Metallica - Death Magnetic

[Chris Fallon]

Metallica - Death Magnetic
Record Label: Warner Bros.
Release Date: September 12, 2008

Anytime you see a band that used to be nicknamed "Alcoholica" -- due to their excessive consumption of booze -- crying and going through a group therapy session in a documentary ... your perspective on them is going to change quite a bit. Imagine Slipknot or Mudvayne ten years down the road, holding a throw pillow and wiping tears away from underneath their rubber masks. Are you going to be nearly as intimidated when you listen to their double-bass drum gallops and rough-necked vocal growls? Even Dr. Phil would seem more frightening ... well, more than he already is.

After a progressive downslide after their 1991 eponymous breakthrough, San Francisco metal icons Metallica went through Southern-rock-influenced back-to-back releases (Load & Reload), a two-disc collection of covers (Garage, Inc.), a battle with internet pirates (Napster) and a duet with a symphony (S&M) before pathetically trying to "go back to their roots" with 2003's tragic St. Anger, which had some good ideas executed terribly ("Frantic"; "Some Kind of Monster"). Blame it on ex-bassist Jason Newsted's departure or blame it on longtime producer Bob Rock -- hell, even blame the band themselves for internal problems which led to the aforementioned documentary. The point is, St. Anger will long be remembered for it's empty-headed aggression and undoing everything Metallica had come to be during their (at that point) nearly 25 year career.

Once the band regrouped and recruited former Suicidal Tendencies/Ozzy Osbourne bass player Robert Trujillo, they took some time off to focus on writing a new record, a cohesive album much like their older works (Kill 'Em All through ...And Justice For All). Celebrated producer Rick Rubin was brought aboard and told the band to "make Master of Puppets part 2," which in itself is an improbable feat. You wouldn't ask The Who to make Quadrophenia again -- because it's simply not the same band writing it. Thankfully for Metallica, they've come about as close as possible.

Death Magnetic is a truly surprising album, revisiting their technical Justice days and mainstream Black days, balancing between accessible and aggression. The first chord of "That Was Just Your Life" reminds one of the band's first MTV hit, "One," before ripping into your typical Metallica blast of sonic energy. The band takes its sweet time to build on rhythms, with guitarist Kirk Hammett and bassist Trujillo taking the reigns over James Hetfield's fading growl and Lars Ulrich's rather lazy drumming (which still doesn't sound quite right production-wise). With ten songs adding up to 74 minutes (the shortest track is five minutes), it makes for a plethora of musical arrangements -- and to be honest, it's refreshing to hear such enormous riffs, long jams and broken structures (no verse/chorus/verse arrangements here).

Ten minute "Suicide & Redemption" is a slow burning juggernaut; "All Nightmare Long" is a rip-roaring cavalcade of swirling guitars and double-bass tidal waves; "Broken, Beaten & Scarred" is easily one of the most jam-happy rubber-burning cuts the band has recorded in years; first single "The Day That Never Came" is one of the weaker numbers here, but a very good indication of what the band has prepared here. Simply enough, there is hardly a weak song in the bunch -- "The Unforgiven III" seems a bit unnecessary though -- and while the lyrical topic of death is somewhat vague at times, what's on display here is not Hetfield's way with words. It's simply going to be a riot to see how these fathers and husbands play these barn-burners live on stage (Hammett especially).

"Dr. Phillica" is no more -- the icons have passed their midlife crisis and gotten their groove back (much like Stella), eager to regain some of the fans who left them after the Black Album backlash they received in 1991. While it's not exactly perfect, it's good enough to call a return to form, easily the band's all-around best since 1988.

If anyone can kickstart the metal genre back to where it belongs, it has to be the thrash metal godfathers (no, not grandfathers) -- love 'em or hate 'em ... or kill 'em all (I couldn't resist).

Metallica (pre-Black Album). They're pretty much in a league all their own."All Nightmare Long," "Broken, Beat & Scarred" and "The End of the Line"

1. That Was Just Your Life
2. The End of the Line
3. Broken, Beat & Scarred
4. The Day That Never Comes
5. All Nightmare Long
6. Cyanide
7. The Unforgiven III
8. The Judas Kiss
9. Suicide & Redemption
10. My ApocalypseJames Hetfield: lead vocals/rhythm guitar
Kirk Hammett: lead guitar/backing vocals
Robert Trujillo: bass/backing vocals
Lars Ulrich: drums/percussion

Official Site (http://www.metallica.com) | Official Myspace (http://www.myspace.com/metallica)Amazon Mp3 (http://www.amazon.com/Death-Magnetic/dp/B001FEA9QU/ref=dm_ap_alb1)

[Drew Beringer]

great review Chris! I really dig this album.

[abusedcat]

Such a comeback.

[WarpSpeedChewy]

Great review. I'm glad to see them come back.

[Plus155]

Very fair review.

Great album, hope it gets rid of some of those haters

[Özgür Kurtoglu]

Welcome home, Metallica. Getting this today, without a doubt.

[mrogerslives]

Not quite harsh enough, and lets not forget about the giant bomb before this piece of shit St. Anger. Arent Metallica fans like 35 now? There is better metal, this reminds me of the spice girls reunion last year.

[Özgür Kurtoglu]

Not quite harsh enough, and lets not forget about the giant bomb before this piece of shit St. Anger. Arent Metallica fans like 35 now? There is better metal, this reminds me of the spice girls reunion last year.

There are as many better bands out there as there are grains of sand on a beach. There will always be someone who does something better than than you or your band, so that argument probably doesn't mean anything to alot of people. Metallica-fans will probably buy this and Death Magnetic will most likely debut at #1 virtually everywhere.

[two_days_slow]

I for one, thought the cd is absolutely what I wanted. It sounds raw, hits hard, and the songs are long long loooonnnnnggggg.

