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By Mike Porciello
Is this the Metallica album that we've been waiting for?
After the disappointing "St. Anger", people began to wonder,
what was left in the tank for the Bay Area Thrashers. Seriously, that was
one "ugly' album, in terms of the polished "prettiness",
that "Load", and "Reload" brought to us. So for all of
you old school 'Tallica heads, who've turned your backs on the band, after
the black album, I say to you this: GIVE THIS ONE A CHANCE!
Vocalist, Rhythm
guitarist James Hetfield's voice is in fine form again, as he belts 'em
out, and combines his approach, with straight up singing, as he's done on
Metallica's recent studio efforts. "That Was Just Your Life",
starts it out with doom, and right away we're introduced to the power of
newcomer Bassist Rob Trujillo (whose resume includes Suicidal Tendencies, Infectious
Grooves, and Ozzy, just to name a few), who also fills this album with
elements of funk and slap not seen since the likes of the late and great
Cliff Burton. (No disrespect to Jason Newsted, and even producer Bob Rock,
who played Bass on "St. Anger"
"Death Magnetic" really is not a reinvention of the world's most
popular thrash metal band, as it is merely four guys having fun. Three
songs in, my personal favorite "Broken, Beat, and Scarred", with
it's mini-staccato groove three verses in to the instrumental intro, and
you quickly realize that is all about "NEW" Metallica! And yes,
I say that with a smile, for it sounds like a band who have made a
concentrated effort to bring forth a heavier sound, yet keep the melody
intact. Oh yeah, did I mention guitar solos? Tons! James and Kirk trade
off on quite a few, and damn, James ain't that bad either!
"The Day That Never Comes", and "Cyanide", the album's
two most leaked tracks to the internet, serve the populous of the heavy
Metallica fan base, and those of the lighter, more epic Metallica fan base.
If I do have to talk smack about one track, it undoubtedly is "The
Unforgiven 3". What the hell is up with that one? Well anyway,
"Suicide and Redemption" is instrumental, and is the second to
last track (like the days of the old!), and this one, although wordless,
literally talks to you, as James and Kirk let their guitars sing the song.
"My Apocalypse" ends it out old school.
Overall, I give it 8 out of 10 bullets. Let's face it, we may never see
another "Kill 'Em All", "Ride The Lightning", or
"Master Of Puppets", but if "Death Magnetic" has to be
compared to any other Metallica album, then I would have to say it makes a
great sequel to "And Justice For All". Me? I prefer Metallica
when it sounds like the whole band is working together to, again, stay
heavy, but keep the rhythm. That to me, is their best work. Lars Ulrich
kicks it up a notch, and brings quite a bit of double bass to the playing
field too. So,like I said, give this one a chance, and PLAY IT LOUD! I
know you'll like it. On a level of talent, it may their best yet, but
personally, nothing beats "Master Of Puppets".
www.metallica.com
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