Fiction: “Promise me you’ll never feel afraid” So far away: “Sleep tight, I’m not afraid”

Fiction: All this hurt can finally fade… So far away: Your pain is gone, your hands untied…. Fiction: Found a place for me to rest my head… So far away: Lay away a place for me cause as soon as I’m gone I’ll be on my way. Fiction: So tell everybody, the ones who walk beside me… So far away: The ones that we love are here with me… Fiction: Promise me you ll never feel afraid… So far away: Sleep tight I’m not afraid. 💔

The drummer who filled in to complete the album is called mike portnoy, mike is considered one of the best drummers of all time and he was a huge inspiration for jimmy. Really beautiful to have one of your heroes fill in to honor you and help complete your work!

So for a bit of context. The Rev wrote both the piano and drum parts for this song The original song was titled Death but for obvious reasons they changed the name to Fiction, which was one of his nicknames. The Rev did manage to record the demo lyrics for this song, which they ultimately used parts of, he sings: The first line of the first verse, the chorus and then the first verse the ending part. He turned this song in on December 25th, 2009, telling lead singer M. Shadows, "This is it, this is the last song for the album,"(obviously it wasn't as So Far Away was written by Synyster Gates after the fact but obviously that wouldn't have been apart of the album had the Rev not passed away later) He died 3 days after turning in the song He past away as the result of an overdose of oxycodone, oxymorphone(both of which I believe he was prescribed to deal with the pain related to his enlarged heart he was born with), diazepam and nordiazepam(which are both anti-anxiety meds) and ethanol If I had to guess what probably happened was the diazepam and nordiazepam had him so zonked out(heavy doses of that stuff can leave you so incapacitated that you won't even be able to get up to use the restroom) that combining that with the ethanol left him unable to get anyone's attention as he was dying, he probably couldn't have called for help if he tried. Rather or not he intentionally overdosed or not will obviously never be known but yeah his health mentally and physically were both in a pretty rough place by the midway point of 2009, apparently a lot of the tracks they wanted him to sing on his vocals were in such rough shape that they just couldn't use any of it, and honestly the band was genuinely surprised he was able to vocalize as well as he did for this song. Very tragic, very unfortunate

The lyrics "I know you'll find your own way, when I'm not with you" cuts through me like a hot knife to the gut everytime.

We miss you REV😢😩😩😩🤟FóREVeR

For me this song paired with Save Me really solidifies the album as one of the greats.

Fyi : The rev (their drummer) made this song 3 days before he passed away, he made these instruments and song alone, from vocals, drums, guitar, and piano, and the previous title of this song is "Death", then a7x members changes the title with "fiction" (the rev's tatto) for his honor

The Revs voice is so unique. And his screams.. 🤌🏻🤌🏻🤌🏻🤌🏻

It’s weird to watch you experience what I went through as a fan ever since 2007. I feel the hurt all over again watching your videos, but also feel the joy and excitement all over again. It’s never too late to get into avenged sevenfold. Much respect and welcome to the family

This was originally a Pinkly Smooth demo that jimmy was remaking for the end of the concept album that became Nightmare - he had placeholder lyrics in that they did their best to re-use so they could use his voice on the track. God i miss hearing Matt and Jimmy sing together 😢

Such a heartfelt, down to earth reaction. Amazing song because it's almost a last goodbye. Rev is so talented..gone but not forgotten..RIP REV ❤❤❤

5:00 it was actually The Rev's drummer idol: a man named Mike Portnoy (formerly of Dream Theater) who accepted requests to help A7X finish the drum track for Nightmare album. As a drumming casual i feel he really tried to emulate a bit of the Rev's style with when he helped to record the drums. He even sidelined his main band's commitments to tour with Avenged for a few months after the Nightmare album released.

The Rev saga continues with Save Me and closes with St. James if you are interested in continuing. Both songs are the ultimate send off and are definitely worth the listen if you are interested. Save Me is still my all time favorite song by them so i would at minimum try to get that in 😊

It's impossible not to get emotional listening to this song, even if you don't know the backstory. It's a perfect sendoff to the late great Rev.

