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In an interview with Gramophone (2020), Zimmer states that he was inspired by Bach at a young age. Although lacking detail and pinpointing specifics, Zimmer states in another interview with Gramophone that “There are many classical composers that I love. Bach is forever my teacher and I listen to him constantly.”(Gramophone, 2015)

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In an interview with PittNews, Zimmer states that his curiosity on bringing in and blending non-traditional instruments into traditional orchestral scores was also stirred by American Composer Bernard Herrman. (Cassidy, 2022) Although he does not delve into the details, upon listening to a few material of Herrmann, the author is able to agree with the aforementioned statement of blending non-traditional instruments together with the orchestra.

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Due to James tragically passing away at 27, the amount of interviews and material available are limited. However, at each instance of available literature, Sullivan remarks on Slayer’s Dave Lombardo influencing him during his teen years. Listening to both Slayer and Avenged Sevenfold drum records side by side, the author believes that the influence of style and technique is evident.

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Zimmer states at an interview with Gramophone (2020) that Ennio Morricone was the catalyst that propelled him towards film composition. Marricone’s blend of Bach and Mozart in conjunction was; in Zimmer’s perspective, unique and creative. In the same interview, Zimmer states that Morricone’s inclusion of unorthodox instruments into the palette of sounds was curious. Specifically, how he brought the electric guitar to western productions at a time it was not used in aforementioned productions.

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In an interview with Rick Beato (2019), Haner Jr. states that, although they are a metal-core band, Haner was heavily influenced by jazz guitarist Frank Gambale. Particularly Gambale’s approach to technique including eco-picking, sweep picking and difficult Gypsy Guitar techniques such as Rest Stroke Picking which are heard throughout Haner's performances.

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Speaking to an article with Loudwire, Haner Jr. states that listening to Led Zeppelin encouraged him to take up playing the guitar. “He said when he was around 6 or 7 years old, he heard the intro to Led Zeppelin's "Black Dog" on a KLOS commercial, and he asked his dad over and over to teach him how to play the riff on the guitar.” (Schaffner, 2023)

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The author believes that Haner Jr's band (A7X) was heavily influenced by Pantera, of which Dimebag Darrell is the lead guitarist. The lead guitarist of A7X is known to use the sustainiac pickups which he wanted after listening to the outro solo of “Cemetery Gates” by Pantera (Total Guitar Television (TGTV), 2006). He also states “If I could play like anybody, it would probably be Dime.” (Blabbermouth, 2023)

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The drummer of Avenged Sevenfold shares that Vinnie Paul from Pantera was a big influence of his and he often tried to replicate it in their own music. (Parillo, 2009). Although the many of the interviews of Sullivan does not delve deeply into the details of his influences, the author believes James’s style of heavy, thrashy drumming is directly related to and influenced by Vinnie Paul.

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The Rev shared with Andrew Nusca of Drum Magazine (2011) that The Oingo Boingo frontman and simultaneous film composer’s style of orchestral composition was a big inspiration for him and the band. They

have infused the aforementioned into their own discography, particularly in their self titled 2007 album to the extent of collaborating with Oingo Boingo on the record ‘A little Piece of Heaven”.

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Sullivan is the drummer of Avenged Sevenfold and is perhaps the reason why I got interested in pursuing music from a young age. His intricate drum patterns; specifically his double bass rhythms coupled with intricate drum fills and uncommon placement of polyrhythms, has directly influenced me and my style of drumming and drum programming.

I was first introduced to the use of china and splash cymbals, and its usage for both groove and as an effects cymbal after following Sullivan.

The Rev stands out as one of the best double bass pedal drummers in the rock and roll community. His limb independence which consequently leads to uncommon and bizarre double bass pedal fills is nothing short of mind-blowing. The author believes this statement could be attested upon listening to the drum fill at 2:50 on their 2005 record "Blinded in Chains".

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Hans Zimmer's style of orchestral and symphonic arrangements have had a massive impact on me to a point where I produced a symphonic version of one of my older rock songs.

The art in which he builds the orchestra; from the cellos to the brass, is something I've been trying to actively learn and replicate. His approach to melodies, counter-melodies, key changes, octave layering and unique use of different sections of the orchestra to almost 'manipulate' the listener's feelings is something I am trying to include in my own productions.

Additionally, his integration of non-traditional orchestral instruments such as synths, guitars and world instruments have opened my eyes towards expanding my horizons as a music producer.

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Brian Haner Jr. (who goes by the moniker "Synyster Gates") is the guitarist of American Metalcore band Avenged Sevenfold. I have followed and been inspired by him from a young age. His approach to solo writing; shredding guitar leading into a melodic section that is often coupled with a harmony guitar, is a practice that I emulate in most, if not all, my guitar recordings.

I have also followed his approach to riffs, fills and chord arrangements, and it’s unmistakably recognizable in my own music.