[Chris Fallon]

Not quite harsh enough, and lets not forget about the giant bomb before this piece of shit St. Anger. Arent Metallica fans like 35 now? There is better metal, this reminds me of the spice girls reunion last year.
Did you not read the review? I think I was harsh enough - but being a Metallica fan, why would I completely rip them when they've come back in such a big way?

I don't see how age matters when it comes to a band's fans. Metallica reaches out to old and new fans alike - are you going to say only 60 year olds enjoy the Stones then? Name me some better metal - all the bands influenced by Metallica will gladly tell you they pale to them. Metal is a boring genre these days - it's good to see something that isn't repetitive come out of the genre.

[EchoPark]

Another well thought out and well written review by Mr.Fallon,hats off to you.

And I couldn't agree more, this album has brought back in me the feelings I had when listening to ...And Justic For All and Black Album when I was 13 and 14. I sort of stuck by them through the Load/Reload stuff but St.Anger was the straw.

Great to hear them back to what they do best. This is a killer album.

[Özgür Kurtoglu]

Did you not read the review? I think I was harsh enough - but being a Metallica fan, why would I completely rip them when they've come back in such a big way?

I don't see how age matters when it comes to a band's fans. Metallica reaches out to old and new fans alike - are you going to say only 60 year olds enjoy the Stones then? Name me some better metal - all the bands influenced by Metallica will gladly tell you they pale to them. Metal is a boring genre these days - it's good to see something that isn't repetitive come out of the genre.

Mastodon is one who in my eyes are better at the moment than Metallica are, but they'll never agree with me on that, obviously. But you're right about metal being kind of boring these days. Save for Mastodon, The Dillinger Escape Plan (who are still closer to hardcore than metal..) and Between The Buried and Me nothing really interests me anymore.

[Hamlet]

This band still exists?

[Özgür Kurtoglu]

This band still exists?

No. This is referring to another band called Metallica.

[Chris Fallon]

Another well thought out and well written review by Mr.Fallon,hats off to you.

And I couldn't agree more, this album has brought back in me the feelings I had when listening to ...And Justic For All and Black Album when I was 13 and 14. I sort of stuck by them through the Load/Reload stuff but St.Anger was the straw.

Great to hear them back to what they do best. This is a killer album.
Thank you -- and I'm with ya. Until St. Anger, I continued to stick by them ... I don't even think Load is too bad a record. Good to know they realized how much they needed to hit one outta the ballpark.

Mastodon is one who in my eyes are better at the moment than Metallica are, but they'll never agree with me on that, obviously. But you're right about metal being kind of boring these days. Save for Mastodon, The Dillinger Escape Plan (who are still closer to hardcore than metal..) and Between The Buried and Me nothing really interests me anymore.
I agree with you a lot, man - we share the same viewpoints most of the time.

All three of the bands you name are directly influenced by Metallica in one way or another (although DEP is a bit more progressive). They do different kinds of metal, really - not as cookie-cutter, not as redundant, not as messy.

[Özgür Kurtoglu]

I agree with you a lot, man - we share the same viewpoints most of the time.

All three of the bands you name are directly influenced by Metallica in one way or another (although DEP is a bit more progressive). They do different kinds of metal, really - not as cookie-cutter, not as redundant, not as messy.

Any fan of the Caper is a friend of mine, simple as that. On that note, I just received Blaze, Resolve and a Live in a Dive poster last week after ordering them last november, haha. I feel like a little kid aching to skateboard all day now.

Mastodon are probably the one of those three bands that actually sound somewhat like Metallica, and I really hoped that Metallica had taken a page out of their book for this album. Obviously, they didn't but Death Magnetic still sounds really good, I have to go get it later today...

I haven't gotten into Colors yet but I'm a big fan of The Dillinger Escape Plan. I struggled for 2 years after the release of Miss Machine and finally decide that I really like it. Did you happen to see the t-shirt offers they had on their myspace, with the custom designs for each song off of Ire Works? The 82588 shirt was a point-by-point ripoff of the ...And Justice For All-cover and Greg had written a blogpost pleading Lars not to sue them. Gotta love it.

[fran.182]

Good album!

[Sarbear]

Yep, I was totally over at your apartment while you wrote that review :) But another amazing review as always. You never cease to amaze me, sir!:sneakkiss:

[Poochemist]

Good review, and I'd have to agree with you on your major points. There are only a couple songs that I have not heard yet (I'll be picking this up once stores open), but everything that Metallica put on their website last week sounded refreshing after all that St. Anger crap. It's nice to hear songs that are long, yes, but not for the sake of being long (like nearly every St. Anger song). The songs are interesting and a lot more captivating than those on this album's predecessor.

[Chris Fallon]

Any fan of the Caper is a friend of mine, simple as that. On that note, I just received Blaze, Resolve and a Live in a Dive poster last week after ordering them last november, haha. I feel like a little kid aching to skateboard all day now.

Mastodon are probably the one of those three bands that actually sound somewhat like Metallica, and I really hoped that Metallica had taken a page out of their book for this album. Obviously, they didn't but Death Magnetic still sounds really good, I have to go get it later today...

I haven't gotten into Colors yet but I'm a big fan of The Dillinger Escape Plan. I struggled for 2 years after the release of Miss Machine and finally decide that I really like it. Did you happen to see the t-shirt offers they had on their myspace, with the custom designs for each song off of Ire Works? The 82588 shirt was a point-by-point ripoff of the ...And Justice For All-cover and Greg had written a blogpost pleading Lars not to sue them. Gotta love it.
Oooh, those posters sound sweet! Want, want, want!

I never saw that shirt, but I definitely dig Dillnger's jazzcore/progressive sound. Colors is, at least in my eyes, a really good musical exploration. Kind of a metal Pink Floyd, by which I mean they simply explore everything they want to on only 8 songs.

Yep, I was totally over at your apartment while you wrote that review :) But another amazing review as always. You never cease to amaze me, sir!:sneakkiss:
I'd currently like to have sexual relations with you, miss lady.

[Özgür Kurtoglu]

[quote=Chris Fallon;20241871]Oooh, those posters sound sweet! Want, want, want!