I recommend checking out Victim. It's on the same album. It's such an underrated song. The guitar solos are so emotional in themselves.

This track is so eery and heavy. Ive always thought of it basically as the Revs suic!de note with it being the last thing he wrote and handed them before they ultimately found him unresponsive. Nightmare is my fav a7x album because being a drummer myself sullys drumming drug me into their early stuff but the drummer they got to perform this album in studio and the following tour cycle, mike portnoy is a drum god and my idol! Couldnt have gotten a better fill in

I’ve had the privilege to see Avenged Sevenfold 32 times, some as a paying fan, and some as a stand by paramedic contracted through several private ambulance companies who were contract holders offering medical coverage for several large venues in Ohio and Indiana. I was at one of their first several concerts after losing The Rev, and they played “So Far Away” and “Fiction” back to back following a video montage of The Rev declaring his love for his band members and best friends. I don’t think there was a dry eye in the house, even the 63 year EMT who hadn’t ever heard of A7X that I was assigned to partner with that night sobbed like a baby.

Best drummer of all time, Jimmy. It's crazy to imagine what A7X would be like today if he were still alive.

Supposedly he walked into the studio and handed the "tape" and said "I'm done, I'm finished" his death was an accident, but like So Far Away said "You were ready, your pain is gone"

For some reason this song brought me back to that feeling when i found out Rev died. Its scary what a song can make you feel

The last song The Rev wrote and it holds a dear place in my heart ❤️

whenever i hear this song i always burst into tears. RIP Jimmy we all love you

I remember the day the Rev passed, just after Christmas, and I sobbed knowing this beautiful soul was no longer with us. The only other time I cried was for Mac Miller. Super glad to have you listen to this beautiful song ❤

This song The Rev made 3 days before he died. And in response to this song they made So far away and dedicated it to The Rev. If you look at the lyrics for both songs you can see where they give responses to one another.

this lyric is like the REV saying goodbye to his friend and his fans and telling them to not afraid

You NEED to listen to danger line, It's insane how matt can do those vocals that he is doing while also having that growl and grit.

If you listen to the words, it sounds like a prophecy. Like he knew it was going to happen or something. It sounds very creepy and tragic. I also advise you to watch 'Fiction - Rock in Rio 2013'. The vocal part of Synyster Gates in the end sounds as hard and heartbreaking as possible.

Avenged sevenfold will always surprised you, they are different every album. 🖤💙🖤

The Rev is and always will be my favorite drummer. He passed away a day after my bday.

"Promise me you'll never feel afraid" and then in So Far Away "Sleep tight im not afraid, the ones that we love are here with me."

This song makes me cry every time 🥲

This is easily one of my favorite A7X songs. I have the opening piano scale tattooed on my forearm. It’s a beautiful song

Ive never been hit so hard by the passing of someone i dont personally know than i was when my brother told me The Rev had passed away. What an incredible talent, RIP Rev

This song was the last song The Rev wrote and it was originally called Death. Some speculate it to be a suicide note bc he finished it 3 days before he died but we'll never know I guess.

HE WROTE THE PIANO PART TOO!! this man was so talented, lost foREVer

Fast : They really did all know each other from childhood, the “past”’visuals were an accurate representation. Also I think you should know that the lyrics of this song are a response to the Rev’s last song called “Fiction” (which used to be his nickname). That song was created and sang by him as a demo and it was handed in by him as the last song of the Nightmare album 3 days before he passed away. The song is basically his good bye letter. It’s important to know that even though the Rev was living the rock star life he had a heart condition which caused him a lot of pain and would prevent him from going more than 30 years old. If you decide to listen Fiction you will hear his voice in his last days and you will hear what he tells his friends. They added Matt’s voice in some parts when they released it. It’s a hard one

I always tried to avoid this song not because i hate it, but because it brings back the pain it's also relate to my depression. But it's dilemma cause this song is beautiful and I love and I want to hear Jimmy's voice in this so I always ended up listening to the whole song

I really enjoy being able to start the day with a reaction of yours ❤

I love your reaction videos, you've introduced me to so many songs that I didn't even know existed. Keep expanding my horizon 💯

Jimmy did everything on this, lyrics, piano and drums. Dude was a master at everything.

rarely do I see people give this much credit for the passion that this band had and is giving with their art with youtube reactions, thank you for sharing your experience

amazing reaction, very well put together input about the song and the emotion on the song.

