It’s been 19 years since Metallica have released a classic. 2003’s abysmal ‘St. Anger’ stands as one of the most disappointing albums in all of heavy music. It was tough to hear from such masters of heavy metal/hard rock. Not only was the song structure weak, but the production made oldies music sound digital. Then five long years passed and by the time 2008 rolled around their rivals Megadeth had already released two great albums and were working on a third. However, Metallica did have an answer with 2008’s ‘Death Magnetic’. The songs were excellent, a true return to form. Catchy riffs, thrashy beats and heavy sing along lyrics. However, the production on the album, while lightyears ahead of ‘St. Anger’, was too up front in the speakers. The gain is just so high on the production that it makes the music fuzzy. Thanks Rick Ruben!! Now, finally, after another 8 years of no original material (‘Lulu’ doesn’t count), Metallica seem to have got it perfect once again. Although only three songs have been released from their upcoming double album ‘Hardwired…To Self Destruct’, they seem to be perfect Metallica. ‘Hardwired’ is the first three minute thrasher the band has written since their 1983 debut ‘Kill ‘Em All’. It shook the metal upon it’s release. If that wasn’t enough, the band released a more progressive thrasher, ‘Moth into Flame’ that harkens to the ‘Ride the Lighting’ and ‘Master of Puppets’ era. A six minute heavy metal masterpiece with everything Metallica can offer. Accidental riffage, sharp-cutting drums, a face-melting guitar solo and of course, James Hetfield’s memorable vocal melodies. Then we got really spoiled with a third release. ‘Atlas, Rise!’, while the weakest of three songs, is still very strong Metallica. Not only are the songs top notch, but the band has seemed to get a good grip on their production quality. Lars’ snare drum actually sounds like a snare. It cuts through the production as opposed to dulling it. If these songs are indicative of the rest of the album we all need to get ready for a long long Metallica run.
Metallica – Getting Loose for a Long Run
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