I never saw that shirt, but I definitely dig Dillnger's jazzcore/progressive sound. Colors is, at least in my eyes, a really good musical exploration. Kind of a metal Pink Floyd, by which I mean they simply explore everything they want to on only 8 songs.

'tis only one poster, Live in a Dive, and two albums, Blaze and Resolve. But I'm glad I have them, I've been ashamed for years for not having any of their albums.

The Dillinger Escape Plan are probably the best metal band I've seen live, and I've been lucky enough to see Metallica (which was fantastic), Slayer, At The Gates, In Flames, Mastodon and Judas Priest, among others. They are truly an inspiration. Colors feels to odd at times for it to work for me, so I'll have to check it out properly and give it time.

[Paulb-182]

cant wait to get the album

[Tom Good]

I'm with you Chris. I have held off listening to anything from this (except The Day That Never Comes) and am going to check it out today. I am really excited for an album for the first time in a while. Master of Puppets and Ride The Lighting were huge influences on me and the metal scene in general, and I'm glad to see Metallica pick themselves up after a few turds. (St. Anger's drum sound is one of the biggest mistakes in rock history...I can't even get past it despite having a few ok songs)

[ZeoVGM]

Not quite harsh enough, and lets not forget about the giant bomb before this piece of shit St. Anger.

I stopped reading there.

How is that a factor? This is a Death Magenetic review. Not a St. Anger review.

On that note, I love the album. This is fucking ROCK. It makes me want to drive drunk and hit small children.

[Chris Fallon]

On that note, I love the album. This is fucking ROCK. It makes me want to drive drunk and hit small children.
:-d

That's what Metallica was made for!

[ugman_2000]

Great review Chris especially like this bit

Are you going to be nearly as intimidated when you listen to their double-bass drum gallops and rough-necked vocal growls? Even Dr. Phil would seem more frightening ... well, more than he already is.


I like this album a fair bit - it's growing on me everytime I put it on & a lot better than I was expecting

My main problem with this record though is the James' vocals they just don't seem to have the aggression/roughness like they used to(to be fair though he is getting older & not drinking whiskey anymore)

[superBMRuth]

and the entire album can be downloaded for Guitar Hero III today plus 3 alternative versions. i kinda wanna get it, but i don't know if i can make it through all those 6 and 7 minute songs. and there's one that goes up to 10?! ridiculous!

[superBMRuth]

if i spend any money on this album at all, it'll be because of this review.

[Chris Fallon]

My main problem with this record though is the James' vocals they just don't seem to have the aggression/roughness like they used to(to be fair though he is getting older & not drinking whiskey anymore)
Yeah, that takes a little away from it - but like I said, Kirk and Robert really are the focal point of this record. They are the main driving points that the album revolves around, in my opinion.

if i spend any money on this album at all, it'll be because of this review.
That's what I like to hear!

[mr chainsaw]

Mastodon is one who in my eyes are better at the moment than Metallica are, but they'll never agree with me on that, obviously. But you're right about metal being kind of boring these days. Save for Mastodon, The Dillinger Escape Plan (who are still closer to hardcore than metal..) and Between The Buried and Me nothing really interests me anymore.

Mastodon rocks so hard.

[therookielot]

I listened to all 10 20 fucking minute songs, so good haha.

Unforgiven III is so cool.

[unwritten]

I'm happy they have returned to form.

[roisterboy]

Great review!! I'm excited to hear it! I'll have to pick it up this weekend!!

[Schmidty Says]

Even though I like old Metallica, I probably won't be buying this. Money is tight, so I'll probably just have a friend download/burn a copy for me.

[Indoor Living]

i, myself, am a huge fan of the parts that i have heard. it's more than a comeback from st. anger. i think, well i hope, they're on their way back up.

[smelltheglove]

one of the better reviews I've read on here.

i'm looking forward to this...and I thought Load, Reload & St. Anger all sucked balls. But the band that wrote "and justice for all" and "master of puppets" deserves at least 4 mulligans/do overs/get out of jail free cards.

[Casanova, Baby!]

Not quite harsh enough, and lets not forget about the giant bomb before this piece of shit St. Anger. Arent Metallica fans like 35 now? There is better metal, this reminds me of the spice girls reunion last year.

Son, you are just making yourself sound your age. Sure there is better metal out there today. But every one of those bands who are creating your "better metal" were, and probably still ARE, influenced heavily by Metallica. Metallica fans are also not all in their 30's. I was six years old when the Black Album came out but I will listen to it until the day I die.

Good music transcends time and age and changes in pop music and everything of that nature. You like All Shall Perish? You like Dragonforce? You like Lamb of God? Hell, do you like fucking Avenged Sevenfold? If it wasn't for Metallica, those bands wouldn't exist.

You owe Metallica an appology and a blowjob. And throw me one while you are at it.

[bobcatbob18]

REALLLLLLY excited to hear this album. I could always go for some good Metallica.

[SteveD]

This album completely blew me away. I was so sure that they wouldn't impress me, I was actually counting on it. Then I listened and before I knew it the album was over and I was floored. Such a powerful album, one of my favorites of the year by far. The guitar work is awesome, as are the song structures. I have never cared for Metallica lyrics so I didn't really listen to them. It was all about the music for me. I was more then satisfied. I have had the album for about two weeks now and I still listen to it once a day.

Good review I have to disagree with the downslide portion of the review, though Metallicas sound had changed I didn't dislike any album they put out besides St.Anger, sure they had their ups and downs but I wouldn't call it a downslide, and correct me if I'm wrong but are you saying that S&M was a mistake because I would have to strongly disagree with you. It is one of my favorite live albums/albums of all time. I don't see anything wrong with it.

[SteveD]

Son, you are just making yourself sound your age. Sure there is better metal out there today. But every one of those bands who are creating your "better metal" were, and probably still ARE, influenced heavily by Metallica. Metallica fans are also not all in their 30's. I was six years old when the Black Album came out but I will listen to it until the day I die.

