Last week Metallica released some new music, sort of. Two tracks from the upcoming ‘S&M 2’ album were dropped, labeled as new music. Which they really aren’t. However, that shouldn’t really detract from the excitement that’s surrounding the release. ‘S&M 2’ is going bigger, opting for an arena audience instead of a large theater. And, for the most part, the set list is different than the first ‘S&M.’ With the exception of a few signature tracks. There’s also the addition of two classical pieces: ‘Scythian Suite, Opus 20 II: The Enemy of God and the Dance of the Dark Spirits.’ As well as ‘The Iron Foundry, Opus 19.’ It’s looks to be a loaded live album with some unexpected turns.
On the other hand, the promotion of the album has been a little eschewed. Last week James Hetfield announced ‘new music!’ And it’s not really, purely new music. It’s a new ‘S&M’ record. 95% of the material has been on record in one form or another. Plus, Metallica have already done an ‘S&M’ album. Some fans seemed a little disappointed. Particularly since they know that Metallica are working on new material while in quarantine. And I’m kind of with them on that. The band shouldn’t have promoted this as ‘new music.’ In a way it is. But overall it really isn’t. How many different versions of ‘Nothing Else Matters’ are there? Yes, the arrangement is good this time around. But it’s still a new rendition of an old song. Instead, the release of the material should have been promoted as ‘new S&M. It’s bigger and better than the first time around!’
Fans are continuously craving for brand new material. Why? Because Metallica have only release three new albums in the past 20 years. One of them is by far their worst album. Plus, there’s the poorly conceived collaboration with Lou Reed, ‘LuLu.’ That can be dangerous territory for a veteran act. You run the risk of becoming a novelty act. And in some ways Metallica are in the ballpark. When they tour, which they do relentlessly, they tend to play the same songs over and over again. With the exception of a few shows. They hardly ever play anything from 2008’s ‘Death Magnetic.’ Which is a shame because it’s got some of Metallica’s best shit on it. But, honestly, how many times can you play ‘For Whom the Bell Tolls’ before you start going crazy? Five to eight years between albums is just kind of ridiculous.
But if Metallica releases brand new material within the next year, they can avoid the dreaded novelty act. Particularly if they release a quick follow up. Who knows, maybe we’ll get another double album. But for now, ‘S&M 2’ will have to do. The critics are loving it. The fans are overall excited for it. It might even be more impactful than the first one. And it’s certainly way better than nothing. The renditions are proving to be quite unique. The album will be available in many formats. Including a massive box set.
Set I
1. The Ecstasy Of Gold (performed by the San Francisco Symphony)
2. The Call Of Ktulu
3. For Whom The Bell Tolls
4. The Day That Never Comes
5. The Memory Remains
6. Confusion
7. Moth Into Flame
8. The Outlaw Torn
9. No Leaf Clover
10. Halo on Fire
Set II
11. Scythian Suite, Op.20, Second Movement (performed by the San Francisco Symphony)
12. Iron Foundry
13. The Unforgiven III
14. All Within My Hands (acoustic)
15. (Anesthesia) Pulling Teeth
16. Wherever I May Roam
17. One
18. Master Of Puppets
19. Nothing Else Matters
20. Enter Sandman
