City of Sevenfold (City Of Evil: Parental Advisory - Avenged Sevenfold)

Member Name: rleigh

Product:	City Of Evil: Parental Advisory - Avenged Sevenfold
Date:	16/06/08 (74 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: An excellent rock album, fantastic from start to finish.

Disadvantages: Some may be put off by the musical change in direction that Avenged Sevenfold took here.

'City of Evil' is the 2005 album release from the exceptional rock band that is Avenged Sevenfold. This album saw a significant change in direction for the band, Avenged Sevenfold had previously been very much a metalcore band this but with this album showcase a much more rock heavy sound. I would classify 'City of Evil' as a hard rock/heavy metal album, with this release the music of Avenged Sevenfold is extremely reminiscent of the sound of 'Appetite for Destruction' era Guns N' Roses and it must be said that I for one absolutely love it. This was the bands third album and my opinion is that it is in fact the best that Avenged Sevenfold has released to date.

I was never much of a fan of the metalcore sound of Avenged Sevenfold, with the hard rock approach of 'City of Evil' however the music sounds absolutely excellent and always the tracks are truly exciting. The album blasts off with 'Beast and the Harlot' and not once in the albums 74 minute run time does the music ever disappoint. The music of Avenged Sevenfold is always here packed full of energy, a greatly exciting sound is created here and I personally do not have a bad word to say about this 'City of Evil' album. What I love about opening track 'Beast and the Harlot' is the power with which the band puts across its fine sound. The guitar riffs come firing full throttle and every element of the music here is brutal. The drum beats are excellent, the vocal attack is sublime, and the same can be said about every track on the album in fact. Such passion is contained within the music, never is there a dull moment here and always the tracks are packed full of passion.

'Bat Country' is without doubt one of my favourites from this album. I love everything about this track and never does the music here cease to impress me. I could honestly listen to this track all day, every element of the music is perfect and with this track Avenged Sevenfold has truly got the heavy metal formula spot on. I feel it is the excellence with which the sound of the guitars is put across on this album that makes the music so brilliant. Always on this 'City of Evil' album the guitar riffs are hugely impressive, extremely commanding, and the power with which the guitar sounds are pulled off really is a joy to behold. The music makes you want to pick up a guitar and soar through the riffs for yourself, the music truly is inspirational and the talent of the bands lead guitarist Synster Gates is absolutely phenomenal.

With this album Avenged Sevenfold really show as a band that they are not afraid of trying out new things and breaking new territory as a band. Even a ballad has been included on this album in the form of 'Seize the Day'. It's a saddening tale, an extremely personal track and one that I feel compliments this album excellently. It's inclusion on this 'City of Evil' album was an inspired touch, Avenged Sevenfold truly has impressed me hugely with this one and the change of pace for this track really breaks the album up nicely.

From start to finish this album is truly sensational, 'M.I.A.' is the crowning glory of this album and brings the music to a perfect close. 'M.I.A.' was actually written after lead singer M. Shadows spoke with friends of his that were fighting in Iraq, it's a terrific end for the album and as ever the music is powerfully put across by the band. The music contains a great amount of soul, a high level of heart and has been passionately put together by all five members of Avenged Sevenfold to absolute perfection. The track starts off slow but quickly gains momentum and the guitars soon bring a terrific musical energy to the proceedings. 'M.I.A.' caps off an exquisitely fine album from what I would consider to be one of the finest bands in rock right now; Avenged Sevenfold.

'City of Evil' is a superb album of musical excellence from Avenged Sevenfold, it truly is brilliant from start to finish and never is there a dull moment here. Such passion is contained within this release, the tracks are all sung with such soul, and musically this 'City of Evil' album is just absolutely exquisite. Avenged Sevenfold is a truly talented band, a fine force of rock and a band that thoroughly deserves the success that has come forth in recent years. 'City of Evil' is one of my favourite albums of the last few years, never does the band cease to amaze me with this release and always I feel that a high level of talent and expertise is here showcased. For fans of rock and metal alike I would wholeheartedly recommend 'City of Evil' as an essential album to add to your personal music collection, this Avenged Sevenfold masterpiece will surely not leave you disappointed.

Summary: 'City of Evil' is an album that I wholeheartedly recommend investing in.