For many it’s regarded as Metallica’s finest hour. And also one of, if not the, greatest thrash album of all time. ‘…And Justice For All’ saw the band evolved musically in a way that could have never been predicted. Particularly after losing original bassist Cliff Burton in the infamous bus crash. But the remaining three members pushed through to create a true masterpiece of metal. An album that would catapult them to megastardom. And there would be no looking back.
The hour plus masterpiece was released on August 25, 1988. Their previous album, ‘Master of Puppets,’ was gaining a lot of traction. Being certified platinum just before the release of ‘Justice.’ The time was right for Metallica to now explode onto the mainstream metal scene. Every track on the hour plus record is tremendous. From ‘Blackened’ to ‘Dyers Eve,’ there isn’t a moment on the album that isn’t captivating. Catchy riff after catchy riff. Ripping guitar leads. And a diverse range of thrash and groove beats. In fact, the songs are so good that it makes the horrible rhythm section production tolerable. Yes, the lack of bass and Lars’ paper thin snare sound are the down side to the album.
But despite that, the album was and still is a massive success. And it’s a record loaded with firsts for the ‘Tallica. The first album without Cliff on bass. The first album to crack the top ten. The first album to support a major arena/stadium tour; complete with stage props. First album to support a music video for the track ‘One.’ First album to have a hit single. And the first album that displays James Hetfield’s vocal evolution from snarly punk to gruff ringmaster. Despite Cliff’s unfortunate absence, Metallica had seemed to evolve even further with their music. Creating what is still to this day their most progressive album.
The album kicks off with ‘Blackened.’ One of the thrashiest intros of all time before moving into a driving metal riff. When the title track kicks in next it’s very clear that this is a very progressive album. More in line with bands like Fates Warning than the other groups of the big four. The palm mute riff during the verses is one of the best ever written. Not to mention one of Kirk Hammet’s best guitar solos is present in the song. ‘Eye of the Beholder’ rides a great groove. It’s just a shame Lars’ snare isn’t phatter. It would have really added to the track. The legendary ‘One’ follows and is still considered by many to be the greatest Metallica song ever written. I don’t agree necessarily. But it is an amazing piece of music. The double bass rhythm during the second half of the song still rings in the ears.
‘The Shortest Straw’ is one of the best deep cuts from Metallica. And shame on Loudwire ranking it so low on their ranking of Metallica’s songs. It’s an immediate impactful riff that earworms itself into the listener. Despite their musical preferences. Actually, there’s two riffs in the song that do that. ‘Harvester of Sorrow’ is a classic, heavy groove song that’s still a crowd favorite to this day. And for damn good reason. But nothing compares to the best track on the album, ‘Frayed Ends of Sanity.’ It’s such a strong groove, strong riff. It’s arranged perfectly. And it’s a shame that it doesn’t get played live more often. As well as ‘The Shortest Straw.’ ‘To Live is to Die’ is the final Cliff contribution to appear on a Metallica record. The highly progressive song is a glimpse into the direction Metallica might have taken had Cliff not passed. The album closes with the barnburner ‘Dyers Eve.’ A thrash onslaught of pure speed perfection. Perfect like the album.
Overall I’m going to say that ‘Justice’ is the best Metallica album song structure wise. Production wise it certainly is far from their best. But it’s still a legendary thrash record that brought the genre to new heights of song arrangements and popularity. I would still consider it to be Metallica’s best. The songs are just too damn good.
Great review, I would rank it number 1B right alongside Master of Puppets. That said an incredible album.