Hey ray. Thanks for reacting A7X live in the lbc all the way to this song. It’s impossible to not be sad or teared a little listening to the rev or seeing him performing live. He’s a big inspiration to many people i believed. I was inspired by him to play the drums at the age of 12 and i still do today. Personally i wanna thank you for reacting to avenged sevenfold live videos and music. I feel you are one of the best vocal coach giving a reaction and remarks. Keep it up!! Love from Singapore!

This is a great song to check out! Thank you for going outside of their singles

The story of this song is haunting and sad in so many ways i cant imagine what Jimmy was going through. You will always be missed Rev.

That one hits different. My recommendation for their next song is "Save Me".

Loved hearing your input again as usual, love hearing the Rev on the vocals in this song. Hard to choose a favorite on the album between this, So Far Away, and Victim. So many good tracks

You should listen to Pinkly Smooth- Mezmer. Some people refer to it as Avenged Sevenfold before Avenged Sevenfold. It has The Rev doing Vocals/Piano and Synyster Gates on guitar. Very fun song. I think you would really enjoy his vocals in it!

The best word I'd use for this song is haunting. It's almost like a suicide note. As if he knew he was gonna die soon.

So glad watch u explore about this band❤..

In the rock in río performance you can see Synyster Gates lead guitarist and best friend of the rev craying wile singin the lyrics, such a touching image

Avenged is such a creative and truly talented band, refreshing to hear music that sounds great and different!

The Rev make this song by himself.. after he died,the group continued this song,because of that you hear Rev singing from first lyrics

Super glad to have you listen to this beautiful song

my first time i listen to & also reactions only in ur channel.

i love this song and i love ray so much

Also, another thing in an interview when this first happened, Matt said that the rev turned this song in and gave it to him and looked at him and was like man I don’t think I could write anymore. This is the last song.

RIP The Rev. 😢😢

This is one of my top favourite songs by A7X and so perfect for one of many tribute songs for their former drummer Rev RIP 🖤🤘

Personally, I find this to be their saddest song but also one of my favorites

Rachel, thank you for your channel and content, it's the best I've seen in a long time. Success for you and foREVer A7X!

great reaction, Rachel. Now I think your next Avenged Sevenfold reaction should be the song "Save Me". And for their new album I would recommend "Mattel" and "Game Over".

i've imagine when one of my best friends, writing the lyrics, writing the music and then 3 days after that he's passed away and it's really make me depressed even it just imagine. foREVer

There is a belief among some of the A7X community that this was his suicide letter, Jimmy died of an overdose, the debate is if it was deliberate or accidental. but listening to fiction and following the lyrics, as someone who suffers with depression it feels like a goodbye letter.

More Avenge please 💯🤧

Great Reaction! It makes one feel sad to listen to this knowing this was the last song The Rev wrote and it's so dark and seems to be saying goodbye. Somebody in the comments suggested watching the video of this song at Rock in Rio 2013 and I did and it was awesome, but a video popped up in my suggestions and it was a video put out by A7X and it's a tribute to The Rev, showing all kinds of video clips of him and the band and people talking about him, including his drum teacher. It was a beautiful tribute. "Avenged Sevenfold Jimmy The Rev Sullivan (Tribute Video)"

Tears... whenever I hear this song, always tears.

warmness on the soul reaction

Wow! I was actually searching for “fiction - rayaction” last night hahah! Not less than 24 hrs, there it is! Wow, could wish for anything huh

I always loved this song as well as So Far Away. So Far Away reminds me of my mom who passed in 2014. In March I lost my friend and this song was the first song I heard after he passed. This song hits so hard now after he passed. Still a banger though!

Every time i remeber Jimmy singing "promise me you'll never feel afraid" and then Matt singing "sleep tight I'm not afraid" in So far away. Brings tears to my eyes every single time.

This song has always sounded to me that The Rev knew his time was up.

This song still gets to me emotionally. The album was a beautiful tribute to The Rev.

I love how you react this song, that was a great reaction! I love how you telling the message of the lyric, how do you feel the emotional of the music, you're really-really got me! I want to see u more for reacting a7x song, I recoming you to listen Cosmic from they're new album, i want to see your reaction, it will be got your feeling and emotional! it's the first time to me for saw your reaction. but i really-really love you in the first time! keep your great work going baby. i will keep on you!🔥🖤

The Rev selain hebat bermain drum dan piano,, Beliau juga sangat mahir membuat lirik lagu dan aransemen lagunya. Ini yang membuat the Rev menjadi musisi yang unik dan jenius. Tapi sayang di tahun 2009 beliau menghembuskan nafas terakhirnya di akibatkan overdosis alkohol dan obat-obatan terlarang. Apapun itu beliau sangat jenius dan sangat berjasa bagi A7X. we Miss you Rev, still loving you.😢

I never realized til now but i think fiction is in the pov of the rev talking to the band, and so far away is the band talking back to the rev

So beautiful ❤️

thank you ❤

I love this song

I'm 30 seconds in and already tearing up :')

They played on swu festival in São Paulo, it’s on KZfaq, REV had past away recently it was a good concert

So for the drums for this album. They got mike portnoy from dream theater to do th drums on this album. He was one of the Revs favorite drummers if i remember correctly. So he did it in honor of the Rev.

The rev was left much of his legacy to this band, for the fans. I hope you react Beast and The Harlot live in lbc, there is a part of drum solo that he did. Beautiful scream by M. Shadow

Rev wrote this entire thing.. the chaoticness you explain was The Rev. This was literally his last masterpiece and almost a deathnote. Hes now the knife master 😅 foREVer

blessings!

This is a song written by The REV before his departure with lead vocals, piano instruments, drums which of course he plays .. and assisted by low vocal matt shadows as his complement, It was as if he had predicted her departure RIP the REV We Love You foREVer

The Rev completely wrote this song originally titled "death" and making it seem like a goodbye letter to the band... hes the reason I became a drummer and avenged fan! Miss you brother! foREVer

I'm not crying, your crying. The last bit of the song is like a knife to the heart

Great song and reaction as always, RIP the Rev he was crazy talented. Anyway you should do unholy confession live in the lbc, that was their first true breakthrough song and the live performance from that show crushes, every song from that show rules.

I remember I 2013 when they played this song and told us the back story it was hard not to get emotional

I am still not over about The Rev passing away. Idk why but it gets to me and I feel very sad…

thanks raya, i subscribbed u this time.

jimmy had a side project band called Pinkly Smooth. It was definitely a niche band, but this sounds exactly like one of pinkly smooth's songs, unique styled piano, aggressive almost like it was written for another instrument and the effects they put on Shadows voice sort of tells me they were trying to make it more......Jimmy's sound. Been a fan for years and it took me nearly 15 years to realize this.

"Cant imagine the mindset.. " Yeah he was ready ready to die bruh. I cant imagine either

You got a new sub .

I'm not a vocalist I'm a drummer who can do screams and fry vocals but can we all appreciate the high F the rev hits in teh chorus? that's a raw recording too jfc

The Nightmare tour they did in London right after he died. I was there and it was a heart breaking show and they did this song and M Shadows struggled to get through the song without breaking down. "I hope you find your own way, when I'm not with you".

Save Me is my personal favorite, also love the new record. Probably my favorite release of 2023 next to Terrasite.

You should check out their song St. James from the album Diamonds in the Rough. I think you, along with the rest of us would enjoy that a lot! foREVer