RATINGS:
METALLICA:
1.KILL'EM ALL (EXCELLENT) Released in 1983, Kill'em All was the debut album of the world's greatest
and most popular thrash band. From the very beginning, Metallica reinvented thrash
music and heavy metal in general. They transformed the mindless super-speed noise of
their influences and peers and turned it into an artform. Their music often shows incredible
depth, resonance, and complexity. Drawing from acts such as the Misfits, Moterhead, and
Diamondhead, Metallica used gothic imagery, intense velocity, and clever tempo changes
to create a music that is powerful and majestic. "The Four Horsemen" is probably the best
song on the album and shows Metallica's brilliant use of tempo changes. "Seek and
Destroy" is also a masterful work which reveals that Metallica has a keen sense of rhythm.
The relentless "No Remorse" makes clear Metallica's ability to accent a song in a way
which adds coherence to the music without losing any of the intensity.
2.RIDE THE LIGHTNING (EXCELLENT) Released in 1984, This album is just as amazing as the last.
It reveals a clear and proper use of tension. Sweet-sounding acoustic pieces are used to make
the heavy passages seem even heavier like in "Fight Fire with Fire." More complex
uses of tension are found on this album as well. Such is the case with "Fade to Black" which slowly builds in intensity
until reaching an exhilerating climax. "The Call of Ktulu" also shows off the incredible
talents of original bassist Cliff Burton. The two real highlights of the album are probably
"Creeping Death" and "For Whom the Bell Tolls" both of which are brimming with
intensity.
3.MASTER OF PUPPETS (EXCELLENT) Released in 1986, Master of Puppets reached Platinum status mostly on
word of mouth alone because at this time, Metallica was still receiving next to no airplay.
Like the last album, this one makes incredible use of tension building devices. All the
songs on this album have striking range and power. "Disposable Heroes" is a masterpiece
of emotional power and warlike intensity.
4....AND JUSTICE FOR ALL (EXCELLENT) Released in 1988, this album features new bassist Jason Newsted who
replaced Burton after he died when the band's tour bus wrecked. ...And Justice for All is
epic in proportion and a truly ambitious undertaking. The extended length of the songs
on this album does in no way diminish the album's impact. For instance, "To Live is To
Die," despite its ten minute length, never once drags. The two real gems on this
album are the gradually intensifying "One" and the deliciously dark "Harvester of Sorrow."
5.METALLICA (GOOD) Released in 1991, This album moved Metallica in a slightly new direction.
While much of the dark, brooding nature of the previous albums remains, many of the
songs seem to border on pop. This slight change did increase the appeal of the band. This
album made them superstars. Yet, some of the trademark tension-filled intensity is lost on
this album making it somewhat less tempting to the long-time fan. Nonetheless, songs like
"Enter Sandman," "Sad But True," "Wherever I May Roam," and "Through the Never"
are sure to please all fans. One even finds the subdued "Nothing Else Matters" highly
pleasing and melodic.
6.LOAD (FAIR) Released in 1996, Load moves Metallica even further in the direction they started
on in 1991. While a couple of songs maintain the old Metallica intensity, most of the
offerings here seem to be heavy pop songs. "Hero of the Day" lacks any style. "Mama
Said" borders on country and western. "Wasting My Hate" is a total disaster. Two songs
stand out on this album and at least show that Metallica has the capibility to continue to
make heavy metal songs of true depth, complexity, and intensity. These songs are the
powerful "Bleeding Me" and the fierce "Poor Twisted Me."
7. RELOAD (POOR) Released in 1997, Reload finds Metallica now firmly planted into the domain of "heavy pop." All remnants of the old Metallica sound have disappeared on this album. All the old complexities that made Metallica the greatest metal band of the 1980's are nowhere to be found on this album.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
1. Megadeth frontman Dave Mustaine was in Metallica until he was thrown out after the release of the band's first EP "Jump in the Fire."
2. Metallica released an EP called Garage Days Revisited which included the songs "Blitzkrieg" and "Am I Evil." It is no longer manufactured.
3. "Blitzkrieg" and "Am I Evil" appeared on a special edition of Kill'em All. The special edition is no longer manufactured.
4. Metallica released an EP called Creeping Death. It included such songs as "Creeping Death," "Blitzkrieg," and "Am I Evil." It is no longer manufactured.
5. Metallica released an EP called Garage Days Re-Revisited which included songs like "Crash Course in Brain Surgery" and "Last Caress/ Green Hell." It is no longer manufactured.
6. The songs "The Prince," "Breadfed," and "Stone Cold Crazy" were all B-sides on Metallica singles.
© 1997 t-specht@students.uiuc.edu
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