Avenged Sevenfold (AX7) are a bit of a sticking point in the world of Metal. "But they look all emo." Growl the 'true' metalheads who balk at anyone whose hair doesn't at least hang down to their waists. "But they've gone all metal." whine the scene kids, who then run off, looking for a scarf to weep in to. The truth is, despite their short fringes and tight T-shirts, this California five-piece couldn't be more metal if they had liquid iron running through their veins.

'City of Evil' is AX7's major label debut, featuring a different style to their last albums. The enigmatically named frontman M. Shadows is back with a brand new throat, after ruining it in the past with his screaming vocals. Now Shadows has decided that singing is the best policy and by Jove, he might just be right.
 
'City of Evil' is an air-guitarist's dream. It features harmony guitar lines that Iron Maiden would be jealous of, solos a certain Mr E.V. Halen would be chuffed with and the heaviest riffs this side of James Hetfield's wispy facial hair. Add to this the kind of pomp that not even Spinal Tap would dare try and you've got a killer metal album that practically oozes testosterone.

First track 'Beast and the Harlot' is like an immediate punch in the face. These guys mean business. You have it all. Heavy as hell riffs, lyrics about demons and naked women, and drumming that could only have been played by someone with eight legs. Or an octopus. And behind it all: Melody. Yes! Actual melody for once.

It's also amazing to hear a man with biceps roughly the size of Luxembourg sing such high notes. Ok, so Shadows may be mostly singing through his nose, but who cares? It works. You can tell him you don't like it if you want, but I don't rate your chances in an arm wrestling contest.

Every song has anthemic quality. This is the kind of music you can pump your fist to in a stadium or listen to while riding a Harley Davidson into a post apocalyptic landscape. I'm unable to convey quite how manly these songs are. If they were personified, you wouldn't mess with them. 'Trashed and Scattered' is case in point with non-relenting drum and bass hammering away at your brain for the full six minutes.

Many have pointed the finger at AX7 for wanting to be the new Guns n' Roses. 'Seize the Day' is the most obvious nod to Axl and co (It's got pianos and everything). The true standout track though is 'Strength of the World'. With an intro that could be used on a Spaghetti Western/Lord of the Rings crossover movie quite convincingly, and then a verse so metallic, magnets fly towards it. And, oh, the chorus. Group chants have never sounded quite this macho.

'City of Evil' is a true modern metal masterpiece. It's got everything a metal fan wants and more. Not many bands get away with impromptu flamenco guitar solos played at indecent speed, or sections of songs sung by 14-year-old choir members, but AX7 carry it out with aplomb. It's balls to the wall rock that takes you and impales you to said wall with the heaviest and sharpest piece of steel it can find. Go and buy it!