Hail to the King
by Avenged Sevenfold
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
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  1. Rolling Stone
    Aug 29, 2013
    60
    Fusing elements of goth, screamo and what was once called nu metal with the late-Seventies new wave of British metal-metal, their sixth LP piles clarion solos atop clean, sludge-chug riffs.
  2. AllMusic
    Aug 29, 2013
    50
    By the album's second half, Avenged Sevenfold can't help but let loose their guitar shredding theatrics a bit, and their personality starts to shine through as the tempo quickens and tracks take flight to unabashed height
  3. Exclaim
    Aug 29, 2013
    40
    Leery fans will find the uninspired drumming to be the least of their problems, as it fits perfectly with a far more glaring issue: uninspired songwriting.

Awards & Rankings

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

User Reviews

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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
  1. 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 anythingThis 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.… Full Review »
  2. 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 exampleWith "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.… Full Review »
  3. 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 aI'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.… Full Review »
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