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133 Reviews
Metallica is on the way back up
Metallica's instrumentation is far better than what they've been trying to feed us with their last four albums. They haven't quite restored the edginess they had when they were young, but who knows if that could ever happen. My main thought was this: James used to sing with sorrow. He sounded like he was trying to get a point across. Now he sounds like he's trying to make money. However, his singing is actually quite good in comparison to the vocals on the other recent albums. The engineering decision to use AutoTune on him was a bad one. I'll leave it at that.
The engineering isn't the WORST I've ever heard, but I made better mixes when I was an amateur. The kick drum is equalized incorrectly and it makes subwoofers distort and flap before they can even begin to start putting out any notable bass. The bass guitar? Basically non-existent. The only time I could hear it is when he was the only one playing, or when the over-compression popped him through the spaces between the drums when the guitars were resting. The overall mix is SO COMPRESSED that it is audibly distorted to even the most untrained ear. It's quite sad.
This is a collaboration of some of the most famously talented people in the music industry, which took YEARS. How on God's green Earth did no one notice that the album was over compressed and had a bad EQ job? It's mixed better than their eighties albums, but nowhere near as punchy and tight as the self-titled album (not saying anything about the music on that album).
I've done nothing but talk smack about Metallica for the last decade. I hated their "new sound" featured on "Load", "Re-Load", "St. Anger" and whatever that other one that sucked was called. This album is highly rooted in their old sound, with some of their maturity added to the song structure. It isn't their best by any means, and I'd absolutely love listening to it if I weren't constantly reminded how much I hate the mix. Why so cynical? It's Metallica. I expect a lot.
If you wind up wildly disappointed with this album and feel like you're going to go into shock because you really need a fix of new Metallica music, and you wish it sounded heavier and more talented, go pick up a Trivium album. ~Read full review...
Metallica's Best Studio Album
If the disappointing St. Anger is Metallica's Let It Be, Death Magnetic can be considered their Abbey Road, the last album recorded with their original label Elektra. Like Abbey Road, Death Magnetic is both a "back to basics" style retrospective as well as a new direction for the band. At first, most of the songs sound very similar (except for "The Day That Never Comes" and "The Unfprgiven III" which sound similar to each other). This is not for the "Short Attention Span Theater" crowd, as the shortest song is 5 minutes and the longest 10. My only complaint is the bass. It's far too subtle. The creatively forceful tone of Jason Newstead (who as far as I'm concerned is the all time best Bassist!), as well as the melodic rhythm of Cliff Burton are sorely missing. I hope Robert Trujillo will work out his kinks in time for the next, or it's St. Anger (with pathetic "bass" by producer Bob Rock) all over again. Don't be put off by the recording style. It adds an acid washed grittiness that adds to the albums anti-religious theme. (This is reality versus the fake, puffy "hope" of religious sap.)Overall, this is their best studio album to date, and only topped by the immortally great S&M.Read full review...
Metallica crushes the competition and gains approval!
I'm a reader of BLABBERMOUTH.NET much like it's my daily newspaper. I've been a metal-head since 1980 and never looked back. Blabbermouth always keeps me in the know of what goes on in the world of hard-rock/metal, and that makes me happy, and oftentimes makes me laugh.
You can post comments on the threads and read them, and laugh a lot.
The one band that tends to always get the most replies is Metallica.
And now with the odd FRIDAY release date of Death Magnetic, the boards are rampant with opinions and assholes.
So here's my opinion.
I love Death Magnetic's first and last songs from production (except the snare could be a little bit quieter) to the song writing and everything about "This Was Just Your Life" and "My Apocalypse" are fucking jarring and kick ass - as far as the stuff between those two songs, there's some really good stuff in there, and there some kinda ok/boring stuff in there - but by no means did I expect Ride The Lightning or anything of that nature.
I love that James Hetfield sounds truly angry and not just "macho" for lack of a better term. His bark is much cooler than the yodeling yahoo guy who sounds like he's basically singing some really angry country music. It's more the Black album sounding James.
The riff/arrangements take you a little back to the ...And Justice For All days. Some of it is simply BADASS, and other bits are like "yeah... could have done without hearing that EIGHT times, maybe four would have been enough."
