METALLICA

As a self-proclaimed metalhead, Metallica is a code. I have already listened to Kill 'Em All, Ride the Lightning, Master of Puppets, ...And Justice for All, Death Magnetic, and even St. Anger. No Black Album? Honestly, I never got into that one.

Metallica's entire discography is on the harddrive- surprise!

First, I listened to Garage, Inc., an album I've been wanting to listen to for some time. It's full of covers, demos, and outtakes, but mostly the former. It's great to hear Metallica's versatility. Some of these covers really kick ass- eh, most of the covers kick ass. It's a good listen.

Second, I listened to Ride the Lightning. I bought this album years ago, but I lent it to a friend and never got it back. I haven't listened to it for years, so I took it for a spin. It's really good. Metallica's first three albums- Kill 'Em All, Ride the Lightning, Master of Puppets- are all thrash metal classics, but each is different. Kill has hints of hardcore punk (at least I think it does), Master is heavy as shit, but Ride has more of a classic metal sound. It's more symphonic, melodic, and progressive than its predecessor I guess. First three tracks are the best.

Third, I listened to the Black Album. I skipped track 1- "Enter Sandman"- because it's played on modern rock radio fifty times a day. "Sad but True" is more awesome than I remembered (yeah, I heard this on the radio as well), a heavy standout. I don't really remember "Holier than Thou." I skipped "The Unforgiven" because I just listened to it to compare it with its two sequels (on Reload and Death Magnetic). I've heard "Wherever I May Roam" but it's such an awesome song so I listened to it again. Next, "Don't Tread on Me," a good song but lacking hooks. The second half of the album was strong but lacked major hooks. Not including "Nothing Else Matters," of course, a haunting ballad.


Up next: Load and Reload, whic I am not looking forward to...