Avenged Sevenfold – City Of Evil (Red Velvet Vinyl), (2xLP)

Avenged Sevenfold’s City of Evil stands as a dazzling statement of growth and ambition, showcasing the band's embrace of classic heavy metal with confidence and flair. The album bursts with virtuosic guitar solos, soaring melodies, and an unmistakable energy that immediately grabs the listener. Each track feels meticulously crafted, balancing power and melody, from the adrenaline-fueled opener to the epic ballads that anchor the latter half. What truly elevates the album is how each member shines: M. Shadows delivers impassioned vocals that ring with grit and clarity; Synyster Gates and Zacky Vengeance trade blistering solos with precision; and The Rev’s relentless drumming pushes the pace with thrilling intensity.

Beyond technical prowess, City of Evil radiates enthusiasm and creativity. The band’s shift away from their metalcore roots into a more traditional heavy metal terrain feel organic, as though they rediscovered a vivid musical identity—and are reveling in it. Whether through the infectious hooks of “Bat Country,” the dramatic storytelling of “Beast and the Harlot,” or the heartfelt dynamics of “Seize the Day,” the album delivers a compelling journey that is as exhilarating as it is memorable. It’s an album that invites replay not just for its skill, but for the sheer joy embedded in every riff and vocal turn.

The album includes fan favourite ‘Bat Country’.

No 63 on Guitar World Magazine’s 100 Greatest Guitar Albums Of All Time. Kerrang! includes ‘City of Evil’ on both 666 Albums You Need to Hear Before You Die and 50 Albums You Need To Hear Before You Die. ‘City of Evil’ was also No 35 on Kerrang!’s 50 Greatest Metal Albums Ever. Rolling Stone includes the album on their The 100 Greatest Metal Albums Of All Time list.

Reviews

“…Avenged Sevenfold gets all the pieces right, and sound like they’re having more fun here than in the scattershot approach of the first couple records.” – AllMusic

“Fiery twin‑guitar assaults and complex rhythms dominate their major‑label debut, but where City of Evil marks a departure from Avenged's past is its vocals.” – Rolling Stone

“It’s catchy, yet heavy and technical, but not so technical that the instrumentation distracts you from the rest of the music. In my opinion, this is a better representation of the metal genre than any Metallica or Slayer album.” – Sputnikmusic (as quoted on Album of the Year)

“They have done it their way, they’re having fun and who the hell can blame them?” – Metal Hammer (British edition)With over 2.5 million copies sold worldwide, ‘City of Evil’ continues to be one of Avenged Sevenfold’s most popular albums.