"St. James" is a song by American heavy metal band Avenged Sevenfold. The song is a tribute to the band's late drummer, The Rev, who died in December 2009. The song was released as a promotional single in 2013. It was featured on the deluxe edition of Hail to the King and the reissue of Diamonds in the Rough.

"St. James"
Song by Avenged Sevenfold
from the album Hail to the King & Diamonds in the Rough
ReleasedAugust 27, 2013[1]
Recorded2012 – 2013 (2012 – 2013)
Studio
  • Can-Am
  • (Los Angeles, California)
  • Capitol
  • (Hollywood, California)
GenreHeavy metal
Length5:01
LabelWarner Bros.
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)Mike Elizondo
Avenged Sevenfold singles chronology
"Hail to the King"
(2013)
"St. James"
(2013)
"Shepherd of Fire"
(2013)

Background

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"St. James" was written about Jimmy "The Rev" Sullivan, who was the group's drummer from their inception until his untimely death on December 28, 2009.[2]

"St. James" was first included on the deluxe edition of Hail to the King in 2013.[3] The song was obtainable through a download code included with the album, and also featured the message, "'St. James' is the light to 'So Far Away’s' dark. 'St. James' is a celebration of Jimmy 'The Rev' Sullivan's heart and color and should be listened to with your favorite beverage!”[4]

On February 7, 2020, Avenged Sevenfold re-released their b-sides album "Diamonds in the Rough.[5] "St. James," along with 4 other tracks, were added to the release,[6] which would mark the first time the song had been available on general streaming.[7]

Personnel

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Avenged Sevenfold

  • M. Shadows – lead vocals
  • Zacky Vengeance – rhythm guitar, backing vocals
  • Synyster Gates – lead guitar, backing vocals
  • Johnny Christ – bass guitar, backing vocals
  • Arin Ilejay – drums, percussion

Production

  • Mike Elizondo – production
  • Allen Wolfe – A&R
  • Joanna Terrasi – A&R
  • Brent Arrowood – assistant engineer
  • Chris Sporleder – assistant engineer
  • D.A. Frizell – illustrations, treatment
  • Adam Hawkins – engineer
  • Paul Suarez – pro-tools
  • Cam Rackman – paintings, portraits
  • Andy Wallace – mixer
  • Bob Ludwig – mastering engineer

Charts

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Chart (2013) Peak
position
UK Rock and Metal[8] 36
US Rock Digital Song Sales (Billboard)[9] 42
US Hard Rock Digital Song Sales (Billboard)[10] 2

References

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  1. ^ "Avenged Sevenfold – St. James". Discogs. Retrieved April 13, 2023.
  2. ^ "MTV Newsroom". Newsroom.mtv.com. December 29, 2009. Archived from the original on October 23, 2011. Retrieved October 28, 2011.
  3. ^ Price, Jeremy (March 27, 2023). "10 most criminally underrated Avenged Sevenfold songs". Alternative Press. Retrieved April 13, 2023.
  4. ^ "REVIEW: AVENGED SEVENFOLD – HAIL TO THE KING (DELUXE EDITION)". New Transcendence. Retrieved April 13, 2023.
  5. ^ Munro, Scott (January 17, 2020). "Avenged Sevenfold to reissue 2008's Live In The LBC and Diamonds In The Rough". Louder Sound. Metal Hammer. Retrieved April 13, 2023.
  6. ^ "Album Review: Avenged Sevenfold - 'Diamonds In The Rough'". The Mic Magazine. March 20, 2020. Retrieved April 13, 2023.
  7. ^ Lee, William (February 7, 2020). "Avenged Sevenfold Go Digital With 'Diamonds In The Rough'". Anti Music. Retrieved April 13, 2023.
  8. ^ "Official Rock & Metal Singles Chart Top 40". Official Charts. Retrieved April 14, 2023.
  9. ^ "Rock Digital Song Sales". Billboard. September 13, 2014. Retrieved December 12, 2016.
  10. ^ "Hard Rock Digital Song Sales". Billboard. September 13, 2014. Retrieved December 12, 2016.