2008 Woodie Awards
Metallica makes up for St. Anger with Death Magnetic
LIAM PESCE
Issue date: 10/8/08 Section: Arts & Entertainment
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Believe it or not, heavy metal is one of the most criticized genres in the musical world due to its forward approach and unique sound. There are many classifications of this sound such as thrash, speed, power, death and alternative - to name a few. The fathers of this category revel in their success as well as the mention from many bands who have been influenced by them. Metallica is one of these bands who introduced the metal genre to the public and with their new album, Death Magnetic, they have regained the throne they once had.
Metallica has gone through many a phase in their long career. In their early days, a devastating 1986 bus accident forced the band to search for a new bass player, as Cliff Burton was killed. Jason Newsted stepped in, but soon the band was again forced to replace him with Robert Trujillo when Newsted left the band.
In 2003, Metallica released an album entitled St. Anger which proved to be nothing less than a tragedy. But their loyal fans sat and waited for the band to restore their metal faith. Death Magnetic, which was released in September, just may be the light at the end of the tunnel.
The first track, "That Was Just Your Life," opens with a steady heartbeat that avid Metallica fans will hear their own heart beating along with in anticipation of what is to come. When the crunching guitars kick in like a punch in the face, a satisfaction - one that has not been felt since 1991's self-titled "black" album - flows through the eardrums of many a listener.
With the drums sounding nothing like the tin cans reminiscent of their previous travesty, Lars Ulrich's sound is tight and consistent on almost every track - especially the album's first single, "The Day That Never Comes," which draws elements from 1988's …And Justice For All. At the five minute mark, there is nothing but pure shredding by guitarists James Hetfield and Kirk Hammett - a blessing considering what has happened in the past few years.
"All Nightmare Long" shows off the combination of Hetfield's growling fury as well as his melodic vocal styling. This album also marks the return of the infamous solos which are implemented flawlessly in songs such as "The Judas Kiss."
Viewing Comments 1 - 8 of 10
Casey Stelken
posted 10/08/08 @ 7:49 PM EST
This article by Liam Pesche hit the nail on the head ... unless you count his numerous insults to Metallica's other recent studio albums. I understand making a few pokes at St. (Continued…)
joe
posted 10/08/08 @ 11:34 PM EST
i agree with casey stelken on the st anger record its freakin good if you listen to it like he said pay attention to the song all within my hands and unnamed feeling you'll see what i'm talkin about
jack
posted 10/09/08 @ 10:23 AM EST
Death Magnetic is a kick ass album my friends.
ZombiePaul
posted 10/09/08 @ 1:14 PM EST
Newsted stepped in, but soon the band was again forced to replace him with Robert Trujillo when Newsted left the band."
"Soon"? If you consider "soon" to be well over a decade. (Continued…)
Gabriel Kelly
posted 10/09/08 @ 2:51 PM EST
I too am fed up with so called FANS slagging off St. Anger.As already noted,if any other band came out with St. Anger they would be called the next Metallica. (Continued…)
rick
posted 10/11/08 @ 7:38 PM EST
Lol, why do almost every site/newspaper kicks St.Anger in the face.
St.Anger is an awesome CD the real fans know this.
so lets stop pointing at St.Anger. (Continued…)
Ahmad 'th3_damn3d' Zikri
posted 10/18/08 @ 6:35 PM EST
what can you expect from a critic? they criticize. that's their job. and sometimes it makes you feel to hit those critics hard in their faces. a true fan will never fell disappointed. (Continued…)
mokerock
posted 10/21/08 @ 2:23 PM EST
St. Anger???? Hm.. I one listened to one song from that album and erased it from my comp, others from that Album I never listened to. It's not worth of mentioning in any way. (Continued…)
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