5 Shocking Revelations About Avenged Sevenfold's 'Hail To The King' Album A Decade Later
Avenged Sevenfold's 2013 album, Hail to the King, remains one of the most polarizing and commercially successful records in the band's extensive catalog. Over a decade after its release, on August 23, 2013, the album's legacy is enjoying a massive resurgence, driven by recent, monumental sales milestones and candid reflections from the band itself, most notably vocalist M. Shadows. As of late 2024 and into 2025, the conversation around this hard-rock behemoth is fresher and more intense than ever, forcing critics and fans to re-evaluate what was once considered a controversial creative pivot.
This deep dive into the album's modern legacy reveals how a record initially criticized for its "simple riffs" and classic heavy metal homage has solidified its place as a commercial juggernaut, earning multiple platinum certifications and becoming a key piece of the band's narrative—especially when contrasted with their highly experimental 2023 release, Life Is But a Dream…. The story of Hail to the King is no longer just about its sound; it's about the conscious, reactionary decision that propelled Avenged Sevenfold to the top of the global charts.
The Unstoppable Commercial Juggernaut: Platinum Status and Recent RIAA Milestones
The most undeniable and recent evidence of Hail to the King's enduring power is its staggering commercial performance, which continues to hit new peaks years after its debut. The album wasn't just a hit upon release; it has proven to be a long-tail success story that few modern metal albums can match. It was released through Warner Bros. Records and immediately topped the charts, becoming the band's second consecutive album to reach number one on the prestigious Billboard 200 chart.
The Triple-Platinum Single Certification
In a significant update, the album's title track and lead single, "Hail To The King," was officially certified triple platinum by the RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America) in 2023. This certification signifies sales and streams equivalent to over three million units in the United States, a rare feat for a heavy metal single released in the 2010s. This achievement firmly cements the song's status as one of Avenged Sevenfold's biggest-ever mainstream smash hits.
Album Platinum Status and 10th Anniversary Celebration
The album itself was also officially certified platinum by the RIAA in April 2024, confirming its status as a million-seller in the US. This milestone coincided with the album's 10th anniversary, which was celebrated with a limited-edition gold-colored vinyl release. The anniversary edition not only honored the record's commercial success but also highlighted its cultural impact, including its achievement as the band's first-ever UK #1 album.
The continued sales and streaming success of tracks like "Shepherd of Fire," "This Means War," and "Requiem" demonstrate that the album's accessibility and massive, stadium-ready sound have resonated with a broad audience far beyond the traditional metalcore fanbase.
A Decade of Controversy: M. Shadows on the 'Reactionary' Album and 'Simple Riffs'
While the sales figures are impressive, Hail to the King has always been a lightning rod for critical debate. Many fans and critics noted a distinct shift in the band's sound, moving away from the progressive metalcore elements of earlier works like City of Evil and Nightmare toward a more stripped-down, classic hard rock and heavy metal style, heavily influenced by bands like Metallica and Iron Maiden.
M. Shadows' Candid Defense and Revelation
The most compelling recent update comes from M. Shadows himself, who has openly addressed the criticism and the band's mindset during the album's creation. In recent interviews (around 2022/2023), Shadows defended the album, acknowledging the "simple riffs" but insisting that the record "deserves respect."
Crucially, he revealed that Hail to the King was a "reactionary album." The band felt they lacked a true, mainstream smash hit—a simple, huge anthem that could dominate radio and arenas globally. They intentionally "dumbed down" their complex arrangements to focus on massive, anthemic hooks and classic metal structures, a conscious effort to achieve widespread commercial success.
The Creative Contrast with 'Life Is But a Dream…'
This revelation is particularly significant when considering Avenged Sevenfold's subsequent work. Their latest album, Life Is But a Dream… (2023), is a highly experimental, genre-bending, and complex record that stands in stark contrast to the straightforward approach of Hail to the King. Shadows' comments suggest that the band got the massive, mainstream hit they wanted with Hail to the King, which then allowed them the creative freedom to pursue more challenging, unconventional projects later on. The 2013 album, therefore, serves as a necessary commercial stepping stone in the band's artistic evolution.
The New Era: Lineup Changes, Mike Elizondo's Production, and The Rev's Absence
Beyond the sales and the controversy, Hail to the King marks a pivotal moment in Avenged Sevenfold's history due to its personnel and production process. It was the first album wholly written and recorded without any material contributions from the band's late, iconic drummer, Jimmy "The Rev" Sullivan, who passed away in 2009.
Production Team and Recording Location
The album was produced once again by Mike Elizondo, who had previously worked with the band on Nightmare. Elizondo, known for his work across various genres, including rap and rock, helped craft the album's massive, polished, and radio-friendly sound. The recording process took place at Can-Am Studios in Tarzana, California. The mixing was handled by the legendary Andy Wallace, whose work is synonymous with a huge, commercial rock sound, further highlighting the band's ambition for a mainstream breakthrough.
The Arrival of Arin Ilejay
The drumming duties for Hail to the King were handled by Arin Ilejay, who replaced the session drummer on Nightmare, Mike Portnoy. Ilejay’s style on this album was notably more restrained and groove-focused than The Rev's signature complex, double-bass-heavy patterns. This shift in drumming style was a key component of the album's overall sonic departure, favoring slower tempos and a heavier emphasis on the main rhythm, contributing to the album's classic heavy metal feel.
Full Album Tracklist and Key Entities
The album's ten tracks are a collection of deliberate, massive rock anthems, each designed for maximum impact, showcasing the band members M. Shadows (vocals), Synyster Gates (lead guitar), Zacky Vengeance (rhythm guitar), and Johnny Christ (bass).
- "Shepherd of Fire"
- "Hail to the King"
- "Doing Time"
- "This Means War"
- "Requiem"
- "Crimson Day"
- "Heretic"
- "Coming Home"
- "Planets"
- "Acid Rain"
The legacy of Hail to the King in the current music landscape is one of vindication. What was once seen as a creative compromise is now celebrated as a calculated, commercially brilliant move that yielded triple-platinum success and secured Avenged Sevenfold's place as a dominant force in global rock. It’s the album they needed to make to earn the right to make the albums they truly wanted, a fact that is now clearer than ever in 2024 and 2025.
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