Hail to the King
by Avenged Sevenfold
User Score
7.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 147 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 110 out of 147
  2. Mixed: 20 out of 147
  3. Negative: 17 out of 147
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  1. darioacdc7
    Mar 21, 2023
    8
    A lot of people hate on this album or think it is overrated, but I think it's quite good. Yes riffs are a bit Metallica-style maybe, but the output is just so energetic and the album has a lot of bangers.
  2. David_Gvazava
    Jun 23, 2020
    10
    Hail to the King is on of the best songs I have ever heard. Also I like listening to Doing Time
  3. Vladymir
    Apr 29, 2020
    7
    It is safe, it is simple, but it is far from a bad album. I love blastimg this album while on the road. Planets it's by far the most overlooked song feom the band. This is truly the Black Album of Avemged Sevenfold, more commercial and simple, but still marvelous.
  4. Jiano74
    Jan 25, 2016
    9
    Simply brilliant album like most metal albums I like I've listened to it more times than is healthy. Hail to the King and This Means War are my favourite. This Means War I have listened to the most mainly due it being included on the soundtrack of WWE 2K15. Nonetheless and brilliant album and totally deserving of a number one spot on the UK charts.
  5. ethanvenzin
    Jul 2, 2015
    9
    This album is awesome,well i'm not really a fan of some of it,but after the change of drummer,i think Rev is better at songwriting
    Because without Rev now,it seems like they lack of creative idea for the songwriting but i really like this album.
  6. AndyFraser
    May 31, 2015
    8
    I always felt that Avenged Sevenfold were metalcore-lite so wasn't much of a fan. Then this came along. The songs show influences from 70s hard rock through 80s metal and beyond all recorded with a modern, weighty production. Maybe the band's older fans won't like this so much but with so many great songs I'm sure A7X will find a whole lot of new fans.
  7. Evan2814
    Sep 26, 2014
    3
    Their previous albums had Critical Acclaim, since A7X was like A Little Piece of Heaven. It was Almost Easy but A7X crossed the Danger Line and I was Betrayed. This album was like a Nightmare! Dear God it made me want to Scream and leave the album Trashed and Scattered in the garbage! Their old style is So Far Away and I'm afraid they've Lost It All.
  8. BigGuyChris
    Sep 9, 2014
    5
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This Album is a 50/50 for me. Hence the 5! Being a drummer, I always loved and admired The Rev. He gave A7X that special something. I don't expect the new drummer to BE The Rev. But I find the songs on this album to lack feeling. It almost seems as though the drummer is merely going through the motions. If you listen to the Album in its entirety, the songs are actually quite good. It's got some good (albeit monotonous) sound and style. So, A must have for the fans, but I almost regret buying it.… Expand
  9. KAOS661
    Sep 2, 2014
    7
    "Hail to the King" is Avenged Sevenfold's 6th studio album. There are a lot of influences on this one from bands like Metallica,Guns n' Roses,Iron Maiden, something that is obvious in songs like "This Means War", "Doing Time", "Coming Home". The talent is undeniable. Nice metal riffs and melodies with Gates really showing how creative and talented he is on the solos. Shadows did a"Hail to the King" is Avenged Sevenfold's 6th studio album. There are a lot of influences on this one from bands like Metallica,Guns n' Roses,Iron Maiden, something that is obvious in songs like "This Means War", "Doing Time", "Coming Home". The talent is undeniable. Nice metal riffs and melodies with Gates really showing how creative and talented he is on the solos. Shadows did a phenomenal job once again on the vocals, the lyrics were pretty typical for metal but interesting nonetheless. Arin did a good job on the drums, nothing mind-blowing but he helped the songs come to life . I’ve not been a fan of them from the very start (meaning “Sounding the Seventh Trumpet”). I became one in 2003 when “Waking the Fallen” came out. Since then, every album has been different but with the same A7X feel, something that “Hail to the King” failed to achieve in my opinion. I understand and respect the fact that they went in a different direction with this album but I believe they lost part of their unique sound and feel by doing so. This album to me is proof of how important The Rev was to this band. Not only because of his phenomenal drumming but also because he was a true musical genius.
    Overall, "Hail to the King" is a decent/solid metal album with "Planets, "Heretic" and "Acid Rain" definitely being the highlights.    … Expand
  10. Vonathan
    Jul 13, 2014
    6
    After hearing the single Hail to the King, I was excited for some new Avenged Sevenfold, but the album was a disappointment. A lot of the songs sound very bland and pretty much the same. I do enjoy a couple of the songs but nowhere near the masterpiece I though City of Evil and Nightmare were.
  11. ZadenBuria15
    May 10, 2014
    0
    If you like metal like Iron Maiden, Megadeth and bands like that you will love this album for sure, but If you like the old avenged sevenfold with evil metal coming out of the guitar and the voice, you will hate it.
    I miss the old avenged sevenfold, this album is repetitive as f*ck, DON'T BUY THIS SH*T
  12. TheMaximalist
    Feb 15, 2014
    7
    http://bit.ly/1gkt0Lo Avenged Sevenfold show great potential to be one of the metal greats of the future but they need to write more unique and interesting songs to get there. The drumming needs significant improvement and Shadows needs to look take a look at how he uses that magnificent voice of his. There are some great homages and shameless rip offs on Hail To The King and it's worthyhttp://bit.ly/1gkt0Lo Avenged Sevenfold show great potential to be one of the metal greats of the future but they need to write more unique and interesting songs to get there. The drumming needs significant improvement and Shadows needs to look take a look at how he uses that magnificent voice of his. There are some great homages and shameless rip offs on Hail To The King and it's worthy of a listen from any metal fan.… Expand
  13. Ghost105
    Feb 4, 2014
    9
    This album was a grand return for Avenged Sevenfold. This album takes many inspirations from older, grittier metal. The best songs on the album are Hail to the King, Coming Home and Shepard of Fire.
  14. EmiRizzi
    Dec 10, 2013
    9
    I had insanely high hopes for this album considering their previous album, "Nightmare," was so different. Possibly for the presence of Mike Portnoy, in the studios and tour, after the tragic passing of The Rev, RIP, but different in a good way showing that Shadows could still scream like hell, Gates sweep as smooth as silk, you know, classic Sevenfold with a Portnoy-twist :)
    "Hail To    I had insanely high hopes for this album considering their previous album, "Nightmare," was so different. Possibly for the presence of Mike Portnoy, in the studios and tour, after the tragic passing of The Rev, RIP, but different in a good way showing that Shadows could still scream like hell, Gates sweep as smooth as silk, you know, classic Sevenfold with a Portnoy-twist :)
    "Hail To The King," melodically is a phenomenal album. I absolutely adore M. Shadows' voice in every single track. He puts so much POWER and soul into what he does and it is blatantly obvious. The guitars are beautiful and heavy (when appropriate) as always. However, what really let me down, were the drums.
    I had a low expectation for Arin but i was hoping that this album would prove me wrong. The drums are boring!! It really annoys me that they're so simple. By simple i mean ACDC-style followed by occasional triplets or quadruplets without much progression. He is a great drummer since he can after all play everything the Rev could, but when making his own 'stuff' he lacks creativity, in my humble opinion.

    Finally, i have to disagree with Robb Flynn ((this pains me as I am HUGE Machine Head fan!!)) I do think that Sevenfolds songs sound a lot like Guns N Roses (see Doing Time) and Metallica Sad But True (see This Means War) but i think thats a good thing as these are Sevenfolds two major influence M Shadows favourite albums are Use You Illusion 1 and 2 after all!! Sorry Robb, i love everything you do but i disagree.

    To sum up:
    -fantastic album overall
    -melodies and riffs are, just, awesome m/
    -but, Arin, get your together man!! find your own style or something love you all    … Expand
  15. ascendancy99
    Dec 1, 2013
    10
    Avenged Sevenfold have always been an evolving band, and the tradition lives on with Hail to the King. This album has clear influences from classic rock and metal bands such as Guns N' Roses and Black Sabbath. This contrasts perfectly with the modern sound that has been present since Nightmare. Arin joining as a full-time member has obviously had positive effects on the band and they seemAvenged Sevenfold have always been an evolving band, and the tradition lives on with Hail to the King. This album has clear influences from classic rock and metal bands such as Guns N' Roses and Black Sabbath. This contrasts perfectly with the modern sound that has been present since Nightmare. Arin joining as a full-time member has obviously had positive effects on the band and they seem to be leading the way to the top of the metal ladder. The title track is certainly worthy of it's name and every other song is just as perfectly written. An absolutely great album, and I cannot wait to see what they bring to the table next.… Expand
  16. doge
    Nov 12, 2013
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I would like to start off by saying: Rolling Stone is retarded. You can read any review you want, but please don't read that one. It's a terrible review that's completely irrelevant to the album.
    ANYWAYS
    This album is obvious not similar to Nightmare and Avenged Sevenfold. But that's exactly what the band was aiming for. They wanted to experiment by having a more classic metal sound. I believe they succeeded.

    Shepherd of Fire: This song is a nice kick off for the album, took me a few listens to fully enjoy, and has an amazing kick-ass solo from Syn.
    Hail to the King: Another nice track with a good riff, but lacking in the chorus.
    Doing Time: Shortest Avenged Sevenfold song in the past 10 years, the second one in those years that was under 4 minutes (the other being Almost Easy, with other shorts ones on Waking the Fallen) and it's a bit of a boring song.
    This Means War: One of the best songs on the album. Everyone says it ripped off Sad But True by Metallica, but really they're both awesome songs with completely different vocalists, so you shouldn't care.
    Requiem: A bit of an interesting song, also gets better with repeated listens.
    Crimson Day: After the first half of the album being hardcore songs, you get a break with this nice soft track.
    Heretic: Another good song, meant to be the bridge from Nightmare to Hail to the King according to the band, and it makes sense.
    Coming Home: Best song on the album. 'Nuff said.
    Planets: The most bizarre song on the album, has an interesting sound and vocals from Shadows that get a bit exaggerated at times (to the point of annoyance.)
    Acid Rain: Nice soft song, perfect way to end the album.

    It's definitely not A7X's best, but it's not really their worst either. It's a worthwhile album, and hey, bands are allowed to experiment right?    … Expand
  17. Mookle
    Nov 12, 2013
    6
    Don't get me wrong, this album is pleasant to the ears, but is not exceptional. The guitar writing certainly has lived up to par if not improved. The vocals are okay, not as interesting as in previous albums. Bass is much more distinctive, I love it. A couple thing that breaks my heart about this album is the drumming... just not dynamic at all, let alone to the superior standard theDon't get me wrong, this album is pleasant to the ears, but is not exceptional. The guitar writing certainly has lived up to par if not improved. The vocals are okay, not as interesting as in previous albums. Bass is much more distinctive, I love it. A couple thing that breaks my heart about this album is the drumming... just not dynamic at all, let alone to the superior standard the percussion writing was held to before. Just saddening. Another thing I miss is the unique and surprising song structuring found in other albums. songs like fiction, welcome to the family, save me, a little piece of heaven, and a few others. Not a single song surprised me; entrances were very static and not something unique to this band. This album reminded me of something MASTERPLAN would have released. Worth the money I used to buy it, but I wish It was worth more.… Expand
  18. DBurnsee
    Oct 9, 2013
    9
    What a great album. Seriously. I've was looking foward to this album and to say the least I was not dissapointed. This album made me realize that Avenged still has gas in the tank left to go. I had thought that they would be burnt out after Nightmare and the passing of The Rev. Who wouldn't?) Seeing as The Rev was a major creative influence for A7X The majority of the songs that heWhat a great album. Seriously. I've was looking foward to this album and to say the least I was not dissapointed. This album made me realize that Avenged still has gas in the tank left to go. I had thought that they would be burnt out after Nightmare and the passing of The Rev. Who wouldn't?) Seeing as The Rev was a major creative influence for A7X The majority of the songs that he wrote were amazing. Brompton Little Piece, Fiction, Just to name a few) But I was wrong. In my opinion. This album would have been alot more different if The Rev was still around. But that doesn't make the album bad. The album hits you like a ton of bricks, Right out of the gate with Shepard of Fire" It then hits you again with the title track Hail to the King", After that you get a song that is a lot faster then the last two in "Doing Time". After that you have This Means War", One of my favourite songs from the album. Sure, it sounds like Sad But True. Why is that a bad thing? It's a kickass song that gets my heart pumping every time. After that "Requiem" comes in with a badass chant in latin that sets the tone for the whole song. "Crimson Day" Is next. This song proves that A7X can still play ballads and slower songs. Coming Home is a great song that has some kind of a Iron Maiden like sound to it, "Planets" and "Acid Rain" are 2 very good songs to close out the album, BUY IT… Expand
  19. Mab_987
    Sep 23, 2013
    7
    Usually when a band experiments with their sound over time, it means they're adding more. A7X have done exactly the opposite & taken a step back, though not in a bad way. The songs are for the most part stripped down to driving riffs & continuous grooves, taking a few of their purely A7X traits & focusing that towards recapturing the classic heavy metal of the 70's & 80's, as opposed toUsually when a band experiments with their sound over time, it means they're adding more. A7X have done exactly the opposite & taken a step back, though not in a bad way. The songs are for the most part stripped down to driving riffs & continuous grooves, taking a few of their purely A7X traits & focusing that towards recapturing the classic heavy metal of the 70's & 80's, as opposed to the huge multi-part opuses on their last few albums that almost bordered on progressive. They got rid of the ambitious concepts & sprawling epics not from laziness or in a pathetic reach for mainstream appeal, but rather because they wanted to keep from focusing more on ambition than actually writing good memorable songs. Heck, some of the most praised albums in metal history had that kind of mentality. Am I saying Hail to the King will one day be considered as iconic as those albums? Most likely not. But it's hard to deny there's a similar appeal in that area.

