Our list of the top 10 Avenged Sevenfold songs offers insight into a band renowned for its diverse rock sound and theatrical album covers and merchandise. Founded in 1999 with Matt Sanders (better known as M. Shadows) playing a pivotal role, Avenged Sevenfold quickly distinguished themselves in the music scene. Despite their non-religious music, Sanders has linked the band’s name to the biblical story of Cain and Abel. The group debuted with a metalcore sound on their first album, Sounding the Seventh Trumpet, followed by Waking the Fallen.
As they progressed, their style evolved into heavy metal and hard rock with their third album, City of Evil. Influences for the band range widely from NOFX and The Beatles to Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin. Despite facing criticism for not being “metal enough,” vocalist M. Shadows addressed these claims, emphasizing that their music transcends genre labels and is created for the sheer joy of it. Avenged Sevenfold has become a formidable presence in the music world, garnering multiple awards and accolades for their compelling compositions. They have released seven studio albums, two compilation albums, a live album, and eighteen singles to date. Our list highlights the best tracks from a band that has consistently pushed the boundaries of their musical expression.
# 10 – This Means War
Leading off our top 10 Avenged Sevenfold songs list is “This Means War,” a track that has drawn comparisons to Metallica’s “Sad but True.” Crafted by Avenged Sevenfold, this song is a standout on their album Hail to the King. It features a riff-based introduction that showcases the band’s signature dual lead guitar harmony, seamlessly blending into the song’s measured tempo to create one of their most acclaimed tracks.
The song commences with what can be described as a tumultuous introduction, echoing the rapid-fire burst of a machine gun, yet it smoothly transitions into a more melodious sound. “This Means War” delves into the theme of internal conflicts that plague every individual’s mind, resonating with listeners on a deeply personal level. The track’s popularity is underscored by its success on the charts, securing the number four spot on the US Mainstream Rock Chart.
# 9 – Bat Country
“Bat Country” is an award-winning single from Avenged Sevenfold’s album City of Evil. The track garnered significant recognition, winning the 2006 MTV Video Music Award for Best New Artist Video. This success can be attributed to the band’s collaborative songwriting process, with the impactful lyrics playing a crucial role in making it the band’s most commercially successful release to date.
Inspired by Hunter S. Thompson’s iconic novel Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, “Bat Country” captures the frenetic, hallucinatory spirit of the book. Its popularity is further evidenced by its performance on the charts, where it reached number sixty on the Billboard Hot 100. This track not only highlights Avenged Sevenfold’s unique style but also their ability to weave complex literary influences into their music.
# 8 – Dear God
While many of Avenged Sevenfold’s most acclaimed tracks showcase a heavy metal style, “Dear God” stands out for its unique approach. This song, an original composition by the band, distinctly incorporates elements of country music. According to bassist Johnny Christ, the inspiration for “Dear God” stemmed from the band’s friendship with the country duo Big & Rich, influencing its stylistic departure from their typical sound.
Featured as the fourth single from their self-titled album, “Dear God” showcases Avenged Sevenfold’s versatility and willingness to explore different musical landscapes, further demonstrating their adeptness not only in heavy metal but also in integrating diverse genres into their repertoire.
# 7 – Seize the Day
Avenged Sevenfold transformed one of the oldest philosophical mottos in Western history, “Carpe Diem,” commonly known as “Seize the Day,” into one of their standout tracks. The song, penned by the band members, was released as a promotional single for their album City of Evil. The phrase “Seize the Day” is often used to encourage individuals to make the most of the present moment, a theme that Avenged Sevenfold echoes in their rendition.
With “Seize the Day,” the band delivers a message of mindfulness and reflection. Vocalist M. Shadows explained that the song advocates for thoughtful consideration of one’s actions and the importance of keeping loved ones close. This track not only resonates with its motivational message but also showcases Avenged Sevenfold’s ability to weave profound life lessons into their music.
# 6 – Shepherd of Fire
“Shepherd of Fire” serves as the powerful opening track to Avenged Sevenfold’s Hail to the King. The band masterfully designed the song’s arrangement to conjure vivid imagery through its tribal and primeval drum patterns. These sonic elements echo the themes of leadership and mystique that pervade the track.
Notably, “Shepherd of Fire” was chosen as the theme song for the “Origins” map of the popular video game Call of Duty: Black Ops II Zombies. Its influence extended to the world of sports as well, featuring prominently in EA Sports UFC. This track not only resonated with gaming audiences but also achieved significant chart success. It soared to the top of the US Mainstream Rock Chart and secured the twelfth position on the UK Rock and Metal Chart.
The song’s prominence in both the music and gaming industries underscores Avenged Sevenfold’s ability to blend aggressive rock elements with an accessible cinematic flair, appealing to a diverse array of fans and media outlets.
