TheShowstoppa
01-14-2009, 09:00 AM
Ahhh... A7X as they're commonly abreviated to, it probably one of my favorite bands of the last few years. I was reading through 4 years of Blogs tonight and found this nice little ditty from 2006 when I first heard the album City of Evil. Now, I was just a month past 21 and didn't understand this music as well as I do now, but for my first FULL review of anything, I have to say I liked this a lot.
To start out, let me just say that, even though I love rock music, I'm a fan of all types of music. However, there are only so many times that you can come across a CD that will grab ahold of you and grip you so tightly through its words that you HAVE to make it acknowledged. So is the case with the CD I'm about to review.
This CD starts out with a bang with their first song titled "Beast and the Harlot" and ends on a note that makes you think with "M.I.A." While most people who have listened to AS in the last few years may argue that it's nothing like it should be, or that their older music is so much better, let me explain something: This band has evolved over the past decade. In the beginning they were mostly metal, however, the screaming that many fans loved for so many years finally caught up with lead singer M. Shadows leaving his voice badly damaged. You can hear it in certain songs too, but it does not take away from the amazing vocal performance he gives.
To give the fans a taste of what they loved in the past, "Beast..." starts out with a low grumble, but after that, it's PURE music and sheer genius. While many I have talked to disagree with me because they love "Beast..." I happen to think that it's quite frankly the worst song on the album, but that's not meaning it's not good either, because it is. However, it's not the song you would imagine after you listen to the rest of the album.
Clocking in at almost an hour and 15 minutes, this CD will leave you in a wake. The second song, "Burn it Down" is mostly compiled of excellent guitar picking and hard drum beats. Something you would definately expect from a former hard metal band. Once again, no growling or screaming. This is what makes the CD superior to their first 2 albums is that they take it in a whole new direction and write music with meaning. I'll give examples of this later on.
"Blinded in Chains" starts out on a heavy drum beat, but leaves your neck aching afterward from the awesome guitar line that follows. This song is clearly an anti-government track. It definately proclaims their stance on how they view things going right now. " And we're at it again; I turn around another fucking war, man. I don't know where to begin but I'll start with the radical leaders. Their steps we're followin'." One of the best tracks to pay attention to in light of our current government situation.
"Bat Country" was the first single from this album, however I think it was probably the worst choice for a single. However, given the circumstance that mostly every song on this CD runs anywhere in between 5 - 8 minutes, it was the best choice in that sense. The song is definately a rock song that has a steady chorus and follows a quite simple pattern, however, half way through, they throw a stop sign in front of you and slow things down. This song is what lead me to this CD, and I love it for that reason. The chorus is catchy and the words are just as catchy. If you haven't heard anything by AS, I would highly recommend this as one of the two songs you listen to before listening to anything else.
Trashed and Scattered - What more is there to say? AMAZING song. The chours is worth enough for the song. "I won't be the victim but the first to cast a stone. Sedated night to the bar room fights as metropolis takes its toll. And don't you try to stop me it's a place you'll never know. Don't try to judge or take shots at me, I'll never let you seize control. Play your game your better walk away cause your integrity don't mean shit. Crawl on me you fucking parasite, and I'm going to take you out." The guitar riff througout the first part of the chorus is enough to leave you breathless. It's again not the best song on the disc, but I believe it to be one of the better.
We've finally come to a song where all I can say is good things about. The 6th song on the disc, "Seize the Day," is probably one of the top 2 on the entire album. To me, it's a song of growing old and finding loss in the ones you love leaving you. "Seize the day or die regretting the time lost. It's empty and cold without you here, too many people to ache over. Trials in life, questions of us exsisting here, don't wanna die alone without you there, please tell me what we have is real." This song starts off slow and follows through the whole way. It's a ballad that shows just how far along this band has come since their debut release. M. Shadows' voice follows such a line throughout the song, and the occasional piano in there makes this song so perfect. This is another song I would recommend to anyone who has not heard anything from this album because it's amazing from beginning to end. If it's not the song I say it is, prove me wrong, but I will still feel you're sorely mistaken.
"Sidewinder" may start off like it's going to kick your ass, but let me tell you, it does exactly that. (Thought I would say it pusses out, didn't ya?) This is just an all around fun song. It clocks in at seven minutes because of all the instumental music we hear. Those of you who appreciate music itself will appreciate this song along with the next two for the fact of where they range in musical talent and ability. This is the beginning of a 3 song medley that is just as good from beginning as it is to end.
"The Wicked End" is a song that most AS fans are familiar with because of the nature of the lyrics. However, as many would view this as a satanic song, I would view it as quite the opposite. It's quite frankly a song to tell the direction that man is taking himself. The end of the world, typical bible stuff, just more cool sounding. I would definately say that this song is good, but then finishes off GREAT with nothing but a smooth melody at the end: Mostly instrumental. This isn't your typical guitar either. It sounds of a true rock-orchestra collaberation... which leads into the next song after a strong finish by Shadows and company.
