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Learn to play Hail To The King on drums | by Avenged Sevenfold

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Technical details

Song name

Hail To The King

Difficulty

BPM

Time Signature

Decade

Genre

Drummer name

Arin Ilejay

Version

About the drummer

Arin Ilejay is an American drummer best known for his time with Avenged Sevenfold, where he served as the band's touring drummer from 2011 before becoming an official member in 2013. He performed on the album Hail to the King and helped the band transition following the loss of their legendary drummer, Jimmy 'The Rev' Sullivan. Before joining Avenged Sevenfold, Arin played with the metalcore band Confide, and later became the drummer for Islander. Raised in a musical family, he was exposed to rock, funk, jazz, and Latin music from an early age, giving him a versatile foundation that extends beyond heavy metal.

Drummer style

Arin Ilejay's drumming combines solid groove, precision, and musical restraint. While capable of highly technical playing, his work on Hail to the King intentionally favors straightforward, powerful drum parts inspired by classic heavy metal. His style emphasizes strong pocket playing, clean execution, and impactful fills that serve the song rather than showcasing excessive technicality. Outside of Avenged Sevenfold, his performances reveal greater versatility, incorporating influences from funk, jazz, Latin, and modern rock with more intricate ghost notes, syncopation, and dynamic phrasing. His approach reflects a drummer who values musicality, consistency, and versatility over flashy speed alone.

FAQ

Is Hail To The King suitable for beginners?
It’s more suited for beginners with some experience. Using features like tempo control and looping can help you learn it at your own pace.
Can I learn Hail To The King if I’m not very confident reading drum notation?
It’s possible to learn Hail To The King by ear, especially if you break it into sections. Over time, you’ll also improve your ability to read drum notation.
Do I need a full drum kit to play Hail To The King?
While the original version uses a full kit, you can simplify parts and still learn the structure and feel of Hail To The King.
How will learning Hail To The King improve my drumming skills?
By learning Hail To The King, you’ll work on coordination between your hands and feet, as well as transitions between grooves and fills.
What skills do I need before learning Hail To The King?
Even if you’re still developing these skills, you can learn Hail To The King step by step by slowing it down and practicing in sections.

Technical details

Song name

Hail To The King

Difficulty

Intermediate

BPM

110-119

Time Signature

4/4

Decade

2010's

Genre

Metal, Rock

Drummer name

Arin Ilejay

Version

Original

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Original
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