Avenged Sevenfold, opening night “Hail to the King” Tour!

Avenged Sevenfold

Avenged Sevenfold - Opening Night, Hail to the King Tour, Chicago, Illinois, October 3, 2013

The kings of rock have returned with a force. Having a # 1 rock album; in this time of pop/rap dominance. A rabid fan base hungry for A7X after being teased with Carry On last year and now with one of the best touring lineups this fall that include the Deftones and Ghost BC.

Oct 3^rd opening night of the tour and fans were ready, with overcast skies and rain falling throughout the day set a perfect landscape as I drove to the arena.

After a blistering set by the Deftones the lights dimmed.

A7X are known for having a great stage setup, last tour was a huge death bat and this tour was no exception.

With a huge throne behind drummer Arin IIejay sat a huge skeleton king that reminded me of an image from the Conan movie, this came out when they played Hail to the King.

Opening the set with Shepherd of Fire off the new album, the stage lit up in flames as the back drop was a tomb with a video screen on each side.

This was followed up with Critical Acclaim and Welcome to the Family.

Hail to the King & Doing Time were played back to back and sounded amazing.

While some fans/bands have been bashing on the new album for its familiar sounds to bands the guys in A7X grew up listening to, is nonsense. All music comes from the root of Rock & Roll the Blues and has been twisted into musician hands to make their claim to rock immortality.

Does the new album have some similarity’s yes! But that can be said for any genre of music. A7X has taken a leap and I commend them as this will launch them to a higher level they already have and reach new fans to join the family.

M. Shadows was in fine form, with his long hair flowing down the middle of his shaved sides and owned the stage as he commanded the crowd to raise their fist and sing along.

Synyster & Zacky came together several times as they ripped into heavy riffs and solos but tonight Syn owned the stage and proved why he is so highly regarded in the guitar world.

Things slowed for a song as Shadows told the crowd about the song Fiction, was the last song written and featuring the Rev’s voice. With the video screens showing Jimmy and the guys in several pictures, this was one of those moments you feel inside you and emotions get stirred, great tribute to a fallen brother.

The song This Means War is a perfect arena song, the crowd sang along and pumped their fist, Afterlife was played next and the crowd broke into two small mosh pits.

Syn played an extended solo that featured Arin on drums towards the end, IIejay has slid into the drum kit flawlessly and tonight saw him take the lead and solidify a hole that was left.

The solo led into a jam session that led into the pounding bass line from Johnny Christ on Requiem, the set ended with the classic Bat Country.

The crowd was teased for a short time as the lights were dimmed before coming out with the encore of Chapter Four and Unholy Confessions.

Having seen A7X several times I have to say this was on the best shows I have seen and with this being the opening night then fans should be excited for the next year and half of touring.

Are you ready to give Hail to the Kings!!!!

Photos & review by Peter Lizano

Avenged Sevenfold by Peter Lizano - Opening Night “Hail to the King” Tour, Chicago

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