"Strength of the World" picks up exactly where "Wicked..." left off. The acoustic guitar chimes in and slows everything down... and again with the orchestra. The beginning leaves you so relaxed and soothed. Quite frankly, it's the best intro for any of the songs because it does so. Once it ends, the guitar riffs start again. While you would imagine this to be a hard song about other things (what I'm not so sure) it winds up being a song about loss and retribution and revenge. If you can't the meaning, pick up the lyrics and read along... believe me when I say you'll find the bearings. It also leaves off on a strong instrumental finish.
"Betrayed" starts off rocking and does exactly that throughout the song. "Passion in my eyes. I lived it everyday, but how could you go throw it all away? In my dreams it's me and you. It's there I saw it all come true. As time went by, faith in you grew, so one thing's left for me to do (Finish You)." I believe it to be a song about someone wronged by a role model. (Father anyone?) It definately hits a connection point with me and for that I love it.
Finally, we have reached the end of the one and a quarter hour. The final song of this disc titled "M.I.A." is exactly what you might assume it to be: A song about war. The song starts out oh so slow, but you know the direction has turned when the amazing guitar solo hits its first chord. This is a riff that sends chills through your body and makes you tear up. (Not that the song doesn't do that enough as is.) Definately an anti-war band, they shove everything in your face throughout the 8:46 the song plays. "Fight for honor, fight for your life, pray to god our son is right. Even though we won, I still may lose until I make it home to you. I see our mothers filled with tears. Grew up so fast where did those years go? Memories won't let you cry unless I don't return home tonight." Writing those words down makes even me stop and think because everything about it is so true and the song makes such an impact that by the time the final slowdown hits, you're still thinking. After hearing these words so soothingly and beautifully sang, you hang your head low and remember the real reason why we're in Iraq. It's definately not for freedom or patriotism. If you can figure it out... let me exclaim the last words of the song for you: "Walk the city lonely, memories that haunt are passing by. A Murderer walks your street tonight. Forgive me for my crimes; don't forget that I was so young fought so scared in the name of God and Country..." Nuff Said.
There are so many albums released every year, but only one comes around so often that makes you stop and go, "Whoa." Only twice have I encountered albums like that. The first was Linkin Park's debut "Hybrid Theory." As much as I proclaim them to be my favorite band, I have to say that musically and lyrically, "City of Evil" is by far surperior. I can never recall a time when I have ever tried to force something on to someone, but believe me when I say it, Avenged Sevenfold has done something spectacular with this album, and I patiently await their next release hoping it is just as superior as this album was.
Reading that makes me want to go review another one of their shining albums that was released (I believe) last year: The White Album (or Self-titled, whichever you prefer). I might do that soon.
To start out, let me just say that, even though I love rock music, I'm a fan of all types of music. However, there are only so many times that you can come across a CD that will grab ahold of you and grip you so tightly through its words that you HAVE to make it acknowledged. So is the case with the CD I'm about to review.
This CD starts out with a bang with their first song titled "Beast and the Harlot" and ends on a note that makes you think with "M.I.A." While most people who have listened to AS in the last few years may argue that it's nothing like it should be, or that their older music is so much better, let me explain something: This band has evolved over the past decade. In the beginning they were mostly metal, however, the screaming that many fans loved for so many years finally caught up with lead singer M. Shadows leaving his voice badly damaged. You can hear it in certain songs too, but it does not take away from the amazing vocal performance he gives.
To give the fans a taste of what they loved in the past, "Beast..." starts out with a low grumble, but after that, it's PURE music and sheer genius. While many I have talked to disagree with me because they love "Beast..." I happen to think that it's quite frankly the worst song on the album, but that's not meaning it's not good either, because it is. However, it's not the song you would imagine after you listen to the rest of the album.
Clocking in at almost an hour and 15 minutes, this CD will leave you in a wake. The second song, "Burn it Down" is mostly compiled of excellent guitar picking and hard drum beats. Something you would definately expect from a former hard metal band. Once again, no growling or screaming. This is what makes the CD superior to their first 2 albums is that they take it in a whole new direction and write music with meaning. I'll give examples of this later on.
"Blinded in Chains" starts out on a heavy drum beat, but leaves your neck aching afterward from the awesome guitar line that follows. This song is clearly an anti-government track. It definately proclaims their stance on how they view things going right now. " And we're at it again; I turn around another fucking war, man. I don't know where to begin but I'll start with the radical leaders. Their steps we're followin'." One of the best tracks to pay attention to in light of our current government situation.
"Bat Country" was the first single from this album, however I think it was probably the worst choice for a single. However, given the circumstance that mostly every song on this CD runs anywhere in between 5 - 8 minutes, it was the best choice in that sense. The song is definately a rock song that has a steady chorus and follows a quite simple pattern, however, half way through, they throw a stop sign in front of you and slow things down. This song is what lead me to this CD, and I love it for that reason. The chorus is catchy and the words are just as catchy. If you haven't heard anything by AS, I would highly recommend this as one of the two songs you listen to before listening to anything else.
