening, ultimately led him to embrace a more personal and introspective approach to finding meaning. “It’s about accepting that we don’t have all the answers and being okay with that,” he said. “It’s about creating your own path and finding beauty in the unknown.”

Final Thoughts

M. Shadows’ reflections offer a compelling perspective on life’s biggest questions. By embracing the idea of a universe without inherent purpose, he finds freedom and empowerment in crafting his own meaning. his journey—marked by curiosity, experimentation, and introspection—serves as a reminder that the search for understanding is a deeply personal and universal endeavor.

When M. Shadows, the frontman of Avenged Sevenfold, first confronted the idea that a divine creator might not align with his understanding of the world, it was a moment of profound reckoning. “My whole body shook,” he recalls. “It was like a primal fear—the kind that makes you want to run back to what’s familiar. But I stayed with it. I kept reading, kept questioning, and eventually found peace in the uncertainty.”

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Exploring Existentialism and Spirituality Through Music

Shadows’ music has long been a vessel for exploring existential themes and spiritual inquiries. When asked how these ideas shape his creative process, he explains, “Music is my way of exploring these big questions. When I write lyrics, I’m not just telling a story—I’m trying to make sense of the world.”

Songs like “Nobody” and “Exist” delve into the human condition, grappling with the idea that we are but a small part of the universe, yet capable of creating profound meaning and beauty.”I think that’s what art is all about—expressing the inexpressible,” Shadows reflects. “Whether it’s through music, painting, or writing, we’re all trying to make sense of the human experience.”

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The message Behind the Music

For Shadows, the ultimate goal of his music is to inspire listeners to question their own beliefs and explore the boundaries of their understanding. “I hope people feel inspired to question their own beliefs and explore the boundaries of what they think they know,” he says. “Whether you’re religious or not, the search for meaning is a deeply personal journey.”

At the heart of his message is a call for empathy and connection.”at the end of the day, I believe that what matters most is how we treat each other. Love, empathy, and human connection—those are the things that give life meaning, even if it’s only for the brief time we’re here.”

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A Journey of Curiosity and Compassion

Through his candid reflections and introspective music, M. Shadows continues to challenge and inspire listeners to explore the boundaries of faith, freedom, and the human experience.His journey is a testament to the transformative power of questioning, curiosity, and the search for meaning in an uncertain world.

As the interview concludes, Shadows leaves us with a simple yet profound thought: “Thank you. It’s been a pleasure.” His words serve as a reminder of the importance of curiosity, openness, and compassion in our collective search for meaning.

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Stay tuned for more in-depth interviews and thought-provoking stories.

How does M. Shadows’s exploration of spirituality and psychedelics inform the message of self-discovery and meaning-making that resonates with his fans?

Owers individuals to craft their own meaning and purpose. his journey—marked by introspection, experimentation, and a willingness to confront the unknown—resonates deeply with fans who are also navigating the complexities of existence.

Shadows’ openness about his experiences with spirituality, psychedelics, and the search for meaning highlights the universal human desire to understand our place in the cosmos. whether through music, meditation, or personal exploration, his story encourages others to embrace their own paths, even in the face of uncertainty.

As Avenged Sevenfold continues to evolve, both musically and philosophically, M. Shadows remains a guiding voice for those seeking depth and authenticity in a world that often feels chaotic and fragmented. His message is clear: life may not come with a predefined purpose, but that very absence is what makes it so profoundly beautiful and worth exploring.

it’s not about finding definitive answers—it’s about the journey itself, the connections we make, and the meaning we create along the way.And for M. Shadows and Avenged Sevenfold, that journey is just beginning.