M. Shadows is the lead vocalist of the American rock band Avenged Sevenfold, known for their unique blend of heavy metal and hard rock. Born Matthew Charles Sanders on July 31, 1981, in Huntington Beach, California, he formed the band in 1999 with friends from high school. Shadows is recognized for his powerful voice and dynamic stage presence. In addition to his singing career, M. Shadows has contributed to the band's songwriting and has been involved in various side projects. He is also known for his passion for video games and has expressed interest in the music industry beyond performing, including producing and managing.