    Fortunately this doesn't mean there's a lack of variety & all the songs bleed together, for the most part. There's your standard mid-tempo heavy metal jams of course, like the awesome title track which encapsulates most of this album's best qualities: simple but effective crunchy power chord-driven riffs multi-layered with fiery leads & solos, memorable melodies that would sound amazing in a live setting, and M. Shadows' powerful vocals that are never without conviction. I've heard people complain that the drums on this album are “too simple”, and while I can kinda see where they're coming from, you have to remember that a drummer's beat is meant to fit the song or else it's just obnoxious. And more minimalistic songs like these call for a bit less technicality. But you've also got songs like “Doing Time”, an uptempo jam that's probably the closest A7X has gotten to “fun”. And each half is closed with a great ballad, “Crimson Day” and “Acid Rain”, which easily have some of the more impactful lyrics on the album, with “Crimson Day” being basically this album's “Buried Alive” in how fantastically it builds throughout. The bonus track “St James” is also worth noting, as it, as opposed to “So Far Away” which mourned The Rev's death, “St James” celebrated his life, and fills you with joy rather than sadness, which in my opinion makes for a much better sendoff, as great as “So Far Away” is.

    There are some flaws though. Some of these lyrics are just cheesy in how completely un-self-aware they can be at times. For me some of the main offenders include the over-seriously absurd & over-the-top “Planets” & the paint-by-numbers Satanic song “Requiem”. Sure there's a couple moments like on “Acid Rain” where these traits can work positively, but they're few & far between, and it's in the more grounded moments like “Crimson Day”, “St. James” or to some extent “Doing Time” where the lyrics really shine. Going more into individual tracks, to me the weak links on this album are “Planets” & “This Means War”. We all know that the latter is such a blatant “Sad But True” ripoff it's not even funny. Keep in mind I'm not one to accuse every song that reminds me of other songs of being a ripoff. For example “Heretic” has a very “Symphony of Destruction” like feel to it. But you can tell that at most it'd be a thought in the back of A7X's mind as they were writing it. Meanwhile “Planets” has some really lazy & lethargic melodies that throw off any mood it was trying to set, not helped by the overly repetitive chorus.

    I suppose that between the A7X fans that are furious that the band took any chances & the blind fanboys/fangirls that'll call an hour of Johnny Christ farting a 10/10, I'm somewhere in the middle. Hail to the King is a pretty good album, and one with a refreshing back-to-basics approach that thankfully isn't at the expense of the band's constant best traits. It's just shaky in the lyrics department & could've easily been shortened by about 10 minutes. I don't think it's their best album to date, but it's at least a worthwhile listen that's by no means an epic of time wasted.

