In a captivating interview with Bradley Hall, M. Shadows of Avenged Sevenfold discussed the evolution of their acclaimed album, Hail to the King. Shadows expressed that this particular album emerged as a response to the band’s desire for mainstream recognition, particularly after feeling they lacked notable hits. This led them to experiment with their sound, which ultimately resulted in Hail to the King‘s title track becoming their most commercially successful release. The fusion of their signature style with a more accessible rock approach struck a chord with audiences, illustrating the band’s adaptability and creativity.

Insights from M. Shadows on the Creative Process Behind Hail to the King

The dialogue with Hall provided an insightful exploration into Avenged Sevenfold’s musical journey, highlighting various pivotal moments in their career. When discussing Hail to the King, Shadows emphasized that the album served as a reflective response to challenges the band faced during that time. They were grappling with the reality that, despite their popularity, their songs were often not resonating in everyday settings, such as bars or parties, where music from iconic bands like AC/DC or Metallica thrived.

?Hail to the King was a reaction to our realization that while we had achieved considerable success as a band, our music was not being featured prominently in the same spaces as the legends we admired,? Shadows elaborated. He noted a sense of frustration, stating that their compositions tended to be intricate and neoclassical, which made them less suitable for mainstream consumption. The desire to create music that could easily connect with listeners inspired them to simplify their sound.

Shadows further explained, ?We consciously decided to embrace our influences and adopt a more straightforward style of rock music. This was not an attempt to diminish the brilliance of those bands; rather, we wanted to challenge ourselves to create something that felt more accessible. It was a departure from our usual complexity, which made it feel quite unnatural for us.?

READ MORE: We Answer the Most Asked Questions About Avenged Sevenfold

Reflecting on their approach, Shadows stated, “We streamlined our sound by incorporating simple drumming patterns and adjusting the tonal quality of our guitars, which created a fuller sound when combined with the bass. The vocals were deliberately kept straightforward, focusing on a single voice that delivers a powerful message. We aimed to craft a melody so simple that it could be sung as a lullaby to a child, which ultimately shaped the creation of Hail to the King.

Reflections from M. Shadows on the Popularity of “Hail to the King”

Shadows candidly remarked on the unexpected success of “Hail to the King,” stating, ?It?s amusing that it became our biggest hit, now nearing a billion views. This track has become the entry point for many listeners into our music.? He mused about whether this phenomenon reflects on the band or the preferences of typical rock audiences, adding, “Regardless, ‘Hail to the King’ stands as a fascinating experiment in our creative journey.?

Avenged Sevenfold, “Hail to the King”

Highlights and Lowlights: M. Shadows on the Hail to the King Album

When prompted about any regrets regarding the album, Shadows did not hesitate to share his thoughts, saying, “In my opinion, ‘Crimson Day’ feels like a throwaway track. While we’ve produced remarkable ballads in the past, this particular one falls short of our usual standards.” It was clear that he held the band to high artistic expectations, emphasizing the importance of quality in their discography.

Conversely, he expressed excitement about his favorite track from the album, stating, ?One of the coolest things we’ve accomplished on this record is ‘Planets,’ even though it has received the least amount of attention. To me, it represents the pinnacle of our creative efforts on Hail to the King.” This reflects Shadows? awareness of the disconnect between personal taste and mainstream appeal.

Shadows thoughtfully concluded, ?Recognizing this gap has shaped my expectations for future projects. I no longer anticipate that what I create will resonate with mainstream listeners; instead, I focus on producing authentic music that reflects my artistic vision.?

Avenged Sevenfold, “Planets”

Chart-Topping Success of Hail to the King

The release of Hail to the King marked a significant milestone for Avenged Sevenfold, as it became their second album to debut at No. 1 on the charts, following the success of Nightmare. This album represented their fifth consecutive chart-topping release and is the most recent album by the band to achieve platinum status in the United States, reflecting their enduring popularity and impact in the rock music scene.

In addition to its overall success, the title track “Hail to the King” topped the Active Rock chart in the U.S., making it their sixth song to achieve this feat. This track remains their most commercially successful single, with the RIAA awarding it triple-platinum certification, a testament to its widespread appeal and the band’s ability to connect with a broad audience.

Discover Bradley Hall’s Exclusive Interview with M. Shadows of Avenged Sevenfold