Return of the Metal Kings

It has been three years since Avenged Sevenfold has released an album, but they are back with the release of “Hail to the King”. This is the first album the band doesn't have any musical contributions from the former drummer, The Rev, since his sudden passing in 2009. It is a great record that has been a long time coming with the numerous tours and singles the band has released since “Nightmare” in 2010. Though in comparison to any other Avenged Sevenfold album, the sound is more basic and is reminiscent of 80's British and American Metal music that have inspired bands like Avenged Sevenfold. Even without the musical inspiration and contribution of the Rev, Avenged Sevenfold still finds a way to make mind blowing metal.


The first single released off the album, also called “Hail to the King” exemplifies the album as a whole and the direction it goes in. Many of the songs follow the same pattern of bare bones metal that the album is intended to be. Songs like “shepherd of Fire” and “Doing Time” follow this similar sound, which is very similar to that of New Wave British Metal, is eminent. Also, the Songs “This Means War”, “Requiem”, and “Crimson Day” are more towards the trash metal that bands like Metallica have made popular as well. Though this album has been intended to be a more basic metal vibe than previous albums, it still has that Avenged Sevenfold spirit.


“Hail to The King” is a great album that even though it much different than previous albums it shows that Avenged Sevenfold can pretty much accomplish anything. Though sometimes bands have tried to simplify their music and it fails, but Avenged Sevenfold followed in the footsteps of their predecessors and found as system that works well for them. Though some people have been a little turned off because of this and at first I was skeptical, but it grew on me and I felt they did a great job with this album. Also that this being the first album without The Rev, Avenged Sevenfold is doing a great job in finding a way to succeed.

GTA V First Impressions

Since it's announcement a few years back, the world has been eagerly awaiting the release of GTA V.  As news built and speculations arose.  Finally when we got our first teaser of the world of GTA V we were treated to an array of possibilities. The chance to be not one but 3 main characters and the ability to plan your missions all made the mouths of GTA's faithful fans salivate.   As the original date got closer and closer everyone was gearing up for nights wasted glued to their screens..... Than we got the news the release date was being pushed back for additional development time.  NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO.  But in all fairness this was the best move Rockstar has made.  The additional time gave them the means to streamline the game and make it great. 

The game itself is beautiful to look at and graphics are crisp and easy on your eyes.  Unlike previous incarnations even GTA IV was not this visually crisp.  GTA IV was more gritty and sharp.  I am throughly glad that the game itself was taken and given a complete overhaul in the graphics department.  The controls for gun change feel more like "Saints Row" and this is a welcome change to having to cycle through weapons when all you have to do is hold down a button and point to the weapon you want.  The mission retry feature.  THANK THE GODS.  Oh you have no idea how welcome this feature is.  In the past, failing any part of the mission meant going all the way to start and having to redo everything.  GTA San Andreas had a similar retry feature it was more of a progress further into the day kind of thing to skip over long ass driving parts but it was no where near GTA V's mission checkpoint system is much more user friendly and helps progress the game without having to grind for weapons back before the mission has to restart like in previous games.

The story itself feels more natural and the characters are a lot easier to get invested in.  Like Franklin a struggling street thug who wants to get out of the ghetto and make money and not lose himself.  Michael, The stories reluctant hero and his stories plays like a version of Analyze this as displayed in the beginning when he is sitting talking to his therapist.  ((Yes the scene is a reference to Analyze this with Billy Crystal and Robert DeNiero))...... Than you have Trevor he is a bit of a wild card and has the uncanny knack to pull the weak willed to his side and has a way of pulling in Michael and Franklin with his natural leadership abilities even if the two are unwilling to go along at first. 

Overall the game itself so far is intriguing and the story is gripping and I highly recommend you go out and get it.