Good music transcends time and age and changes in pop music and everything of that nature. You like All Shall Perish? You like Dragonforce? You like Lamb of God? Hell, do you like fucking Avenged Sevenfold? If it wasn't for Metallica, those bands wouldn't exist.

You owe Metallica an appology and a blowjob. And throw me one while you are at it.

Actually Avenged Sevenfold have Guns N' Roses to thank for their careers. hahaha.

I agree with you though in all aspects of this post.

[foisol]

Meh I heard the single... not excited.

[Clambo]

sounds like a pretty good review for only a 63%

[George-Michael]

At least the cover art is completely original, a casket with a magnet.

Metallica is a joke.

[Drew Beringer]

At least the cover art is completely original, a casket with a magnet.

Metallica is a joke.
Nice avatar.

Wear the eye-patch, Bret!

[AdamChildress]

Did you not read the review? I think I was harsh enough - but being a Metallica fan, why would I completely rip them when they've come back in such a big way?

I don't see how age matters when it comes to a band's fans. Metallica reaches out to old and new fans alike - are you going to say only 60 year olds enjoy the Stones then? Name me some better metal - all the bands influenced by Metallica will gladly tell you they pale to them. Metal is a boring genre these days - it's good to see something that isn't repetitive come out of the genre.


I would disagree that the Metal genre is boring. There is a lot of great metal out there, and there a good amount of bands taking risks...Maybe you haven't heard the really good stuff if you think it's boring :-/

[Nolessthanblink]

Much higher rating than I expected

[splitsecond]

After listening to this record, all I can say is this:



FUCK BOB ROCK

[George-Michael]

Nice avatar.

Wear the eye-patch, Bret!

Hey bowie, do you have one really funky sequin spacesuit or do you have several ch-changes?

[Drew Beringer]

Hey bowie, do you have one really funky sequin spacesuit or do you have several ch-changes?
Do they smoke grass up in space Bowie, or do they smoke astroturf?

[Drew Beringer]

After listening to this record, all I can say is this:



FUCK BOB ROCK
hahaha

[Özgür Kurtoglu]

Gotta agree with the "fuck Bob Rock"-comment. I mean holy shit, how could one man be the sole reason for a decade worth of shit? Incredible.

Purchased today:
Metallica - Death Magnetic
Underoath - Lost in the Sound of Separation (curse you, AP.net-hype machine...]
At The Gates - Slaughter of the Soul
Led Zeppelin - IV (on vinyl)

I hate record stores, they make me poor...

[Drew Beringer]

Gotta agree with the "fuck Bob Rock"-comment. I mean holy shit, how could one man be the sole reason for a decade worth of shit? Incredible.

Purchased today:
Metallica - Death Magnetic
Underoath - Lost in the Sound of Separation (curse you, AP.net-hype machine...]
At The Gates - Slaughter of the Soul
Led Zeppelin - IV (on vinyl)

I hate record stores, they make me poor...
Good purchase with UO. hehe

I can't wait to get out of class to go buy this.

[gusta0117]

good album good review

i give it something in the 80 percentz

[NoUse2808]

I don't care if this is the best album ever recorded. I will never listen to Mettallisuck ever again. Love the music, hate the people in the band.

[Özgür Kurtoglu]

Good purchase with UO. hehe

I can't wait to get out of class to go buy this.

It's your fault, you know. A little bit, at least...

Oh, and buy the digipak version of Death Magnetic if you find it, I find it much cooler than the regular version. And Slaughter of the Soul should already be in your collection if you're a metal fan.

[Özgür Kurtoglu]

I don't care if this is the best album ever recorded. I will never listen to Mettallisuck ever again. Love the music, hate the people in the band.

Why? Are you still crushed over the Napster thing that went down nearly a decade ago?

[IcedOpethBlind]

id give it an 85%....most progressive Metallica album since AJFA, im very happy with it.

[Sikbeat37]

You vaguely allude to it when you say that Hetfield's growls are "fading," but I would have been much more critical of the vocals in this album. It's completely understandable that his voice is weaker now given his age and past lifestyle (alcoholism, being lit on fire, etc), but he really just can't hold a torch to his work on the old Metallica albums.

I found this album so difficult to judge. On one hand, it's an obvious step back up from the tragedy that was St. Anger. And, like any other person that still gives MOP and ...AJFA regular spins, you really just want to have a new Metallica album to hold in such high regard. On the other, it's hard to get as excited about an album that clearly connects to but is completely outdone by its predecessors. Also, as some others have already mentioned, there are new metal/hardcore groups that I think are putting out material that is more interesting, experimental, and presents better production value than Death Magnetic (BTBAM, DEP, ETID, Converge, the Bled, etc).

Of course, that's my own opinion (I don't care if you dislike the bands I just listed- that's your business), so I'm sure someone may feel the need to jump all over my comment right at this point and rehash the old "METALLICA INFLUENCED THEM ALL SO THEY'RE STILL THE BEST BLAHBLAHBLAH" argument. My premeditated response is that bands have a choice of either honing in and mastering a sound throughout their lifespan or progressing constantly to stretch the limits of the type of music they've decided to play. Metallica is long past their prime and seems to have nothing left to offer (they already virtually birthed thrash metal anyway), so at least they've returned to the former.

Overall good review. At the very least, this album exceeded my very minimal expectations and achieved more than mediocrity. Please excuse the long-windedness of this comment, I'm really trying to burn time at work.

[splitsecond]

id give it an 85%....most progressive Metallica album since AJFA, im very happy with it.

I agree. I honestly never expected to like Metallica ever again, and while I still think Lars is one of the biggest douchebags in music, I will have no remorse parting with my money to pick this up.

[bs7090]

i was talking to a friend of mine about this album, and I think we got it exactly right:

it's almost like a throwback to pre-black album metallica, without all the whiskey.

[CstSnow]

Meh I heard the single... not excited.

I thought the same way until I heard a few more songs, it really is good, the single definitely isnt the best indication of the albums sound.

