Daniel Cromar
In 2003, Metallica fans eagerly anticipated the release of St. Anger, the band’s first album since ReLoad in 1997. When it finally came, many were disappointed, some were angry, and still others liked it, but since then it has all but disappeared into mediocrity.
Five years later, Metallica fans again eagerly awaited a new album, Death Magnetic. This time, they were not disappointed.
Death Magnetic, produced by Rick Rubin, was released last Friday, diverting from the usual Tuesday release that is most common in the music industry. At the time of this review, sales numbers were not yet available, but it is expected to be the number one album of the week – and rightfully so.
From start to finish, Death Magnetic delivers the classic Metallica sound that fans have been waiting to hear again since ReLoad. The songs average out to about seven minutes each, but they flow so well that you barely even notice. Everything fits together perfectly, from James Hetfield’s classic metal-style vocals and heavy-hitting rhythm guitar, to Kirk Hammett’s epic solos that Metallica fans have come to know and love, to Lars Ulrich’s always-entertaining drumming (without that annoying ringing snare drum from St. Anger, which many Metallica fans will be thankful for). Death Magnetic is also the first studio album to feature Metallica’s newest member, bassist Robert Trujillo, who replaced Jason Newsted in 2003.
The album opens with “That Was Just Your Life,” and right from there you can tell that this album is exactly what Metallica needed. About five minutes in, Hammett delivers one of his classic super-fast, wah-pedal-heavy solos that have defined his style throughout the years. Just that alone is a breath of fresh air after the sololess St. Anger, but that is only the beginning.
After the first three fast-paced tracks, there is the first single off Death Magnetic, “The Day That Never Comes,” a classic Metallica power-ballad that will make any fan think of And Justice For All’s “One,” or Metallica’s “The Unforgiven.” It features flawless tempo changes, classic Hetfield vocals, and yes, more awesome solos from Mr. Hammett.
Also included on the album is “Cyanide,” which was the first song to be premiered live by Metallica. If there is one song that can represent the entire album, this is it. It shows a fusing of the classic Metallica sound with the new sound that they tried for on St. Anger, and they compliment each other about as close to perfectly as you can get. It features a rhythm guitar riff that is all but impossible not to air guitar along with, a heavy beat that will have any Metallica fan pounding on their steering wheel as they listen in the car, and, of course, another Kirk Hammett face melter. By this point, it’s pretty clear these solos are the highlight of the album, which is in direct contrast to St. Anger, which had none.
Besides the ones already mentioned, there are a few tracks on the album that stand out. One of them is my personal favorite, “All Nightmare Long.” One of the things that makes this album great is Metallica’s ability to have their lead guitar stand out throughout their songs without having them turn into seven minute long guitar solos with words. That is especially true in this song. Yes, there is a guitar solo that is a good two minutes long, but combined with a catchy and heavy rhythm guitar and an even catchier chorus, it isn’t overpowering.
After St. Anger, there were plenty of people who thought Metallica just didn’t have another great album in them anymore. After hearing Death Magnetic, it’s pretty easy to say that those people were wrong. With the help of the great Rick Rubin, Metallica has pounded out yet another great album that will undoubtedly carve out its own place in heavy-metal history. On a scale of one to five, Death Magnetic gets a ten.
Heavy-metal fans rejoice. Metallica is back, and they’re not going anywhere for a long time.
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