Who Is M. Shadows? Age, Biography, and Wiki
M. Shadows, born Matthew Charles Sanders on July 31, 1981, is an iconic American heavy metal singer and songwriter, best known as the lead vocalist of the rock band Avenged Sevenfold. With a career spanning over two decades, Shadows has become a prominent figure in the music industry, renowned for his distinctive vocal range and powerful stage presence. As of 2025, M. Shadows is 43 years old.
| Occupation | Metal Singer |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | July 31, 1981 |
| Age | 43 Years |
| Birth Place | Fountain Valley, California, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Leo |
| Country | U.S |
Popularity
M. Shadows's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
M. Shadows stands at an impressive height of approximately 6 feet (183 cm) and weighs around 180 pounds (82 kg). His physique is complemented by his athletic build, a reflection of his commitment to health and fitness. As for his measurements, he keeps a well-maintained body, which allows him to perform energetic shows consistently.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
M. Shadows is happily married to his wife, Michelle Branchaud. The couple got married in 2009 and has been a supportive force in each other's lives. Together, they share a beautiful family, including two children. While M. Shadows has been private about his family life, he often shares glimpses of his family moments on social media, showcasing the love and bond he shares with them.
He is of Irish and Italian descent. He was raised Roman Catholic. His sister is former WNBA player Amy Sanders. His interest in rock was from listening to bands like Guns N' Roses earlier in life after his father gave him his first cassette, and his interest in heavy metal music grew as he became older and began to play the guitar.
He links his early musical experience with the piano as a major factor in developing his skills with the guitar and his voice. He attended Huntington Beach High School, where he played for a brief stint in a punk band named "Successful Failure".
Following this, Shadows formed Avenged Sevenfold in 1999 along with middle school friends Zacky Vengeance, The Rev, and Matt Wendt.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, M. Shadows boasts an estimated net worth of around $20 million. His wealth primarily stems from his successful music career, including album sales, sold-out tours, and merchandise. With Avenged Sevenfold's continued success and his various business ventures, Shadows has secured his financial future while maintaining a steady income through music and appearances.
Career, Business, and Investments
M. Shadows rose to fame in the early 2000s with Avenged Sevenfold, contributing to their rise in the heavy metal scene. The band's albums, including City of Evil and Nightmare, have garnered critical acclaim and commercial success. Besides music, Shadows has explored various business ventures, including partnering with apparel brands and investing in music-related startups. His keen sense for business has further cemented his status not only as a musician but also as an entrepreneur.
Social Network
M. Shadows maintains a strong presence on social media platforms, actively engaging with fans and sharing insights into his life and career. He is particularly active on Instagram and Twitter, where he often posts updates about his music, family life, and personal interests. His social media following continues to grow, reflecting his popularity and influence within the music community.
Shadows, like the other members of Avenged Sevenfold other than Brooks Wackerman, uses a stage name. In an interview, Shadows says that he chose his stage name because he thought of himself as "the darker character in the group".
The 'M' is in place of his first name, Matthew, which he did not want to be in his stage name because of the way it sounded. He also added that he and the band took stage names because many other successful musicians that they were influenced by had them (e.g. Slash of Guns N' Roses, Munky of Korn and the members of Slipknot).
Shadows also mentioned in another interview their reasoning behind choosing stage names also came from their intention to "piss people off".
Education
M. Shadows attended Huntington Beach High School, where he developed his passion for music. He later pursued higher education at a local community college, although he eventually dropped out to focus on his music career. His dedication and determination have led him to become one of the most respected figures in the heavy metal genre, proving that passion often outweighs formal education in the pursuit of success.
The absence of screaming vocals caused rumors that Shadows had lost his ability to scream due to throat surgery needed after Warped Tour 2003. However, producer Andrew Murdock put down these rumors by saying: "When I met the band after Sounding the Seventh Trumpet… Matt handed me the CD, and he said to me, 'This record's screaming.
The record we want to make is going to be half-screaming and half-singing. I don't want to scream anymore… the record after that is going to be all singing.'" Shadows explained, "We don’t listen to bands that scream. I did when I was in high school and I kind of grew out of it. Maybe I’ll listen to one or two.
I’d rather listen to the Iron Maidens and Metallicas of the world than the death metal bands. For me, it doesn’t make sense."
