Avenged Sevenfold: The Ultimate Guide To Their Best Songs

Hey guys! Are you ready to dive deep into the discography of one of the most influential and beloved bands in modern metal? That's right, we're talking about Avenged Sevenfold, or A7X as they’re affectionately known. This band has been melting faces and capturing hearts for over two decades with their unique blend of metalcore, hard rock, and progressive elements. In this ultimate guide, we're going to explore some of their best songs, tracing their evolution and highlighting what makes each track a standout. So, buckle up, crank up the volume, and let's get started!

Early Metalcore Days: Sounding the Seventh Trumpet & Waking the Fallen

Let's kick things off with A7X's early albums, Sounding the Seventh Trumpet and Waking the Fallen. These albums showcase the band's raw energy and metalcore roots. Think blistering guitar riffs, intense drumming, and M. Shadows' signature screams. These albums are pure adrenaline.

Sounding the Seventh Trumpet, released in 2001, is a testament to the band's youthful exuberance and technical prowess. Tracks like "Beast and the Harlot" and "Warmness on the Soul" (though the latter is more of a ballad) hint at the band's future potential. The album is characterized by its raw production and unpolished sound, which, in many ways, adds to its charm. It's a snapshot of a band hungry to make their mark, experimenting with different sounds and pushing the boundaries of metalcore.

Then came Waking the Fallen in 2003, which saw the band refining their sound and songwriting. This album is often considered a pivotal moment in A7X's career, as it demonstrated their ability to blend aggression with melody. Songs like "Unholy Confessions" became instant classics, thanks to their catchy hooks, intricate guitar work, and M. Shadows' improved vocal delivery. Waking the Fallen is a more cohesive and mature effort than its predecessor, showcasing the band's growth and setting the stage for their mainstream breakthrough.

Mainstream Breakthrough: City of Evil

Speaking of mainstream breakthroughs, let’s talk about City of Evil. Released in 2005, this album marked a significant turning point for Avenged Sevenfold. It saw the band ditching much of their metalcore sound in favor of a more melodic and hard rock-oriented approach. This shift was largely influenced by the band's desire to expand their audience and explore new sonic territories. And boy, did it pay off!

City of Evil is packed with anthemic choruses, soaring guitar solos, and stadium-ready energy. Tracks like "Bat Country" and "Beast and the Harlot" became instant hits, propelling the album to platinum status. "Bat Country", with its infectious chorus and unforgettable music video, became a staple on MTV and rock radio. The song's success was a testament to the band's ability to craft catchy and memorable tunes without sacrificing their musical integrity. "Beast and the Harlot", on the other hand, showcased the band's heavier side, with its blistering riffs and powerful vocals. The song's biblical themes and epic scope added to its appeal, making it a fan favorite.

Self-Titled Album: Experimentation and Evolution

In 2007, Avenged Sevenfold released their self-titled album, often referred to as the White Album. This record saw the band experimenting with different styles and pushing their musical boundaries even further. While it may not be as commercially successful as City of Evil, the Self-Titled Album is a testament to the band's artistic vision and willingness to take risks.

The Self-Titled Album features a diverse range of songs, from the heavy and aggressive "Critical Acclaim" to the more experimental and progressive "A Little Piece of Heaven". "Critical Acclaim" is a blistering attack on the media and political establishment, with its scathing lyrics and intense instrumentation. The song's complex structure and dynamic shifts make it a standout track on the album. "A Little Piece of Heaven", on the other hand, is a bizarre and theatrical masterpiece, with its orchestral arrangements, dark humor, and macabre storyline. The song's unconventional structure and over-the-top production make it a polarizing track, but also one of the most unique and memorable in A7X's discography.

Tragedy and Triumph: Nightmare

In 2009, tragedy struck when drummer James "The Rev" Sullivan passed away. The band was understandably devastated, but they decided to honor his memory by completing their next album, Nightmare. With Dream Theater's Mike Portnoy filling in on drums, Avenged Sevenfold delivered a dark and emotionally charged record that stands as a testament to their resilience and artistry.

Nightmare is a concept album that deals with themes of loss, grief, and redemption. The title track, "Nightmare", is a powerful and haunting song that captures the album's overall mood. The song's dark lyrics, eerie melodies, and M. Shadows' emotive vocals make it a truly unforgettable experience. Other standout tracks on the album include "So Far Away", a heartfelt tribute to The Rev, and "Buried Alive", a brooding and atmospheric epic. Nightmare is a complex and ambitious album that showcases the band's ability to channel their personal experiences into their music.

Exploring New Horizons: Hail to the King & The Stage

In recent years, Avenged Sevenfold has continued to evolve and experiment with their sound. Hail to the King, released in 2013, saw the band embracing a more classic heavy metal sound, drawing inspiration from bands like Metallica and Guns N' Roses. While the album was commercially successful, it received mixed reviews from critics who felt that it lacked originality.

Despite the criticism, Hail to the King features some strong tracks, including the title track and "Shepherd of Fire". "Hail to the King" is a stadium-ready anthem with a catchy chorus and powerful riffs. The song's simple but effective structure makes it a crowd-pleaser, while its lyrics about power and corruption add a layer of depth. "Shepherd of Fire", on the other hand, is a more aggressive and dynamic track, with its blistering guitar solos and M. Shadows' soaring vocals. The song's epic scope and dark themes make it a standout on the album.

Then came The Stage in 2016, a concept album that explores themes of artificial intelligence and the future of humanity. The Stage is a complex and ambitious record that sees the band pushing their musical boundaries once again. The album's progressive elements and experimental arrangements make it a challenging but ultimately rewarding listen.

The title track, "The Stage", is a sprawling epic that clocks in at over eight minutes. The song's complex structure, intricate instrumentation, and thought-provoking lyrics make it a true masterpiece. Other standout tracks on the album include "God Damn", a blistering attack on religious extremism, and "Exist", a stunning instrumental piece that features a guest appearance by astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson. The Stage is a testament to Avenged Sevenfold's artistic vision and willingness to take risks.

Conclusion: The Legacy of Avenged Sevenfold

So there you have it, guys! A journey through some of the best songs from Avenged Sevenfold's incredible discography. From their early metalcore days to their more recent experimental ventures, A7X has consistently pushed the boundaries of modern metal and captivated audiences around the world. Their ability to blend aggression with melody, their willingness to experiment with different styles, and their unwavering commitment to their craft have solidified their place as one of the most important and influential bands of their generation. Whether you're a die-hard fan or a curious newcomer, there's no denying the power and impact of Avenged Sevenfold's music.

So, what are your favorite A7X songs? Let us know in the comments below! And don't forget to share this guide with your fellow metalheads. Until next time, keep rocking!