[xerovision1]

zzzzzz

[onthehorizon2/0]

listened to some of the songs on the cd....not very exciting.

[furey]

Awesome review Chris! I should have read this earlier. although i was thrilled that they were making this album i don't expect much from it. i mean yeah metallica has done their time but at least they're still making music. it's not for modern taste definitely. but they're still bringing it.

[fearthesloths]

I'm stoked about how much better this album is than St Anger. This is a pretty great album, but it will be a cold day in hell before Metallica see another cent from me.

[J.Dick]

I'm no fan of this band and I'm not going to read all of the replies (Sorry if this is already posted) but I got an email from Hot Topic today stating that this is only $5 at their store, TODAY (9/12/08) only. Not sure if you have to have the email or not but I don't think you do.

[Mochem]

Seems like most of the metal sites and blogs that I read didn't really enjoy it, but other music sites said it was pretty good.

[nfgrocker16]

Great review Chris. I've been a diehard Metallica fan since i was 11 and think this is an album for the fans more than anyone else. I find it hypocritical when people complain for years that they don't write more albums like this and once it comes out they complain that its not original.

I can't stop listening to it and love love love the fact that they've finally written another anthemic instrumental tune with "Suicide and Redemption" in the vein of "Call of the Ktulu" and "Orien."

Love it

[TKTKrob]

if i spend any money on this album at all, it'll be because of this review.And ALSO because if you download it illegally, Kirk Hammet will hunt you down with a napster-logo shaped axe and slay you, your family, and possibly your ex-roommate.

[nfgrocker16]

And ALSO because if you download it illegally, Kirk Hammet will hunt you down with a napster-logo shaped axe and slay you, your family, and possibly your ex-roommate.

Nah, Lars will just replace your eyes with drumsticks and Hetfield's beard will eat your bones through your pores.

[Chuck!]

I'm enjoying this CD for sure. I would just love to hear these riffs given their proper due, aligned with more technical drumming.

Good review.

[Özgür Kurtoglu]

Oh yeah, forgot to add this here:

One store in Stockholm had almost sold out their entire stock of Death Magnetic by midday today, while another had sold around 80-90 copies by the same time.

[justinmfi]

great review...and of course your gonna get mixed reviews from people, thats a given, but as far as i am concerned...EXCELLENT!!!! the lyrics are a bit dry, but they really redeemed themselves in my opinion!!!

[rckstr29]

Not quite harsh enough, and lets not forget about the giant bomb before this piece of shit St. Anger. Arent Metallica fans like 35 now? There is better metal, this reminds me of the spice girls reunion last year.


Somebody's cranky!

[jbergamotto]

Did you not read the review? I think I was harsh enough - but being a Metallica fan, why would I completely rip them when they've come back in such a big way?

I don't see how age matters when it comes to a band's fans. Metallica reaches out to old and new fans alike - are you going to say only 60 year olds enjoy the Stones then? Name me some better metal - all the bands influenced by Metallica will gladly tell you they pale to them. Metal is a boring genre these days - it's good to see something that isn't repetitive come out of the genre.

I def respect what you said. Everyone has their own opinion but I still prefer Iron Maiden way more than Metallica. In my book, they should be know more for metal than Metallica. I know lots of people are gonna rip me for this one but I don't care.

[jbergamotto]

Did you not read the review? I think I was harsh enough - but being a Metallica fan, why would I completely rip them when they've come back in such a big way?

I don't see how age matters when it comes to a band's fans. Metallica reaches out to old and new fans alike - are you going to say only 60 year olds enjoy the Stones then? Name me some better metal - all the bands influenced by Metallica will gladly tell you they pale to them. Metal is a boring genre these days - it's good to see something that isn't repetitive come out of the genre.

I def respect what you said. Everyone has their own opinion but I still prefer Iron Maiden way more than Metallica. In my book, they should be know more for metal than Metallica. I know lots of people are gonna rip me for this one but I don't care.

[Ouch]

this is such an awesome album, especially "All Nightmare Long", such a catchy song.

Review is good, but most of the time I like to dull myself by reading long reviews.

[Crowan]

I totally agree that metallica was untouched pre-black era.

[JaymzDUDE]

"Celebrated producer Rick Rubin was brought aboard and told the band to "make Master of Puppets part 2," which in itself is an improbable feat."

When writing a review, try not to extort facts. Being this statement, is the absolute opposite of what was being pushed by Rick Rubin from Metallica. It's been stated plenty of times, by Metallica, that they are not attempting to write and record a "Master of Puppets II", but rather use their past efforts as reference while moving forward musically.

Is that so hard to translate?

Either-way, great album!

[memento_mori]

The Red Chord anyone?

[mynameistaken]

i hate lars ulrich. always have, always will.

[slimfenix182]

Did you not read the review? I think I was harsh enough - but being a Metallica fan, why would I completely rip them when they've come back in such a big way?

I don't see how age matters when it comes to a band's fans. Metallica reaches out to old and new fans alike - are you going to say only 60 year olds enjoy the Stones then? Name me some better metal - all the bands influenced by Metallica will gladly tell you they pale to them. Metal is a boring genre these days - it's good to see something that isn't repetitive come out of the genre.

Hell, metal was practically dead to me. I'm not even that much of a metal fan, and I never really got into Metallica either. but I just felt like I needed some good old-fashioned metal. and this album DID NOT disappoint. it's fantastic. I listened to the first song four times before I even checked out the rest of the CD.

[slimfenix182]

damn. I hate Lars Ulrich for the single fact that he's a douche. and yes, Metallica has PLENTY of money. but would everyone get off the whole Napster bullshit!? there's a big difference between making a fucking cassette mixtape (yeah, I'm old) and trading CD quality mp3s online. sorry everyone's pissed at these dudes cause they got angry that people were stealing their shit. I don't know why everybody feels like they're entitled to get free music.

[FaceLixeMurder]

Got it, love it!

[liar23]

good album

[jimboj917]

so many bad puns (and their obvious explanations) in that review.

[jimboj917]

damn. I hate Lars Ulrich for the single fact that he's a douche. and yes, Metallica has PLENTY of money. but would everyone get off the whole Napster bullshit!? there's a big difference between making a fucking cassette mixtape (yeah, I'm old) and trading CD quality mp3s online. sorry everyone's pissed at these dudes cause they got angry that people were stealing their shit. I don't know why everybody feels like they're entitled to get free music.

agreed. lars cleared that up, that's not why he got involved in the napster thing.

[foisol]

I thought the same way until I heard a few more songs, it really is good, the single definitely isnt the best indication of the albums sound.

Well "Master of Puppets" is still one of the albums that got me into metal... so I might check it out just because Metallica deserves a listen. Though I'm still pissed about the Napster thing.

[Özgür Kurtoglu]

Do you guys hate Dr.Dre too? 'Cause he was in on the whole Napster thing too, all the way to the end, just like Lars.

[xtheaudition]

fuck yeah! metallica

woo woo!

[Cfw828]

This is about as good an album as you are going to get from Metallica in this day and age.

Solid through and through. Not a huge fan of Cyanide or Suicide and Redemption, but they have their good parts.

Even the albums that a lot of people generally don't like (Load, Reload, St. Anger) have good tracks on them.

Besides, I personally owe a lot to Metallica as their music got me to listen to rock music in the first place. I very much knew of them when I was a kid, but I never really listened to their music. Then one listen of The Black Album turned into 10 turned into 100.

[SeanEBoy2686]

I think a 83% is pretty generous for this album... while its not terrible, i also don't think it's that good. Of course is a huge (good) step away from St. Anger, but nonetheless I don't think this album is worth much praise.

[batmannj]

great review that really summed up what i thought about it as well. for metallica it is a very well executed record that i was entirely pleased with. nice return to form.

[oldskool]

bought this for $5 at hot topic. Well worth it.

[delvec19]

58% from members??? You people are pathetic. This CD is at worst 75%. This is definitely Metallica's best effort since Black Album. Guess I forgot its "the COOL THING to do, to hate on one of the most legendary bands ever".....stupid scene kids.

[mysensesfailed3]

how in the fuck did this score less than United Nations (i am aware they are different reviewers, but still come on)

[Chris Fallon]

how in the fuck did this score less than United Nations (i am aware they are different reviewers, but still come on)
Not really sure why the score is always the part people are most concerned with. The review itself is what matters -- to be fair, I'm much harsher on my scale, and my score is influenced by what I write. And despite what you think, different reviewers = different score. Some people might lunge at me for giving Punchline a higher score by 4 points ... but you know what? They are different records, different reviewers, and we all have different ways we do this.

[psychomode14]

it's not a bad record at all. Cyanide is a pretty sweet song.

[GuitarR0cker1]

I really like Master of Puppets and their s/t.

[slimfenix182]

58% from members??? You people are pathetic. This CD is at worst 75%. This is definitely Metallica's best effort since Black Album. Guess I forgot its "the COOL THING to do, to hate on one of the most legendary bands ever".....stupid scene kids.

100% agreed. hell, I think it deserves at least 85%!! and I wouldn't even call myself a Metallica fan! Unforgiven III is epic. I really can't believe how good this cd is. scene people fucking suck.

[Cheesus]

scene people fucking suck.
you fucking suck, and need a new set of ears.

This entire album is a gigantic block of clip. Don't know what I'm talking about?? Do a little research concerning the issue of how unbeliavably poor this album was mastered. Metallica's very own head engineer has even gone on to say that he is ashamed to have his name on this record. It is a poor album, plain and simple.

[Özgür Kurtoglu]

you fucking suck, and need a new set of ears.

This entire album is a gigantic block of clip. Don't know what I'm talking about?? Do a little research concerning the issue of how unbeliavably poor this album was mastered. Metallica's very own head engineer has even gone on to say that he is ashamed to have his name on this record. It is a poor album, plain and simple.

I hope you have a source confirming that statement. If you don't, I'll make it my job to make sure every post by you is followed by "YOU'RE A PHONY!!!!" for all eternity. You've been warned, bro!

[Plunk]

This album is an excellent surprise, and the comeback of the year!
Except for The Unforgiven III, which sounds pointless to me, every song is somewhere between good and awesome.

This entire album is a gigantic block of clip.

I agree with you on that point, it's too bad it was mastered by tonedeafs.:-(

[Plunk]

I hope you have a source confirming that statement. If you don't, I'll make it my job to make sure every post by you is followed by "YOU'RE A PHONY!!!!" for all eternity. You've been warned, bro!
Use your ears, it clips all the time! You can also take a look at the sine waves in Audacity. The album is still really good despite of this, but it's still a shame.

[Özgür Kurtoglu]

I don't hear the clip-talk at all, and I've listened to this very, very closely. But alright, I don't really care when it comes to this album.

[TheFaceOfZach]

I went to go get this album and realized I was short. But the dude still let me buy it. This album is definitely one of the better Metallica albums.

[Cheesus]

I hope you have a source confirming that statement. If you don't, I'll make it my job to make sure every post by you is followed by "YOU'RE A PHONY!!!!" for all eternity. You've been warned, bro!
Sigh, another sheep. If you would honestly go to the extent of stalking/ruining my rep(or lack thereof) on an internet forum due to my honest opinion of an album, then that is seriously your loss.

I'll post some links to back up my statement, I should have done that in the first place.

Quote from Ted Jensen on the matter;

http://www.metallicabb.com/index.php?showtopic=85317

This is already a heavy discussion on the Metallica forums, as you can see.

You can choose to believe what this fan has said, or you can be so blind as to not believe it. The fact is, any head engineer would HAVE to say something to save his career. Mixing like this is just not acceptable.