Someone went through and cut the album up and chopped out what they thought was the "excess fat" from the record and released a version called "Death Magnetic - Chopped, Shorter, Better" and there's actually some really good ideas behind some of those cuts. It makes the already brutal "My Apocalypse" more "Damage Inc." sounding which is waaay cool.
For a band that's been out of the game and basically going from being the supreme kings of THRASH METAL to being this ginormous "groove-rock" thing they were in the 90's, it's a nice balance of the two. Thankfully while we had Metallica-lite in the 90's we were fortunate enough to be blessed with the mighty Pantera during METALlica's absence.
However, as much as I hated Load & Re-Load in the past, because of this record, I revisited those albums and found good qualities about them - only with the mindset that this was not METALLICA that I grew up listening to, but a whole other group rocking out some pretty heavy grooves. With that mentality, I found I could actually listen to some of the songs and enjoy them.
I was still unable to do that on St. Anger though. Man... that's a tough record to like. That snare is so distracting!
Certainly nothing can and will ever revisit the glory days of the first 4 albums, but when you're nearly twice the age than you were when you wrote that material, it's incredibly difficult to relate to the same things, or keep writing the same things.
I'm in my 30's, and most of my very best writing material came from when I was in high-school through my early 20's because my experiences during that time in my life were so much more intense. And "feelings" as younger people trying to voice opinions are often much more "vehement" and "important" when you're 19 than when you're 36 or whatever.
It's nice to see the band try out an instrumental again. It's been forever since we've seen one of those from them.
Overall it's a very very good record that's worth the $10.00 that you'll spend here...Read full review...
Better Than St. Anger But Not As Good As The Old Stuff
I have listened to this entire album about 5 times and I definitely think that it is not too bad. Death Magnetic is without question better than St. Anger, considering that was one of the worst albums to come out in a long time, but Death Magnetic in my opinion is not as good as the old school Metallica and nothing ever will be. James Hetfield's vocals have gone way downhill since their awesome previous albums(excluding St. Anger); you can tell that he's gettin' old. Death Magnetic has got some good solos and guitar riffs and sounds very good, but to me it feels like the vocals are slightly lacking. Overall, definitely not a bad album and worth the money to buy it if you are a Metallica fan, but if you're not the biggest fan I would wait for the chance to borrow it from a friend or just download it. 7/10. My personal favorite song from the album would have to be #1: That Was Just Your Life.Read full review...
The triumphant return of the real Metallica
Although it is not Master Of Puppets or Ride the Lightning, Death Magnetic is much better than the last few albums Metallica did with producer Bob Rock. Nobody wants to own up to the fact that Bob Rock almost completely ruined Metallica's music style. Although I do give Rock credit for influencing Metallica's Black Album, and Motley Crue's Dr. Feelgood album. The years that followed these two triumphant albums has shown Rock destroying more bands careers than enhancing them. Case in point--the new Offspring Album, the self titled Motley Crue album, Metallica's load, reload, St. Anger (Need I say more).
Death Magnetic shows a return to what made Metallica so great in their early years. 7 minute songs with assaulting Guitars and Drums. Robert Trujillo is a perfect bass player for Metallica. Do not know why people are griping about him. He may not be Cliff Burton, but he does play bass much much better than Jason Newstead.
Much of this is evident in "All Nightmare Long" which some are calling "Enter Sandman II". I cannot see this as being true, it reminds me more of "Disposable Heroes" from the Master Of Puppets album. About the only song that almost kept me from buying this album was "Cyanide" which sounds much like the junk from "Load & Reload" albums.
Also a much needed return for Metallica is a full-on instrumental "Suicide & Redemption". Featuring a style not heard since the days of the "Justice" album. But before everybody thinks the entire album is glamorous, think again.
One of my gripes against the new album is the track "Unforgiven 3". Wasn't "Unforgiven 2 enough of this title and style. THere are also a couple of other songs that show the signs of Bob Rock's influence over the years, but the majority is straight edge old school Metallica which is why this non-perfect album received a 5 star rating from me.
At least this is one Metallica Album, I am glad I bought, unlike Load & Reload.Read full review...
great cd!
I remember when "Master of Puppets" was the new album, I had played my cassette of "Whiplash EP" to the point where it was worn and wobbled. I won't say "Master" wasn't awesome, but I was always partial to "Ride the Lightning." So when every new Metallica has come out in the last 22 years and people keep comparing them to "Master" I just say, chill out and let it stand on its merit.