    Top 5 tracks: Hail to the King, Doing Time, St. James, Acid Rain, Coming Home
    Score: 74/100    … Expand
  20. LJHayes
    Sep 4, 2013
    6
    First thing I should probably say is that I did really enjoy listening to this album. It's a more down-tempo, slightly tamer sound to what Avenged have come out with in the past but the riffs, rythms and vocals are all solid and it works pretty well. It just isn't quite as adventurous as I've come to expect from this band.
    If you listened to the title track when it was first released then    First thing I should probably say is that I did really enjoy listening to this album. It's a more down-tempo, slightly tamer sound to what Avenged have come out with in the past but the riffs, rythms and vocals are all solid and it works pretty well. It just isn't quite as adventurous as I've come to expect from this band.
    If you listened to the title track when it was first released then you know what you can expect from the other nine songs, it doesn't really deviate much from that. The lead single kind of sums up the sound of the rest of the album and, while it isn't a bad sound, it just doesn't have a lot of energy to it.
    My biggest gripe is new drummer, Aaron Iljey (think I spelled that right). He's just boring. Throwing in the same basic beat for every song, rarely feeling brave enough to venture away from his comfort zone. It was never going to be an easy job taking over from The Rev but I was expecting better than the uninspired, half-hearted effort we hear in this album.
    Overall, this album isn't going to blow you away but it's definately worth listeing to. Shadows' voice is as strong as ever and Gates keeps the the whole thing flowing smoothly throughout. Christ and Vegeance do most of the work carrying the rythm so we can only hope that Iljey comes into his own in the future.
    If you're an A7X fan, buy it. If not, give a listen before you decide if you want to invest money in it.    … Expand
  21. Rattlehead98
    Sep 3, 2013
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Avenged Sevenfold has definitely kept their word on how simple and heavy this album was going to be. Amazing vocal performance from M. Shadows, Amazing leads and solos from Synyster Gates, Great rhythm from Zacky, Amazing and in-your-face bass lines from Johnny Christ, and driving and powerful drums from Arin Ilejay. For the people and critics complaining about the simplicity and "plagiarism" on the album, they said that they wanted to take us back to the golden age of metal. Simple grooves is equal to more space for solos and leads, and better time keeping and in your face riffs. All of these factors acount for a heavier album than we've seen from A7X.

    Shepherd of Fire would most likely be from a Black Sabbath album
    Hail to the King most likley from Metallica/Iron Maiden
    Doing Time sounds like Guns 'N Roses from the Use Your Illusion era
    This Means War from Metallica's "Metallica"
    Requiem sounds like Led Zeppelin
    Crimson Day sounds like a mix of Metallica and Guns 'N Roses
    Heretic definitely sounds like a mix of Megadeth's "Symphony of Destruction and Maiden.
    Planets sounds very apocalyptic and therefore sounds like Sabbath and Maiden.
    Acid Rain reminds me of GNR.

    This album just draws from its influences and bring us back to the golden age of metal! To end this review i give this album a 10/10. Beautiful and Spectacular, simple and catchy.    … Expand
  22. SuperstarVenom
    Sep 2, 2013
    8
    Great A7X album that's made it to number 1 in the UK album chart.

    I'm still really enjoying this album, having listened to it about 10 times I reconise influences taken from GnR, Metallica & Iron Maiden and though sounds slightly different to their past albums, it's good. Meaty guitars, good riffs, a genuinely good album. This band never fails to produce and deliver a great album.    Great A7X album that's made it to number 1 in the UK album chart.

    I'm still really enjoying this album, having listened to it about 10 times I reconise influences taken from GnR, Metallica & Iron Maiden and though sounds slightly different to their past albums, it's good.
    Meaty guitars, good riffs, a genuinely good album.
    This band never fails to produce and deliver a great album.

