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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?
Hail To The King is better suited for intermediate to advanced drummers. However, it can be a great long-term goal as your skills improve.
Can I learn Hail To The King if I’m not very confident reading drum notation?
Yes — our interactive player makes it much easier. You can watch, listen, slow things down, and gradually get familiar with the notation as you play.
Do I need a full drum kit to play Hail To The King?
While some fills may require toms or cymbals, the core of Hail To The King can be practiced on a smaller kit.
How will learning Hail To The King improve my drumming skills?
Hail To The King helps you develop a solid sense of groove and consistency. You’ll practice staying locked in with the beat while maintaining control over your dynamics.
What skills do I need before learning Hail To The King?
Before learning Hail To The King, it helps to be comfortable with basic grooves, simple fills, and maintaining steady timing.

Technical details

Song name

Hail To The King

Difficulty

Easy

BPM

110-119

Time Signature

4/4

Decade

2010's

Genre

Metal, Rock

Drummer name

Arin Ilejay

Version

Simplified

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Related Songs

Original
Avenged Sevenfold

Hail To The King

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Length: 5:07
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Easy to Intermediate
Length: 2:56
Original
The Cure

In Between Days

Intermediate to Advanced
Length: 2:56
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