Beast and the Harlot cover

Released 20 years ago

Beast and the Harlot

Avenged Sevenfold · 2006

9 min · 2 tracks · heavy metal

A theatrical blend of heavy metal and progressive elements, featuring intricate guitar work and dramatic vocal performances.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Beast and the Harlot (edit) — This track is a defining anthem of the album, showcasing complex arrangements and a narrative about temptation and morality that resonates with listeners.
  • →
    Burn It Down (live) — This live rendition captures the energy and raw power of Avenged Sevenfold's performances, highlighting their connection with fans and stage presence.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

58 /100
Treeline
Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The track's intricate structure and theatrical elements define its heavy metal sound while maintaining a distinct identity.

What we noticed

  • The title track features a complex structure with multiple tempo changes, shifting from fast-paced verses to a slower, melodic chorus.
  • The vocal delivery alternates between aggressive and melodic styles, enhancing the dramatic tension of the piece.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — This single significantly raised the band's profile and showcased their evolving sound.
Career context
In 2006, Avenged Sevenfold was at a pivotal point in their career, releasing 'Beast and the Harlot' as part of their third album, 'City of Evil'. This followed their previous success with 'Waking the Fallen', marking their transition to mainstream prominence and solidifying their identity within the metal genre.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Beast and the Harlot (edit) 4:06
  • 2 Burn It Down (live) 5:46

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata