In 2005, Avenged Sevenfold took a radical turn with City of Evil, leaving behind their metalcore roots to embrace a more melodic heavy metal sound inspired by the greats of the genre. With influences from Metallica, Iron Maiden, and even the grandiose spectacle of KISS, the album became a turning point for the band and a landmark in modern metal.
What can we hear?
From the very first seconds of Beast and the Harlot, the album makes it clear that Avenged Sevenfold is aiming for a more ambitious production, with virtuosic guitar solos, complex structures, and a much more melodic vocal approach from M. Shadows. Throughout the album, the band unleashes an arsenal of epic riffs and instrumental arrangements reminiscent of the golden era of heavy metal, but with a modern touch and unstoppable energy.
The global success:
One of the album’s biggest hits, Bat Country, is a direct homage to Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas and perfectly encapsulates the album’s frenetic spirit. With relentless speed and a guitar solo worthy of Iron Maiden’s finest moments, the song became an anthem of 2000s metal.
Their most aggressive side:
Here, the band returns to their most aggressive side with a chaotic structure and relentless drumming. The lyrics are a cry of defiance and rebellion, while the combination of fast riffs and tempo changes makes it stand out. It feels like a tribute to the speed of classic thrash metal but with a more melodic approach.
A perfect ballad:
In Seize the Day, the band showcases their more melancholic side with a ballad that recalls the great power ballads of the ’80s, evoking bands like Guns N’ Roses and KISS. With a guitar solo that could be compared to the best moments of Slash, the song’s lyrics speak of loss and regret, with a heartfelt vocal performance by M. Shadows.
A perfect ending:
But the album doesn’t stop there. Trashed and Scattered and Burn It Down bring back the aggression with crushing drums from The Rev and impressive guitar work from Synyster Gates and Zacky Vengeance.
The closing track, M.I.A., is a statement of intent: an epic composition that blends virtuosity, emotion, and an intense narrative, solidifying Avenged Sevenfold as one of the most ambitious bands of their generation.
City of Evil not only marked the evolution of Avenged Sevenfold but also helped redefine modern metal by fusing the aggression of the new millennium with the virtuosity and grandeur of classic heavy metal. With this album, the band proved they could stand alongside the giants of the genre, paving the way for their consolidation as one of the most influential bands in contemporary metal.
What’s your favorite track from the album? Leave us your comment and tell us which other Avenged Sevenfold album you’d like to see reviewed on The Rock Review.
