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Since the band’s late drummer Jimmy (aka The Rev) passed away in December 2009, Avenged Sevenfold’s loyal fan base has been eager for some new material. Hail to the King is the bands sixth studio album, describing that it will be “the biggest record by fucking far”, but has the long wait been worthwhile?
A7X are well known for their diversity and experimental approach to the rock/metal genre where previous albums ‘Sounding the Seventh Trumpet’ and ‘City of Evil’ still resonate highly with music fans and are respected within the metal community. However there’s no denying the band have been very vocal about their upcoming release, where they’ve told fans the album is taking a different direction, with stripped back chord riff orientation and a generally heavier sound.
Watch the video for the lead single 'Hail To The King' below:
A new direction it may be but it’s disappointing to say Avenged Sevenfold are having a serious identity crisis. ‘Shepherd of Fire’ is ablaze with powerful riffs, however it’s clear to hear that the band are just trying to progress and move forward within the heavy metal ranks and by doing so stripping every part of uniqueness they used to have.
‘Hail to the King’ is a foot stomper with head banging drumbeats, epic guitar solos and chanting in all the right places. Yes it does certainly tick all the boxes for a decent metal song we’ll give them that, but the Metallica influences just won’t shake and in the end it just sounds like they’re trying to duplicate them altogether.
‘Doing Time’ manages to spruce things up a little, where old Avenged fans will recognize the sporadically twisted guitar solos and driving vocals from M Shadows, pure metal magnificence - that’s more like it!
Listen to 'Doing Time' below:
Just when we thought the album was taking a turn for the better ‘Requiem’ and ‘Crimson Day’ dislodge all hope of resurrecting the old sound of Avenged that we used to know and love. After a while there are only so many Metallica influences we can take, without becoming depressed by the fact that A7X seem to have truly lost their way. We’re merely left with long-winded and whiny songs where the guitar melodies we once worshipped have become predictable and bland.
There’s undeniably a different sound from the California hailing quintet, however regrettably they don’t manage to muster up anything more than sounding like a poor man’s Metallica.