Trashed and Scattered - What more is there to say? AMAZING song. The chours is worth enough for the song. "I won't be the victim but the first to cast a stone. Sedated night to the bar room fights as metropolis takes its toll. And don't you try to stop me it's a place you'll never know. Don't try to judge or take shots at me, I'll never let you seize control. Play your game your better walk away cause your integrity don't mean shit. Crawl on me you fucking parasite, and I'm going to take you out." The guitar riff througout the first part of the chorus is enough to leave you breathless. It's again not the best song on the disc, but I believe it to be one of the better.
We've finally come to a song where all I can say is good things about. The 6th song on the disc, "Seize the Day," is probably one of the top 2 on the entire album. To me, it's a song of growing old and finding loss in the ones you love leaving you. "Seize the day or die regretting the time lost. It's empty and cold without you here, too many people to ache over. Trials in life, questions of us exsisting here, don't wanna die alone without you there, please tell me what we have is real." This song starts off slow and follows through the whole way. It's a ballad that shows just how far along this band has come since their debut release. M. Shadows' voice follows such a line throughout the song, and the occasional piano in there makes this song so perfect. This is another song I would recommend to anyone who has not heard anything from this album because it's amazing from beginning to end. If it's not the song I say it is, prove me wrong, but I will still feel you're sorely mistaken.
"Sidewinder" may start off like it's going to kick your ass, but let me tell you, it does exactly that. (Thought I would say it pusses out, didn't ya?) This is just an all around fun song. It clocks in at seven minutes because of all the instumental music we hear. Those of you who appreciate music itself will appreciate this song along with the next two for the fact of where they range in musical talent and ability. This is the beginning of a 3 song medley that is just as good from beginning as it is to end.
"The Wicked End" is a song that most AS fans are familiar with because of the nature of the lyrics. However, as many would view this as a satanic song, I would view it as quite the opposite. It's quite frankly a song to tell the direction that man is taking himself. The end of the world, typical bible stuff, just more cool sounding. I would definately say that this song is good, but then finishes off GREAT with nothing but a smooth melody at the end: Mostly instrumental. This isn't your typical guitar either. It sounds of a true rock-orchestra collaberation... which leads into the next song after a strong finish by Shadows and company.
"Strength of the World" picks up exactly where "Wicked..." left off. The acoustic guitar chimes in and slows everything down... and again with the orchestra. The beginning leaves you so relaxed and soothed. Quite frankly, it's the best intro for any of the songs because it does so. Once it ends, the guitar riffs start again. While you would imagine this to be a hard song about other things (what I'm not so sure) it winds up being a song about loss and retribution and revenge. If you can't the meaning, pick up the lyrics and read along... believe me when I say you'll find the bearings. It also leaves off on a strong instrumental finish.
"Betrayed" starts off rocking and does exactly that throughout the song. "Passion in my eyes. I lived it everyday, but how could you go throw it all away? In my dreams it's me and you. It's there I saw it all come true. As time went by, faith in you grew, so one thing's left for me to do (Finish You)." I believe it to be a song about someone wronged by a role model. (Father anyone?) It definately hits a connection point with me and for that I love it.
Finally, we have reached the end of the one and a quarter hour. The final song of this disc titled "M.I.A." is exactly what you might assume it to be: A song about war. The song starts out oh so slow, but you know the direction has turned when the amazing guitar solo hits its first chord. This is a riff that sends chills through your body and makes you tear up. (Not that the song doesn't do that enough as is.) Definately an anti-war band, they shove everything in your face throughout the 8:46 the song plays. "Fight for honor, fight for your life, pray to god our son is right. Even though we won, I still may lose until I make it home to you. I see our mothers filled with tears. Grew up so fast where did those years go? Memories won't let you cry unless I don't return home tonight." Writing those words down makes even me stop and think because everything about it is so true and the song makes such an impact that by the time the final slowdown hits, you're still thinking. After hearing these words so soothingly and beautifully sang, you hang your head low and remember the real reason why we're in Iraq. It's definately not for freedom or patriotism. If you can figure it out... let me exclaim the last words of the song for you: "Walk the city lonely, memories that haunt are passing by. A Murderer walks your street tonight. Forgive me for my crimes; don't forget that I was so young fought so scared in the name of God and Country..." Nuff Said.
There are so many albums released every year, but only one comes around so often that makes you stop and go, "Whoa." Only twice have I encountered albums like that. The first was Linkin Park's debut "Hybrid Theory." As much as I proclaim them to be my favorite band, I have to say that musically and lyrically, "City of Evil" is by far surperior. I can never recall a time when I have ever tried to force something on to someone, but believe me when I say it, Avenged Sevenfold has done something spectacular with this album, and I patiently await their next release hoping it is just as superior as this album was.
Reading that makes me want to go review another one of their shining albums that was released (I believe) last year: The White Album (or Self-titled, whichever you prefer). I might do that soon.