Hail to the King
Avenged Sevenfold's sixth studio album, "Hail to the King," was released on August 23, 2013. The title track and lead single pay homage to classic heavy metal bands such as Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden, and Judas Priest, who influenced the band's musical style. This album marked the first record with new drummer Arin Ilejay, who joined Avenged Sevenfold after the departure of their former drummer, Jimmy Sullivan.
The song "Hail to the King" starts with a dramatic and epic intro that immediately captures the listener's attention. The main riff is heavy and catchy, and the chorus is anthemic, making it a perfect sing-along song during live shows.
The album's artwork, created by Cameron Gray, features a crowned skull surrounded by fire and smoke, representing the band's domination over the heavy metal scene. The cover art and the album's title are a clear sign that Avenged Sevenfold wanted to pay tribute to the classic heavy metal bands that inspired them.
Apart from the title track, "Hail to the King" features ten more songs, including "Shepherd of Fire," "This Means War," and "Planets." The album showcases the band's musical evolution, as they experimented with new sounds and styles, while still staying true to their heavy metal roots.
One of the standout tracks on the album is "Requiem," which starts with a haunting piano intro and evolves into a powerful and emotional ballad. The song's lyrics deal with the band's grief over the loss of their former drummer, Jimmy Sullivan, who passed away in 2009. This tribute to their fallen friend and bandmate shows the band's sensitive side, and the song resonates with fans on a deep emotional level.
The production on "Hail to the King" is top-notch, thanks to the work of producer Mike Elizondo, who previously worked with artists such as Eminem and Dr. Dre. The album has a crisp and clean sound, and all the instruments are perfectly balanced, creating a sonic wall of sound that envelops the listener.
The band's guitarist, Synyster Gates, shines on this album, delivering some of his most memorable solos and riffs. His playing is melodic and technical, and he showcases a wide range of guitar techniques and ideas.
In conclusion, "Hail to the King" is one of the best albums in Avenged Sevenfold's discography, and it solidified their place as one of the most important heavy metal bands of the 21st century. The album's title track is a classic heavy metal anthem that will be remembered for years to come, and the album as a whole showcases the band's musical diversity and evolution. If you're a fan of heavy metal, "Hail to the King" is a must-listen album that will satisfy your cravings for epic riffs, powerful vocals, and intricate melodies.