REVIEW! Avenged Sevenfold : Hail To The King

Posted on December 13, 2013

Record Label: Warner Brothers

Release Date: August 23, 2013

Rating:  7.5/10

Buy it at: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/hail-to-king-deluxe-version/id672046420

Metal has been crying out for a revival for years. Acts that can have a prolonged career instead of a hype album that will only have its five minutes of fame. ‘Hail To The King’ is Avenged Sevenfold’s sixth studio album. They have took the fans by storm, proving they are definitely no “one trick pony” with the album going straight to number one in six different countries.

The commercially and critically successful album by the lads from California has taken an almost bittersweet victory. The album marks it’s first number one album not to feature it’s original drummer Jimmy ‘The Rev’ Sullivan, who sadly passed away in December 2009. It goes without saying that Jimmy played a major part in the band, writing, producing and even singing on many of their albums. Many worried the band would lose that creative spark that Jimmy had but the band has proved they can still produce the goods without him. The album fits as a touching tribute to a man who was loved and respected by many. The bonus track of the album is in honour of Jimmy being named “St. James.” The lyrics speak of the pain felt since his death, but also suggest a feeling of gratitude and happiness that they got to play alongside their late friend. It’s very emotional.

It’s clear to see Avenged Sevenfold have taken major influences from bands such as Metallica, Guns N’ Roses and Pantera on previous records, but as great as their previous record ‘Nightmare’ was, you can really tell they have come into their own and found their feet without their fallen brother. Lead singer Matt Shadow’s vocals and lyrics have become much more raw and commanding over the last three years since ‘Nightmare’. On the opening track ‘Shepard Of Fire’; Matt catches the audience straight away with devilishly toned lyrics such as “I can promise you paradise, no need to serve on your knees.” The chugs of Zacky’s guitar will create an arsenal of head bangers from the off. Every shred of the guitar invites you in saying “Now this is metal! Metallica who?”

Now all us Avenged Sevenfold fans know this wouldn’t be an album without a few anthems and ballads. Well, you’re in luck. The lads have delivered yet another high level of tunes to sooth your ears. ‘Acid Rain’ produces the goods on the ballads prospective. Lengthy spine tingling solos causing chills as cold as ice, added with satanic whispered lyrics in the heartfelt verses make it a classic. On the other hand the title track ‘Hail To The King’ is exactly what it says on the tin, a bloodletting bouncy feel along with Crashing drum beats and guitar riffs that will spark any mosh pit into life. 

It’s fair to say this album is up there with the rest of their back catalogue of classics. An album that is actually deserving of a number one slot unlike most crap produced these days.

Avenged Sevenfold will headline Download Festival 2014 next summer, on the back of the release of Hail To The King and a recent successful UK Arena tour in which they sold out multiple dates.