What's hard is that Metallica will admit that "Load" "Re-Load" and "St. Anger" where not high-points in their career. Infighting, bickering, the firing / quitting of J. Newkid left the band "Broken, beaten and Scarred" Unfortunately with the exception of the exceptional "Symphony" disks and "Garage Inc." those three records represent in years, over half of Metallica's career. Is it any wonder then, that with Uber-Producer Rick Ruben at the helm "Death Magnetic" has become the single most anticipated Metallica Album ever?
As for the album, those of us who grew up with "Ride" "Master" and "Justice" will recognize the song pattern. While "Death Magnetic" has two more tracks (being it was recorded for 80min CD world, not the 45min vinyl one) the placement of the songs is very telling and familiar to those older records. The first track "That was just your life" starts quiet (heart beat, wobling guitar) and then suddenly burst in your face. The second track is about addiction and death (master = addiction, ride = death). The third track slows it down and is more grinding and heavy ("Bells" "Thing" Sad but True") and the fourth track is a ballad with a heavy second half ("Fade" "Sanitarium" "One") The second to last track is an instrumental ("Orion" "to live is to die") The last song is a ripper ("damage inc." "Dyers Eve").
Unlike "Load" and "Reload", "Death Magnetic" avoids the bluesy, dirty grinding songs, and unlike "St. Anger" this one aims for strong hooks, harmonies structure and flow.
"Death Magnetic" is not a new "Master" but rather a culmination of everything these guys have every done. While many songs will remind listeners of "Justice" "Broken, Beat and Scarred" is reminiscent of "St. Anger" with its chants of "what don't kill ya, makes ya more strong" and riffing rather than solos. "Unforgiven III" is far closer to "Unforgiven II" on re-load than the original. The Guitar has that same bluesy, flowing feel and the eastern influence that gave the original its greatest strengths are completely washed away by familiar metal riffing. Not to say the song isn't good, but without the late Michael Kamen the orchestration just doesn't life the song the way it should and the chorus builds and builds but doesn't crest, it keeps feeling like there should be more, some kind of heavy release that never comes. "My Apocalypse" closes the album by channeling "Slayer" as Metallica tries and fails to go back to "Kill `em All." Not that the song doesn't rock, it's heavy, fast and awesome closer, but the feel is forced and the song feels tacked on to a mostly mid to fast-mid tempo album.
The biggest shocker here may be the 10 min (and longest song) "Suicide and Redemption" the bands first instrumental in 20 years. This is the best they've done since "Ktulu", it's got more energy than "Orion" or "To live is to Die" but lacks the kind of expressionist solos you'd expect from such an epic. However, the ten minutes goes by fast! I had listened to the CD four or five times before I realized the song had no lyrics!!!Read full review...
Major Clipping... Horrible mix, but great Music...
This review is bittersweet. So please take note that I have been a HUGE Metallica fan for 25 years. I saw them live for the first time when I was 7 years old. I've seen them live 37 times, and have actually gotten to be in the same room with them a few times. They are a band that I respect VERY much, and I always will.
HOWEVER, this album sounds like garbage. The final mix for the album cut is brickwalled, and distorts, clips, and cannot be listened to for more than a few minutes at a time without causing actual aural discomfort.
That is why I am giving it an "Average" rating. The whole experience of the album is dampened because there is absolutely no decent dynamic range to be found.
A few songs can be tolerated somewhat if you REALLY tweak your EQ and don't turn the level past 4 or 5 on a decent stereo system. What's the point of owning a METALLICA COMEBACK album, if you can't crank it up and annoy the neighbors with it?
Now... I am not trashing the album content. The songs are AMAZING, and a VERY welcome change from the travesty of "St. Anger" (Guys I love ya, but St Anger sucked...).
A tear came to my eye when I first heard This album. I was so relieved when it actually sounded like METALLICA again. Rob's inception into the Metallica family is something that I consider a saving grace. His bass chops on all the songs on the album are BRUTAL and I dig it!
Kirk Hammet gets some time in the Solo sun! FINALLY! We missed ya man!
If you can get past the distortion (not the good kind) and the clipping caused by the sub par mix, the album is a joyride through the ages and the trials and tribulations of the Well oiled machine that is Metallica.