# 5 – A Little Piece of Heaven
“A Little Piece of Heaven,” penned by the late Jimmy “The Rev” Sullivan, is a standout track from Avenged Sevenfold’s 2007 self-titled album. The song weaves a complex narrative that blends romance with macabre themes, offering listeners a deeply provocative experience. The storyline follows a man who, driven by a fear of abandonment, commits a heinous act by ending his partner’s life to maintain control. The song then delves into darker territories of obsession, as the man preserves her corpse for companionship.
The narrative takes a surreal turn when the woman is reanimated, seeking vengeance by killing the man. In a twisted reconciliation, the two are united in death, marrying in the afterlife. This union marks the beginning of their eerie, post-mortem existence as they start preying on others. “A Little Piece of Heaven” is emblematic of Avenged Sevenfold’s daring approach to storytelling in music, combining theatrical elements with intricate musical compositions to explore the complexities of love and death.
# 4 – Afterlife
“Afterlife,” another poignant composition from Avenged Sevenfold’s self-titled 2007 album, showcases the significant influence of the late Jimmy “The Rev” Sullivan. Not only did he write the track, but it has also been celebrated by fans as the best song on the album.
The narrative of “Afterlife” explores the introspective journey of a man who dies prematurely and awakens in heaven. As he acclimates to his ethereal surroundings, he is struck by the realization that he left many things unresolved on Earth. Faced with this unfinished business, he becomes determined to escape the afterlife and return to the living world to resolve his earthly concerns. This thematic exploration raises haunting questions about life’s impermanence and the suddenness of death.
Intriguingly, the song’s theme prompts speculation about whether it was a prophetic reflection of The Rev’s own life, who tragically passed away from a drug overdose in 2009. Whether intentional or coincidental, “Afterlife” resonates deeply with fans, serving as a poignant reminder of The Rev’s artistic legacy and the emotional depth of Avenged Sevenfold’s music.
# 3 – Nightmare
“Nightmare,” the title track from Avenged Sevenfold’s 2010 album, has cemented its place as one of the band’s most impactful songs. Composed by vocalist M. Shadows, “Nightmare” was notably the first single released following the death of the band’s former drummer, The Rev. The inspiration for this haunting track struck M. Shadows in a moment of stark contrast—on his wedding day—prompting him to detour to the studio to lay down the initial demo.
Lyrically, “Nightmare” delves into the chilling narrative of a soul damned for misdeeds committed on Earth, articulated from the perspective of an inhabitant of hell. This perspective imbues the song with a visceral and darkly poetic quality, as it explores themes of guilt, damnation, and the inescapable consequences of one’s actions.
Musically, the track is a powerhouse of heavy guitar riffs and dynamic drumming, which effectively complement the intensity of the lyrics. “Nightmare” achieved notable commercial success, peaking at number fifty-one on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart. The song stands as a testament to Avenged Sevenfold’s ability to blend compelling storytelling with robust metal instrumentation, making it a definitive highlight of their discography.
# 2 – Hail to the King
“Hail to the King” stands as both the title track and the lead single of Avenged Sevenfold’s sixth studio album. This song marked a significant moment for the band as they transitioned from the emotional depth of their previous album, which dealt with the loss of their drummer, The Rev. “Hail to the King” was the first release featuring their new drummer, Arin Ilejay, signaling a new chapter for the band.
The track received a warm reception, resonating with fans and critics alike for its robust, classic heavy metal sound. Its regal and commanding tone was fittingly chosen as an official theme song for WrestleMania 32, underscoring its broad appeal and anthemic quality. Commercially, the song also performed well, peaking at number eighty-three on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart.
“Hail to the King” showcases Avenged Sevenfold’s mastery in crafting powerful metal anthems, and it played a crucial role in defining the band’s sound during a period of significant change and renewal.
# 1 – So Far Away
Taking the top spot on our list of the top 10 Avenged Sevenfold songs is “So Far Away,” a poignant track from the band’s Nightmare album. Composed by guitarist Synyster Gates, the song is a heartfelt tribute to the band’s former drummer, The Rev, who tragically passed away in December 2009.
Synyster Gates not only wrote the song but also contributed instrumentally, particularly with the memorable acoustic guitar segments, notably performed using a guitar that belonged to his father. This personal touch adds a layer of emotional depth to the tribute.
Lyrically, “So Far Away” explores themes of loss, longing, and remembrance, resonating deeply with fans and band members alike. In live performances, the song often features a poignant moment where the audience lights up the venue with lighters or cell phones, creating a sea of light in honor of The Rev. During these moments, Avenged Sevenfold typically unfurls a banner to commemorate The Rev’s legacy, making each performance a moving tribute to their late bandmate.
Read More: Complete List Of Avenged Sevenfold Albums And Discography
Feature Photo: Giada Conti from Pisa, italy, CC BY 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons