Avenged Sevenfold's first creative output was a three-track-demo, some months later, they were asked by Sadistic Records to contribute to two compilations. To that end, they recorded two new songs and released them along with the previously recorded songs on a second demo in early 2000. They sent this demo to the Belgian label Good Life Recordings and were subsequently signed. Shortly afterward, Matt Wendt left for college and Justin Meacham, the previous bassist of Suburban Legends, joined Avenged Sevenfold. In late 2000, the foursome took on their initial stage names and recorded their debut album, "Sounding the Seventh Trumpet". In early 2001, lead guitarist and old friend Synyster Gates joined the band and they re-recorded the introductory track "To End the Rapture" for the album's lead-single/EP, "Warmness on the Soul", released in April. Although their debut album was initially planned for a late April release, it was pushed back multiple times and eventually released in June or July 2001 on Good Life Recordings.