    Number 1 album at that!    … Expand
  23. shadows_147
    Sep 1, 2013
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. In my opinion this is the best album for the band. Avenged sevenfold is becoming a BIG metal Band..maybe in a few years we see in the likes of metallica or iron maiden… Expand
  24. The_Durf
    Sep 1, 2013
    6
    Face it, we're all deathbats or we wouldn't be here. That being said this album is decent. A lot of the songs remind me of metallica and iron maiden, now i like both of those bands but i don't think A7X should have went in this direction. City of evil blew me away, and a lot of that had to do with the rev's drumming. I mean seriously, go listen to Beast and the Harlot and listen to himFace it, we're all deathbats or we wouldn't be here. That being said this album is decent. A lot of the songs remind me of metallica and iron maiden, now i like both of those bands but i don't think A7X should have went in this direction. City of evil blew me away, and a lot of that had to do with the rev's drumming. I mean seriously, go listen to Beast and the Harlot and listen to him wail on those drums. Yeah idk ill always love avenged sevenfold but i hope their next album is better than this one. I actually enjoyed Nightmare actually, so it's not just the drumming that makes me say this, its more that this album feels weak and uninspired compared to their previous ones.… Expand
  25. gddrummerboy
    Sep 1, 2013
    1
    This album... I have been an Avenged Sevenfold fan since I first heard City of Evil, and the sound in this album sounds nothing like anything Avenged Sevenfold has come out with before. Every single song sounds pretty much the same, and (as everyone else has pointed out) it sounds like a new Metallica album more than an Avenged Sevenfold one. I honestly don't personally like Metallica, andThis album... I have been an Avenged Sevenfold fan since I first heard City of Evil, and the sound in this album sounds nothing like anything Avenged Sevenfold has come out with before. Every single song sounds pretty much the same, and (as everyone else has pointed out) it sounds like a new Metallica album more than an Avenged Sevenfold one. I honestly don't personally like Metallica, and this album is just Avenged Sevenfold trying to be something that they aren't... Where are the sweet, defined, high pitch riffs like in Beast and the Harlot, Afterlife, and Burn it down? Every single song on this new album has a ludicrously boring drum line that is basically the same in every song and sounds like an 80's metal band. That isn't the Avenged Sevenfold I know. I am a drummer and I enjoy playing Avenged Sevenfold songs because of the amazing drum fills and fun to play beats! There is NONE of that in this new album, there is barely any double bass kicks at all, it is so boring. The reason why I gave it a 1 instead of a 0 is the fact that Coming home is an alright song. Besides that everything is awful.… Expand
  26. pixilizations
    Sep 1, 2013
    9
    Hail to the King is a brilliant album, and a brave step in a new direction for Avenged Sevenfold. While Nightmare and Avenged Sevenfold was interesting, partly because of the radical differences from song to song, Hail to the King has a clear style and is a step forward for the band.
  27. lordjrs
    Aug 31, 2013
    4
    I'm sorry A7X, but as a A7X and all-genres music fan, I don't liked your album. Let's start naming the worst things of the album: First, "This Means War" is a clear rip-off from Metallica. Damn, the riffs and sections are all ripped-off from Sad But True! That's not "inspiration", that's just taking riffs and making a "new" song with them. Second, I don't like the majority of songs onI'm sorry A7X, but as a A7X and all-genres music fan, I don't liked your album. Let's start naming the worst things of the album: First, "This Means War" is a clear rip-off from Metallica. Damn, the riffs and sections are all ripped-off from Sad But True! That's not "inspiration", that's just taking riffs and making a "new" song with them. Second, I don't like the majority of songs on HTTK, not for the minimalist style, just because of them feeling so uninspired. I don't like HTTK, Doing Time or Heretic at all... They can be enjoyable songs, but the writing behind them is weak. Also, the section that starts after 2:38 of Heretic is another direct ripoff, this time from one their songs. The acoustic section and the solo guitar part is similar to the verses of the song from the Nightmare album. On the other hand, the intro from Requiem is amazing, Shepard of Fire and Planets are very good songs and St. James is a beautiful tribute to their late drummer. Is not a bad album, but is neither a good album, so that's my score.… Expand
  28. Ireland914
    Aug 31, 2013
    10
    Fantastic album by Avenged Sevenfold. They've managed to create a more consistent sound throughout the entire album with many powerful and catchy songs you'll want to listen to repeatedly. More of a hard rock, less metal sound at times but a great direction they decided to go with this album.
  29. KennethOrsie
    Aug 30, 2013
    3
