Who's behind the notes? Discover Avenged Sevenfold: Biography of the American Metal Band
"Shepherd of Fire" is a song by the American heavy metal band Avenged Sevenfold. Here are some interesting facts about the song and the band:
Release Date: "Shepherd of Fire" is the opening track from Avenged Sevenfold's sixth studio album, "Hail to the King," which was released on August 27, 2013.
Influence of Metallica: The song is heavily influenced by the legendary metal band Metallica, particularly their 1984 album "Ride the Lightning." Avenged Sevenfold has often cited Metallica as a major influence on their music.
Musical Style: "Shepherd of Fire" showcases a more traditional heavy metal sound, reminiscent of the classic metal bands from the 1980s. This departure from their previous metalcore and hard rock styles was a deliberate choice for the "Hail to the King" album.
Album's Commercial Success: "Hail to the King" was a commercial success, debuting at number one on the Billboard 200 chart. It marked a significant shift in Avenged Sevenfold's sound, moving away from their earlier metalcore influences to embrace a more classic metal sound.
M. Shadows' Vocal Range: The song features powerful vocals by M. Shadows, the lead vocalist of Avenged Sevenfold. His vocal range is notable, and he often incorporates a variety of styles, from melodic singing to aggressive screaming, in the band's music.
Lyrics and Themes: "Shepherd of Fire" features dark and apocalyptic lyrics, with themes of power, control, and a sense of impending doom. The imagery in the lyrics adds a theatrical and dramatic element to the song.
Use in Popular Culture: The song has been used in various forms of media, including being featured in video games. It was notably included in the soundtrack for the video game "Call of Duty: Black Ops II," enhancing the game's intense atmosphere.
Music Video: Avenged Sevenfold released an official music video for "Shepherd of Fire." The video incorporates visual elements that complement the song's themes, including fire, demonic imagery, and surreal landscapes.
Live Performances: Avenged Sevenfold is known for delivering energetic and theatrical live performances. "Shepherd of Fire" often serves as a powerful opening song during their concerts, setting the tone for the rest of the show.
"Shepherd of Fire" is a significant track in Avenged Sevenfold's discography, showcasing their musical versatility and paying homage to the classic metal influences that have shaped their sound.