TeamRock Radio and Metal Hammer Magazine backed A7X all the way in the run-up to the album's release. It's their first with no input from late drummer Jimmy 'The Rev' Sullivan, who died in 2009 but had already contributed to 2010's Nightmare. He's been replaced by Arin Ilejay.

"It's been a hell of a ride thus far, Having our first number one album in the UK is a monumental achievement for our fans and us," Guitarist Zacky Vengeance said last night. "I remember playing the 100 Club to prove to our fans we were willing to start from the ground up to earn their respect."

And his message to followers was: "Thank you for putting heavy metal back on the throne. We look forward to growing old with you."