Zacky Vengeance embraces AI after backlash over Avenged Sevenfold cover art

Zacky Vengeance has defended artificial intelligence after online criticism of artwork accompanying Avenged Sevenfold’s new cover of the Misfits’ “Horror Business.” The artwork drew criticism over alleged AI use.

The release continued Avenged Sevenfold’s annual tradition of covering Misfits songs and was issued through the band’s Deathbats Club. In comments reported Oct. 29 by The PRP, Vengeance responded to questions about the cover by saying: “I actually fully embrace AI.”

He said he still loved physical art and the talented people who make it, including his own work. But he sharply criticised most designers with whom he had worked during the previous 20 years, saying they had allowed themselves to be replaced through complacency and greed. He said he preferred prompts, “a collective hive mind” and the efficiency offered by the technology.

Vengeance nevertheless said AI could “absolutely kill us all.” His broader argument was that technological advances have historically been met with fear and resistance, and that AI should be assessed through its use rather than treated as an inherent threat.

“It’s not the death of creativity or human ingenuity; it’s an expansion of what’s possible,” he wrote. He added that responsible use, rather than rejection, could shape the future, then disclosed that the message itself had been made using AI.

In a separate exchange, Vengeance said he had bought artwork by an artist identified as Eddie and repeatedly praised that artist’s talent. He also said AI could not replace artists including Wes, Cam and Micah, whom he described as long-standing friends he deeply valued, while maintaining that it could replace “anyone replaceable.”

On Oct. 29, he also criticised opponents of AI whom he said continued to accept platform terms that allow personal data to be used by AI-driven systems, while relying on algorithms to distribute their comments.

The dispute reflects wider arguments around AI-generated art. The BBC has noted that artists’ work can be used to train generative systems and then potentially copied in their outputs, making authorship, ownership and plagiarism central concerns. Other artists and commentators cited by the BBC see AI as a creative medium or collaborator, with the human practice and intent behind a work carrying particular importance.