For more proof on the matter, there is a petition for remastering the album, which already has over 1500 signatures in four days.

http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/re-mix-or-remaster-death-magnetic.html

[Cheesus]

This album is an excellent surprise, and the comeback of the year!
Except for The Unforgiven III, which sounds pointless to me, every song is somewhere between good and awesome.



I agree with you on that point, it's too bad it was mastered by tonedeafs.:-(
You are so right. This album is AWESOME. I actually loved it. I was just very sad to see it be ruined by someone sitting behind a soundboard. Its just not fair.

[Özgür Kurtoglu]

Sigh, another sheep. If you would honestly go to the extent of stalking/ruining my rep(or lack thereof) on an internet forum due to my honest opinion of an album, then that is seriously your loss.

I'll post some links to back up my statement, I should have done that in the first place.

Quote from Ted Jensen on the matter;

http://www.metallicabb.com/index.php?showtopic=85317

This is already a heavy discussion on the Metallica forums, as you can see.

You can choose to believe what this fan has said, or you can be so blind as to not believe it. The fact is, any head engineer would HAVE to say something to save his career. Mixing like this is just not acceptable.

For more proof on the matter, there is a petition for remastering the album, which already has over 1500 signatures in four days.

http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/re-mix-or-remaster-death-magnetic.html


How could you not see the sarcasm in that post? Seriously, calling me a sheep is just stupid since I'm not even calling this album more than good at the moment, while you're calling it awesome. So, you know, chill out and take things with a grain of salt before you go all apeshit over something written on an internet forum with heaps of sarcasm sprinkled on it. Thanks for the link but like I wrote earlier, I'm just glad that this album is good. It would probably be better if it was remastered but I didn't even expect to be able to listen through the album even once. I don't feel it's right to complain, you know.

[Plunk]

I'll post some links to back up my statement, I should have done that in the first place.

Quote from Ted Jensen on the matter;

http://www.metallicabb.com/index.php?showtopic=85317

This is already a heavy discussion on the Metallica forums, as you can see.

You can choose to believe what this fan has said, or you can be so blind as to not believe it. The fact is, any head engineer would HAVE to say something to save his career. Mixing like this is just not acceptable.

For more proof on the matter, there is a petition for remastering the album, which already has over 1500 signatures in four days.

http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/re-mix-or-remaster-death-magnetic.html

Wow! I'm glad to see I'm not the only one to be bothered by it.

Go here (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loudness_war) if you want to know about loudness war, this album is obviously a victim.

[Cheesus]

How could you not see the sarcasm in that post? Seriously, calling me a sheep is just stupid since I'm not even calling this album more than good at the moment, while you're calling it awesome. So, you know, chill out and take things with a grain of salt before you go all apeshit over something written on an internet forum with heaps of sarcasm sprinkled on it. Thanks for the link but like I wrote earlier, I'm just glad that this album is good. It would probably be better if it was remastered but I didn't even expect to be able to listen through the album even once. I don't feel it's right to complain, you know.
Since you started your initial post with, "I hope you have a source confirming that statement", I fully assumed that you were being serious. I do not have an interweb voice tone detector, forgive me.

But now I know so we can move on.

[Özgür Kurtoglu]

Since you started your initial post with, "I hope you have a source confirming that statement", I fully assumed that you were being serious. I do not have an interweb voice tone detector, forgive me.

But now I know so we can move on.

Well, that part of the post WAS serious, and since I got my source I'm fine now, and can also move on.

[Cheesus]

Wow! I'm glad to see I'm not the only one to be bothered by it.

Go here (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loudness_war) if you want to know about loudness war, this album is obviously a victim.\

Haha, you're most definitely not alone brother. There are still a few left who enjoy music that sounds good.

[secthagoals626]

this album exceeded my initially low expectations by a hell of a lot
great review

[tonighttonight0]

Metallica is back to what they once were which is simply amazing, when I picked this up today with some friends we were simply blown away

[Drew Beringer]

how in the fuck did this score less than United Nations (i am aware they are different reviewers, but still come on)
you're a dipshit, Chris rated this higher than I rated UN.

[Cheesus]

you're a dipshit, Chris rated this higher than I rated UN.
p00ned

[Plunk]

\

Haha, you're most definitely not alone brother. There are still a few left who enjoy music that sounds good.

http://www.turnmeup.org/

I recently bought The Seldom Seen Kid by Elbow, an English rock band, it had the logo of this organization on it, which means the dynamics were preserved. It's startling!! That's what I call music, not over-compressed noise!!

[Cheesus]

http://www.turnmeup.org/

I recently bought The Seldom Seen Kid by Elbow, an English rock band, it had the logo of this organization on it, which means the dynamics were preserved. It's startling!! That's what I call music, not over-compressed noise!!
what a truly beautiful thing. thanks so much for that info!!

[Özgür Kurtoglu]

Second listen all the way through, glad to say that it gets better for every second that passes. Kinda wish Cyanide had been replaced but that 11th song they were talking about.

[jetblack1231]

i felt it was necessary to repost this one

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a142/sunwontshine/deathmme4.jpg

[mysensesfailed3]

you're a dipshit, Chris rated this higher than I rated UN.
thats what i meant. calm down

[Kid B]

This band sucks so bad. Metallica fucking sucks. They suck. Metallica sucks.

[ZeoVGM]

This band sucks so bad. Metallica fucking sucks. They suck. Metallica sucks.

Factually incorrect. They are VERY talented.

It's okay to not like them though.

Oh, and the new CD is great. But we both know you haven't listened to it. You're just a troll.

[reissgoespunk]

I dig the music, but cannot stand the production.

[Kid B]

Factually incorrect. They are VERY talented.

It's okay to not like them though.

Oh, and the new CD is great. But we both know you haven't listened to it. You're just a troll.
Lol They are a crappy band. Dragonforce is also VERY talented. But they suck too. I have indeed listened to it and it is complete shit.

[Özgür Kurtoglu]

Lol They are a crappy band. Dragonforce is also VERY talented. But they suck too. I have indeed listened to it and it is complete shit.

