Who's behind the notes? Discover Avenged Sevenfold: Biography of the American Metal Band
"Beast and the Harlot" is a song by the American heavy metal band Avenged Sevenfold. Here are some interesting facts about the song:
Inspiration from the Bible: The song's lyrics are inspired by the biblical story of the fall of Babylon, which can be found in the Book of Revelation in the New Testament. The "beast" refers to the corrupt and sinful city of Babylon, while the "harlot" represents its decadence and immorality.
Guitar Hero: "Beast and the Harlot" is featured as a playable track in the popular video game "Guitar Hero II." It's considered one of the more challenging songs in the game and has become a fan favorite among gamers.
Album Placement: The song is the opening track on Avenged Sevenfold's third studio album, "City of Evil," which was released in 2005. This placement serves to set the tone for the entire album, which marked a significant departure from the band's earlier metalcore sound towards a more traditional heavy metal and hard rock style.
Complex Guitar Work: Avenged Sevenfold is known for their intricate guitar work, and "Beast and the Harlot" is no exception. The song features dual guitar solos performed by the band's lead guitarist, Synyster Gates, and rhythm guitarist, Zacky Vengeance. The solos are technically challenging and showcase the band's musical prowess.
Music Video: The music video for "Beast and the Harlot" is an animated video that tells the story of the fall of Babylon, as described in the Book of Revelation. It was directed by Wayne Isham, who has worked with many other prominent rock and metal bands. The video's visual style complements the song's lyrical theme and biblical inspiration.
Commercial Success: "Beast and the Harlot" received significant radio airplay and became one of Avenged Sevenfold's most popular songs. It helped propel "City of Evil" to commercial success, with the album achieving gold certification in the United States.
Live Performances: The song is a staple in Avenged Sevenfold's live performances and is often included in their setlists during concerts. The band's energetic and engaging stage presence makes it a fan favorite at their live shows.
Cultural References: In addition to its biblical inspiration, the song's lyrics contain references to historical and cultural elements associated with Babylon, contributing to its vivid storytelling. This blend of mythology and history adds depth to the song's narrative.
"Beast and the Harlot" remains one of Avenged Sevenfold's most iconic and enduring songs, known for its epic storytelling, memorable guitar solos, and its place in both the band's discography and the world of heavy metal music.