Every song on the album has a definite nod to other great songs by this band from every album they have given the world. It's good to hear tht, because it shows that they have really grown. It's good to hear James singing, but still getting that Hetfield Growl that we all love at the same time. Lars is back on the double bass drum engine, providing raw horsepower to the Metallica machine. However, the clipping, and distortion take a LOT away from the Dynamic feel to the beats.
The Guitars sound great, and it's good to see that James is still keeping it real with his rhythm guitar work, and even stepping into some lead work and soloing!
Kirk's Solo and lead work are as always amazing. Mr Satriani taught him well, and he has taken that knowledge and melded it into a style all his own.
Rob... FINGERSTYLE BASS! He brings something that was lacking back into the mix. Don't get me wrong. I loved Jason Newstead's style, and his sound was HUGE. But Rob brings back a little of the Old School "Burton years" Metallica feel. Cliff was an amazing bassist, and A LOT of his sound is translated well through Rob. In my opinion, Rob fits nicely into the Family, and I couldn't see anyone else taking up the Thunder better.
To the guys in Metallica: PLEASE REMASTER THIS ALBUM! Show us fans some love eh?
Can't wait to see ya in Indy on Sept 17th!Read full review...
OK record, but NOT the best!
I really fell for all the "PC" when everyone announced that this was the best Metallica album in years! I really don't think so. I listened to the entire album about 8 or 9 times already................and if was not Metallica I would have disregarded this record after the first review of it.
I believe this record is "lacking". The drums seem very "fill-in", it seems like Lars is trying to get as much drum rolls as possible, he's trying so hard not to be stock. The guitar work is also lacking.....their is no drive in the entire album. The guitar sounds like tin. No deep, rich sound coming from this album. In addition, James' voice sounds "off". It's just not James! In any event, I dont want to "strike" Metallica off the list...................Its still Metallica! But I only found 2 songs that caught my ear....that's all! I think this record is OK! I think its only worth a couple of ITunes downloads....dont waste your $.Read full review...
Metallica Death Magnetic
I have been a Metallica fan since the '80's with "Ride the Lightning" being the first Metallica album I listened to. A year later they came out with "And Justice For All" I was already hooked with "Ride The Lightning" but with "And Justice For All" the claws of Metallica sunk in even deeper, I was hooked on Metallica for life. I realized they had a few other albums that I didnt have, "Master Of Puppets" and "Kill em All". I bought both right away. Even to this day I listen to Metallica more than I do any other band. Just put "Master Of Puppets" in in the morning and it is just as good as two double shots of espresso, really pumps me up.
When Metallica came out with the black Metallica album I had to rush out and get that one too. With this album it seemed like Metallica was making a transition into a slightly softer form of Thrash Metal. None the less in my opinion the black album was a success. When they came out with "Load" I lost interest in Metallica, seems like they were experimenting with a different form of music. It wasn't the same Metallica that I came to love. I stuck with listening to Metallica music but just listened to the Metallica albums from "Kill em All" to the black album. There are a lot of awesome songs from that era.
Recently I purchased the "Death Magnetic" album. I am really impressed with this album. Some of it reminds me of "Kill em All" and other songs remind me of the black album. I particularly like "All Nightmare Long" and "Suicide and Redemption". Although "Orion" from "Master of Puppets" is my all time favorite!! Metallica song. Lots of bass!!
I would like to congratulate James, Lars, Kirk and Rob for making a come back with their newest "Death Magnetic" album. I now have a new Metallica album with lots of awesome songs to pump me up in the morning.Read full review...
Frantic tick tock, tick, tick, tick, tock
Better than their last crappy album St. Anger. No garbage can lid drum sound and no whiny vocals. Why'd ya do it? This is a decent last death thrash from this band. These days, there's alot more extreme music that's faster, heavier, and more aggressive and Metallica put out a more radio style heavy rock. It's not the 1980's anymore when these guys were the cutting edge. The songs are good but they're not orgasmic. It's not edgy, these guys have lost most of their edge. I hear ramblings of veganism, yoga, one week on tour one week off because of the kids in their interviews. The 30ish, 40ish receding hairline, overweight, flab on her ass crowd will love this album because it reflects their tiredishness and final conformity into society. As you get older, it's all about how much money you have and how much you can blend into the crowd. As for the young and young at heart, the heavy metal torch is passed to you. Keep the flame alive.Read full review...