City of Evil
Avenged Sevenfold · 2005
72 min · 11 tracks · heavy metal
A relentless fusion of heavy metal aggression and intricate melodies, punctuated by soaring vocals and theatrical storytelling.
Top tracks — play these first
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Beast and the Harlot Start here — Opening with a dynamic guitar riff, this track encapsulates the band's blend of intricate musicianship and powerful vocals, immediately setting the tone for the album's theatricality.
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Bat Country — This hit single exemplifies Avenged Sevenfold's ability to merge catchy hooks with complex arrangements, making it a defining anthem of their sound during this era.
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Seize the Day — A poignant ballad that showcases the band's softer side, this track features heartfelt lyrics about loss and perseverance, balancing the heavier elements present throughout the album.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album combines aggressive metal with intricate melodies, showcasing strong songwriting and production.
What we noticed
- Vocal lines often alternate between clean singing and harsh screams, creating a dynamic contrast throughout the record.
- The last three tracks slow down the tempo significantly, providing a reflective conclusion to the album's narrative arc.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- theatrical storytelling through intensity
- cathartic climaxes and releases
- immersive journey through contrasting moods
- late-night drive energy boost
Maybe skip if you
- prefer short, standalone tracks
- seek instant gratification
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — This album solidified Avenged Sevenfold's reputation and commercial success.
- Career context
- Released on June 6, 2005, City of Evil marked Avenged Sevenfold's third studio album and their major label debut. Following the success of their previous album, Waking the Fallen, this release solidified their position in the metalcore scene while showcasing a shift towards a more melodic and progressive sound.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Bullet for My Valentine· Trivium· Parkway Drive
Tracklist
- 1 Beast and the Harlot Start here 5:40
- 2 Burn It Down 4:58
- 3 Blinded in Chains 6:34
- 4 Bat Country 5:13
- 5 Trashed and Scattered 5:53
- 6 Seize the Day 5:32
- 7 Sidewinder 7:01
- 8 The Wicked End 7:10
- 9 Strength of the World 9:14
- 10 Betrayed 6:47
- 11 M.I.A. 8:46
What to play next
Avenged Sevenfold
2007
This album continues the heavy metal intensity with a more polished sound.
Waking the Fallen
2003
It leads into 'City of Evil' with a similar blend of theatrical storytelling and metal.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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