To the casual observer, Avenged Sevenfold [ tickets ] (a.k.a A7X) might appear to be a Christian band, since not only is the group named for a famous story in the Bible--that of Cain being marked by God, protecting him from his sin of murdering his brother Abel, and declaring that anyone who tried to punish him would suffer "vengeance seven times over."

Many of the band's song titles ("The Wicked End," "Beast and the Harlot," "Unholy Confessions," "Afterlife") and lyrics also draw heavily from the gospel, yet the group's members have publicly stated that they're not a religious band, merely making music that they hope is thought-provoking.

Avenged Sevenfold is currently on tour with Buckcherry [ tickets ] and Papa Roach [ tickets ], and just announced additional dates through the end of March. LiveDaily's Tim Mosenfelder attended the group's show in Oakland, CA, on Tuesday (2/3) and here are some of his best shots.