    I'm sorry but, "Hail To The King" is garbage. The title track has to be the most boring A7X song ever. Seriously. Nightmare was no masterpiece but it was better then this rubbish. They almost sound like an 80's British band such as Iron Maiden and it just doesn't work. Lets face it, their last "great" album was City of Evil and no they never did sound the same on each album which somehowI'm sorry but, "Hail To The King" is garbage. The title track has to be the most boring A7X song ever. Seriously. Nightmare was no masterpiece but it was better then this rubbish. They almost sound like an 80's British band such as Iron Maiden and it just doesn't work. Lets face it, their last "great" album was City of Evil and no they never did sound the same on each album which somehow used to be a good thing. I don't see anything but bad things to come from this band now,… Expand
  30. Brosman
    Aug 30, 2013
    4
    I've been a fan of A7X since City of Evil, and this is just so generic and boring. After listening to this album i could not remember what a single song sounds like (save the single Hail to the King). It pains me to say that this album isnt very good. Throw in the fact that their song "This Means War" sound exactly like Mettalica's "Sad But True" to the point of plagerism, I know itsI've been a fan of A7X since City of Evil, and this is just so generic and boring. After listening to this album i could not remember what a single song sounds like (save the single Hail to the King). It pains me to say that this album isnt very good. Throw in the fact that their song "This Means War" sound exactly like Mettalica's "Sad But True" to the point of plagerism, I know its supposed to be a throwback, but id rather listen to the classics than this.… Expand
  31. drewwats
    Aug 29, 2013
    10
    Definitely as good as any CD they've released to date! I have listened to it 3 times in the last 24 hours and am appreciating it more every time. These guys are here to stay.
  32. Iron_Maiden
    Aug 29, 2013
    2
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This is probably one of the worst albums made by A7x.
    There just isn't any flavor in any of the songs.
    Hail to the King is just an awful song, with the most dreary chorus ever.
    Doing Time is an average rock song that you'd hear on any local radio station.
    This means war is the worst of them all, its just sooo slow!
    Avenged Sevenfold sound tired and uninspired. Two bad albums in a row. It may be early but it's time to hang up the jacket.    … Expand
  33. Nanometro
    Aug 29, 2013
    9
    This is the best album since City of Evil, hands down. Listening the songs, you can say that there's a lot of influence from old bands like Guns N' Roses, Black Sabbath, Metallica and Iron Maiden, just listen a few songs and you will find something special, it might be songs of fire or rain (Shepherd of Fire, Acid Rain) or some riff that could be straight from Powerslave or Black Album. IThis is the best album since City of Evil, hands down. Listening the songs, you can say that there's a lot of influence from old bands like Guns N' Roses, Black Sabbath, Metallica and Iron Maiden, just listen a few songs and you will find something special, it might be songs of fire or rain (Shepherd of Fire, Acid Rain) or some riff that could be straight from Powerslave or Black Album. I love everything in this album, from the songwriting (Acid Rain is one of the most beautiful songs I've ever seen) to the way that Arin replaced The Reverend (listen Planets or This Means War and you will see) by far the best 2013's album.… Expand
  34. monthebiff
    Aug 29, 2013
    9
    With "Hail To The King", Avenged Sevenfold offer up their best album since "City Of Evil". It clearly draws on their influences: for example the rain and church bell intro on the fantastic opener "Shepherd of Fire" clearly referencing Black Sabbath, a riff not to dissimilar to "Sad But True" by Metallica and the superb "Coming Home" which would not sound out of place on Iron Maiden'sWith "Hail To The King", Avenged Sevenfold offer up their best album since "City Of Evil". It clearly draws on their influences: for example the rain and church bell intro on the fantastic opener "Shepherd of Fire" clearly referencing Black Sabbath, a riff not to dissimilar to "Sad But True" by Metallica and the superb "Coming Home" which would not sound out of place on Iron Maiden's "Powerslave album". The title track contains a super-catchy riff leading up to a blistering solo by the ever brilliant Synyster Gates. Elsewhere, "Doing Time" is a sleazy rocker similar to Guns 'n' Roses or AC/DC. "Requiem" is a standout track with a church choir-like intro followed by a groovy riff and evil lyrics. New boy on the drums, Arin Illejay does a sterling job on the drums and the songwriting is excellent as always. Overall this is a classic in its own right, and why wouldn't be with songs as good as this. Move over Metallica get ready to hail to the new kings of modern metal.… Collapse

Awards & Rankings

42
#42 Most Discussed Album of 2013
84
#84 Most Shared Album of 2013

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
70

Generally favorable reviews - based on 9 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 9
  3. Negative: 1 out of 9
  1. Classic Rock Magazine
    Oct 23, 2013
    80
    It has power, darkness and bucketloads of testosterone. [Sep 2013, p.92]
  2. Q Magazine
    Oct 11, 2013
    80
    The next crossover metal band has arrived. [Nov 2013, p.101]
  3. Kerrang!
    Sep 18, 2013
    80
    It's a brave album and, once the dust settles, it'll be remembered as a great one. [24 Aug 2013, p.52]
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