Number 73: City of Evil by Avenged Sevenfold
Release: June 6th, 2005
Genre: Heavy Metal
Favorite Tracks: Beast and the Harlot, Blinded in Chains, Bat Country
Where I heard it:
Like many teenagers, my selection of music was pretty angsty and rebellious during middle school. This period was shortly after my discovery and ensuing infatuation with Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock, so hard rock and metal were particularly in my rotation. I idolized bands like Slipknot, Metallica, and Judas Priest for their powerful and chaotic energy that allowed me an outlet for my childish frustrations. These bands and many others like them were ones I frequently heard on my local hard rock radio station, 94.3 KILO (shoutout to them!). Coincidentally, the radio station held a Guitar Hero competition at a Hooters an hour from where I lived, and I somehow convinced my mom to take her twelve year old son to Hooters so he could compete in a video game. I didn't win, but as a consolation prize I was offered a choice of merchandise among several items. My selection was a CD of Avenged Sevenfold's eponymous white album, where I first heard songs like Afterlife and Scream. For a very long time, I thought this album was the band's magnum opus, but have since been persuaded toward Avenged Sevenfold's previous album City of Evil. After a few run-throughs of both albums, I'm ready to make a case for City of Evil - perhaps if it's only for my own sake.
I've seen my family fade away
You've taken my whole life
There's nothing left to say
Avenged the dead, killed all who cross me in my path
Suicidal, I've never planned on coming back
I want it, I need it, revenge is dripping from my teeth
Need nothin' to feel power and bring the killers to their knees
~ Strength of the World
What to expect:
Before Avenged Sevenfold's major label debut City of Evil, the quintet dabbled in more extreme forms of metal like black metal and metalcore. While the talent amongst its members was quite obvious, there wasn't much distinction between them and any other generic black metal band. Frontman M. Shadows had this same realization after Avenged Sevenfold's second album Waking the Fallen received lukewarm praise, deciding to pursue more melodic avenues in order to appeal towards a wider audience. However, this shift in genre sacrifices none of the edge which the group had become known for in previous endeavors. In fact, Avenged Sevenfold as a whole greatly benefited from embracing a style that closer resembles prog metal throughout City of Evil. M. Shadow's grittiness is artfully blended into his singing voice, showcasing an impressive vocal range that spans from beautiful harmonies to death growls which harkens back to their metalcore days. The tradeoffs between the guitar duo of Synyster Gates and Zachy Vengeance communicate effortlessly within the rhythm, intermittently placing blistering runs of notes that rock your socks off. And of course, I can't mention Avenged Sevenfold without giving it up for the man himself: The Rev, perhaps one of metal's greatest drummers to ever live. The depth you hear within every drum head is jaw-dropping. The resonance of the cymbals is crystal clear. The execution is flawless and performed with ease. All of this combines for one of the most theatrical metal experiences I've ever been a part of. City of Evil lies right on the equilibrium of intensity and approachability, making a great recommendation for those looking to dip their toe into metal!
I'd do anything for a smile
Holding you 'til our time is done
We both know the day will come
But I don't want to leave you
I see my vision burn. I feel my memories fade with time
But I'm too young to worry
A melody, a memory, or just one picture
~ Seize the Day
Why it's my favorite:
When compiling this list, there were quite a few bands that I was surprised I slept on for so long. I've always had appreciation for Avenged Sevenfold, but I don't think I really gave them credit for how good they were until their last album The Stage came out. I clearly remember listening to the title track on my balcony, truly awestruck at the capabilities of a band I had more or less written off as past their prime. While I fell in love with The Stage for its return to progressive metal, it feels disingenuous to crown it for what City of Evil had already accomplished more than a decade prior. City of Evil dared Avenged Sevenfold to push their boundaries, and they delivered a technically brilliant product that conveys its concept through intricate lyrical storytelling accompanied by angelic choirs and acoustic interludes. City of Evil innovates the metal genre despite lack of precedence on the band's behalf of how to make an album like this. To me, that's what sets apart this album from any other in Avenged Sevenfold's discography: its genius is practically accidental, but worthy of praise nonetheless.
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