Avenged Sevenfold’s 2013 hit single “Hail To The King” continues to enjoy immense popularity, recently being certified 3x Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), signifying over 3 million copies sold.
Despite its straightforward and rock-centric style, which is a departure from the band’s usual sound, the song remains their most popular track on Spotify with more than 489 million streams. Comparatively, their next two most streamed songs are “Nightmare” with 305 million and “Afterlife” with 206 million.
In 2022, Avenged Sevenfold’s lead vocalist M. Shadows defended “Hail To The King” after a fan controversially praised the song. Shadows highlighted that the song streams more than double any of their other tracks on a weekly basis and that the album is on track to outsell all their previous releases. He pointed out the irony that, despite these impressive metrics, some fans still view the song as a disappointment. Shadows also noted that when new listeners seek recommendations, they are often advised to avoid “Hail To The King,” which he finds amusing given the song’s clear success.
“Hail To The King”
Moreover, the song’s impact extends beyond streaming numbers and sales. “Hail To The King” has become a staple in Avenged Sevenfold’s live performances, often serving as a highlight of their setlists.
The song’s anthemic quality and powerful riff have made it a crowd favorite at concerts and festivals around the world.
The album “Hail To The King” itself has received mixed reviews from critics, with some praising its classic rock influences and others longing for the band’s earlier, more complex sound.
However, the commercial success of the album and its title track speaks volumes about its resonance with a broad audience.
The track’s music video, which features a medieval-themed storyline, has also contributed to its enduring appeal, amassing millions of views on YouTube.
As Avenged Sevenfold continues to evolve and experiment with their music, “Hail To The King” stands as a testament to their ability to create hits that transcend genres and captivate listeners, old and new alike.
The song’s lasting popularity is a reminder that, despite varying opinions, the numbers don’t lie – “Hail To The King” is a significant milestone in the band’s career.
