The DVD was directed by Core Entertainment's Rafa Alcantara, who also worked on the band's critically acclaimed 2007 road documentary All Excess. On August 15, 2008, a trailer was released by Avenged Sevenfold on their YouTube channel. On September 5, 2008, Avenged Sevenfold released the live version of "Seize the Day" from the DVD through their imeem account. "Unholy Confessions" and "Scream" were later streamed before the release as well. There are two alternate mixes of songs on their self-titled album:
The CLA Mix of "Almost Easy" is simply the original song as mixed by Chris Lord-Alge, instead of Andy Wallace. This includes the mixing of The Rev's vocal take as well as M. Shadows.
The Rev performs vocals on the tracks "Crossroads", "Flash of the Blade", "Almost Easy", "A Little Piece of Heaven" and "Afterlife". Live in the LBC & Diamonds in the Rough has been certified Platinum by the RIAA. On November 5, 2008, the CD/DVD combo was certified Gold, but has now reached Platinum by selling over 100,000 copies. In January 2020, Avenged Sevenfold released "Set Me Free", an unreleased song recorded during the Hail to the King recording sessions. They also announced that the song would be included in a remastered re-release of Live in the LBC & Diamonds in the Rough, expected to be released on March 6 and February 7, respectively. A limited edition clear vinyl of Diamonds in the Rough was also announced.
Critical reception
The album received mixed to positive reviews upon release in 2008. Jim Kaz from IGN wrote "Avenged Sevenfold have proven that there is a way to successfully crossover and bend genres without alienating or insulting the base. With top-notch musicianship and a knack for pinching the best bits from different styles and eras, this is one band to keep pace with." Ultimate Guitar wrote "The CD feels very much like another fresh studio release if you haven't been exposed to the B-sides, while the DVD features a sound mix that is just as strong as if it was also recorded in the studio."
Track listing
Live in the LBC Diamonds in the Rough
Personnel
M. Shadowslead vocals, organ intro on "Critical Acclaim"
Zacky Vengeancerhythm guitar, co-lead guitar, backing vocals, acoustic guitar on "Seize the Day"
Synyster Gateslead guitar, backing vocals
The Revdrums, percussion, co-lead vocals on "Critical Acclaim", "Afterlife" and "A Little Piece of Heaven", backing vocals
Johnny Christbass guitar, lead vocals on intro of "Seize the Day", backing vocals
Diamonds in the Rough
Avenged Sevenfold
M. Shadows – lead vocals
Zacky Vengeance – rhythm guitar, lead guitar on "Demons" and "Dancing Dead" outro, backing vocals