Well then, good for you. Now leave so the rest of us can figure out why on Earth people who hate the album or the band would post in a thread about them. It's a real brainteaser.

[Kid B]

It's not that confusing if you think about about it. It is human instinct to adapt and improve. I am just trying to help.

[Özgür Kurtoglu]

So whining about a band or album you obviously aren't very fond of is adapting and improving? Alot of people doing this just this exact way of looking at it as an excuse to keep on doing it, and it's really starting to get to me. I really don't see the point of it all but hey, whatever floats your boat!

[Kid B]

So whining about a band or album you obviously aren't very fond of is adapting and improving? Alot of people doing this just this exact way of looking at it as an excuse to keep on doing it, and it's really starting to get to me. I really don't see the point of it all but hey, whatever floats your boat!

Factually incorrect.

:goodpost:

[Özgür Kurtoglu]

Hm...my last post made no sense at all. Oh well, I blame the time of day.

[ZeoVGM]

Lol They are a crappy band. Dragonforce is also VERY talented. But they suck too. I have indeed listened to it and it is complete shit.

... You just put Dragonforce in the same category as Metallica. Which means you don't really have the right to an opinion.

Saying Metallica's 80's stuff and the Black Album (one of the biggest and most acclaimed albums ever) suck is flat out stupidity. You most likely never even heard them. You're just a troll. You obviously don't like metal at all, so don't offer your opinion on a metal band.

[Cheesus]

It's not that confusing if you think about about it. It is human instinct to adapt and improve. I am just trying to help.
+5,000 life points to you sir

[Kid B]

... You just put Dragonforce in the same category as Metallica. Which means you don't really have the right to an opinion.

Saying Metallica's 80's stuff and the Black Album (one of the biggest and most acclaimed albums ever) suck is flat out stupidity. You most likely never even heard them. You're just a troll. You obviously don't like metal at all, so don't offer your opinion on a metal band.
Lol Yup I've never heard Metallica. You are a fucking idiot. I do not know what evidence you are basing these assumptions off of. I obviously don't have a good internet poker face.

Wait a second... You've probably never listened to Metallica. You're just defending the common man. Troll!

[cue]

like the cd but does anyone else think the mastering levels suck ? or is it just me ?

[iseethesun123]

Terrible record. Terrible. They need to hang it up

[slimfenix182]

Factually incorrect. They are VERY talented.

It's okay to not like them though.

Oh, and the new CD is great. But we both know you haven't listened to it. You're just a troll.

yes, this CD is great. tired of people hating just for the sake of hating.

I am NOT a Metallica fan by any means. that being said, I am playing the SHIT out of this album. I am stunned by how good it is, especially after the shitstorm that was St. Anger. and enough fucking bitching about the mastering already. I haven't heard a reviewer say shit about it, I have no fucking problem with it, and apparently Rick Rubin, Metallica and the record company had no problem with it, because they WOULDN'T HAVE RELEASED IT! I assume they all heard the finished product. you can tell it's great, because that's the best thing haters can come up with. the mastering. give me a fucking break. if someone told me Alkaline Trio and Metallica had cds in the same year, and Metallica was my favorite of the two, I would've punched them in the sphincter in a non-gay way.

[Chris Fallon]

Regarding the mastering ... it's really nothing that serious. In headphones, yes it sounds a bit filtered and distorted. Otherwise, when I listen to it on my speakers ... it sounds fine.

Audiophiles will obviously bitch about that, but for the average listener, it's nothing big to complain about.

[GiggsOho]

Wow, I am finally listening to this, and trust me, I am noooo Metallica fan. I didn't even bother listening to St. Anger. I was one of those guys that hated Lars for the whole Napster thing.


But this album is fucking awesome. Rick Rubin continues to show he is King Midas of Producing.

[slimfenix182]

Regarding the mastering ... it's really nothing that serious. In headphones, yes it sounds a bit filtered and distorted. Otherwise, when I listen to it on my speakers ... it sounds fine.

Audiophiles will obviously bitch about that, but for the average listener, it's nothing big to complain about.

yeah, in the iTunes age, mp3's lose a bit. playing the CD in the car, no problems or complaints whatsoever.

I like the mastering. it's the right amount of raw in my opinion. gives it a live feel. this album is a masterpiece as far as I'm concerned. 10 songs, 74 minutes, and never once did I say "this is kind of running long."

[slimfenix182]

Wow, I am finally listening to this, and trust me, I am noooo Metallica fan. I didn't even bother listening to St. Anger. I was one of those guys that hated Lars for the whole Napster thing.


But this album is fucking awesome. Rick Rubin continues to show he is King Midas of Producing.

glad you could get over the Napster thing to listen to this album. it's too bad alot of people probably won't give this a chance because of the Napster/St. Anger/Some Kind of Monster stuff. I'm really amazed Metallica managed to rebound from all of that stuff to make this masterpiece. I was NOT expecting this. and I am by no means a Metallica fan either. I pretty much only know whatever was a music video.

[Cheesus]

yeah, in the iTunes age, mp3's lose a bit. playing the CD in the car, no problems or complaints whatsoever.

I like the mastering. it's the right amount of raw in my opinion. gives it a live feel. this album is a masterpiece as far as I'm concerned. 10 songs, 74 minutes, and never once did I say "this is kind of running long."
I said that the first time I heard The Day That Never Comes :'(

[slimfenix182]

I said that the first time I heard The Day That Never Comes :'(

well, that is probably the weakest song, but it's grown on me. I love the last 4 minutes.

[what_ever]

The Unforgiven III is such a great song.

[Corey Hoffy]

St. Anger was craptastic, but this album was such a comeback for this band. The Unforgiven III is probably my favorite song on the album.

[tbagurdrumset94]

One of my all time favs from Metallica!

[alexibilly94]

This a;bum is an instant classic!

[MichaelQuick]

My apacolypse = battery.

[MichaelQuick]

Terrible record. Terrible. They need to hang it up
Why do you say this?

[Ed219]

still a decent band