Sophie Lloyd reimagines “Nightmare” in a cinematic horror music video

British Guitar Sensation Sophie Lloyd releases an explosive instrumental guitar interpretation of Avenged Sevenfold’s “Nightmare”, giving chills and thrills this Halloween.

“Halloween is my favourite holiday”. declares Sophie. 

“The song ‘Nightmare’ just embodies the spirit of Halloween to me. I loved exploring how chromatic runs and minor-interval harmonies can create this tension, as well as capturing the grit and intensity of M.Shadows’ vocals and lyrics through an entirely instrumental guitar arrangement. I wanted to pay homage to the original music video by having a mental asylum theme with someone being wheeled along the corridor. But we put our own spin on it, with the patient basically being experimented on so much that they turned into this possessed guitar wielding demon.”

The song is accompanied by a horror-driven music video filmed (by Dean Addison) inside a former UK Cold War bunker that brings a dark new visual dimension to Sophie’s cover of Avenged Sevenfold‘s iconic metal track. Set in the bunker’s abandoned medical wing, the story follows Sophie as a patient subjected to disturbing experiments, with her condition escalating until she transforms into a demonic figure.

“Avenged Sevenfold have been one of my favourite bands since I started playing guitar, Synyster Gates and Zacky Vengeance have been very big inspirations to me. Their ability to blend crazy shredding techniques with melodies that truly tell a story is incredible. ‘Nightmare’ was actually one of the first covers I ever did on YouTube too back in 2012! So it’s funny going back and watching that one compared to this one and seeing how far I’ve come, both playing wise, and in my career.

I’ve been lucky enough to meet some of the A7X guys a few times having played some of the same festivals, notably Rock in Rio this year while I was touring with MGK. They are such lovely, genuine people, so I really felt called to do this song and honour them in this way. I hope I made the guys in the A7X camp proud with this shred version!”

Check it out here: https://youtu.be/akuJOtos0KU

Following a busy year of touring with MGK, Sophie is turning her attention to creating more covers and original music. For exclusive behind-the-scenes content from this video, sneak peeks at upcoming projects, and more, follow her journey on Patreon.