This Means War

Album: Hail to the King (2013)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Guitarist Synyster Gates told MusicRadar.com that for this song, "We wanted a really impactful, riff-based intro but one that would also feature our dual lead harmony approach. It's pretty cool how it fits into the slow groove of the track and just hammers through."

    Gates added that all his solos were improvised initially – the guitarist would go in, get his bearings and see what he came up with. For this song he, "was hearing something chaotic in the intro, a machine-gun spray that would build into something more melodic."
  • The song isn't about military warfare, rather it concerns the internal battles within our minds. Vocalist M. Shadows explained to Kerrang! magazine: "Lyrically, it's not about going to Iraq and shooting people. It's more about the war inside your head, and living with the decisions that you make that everyone's battling in their own way."
  • The song's music video was directed by Andrew Baird (Cage The Elephant, Carrie Underwood). The clip is described in the press release as "a grisly street fight on the dark streets of an urban metropolis. Haunted by dark creatures and lost souls."

Comments: 2

  • Jodie from MdWar, even of the mind, or in spite of it, is sad but true.
  • Spencer from Denver-coloradoI here this song on the radio a lot (mostly KBPI usa radio channel).
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Colbie Caillat

Colbie CaillatSongwriter Interviews

Since emerging from MySpace with her hit "Bubbly," Colbie has become a top songwriter, even crafting a hit with Taylor Swift.

How "A Rolling Stone Gathers No Moss" Became Rock's Top Proverb

How "A Rolling Stone Gathers No Moss" Became Rock's Top ProverbSong Writing

How a country weeper and a blues number made "rolling stone" the most popular phrase in rock.

Glen Burtnik

Glen BurtnikSongwriter Interviews

On Glen's résumé: hit songwriter, Facebook dominator, and member of Styx.

Ian Astbury of The Cult

Ian Astbury of The CultSongwriter Interviews

The Cult frontman tells who the "Fire Woman" is, and talks about performing with the new version of The Doors.

Christmas Songs

Christmas SongsFact or Fiction

Rudolf, Bob Dylan and the Singing Dogs all show up in this Fact or Fiction for seasonal favorites.

Boz Scaggs

Boz ScaggsSongwriter Interviews

The "Lowdown" and "Lido Shuffle" singer makes a habit of playing with the best in the business.