Released 10 years ago this October
The Stage
Avenged Sevenfold · 2016
73 min · 11 tracks · heavy metal
A sprawling, ambitious metal journey that blends intricate arrangements with thought-provoking themes and dynamic shifts in intensity.
Top tracks — play these first
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The Stage — Opening with a dramatic orchestral intro, this title track sets the tone for the album's exploration of mortality and existence, blending heavy riffs with melodic passages.
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God Damn — This track stands out with its infectious chorus and sharp social critique, showcasing the band's ability to blend catchy hooks with deeper lyrical themes.
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Simulation — Featuring complex time signatures and an intricate arrangement, this song delves into the nature of reality, exemplifying the album's progressive metal ambitions.
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Exist — Closing the album, this epic track combines philosophical musings with grand instrumentation, stretching over 15 minutes to encapsulate the overarching themes of the record.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases intricate arrangements and dynamic shifts, reflecting a significant evolution in the band's sound.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a title track that features a lengthy instrumental introduction, setting a complex tone for the following songs.
- Several tracks incorporate abrupt tempo changes and dynamic shifts, such as 'Creating God' which transitions from heavy riffs to softer melodies.
- The final track, 'Exist', includes an extended outro that gradually fades out, creating a sense of closure after the album's thematic journey.
- 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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7/10
- 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
Known within its scene. 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
- gradual build to emotional climax
- thought-provoking themes throughout journey
- immersive narrative that unfolds slowly
- dynamic shifts in pacing
- introspective moments of reflection
Maybe skip if you
- prefer short, standalone tracks
- seek immediate gratification
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Critical Peak — Ambitious in scope, it showcases the band's artistic evolution and received critical acclaim.
- Career context
- Released on October 28, 2016, 'The Stage' is Avenged Sevenfold's seventh studio album and their first following the death of drummer Jimmy 'The Rev' Sullivan. This album marks a significant shift in their sound towards progressive metal, showcasing a willingness to experiment with complex compositions and thematic depth after years of mainstream success.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Bullet for My Valentine· Trivium· Parkway Drive
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 The Stage 8:32
- 2 Paradigm 4:18
- 3 Sunny Disposition 6:41
- 4 God Damn 3:41
- 5 Creating God 5:34
- 6 Angels 5:40
- 7 Simulation 5:30
- 8 Higher 6:28
- 9 Roman Sky 5:00
- 10 Fermi Paradox 6:30
- 11 Exist 15:41
What to play next
Life Is But a Dream...
2023
Continues the ambitious themes and dynamic arrangements found in The Stage.
Hail to the King
2013
Sets a strong foundation with its own intricate sound and themes before diving into The Stage.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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