"Carry On" is a song by the American heavy metal band Avenged Sevenfold, featured on the Call of Duty: Black Ops II soundtrack and later included as a bonus track on the band's sixth studio album, Hail to the King.
The song was written by Avenged Sevenfold specifically for Call of Duty: Black Ops II and plays during the game's closing credits. Lyrically, "Carry On" addresses themes of perseverance, resilience in the face of adversity, and the importance of camaraderie, mirroring themes present within the Black Ops II narrative. The lyrics focus on encouraging listeners to keep fighting and moving forward despite challenges.
Musically, "Carry On" blends Avenged Sevenfold's signature hard rock and heavy metal sound with elements of anthemic rock. It features strong vocal melodies, powerful guitar riffs, and a driving rhythm section, contributing to its uplifting and motivational tone. The song has a relatively straightforward structure compared to some of the band's other compositions, making it accessible to a wider audience.
"Carry On" was generally well-received by fans and critics. Its inclusion in Call of Duty: Black Ops II exposed the song to a vast audience, contributing to its popularity. Although not a traditional single, its presence on the soundtrack and subsequent release on Hail to the King solidified its place within Avenged Sevenfold's discography.