Pyrotek Special Effects Avenged Sevenfold's Uproar Festival Tour

Avenged Sevenfold's Uproar Festival Tour features special effects by Pyrotek. The stage is set with the band's signature winged skull bat as the backdrop. Discussions between Lorenzo Cornacchia (president and designer for Pyrotek Special Effects), Bob Ross (operations director, Pyrotek Las Vegas) and production manager Jordan Coppersmith focused on pyrotechnic effects, placement, and ideas envisioned by the band. Flame cues were a priority, as they accent the band and add excitement to the overall show design.

Framed by ten firescreen modules and eight blue flame projectors, the atmosphere of immense darkness and power emerges during "Buried Alive." Eight gatling guns were added to the upper deck of the set to be able to shoot flames horizontally behind each "claw" of the skull wings. Eight dragon heads are also used, four placed behind the skull bat, and four spread out in front of the set using transitions of asymmetrical chases.

Flame units are placed in the skull's eyes, while low-lying fog is incorporated into the set. In addition, 20' and 35' silver mines are used during "Unholy Confessions," and stadium flashes are utilized to create a loud sound blast effect. Fireballs are also used, and, with the help of Elia Popov, custom made flame bars were integrated into the skull bat to shoot flames 8'in height. To Cornacchia, detail is key: "Each of the pyrotechnic effects were designed to simulate the emotion that Avenged Sevenfold shows are known for. You will see a number of fireballs, dragons, and custom propane elements that are designed to be cued in sync with specific riffs or accents of the music."

Pyrotechnicians Keith Maxwell, Clint Ranse and Rory Jones coordinate to bring the designs to reality in every show and work to accomplish the effects of specific cues.