Review Summary: Avenged Sevenfold has finally realized their potential as one of metal's essential artists.
City of Evil. This is A7x's release after the awful metalcore disc Waking the Fallen and I have high hopes about it. Thankfully it has turned out to be something I have been longing for as an A7x fan: pure heavy metal with a hard rock infusion. Gone are the harsh screams of it's predecessors and we have actual singing. Guitar work is also improved and it is more creative too. Without further ado here is my track by track review:
1) Beast and the Harlot
I have only one word to describe this track: classic. At five minutes long, it is jam packed with endless guitar solos and riffs and the Rev's brilliant work on percussion. Most importantly it is the best song for the kick off to the album
Rating: 10/10
2) Burn it Down
Lengthy and rich in heavy metal goodness. However I find the song too draggy and recommend that it be shorter. Other than that it is not a bad song
Rating: 7/10
3) Blinded in Chains
Interesting opening to the track as Syn and Zacky go about their usual shredding business. Same as Burn it Down, it is too long and gets boring quickly
Rating: 7/10
4) Bat Country
Lead single off this album. My favorite part of this song is the fact that there is a contrast in M Shadows voice at different parts of the song. He attacks it during the chorus, the slows it down during the verses and makes it sound as though he is yearning for something. For me this track is a bit messy but Shadows's vocals holds it all together
Rating: 8/10
5) Trashed and Scattered
One of my favorites off this album. The guitars fit perfectly with the song and there seems to be no structure whatsoever in this track. A classic speed metal track
9/10
6) Seize the Day
If anyone is unsure of whether to get this album, let me enlighten you. Just get this song if you do not want the entire album. It is a classic. The slowest song on the album, almost like a country rock track. However it does not exclude the incredible guitar work from our friend Syn. There is true emotion pouring out of M Shadows's words as he croons his way through this song. The lyrics play such a vital role in this song's success and this is the recommended track for anyone
Rating: 10/10
7) Sidewinder
Starts off with a snake hissing, then explodes into a middle eastern flavored melody. It even features an acoustic segment that really gives a different vibe to it. This track is one of the proofs that these guys have really matured from their STST and Waking the Fallen days
Rating: 9/10
8) The Wicked End
Intriguing and enjoyable track that brings out the best of A7x. It's structureless nature and harmonious guitar solos that weave through each other make this track a to die for
Rating: 9/10
9) Strength of the world
This track and the next track are my most disliked tracks in this disc. I hate the fact that this song is at 9 minutes long with absolutely no direction at all. It's like a getaway car that doesn't know where it is heading to apart from the opposite direction of its pursuers.
Rating: 4/10
10) Betrayed
Worst track by A7x ever. This track is about the death of Dimebag but it is sooooo boring. Guitar harmonies are extremely bland and Shadows's vocals are painfully forced. Sounded more like an insult rather than a tribute
Rating: 2/10
11) M.I.A
Final track of the album and really closes everything perfectly. It speaks of the war in Iraq and the effects of it. Although it is lengthy, it is suitable for this track. Again it is one of those "structureless" songs on this album
Rating: 7/10
Positives:
Structureless songs are fantastic
Chemistry between Syn and Zacky is prominent in a good way
Vocals
Negatives:
Too lengthy at times
Recommended tracks:
Beast and the Harlot
Trashed and Scattered
Seize the Day
The Wicked End
Least recommended:
Strength of the World
Betrayed
