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.