Zacky Vengeance Blames ‘Lazy’ Designers for Being Replaced by AI
The guitarist has defended his use of artificial intelligence
The guitarist has defended his use of artificial intelligence, arguing that complacency and greed have left many designers vulnerable to being replaced by the technology.
Avenged Sevenfold guitarist Zacky Vengeance has sparked debate online after openly embracing artificial intelligence and suggesting that many designers have only themselves to blame for being replaced by the technology.
The comments followed criticism surrounding artwork associated with the band’s latest Halloween release, a cover of Misfits’ Horror Business, which was shared through their Deathbats Club.
Some fans questioned whether the artwork had been created using generative AI, prompting Vengeance to respond on X with a lengthy statement defending the technology.
“I actually fully embrace AI,” the guitarist declared.
While acknowledging his appreciation for traditional artwork and the people responsible for creating it, Vengeance argued that many designers he has encountered throughout his career have failed to adapt to changing technology.
He claimed that the majority of designers he had worked with over the past two decades were lazy and had allowed themselves to become replaceable through complacency and greed.
Vengeance went on to explain that he preferred using AI prompts and welcomed the efficiency offered by emerging technology.
However, his statement ended with an unexpectedly bleak prediction:
“Also it will absolutely kill us all.”
Vengeance doubles down on AI
Rather than distancing himself from the remarks, the Avenged Sevenfold guitarist continued defending his position in subsequent posts.
He argued that technological advancements have historically faced resistance and suggested that artificial intelligence should be viewed as another development capable of expanding creative possibilities.
According to Vengeance, the problem lies less with the technology itself and more with how individuals choose to use it.
In a particularly ironic twist, he revealed that one of his follow-up statements defending artificial intelligence had itself been written using AI.
The guitarist also responded to criticism by pointing out that he has personally supported traditional artists, including purchasing their work and publicly praising their abilities.
He maintained that he values talented artists while remaining enthusiastic about the possibilities of AI.
In another post, Vengeance questioned the consistency of people who strongly oppose artificial intelligence while continuing to use social media platforms powered by algorithms and extensive data collection.
A growing divide in the creative industries
Vengeance’s comments arrive amid an increasingly heated debate surrounding the use of generative AI in music, artwork and other creative industries.
Supporters argue that the technology can provide artists with new tools, reduce production costs and make creative processes more accessible.
Critics, however, have raised concerns about the use of copyrighted material in AI training, the potential displacement of professional artists and the possibility of human creativity being undervalued.
His suggestion that designers have effectively allowed themselves to be replaced is likely to prove particularly divisive, given that many artists argue they are facing technological and commercial pressures largely outside their control.
The debate also extends beyond visual artwork.
Avenged Sevenfold frontman M. Shadows has previously expressed interest in artificial intelligence and its potential applications within music, including the possibility of fans creating original material using technology trained to reproduce elements of the band’s sound.
For Vengeance, at least, there appears to be little uncertainty about where he stands.
Despite acknowledging the potential dangers of artificial intelligence, the guitarist has made it clear that he intends to embrace the technology rather than resist it.
Do you agree with Zacky Vengeance, or are his comments unfair to the artists and designers whose work has helped shape the music industry?
