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Metallica Makes Strong Return with “Death Magnetic”
James Andersen
After the debacle that was 2003’s “St. Anger,” it seemed Metallica might have been on their last legs, despite being one of the most influential heavy metal and thrash metal bands of all time.
After 1991’s self-titled release, known to fans as the Black Album, launched them into mainstream stardom, Metallica was at the top of the world. But the rest of the decade saw the band release two albums that featured a slowed-down, alternative and non-heavy style. Fans accused the band of selling out, and “Anger” didn’t help matters with its weird drum sound and elimination of lead guitarist Kirk Hammett’s solos.
Fortunately for fans, Metallica has made a triumphant return to its classic style in “Death Magnetic,” their ninth studio album. It is the first to feature new bassist Rob Trujillo, who was hired in 2003 after longtime bassist Jason Newsted left to pursue other projects in 2001.
The old style of Metallica is immediately evident on the opening track, “That Was Just Your Life,” which starts slow then launches into fast guitar and drum patterns similar to those on the band’s 1988 release, “…And Justice for All.” The second track, “The End of the Line” continues the intensity with an addicting opening guitar riff which was taken from a song the band debuted while on tour in 2006.
The album’s first released single, “The Day that Never Comes,” fits into the album well and seems as natural as any other previous Metallica ballad like “Fade to Black” or “One.” The song structure is similar to “One,” with slow verses and a heavy guitar-laden chorus, and it eventually leads to a sped-up drum part and guitar solo. It also gives lead singer James Hetfield a chance to showcase his vocals, aside from his trademark growling style.
Metallica might not ever match the raw intensity and sound of their earlier releases of the 80s, but it seems like they’ve gotten back to their roots a bit in an effort to prove they can still rock.
They come close to their old style on the album’s last song “My Apocalypse” which is packed full of intensity and is a return to the speed metal of the band’s early days. “So we cross that line/Into the crypt/Total eclipse/Suffer unto my apocalypse,” Hetfield’s growling vocal taunts. Drummer Lars Ulrich drives the song with his machine gun-style drumming and Hammett unleashes yet another incredible solo.
Simply put, the album brings back many elements of classic Metallica that were missing from “St. Anger.” Hammett’s solos flesh out songs and remind fans of his prowess as one of rock’s greatest guitar players. Hetfield’s snarling, growling vocals are as strong as ever. With the elimination of the tinny drum sound, Ulrich is at his best, driving songs with fast, thrashy drum beats. Trujillo makes a great debut on the album and actually has song writing credits on several songs; something that Newsted hardly ever had in nearly 15 years with the band.
“Magnetic” also features the first instrumental track for the band in 20 years: “Suicide and Redemption” which gives fans a chance to hear the greatness of the band’s sound, particularly Trujillo’s bass and Hammett’s lead guitar.
One of the few weaknesses on the album is “Broken, Beat & Scarred.” While a heavy song with a great lead guitar part, Hetfield’s repeating of “What don’t kill you make you more strong,” gets tiresome after a while.
Any seasoned Metallica fan can pick out familiar sounding riffs and it sounds as if the band has actually put a lot of time, effort and care into the album. They’ve gone back to a heavy, thrash metal sound which makes this album an enjoyable listen and worth picking up.
Overall 4.5/5
Questions? Comments? Contact James Andersen at ande1242@msu.edu
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