From the Vault...

02/08/1998
#563

info
Metallica
"Metallica"


© Elektra Records

Year of Release: 1991
Rating:

track listing
  • Enter Sandman
  • Sad But True
  • Holier Than You
  • The Unforgiven
  • Wherever I May Roam
  • Don't Tread On Me
  • Through The Never
  • Nothing Else Matters
  • Of Wolf And Man
  • The God That Failed
  • My Friend Of Misery
  • The Struggle Within

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    Metallica
    "Metallica"



    From the dark corners of hardcore rock, Metallica finally received the recognition they deserved with their 1991 self-titled release, Metallica. Since their debut album in 1983, the self-titled Metallica put the group on the map as one of the many Monsters of Rock, and became a huge success in the area of hard rock.


    What can't be said about this album, other than it being one of the very best in the area of hard, hard rock? Enter Sandman starts the album with a huge kick, as it was probably the main song that would stand out as THE song for this album. But not only does the Sandman tune represent great status, so does the rest of the album. Sad But True is another 'grab your guts for attention' tune. The Unforgiven was another radio favorite, as it slowed down the usual hardcore rockin' style that Metallica represents. Holier Than Thou may not be best remembered, but like the many hard-rockin' songs, it follows the tradition of Metallica being a band that knows how to present kick-butt hardcore rock.


    And then there's Wherever I May Roam -- a song that received radio airplay and video exposure, yet it is another great kick-butt tune.


    The remaining tunes are songs that didn't receive any real major airplay, but it follows the previous tunes' style of hard-driving crunching guitar hardcore rock, with the exception of Nothing Else Matters, a slow-paced ballad type song, like The Unforgiven. Some of these songs did get some video exposure on the late-night MTV program, The Headbanger's Ball, where many videos by other hardcore metal bands displaying their so-called "gloom and doom" rock. The fact is that Metallica's lyrics focus on obsessions most people don't like to talk about, like anger, drugs, fear, violence, and death. Where most people may not understand the loud, screaming lyrics in the songs, the Metallica album contains lyrics for each song, which to most people (like myself), is a big plus. And, I as browsed through the lyric sheets, the songs do feature those obsessions. Only rock musicians can sincerely express these issues best, in their own musical ways.


    Of the hard-driving rock tunes, they do give you somewhat of an eerie feeling. They could be used for one of those late night, midnight showings of horror films. This hardcore music also brings out the 'bad' image (or even worse, the evil) in all of us. Where most fans of hardcore rock display their long hair, leather jackets, and love for sex, drugs and rock and roll. (Well, maybe not in that order.) And, you can't help but to raise your fist in the air, and present your best Beavis & Butthead imitation, boppin' your head up and down to the driving music. Likewise, playing your best air guitar, and again, imitating Beavis and Butthead singing out the loud guitar parts.


    The Metallica album defines the true meaning of pure hardcore guitar-driving rock. Closely related to such groups as Black Sabbath (with and without Ozzy Osbourne), and Deep Purple, Metallica is a band that will keep your ears ringing, both in music and its lyrics. Be aware--Metallica may not be suitable for most people. It's from that darkest corner of rock, and it is a force that is not to be ignored. It's dark, it's loud, it's energized, it's METALLICA.



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    Previous Review: #562
    James Brown--Black Caesar
    Next Review: #564
    Creedence Clearwater Revival--Willy And The Poorboys