Spring Break
REVIEW: Masters of metal return
STARS: 4.5/5
Stephen Ortiz
Issue date: 9/11/08 Section: Focus
When Metallica released "Kill 'Em All" in 1983, drummer Lars Ulrich said it was all part of their plan on their path to "world domination." Little did he know how right he would be.
The band, pioneers of all things metal (it is in their name after all), has sold over 100 million records worldwide, had four No. 1 albums on the U.S. Billboard chart and won seven Grammy Awards to date. Their self-titled 1991 album has sold over 15 million copies worldwide. And despite falling off for a period, ("St. Anger" anyone?) who would have thought that 25 years later they'd still be able to pursue a second round at global dominion?
"Death Magnetic" is one of the most anticipated albums of the year and, to put it simply, it does not disappoint. Ditching their long time producer Bob Rock for the instant hit maker Rick Rubin, Metallica opted to take a big step back toward their origins for their ninth studio album. It would be almost impossible to recapture the raw sounds of "Master Of Puppets" and "Ride The Lightning," but they do make a valiant effort.
The theme of the album is supposed to be something about death, but it's really not that important. Instead, think of "Death Magnetic" as the revival of the band that set the standard for metal. The guitar work between James Hetfield and Kirk Hammett is furious and fast, with the two often trading solos and power chords at lightning speed. Ulrich's double bass and cymbal smashing will make you wonder how a man of his age can still do this, and as for bassist Robert Trujillo, well, he's there. But then again, when has bass ever played an integral role in Metallica?
At about a minute and a half into the album's opener, "That Was Just Your Life," Hetfield takes off and you know it's on. "Death Magnetic" maintains a thrasher's pace from start to finish. Seven of the album's 10 tracks are seven-plus minutes in length, and the best part is that it doesn't drag once.
"The Day That Never Comes," reminiscent of the half-ballad, half power-metal "One," is sure to be a favorite thanks to its strong chorus balance between the heavy and slow. "All Nightmare Long" acts as the spiritual successor to "Enter Sandman," complete with slow build-up that drops you into a maelstrom of riffs and bass drum.
On "Broken, Beat & Scarred," Hetfield roars triumphantly, "Whatever doesn't kill you will makes you more strong," and considering what the band has been through over the past decade, it couldn't be more true.
The band, pioneers of all things metal (it is in their name after all), has sold over 100 million records worldwide, had four No. 1 albums on the U.S. Billboard chart and won seven Grammy Awards to date. Their self-titled 1991 album has sold over 15 million copies worldwide. And despite falling off for a period, ("St. Anger" anyone?) who would have thought that 25 years later they'd still be able to pursue a second round at global dominion?
"Death Magnetic" is one of the most anticipated albums of the year and, to put it simply, it does not disappoint. Ditching their long time producer Bob Rock for the instant hit maker Rick Rubin, Metallica opted to take a big step back toward their origins for their ninth studio album. It would be almost impossible to recapture the raw sounds of "Master Of Puppets" and "Ride The Lightning," but they do make a valiant effort.
The theme of the album is supposed to be something about death, but it's really not that important. Instead, think of "Death Magnetic" as the revival of the band that set the standard for metal. The guitar work between James Hetfield and Kirk Hammett is furious and fast, with the two often trading solos and power chords at lightning speed. Ulrich's double bass and cymbal smashing will make you wonder how a man of his age can still do this, and as for bassist Robert Trujillo, well, he's there. But then again, when has bass ever played an integral role in Metallica?
At about a minute and a half into the album's opener, "That Was Just Your Life," Hetfield takes off and you know it's on. "Death Magnetic" maintains a thrasher's pace from start to finish. Seven of the album's 10 tracks are seven-plus minutes in length, and the best part is that it doesn't drag once.
"The Day That Never Comes," reminiscent of the half-ballad, half power-metal "One," is sure to be a favorite thanks to its strong chorus balance between the heavy and slow. "All Nightmare Long" acts as the spiritual successor to "Enter Sandman," complete with slow build-up that drops you into a maelstrom of riffs and bass drum.
On "Broken, Beat & Scarred," Hetfield roars triumphantly, "Whatever doesn't kill you will makes you more strong," and considering what the band has been through over the past decade, it couldn't be more true.
Viewing Comments 1 - 8 of 9
Tony
posted 9/11/08 @ 9:55 AM EST
I'm a Metallica fan again!
This is the album people have been waiting 17 years for the band to record. It fits perfectly between Justice and The Black Album. (Continued…)
james tran
posted 9/12/08 @ 3:28 AM EST
I am seriously disturbed about one of you comments. "When has bass ever played and integral role in Metallica?" Have you never heard of Cliff Burton? Get your facts straight before you write lies down. (Continued…)
fan
posted 9/12/08 @ 1:30 PM EST
This article is very similar to Rolling Stone's review. Editors take note.
Chris in Dayton
posted 9/12/08 @ 5:48 PM EST
How the HELL can you say that bass has never played an integral role in Metallica? Cliff Burton is going to rise from his grave and kick your ass, you better sleep with one eye open tonight, and for the rest of your life for that matter. (Continued…)
Bola
posted 9/12/08 @ 8:07 PM EST
I´m going to answer your question. In all their masterpieces, there´s where, by the prodigious hand of Cliff Burton, bass played an integral role in Metallica. (Continued…)
Justine Clowes
posted 3/02/09 @ 7:45 AM EST
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Sharon Theodoric
posted 3/23/09 @ 6:45 AM EST
Thank you for writing the article, I am very pleased with how it came out.
Wolf Mcfarlan
posted 4/16/09 @ 4:22 AM EST
Wait for next writes!
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