Track Listing
1. Half Truism
2. Trust in You
3. You're Gonna Go Far, Kid
4. Hammerhead
5. A Lot Like Me
6. Takes Me Nowhere
7. Kristy Are You Doing Okay
8. Nothingtown
9. Stuff is Messed Up
10. Fix You
11. Lets Hear It for Rock Bottom
12. Rise and Fall
13. O.C. Life (Bonus Track)

Dexter Holland - Vocals/Guitar
Noodles - Guitar
Greg K - Bass
John Freese - Drums

Sometime last June, the critically acclaimed punk-rock band the Offspring came out with an album that has already gone down in history as a classic. Rise and Fall, Rage and Grace is the band's eighth studio album, and sixth album in a string of solid efforts dating back to 1994's Smash. This album is nothing less than any fan would expect of this band. It's classic Offspring as it always has been.

The first instantly recognizable hits from this album includes "You're Gonna Go Far Kid", "Hammerhead", "A Lot Like Me", and "Fix You". These few songs seem a litle more matured from the typical music they have made in the past. The lyrical themes are in general more emotional and serious than songs such as "Original Prankster" from Conspiracy of One or "Pretty Fly (For a White Guy)" from Americana. However we do get some more of this type of attitude in the song "Stuff is Messed Up". The opener "Half-Truism" takes us back to the classic Offspring of the past, as does the second track "Trust in You".

The album does have a few slow points, particularly tracks like "Fix You" and "Kristy, Are You Doing Okay", two songs I routinely skip while listening to the album. These are the only two which really lag on the album, and the band redeems itself with songs like "Stuff is Messed Up" and the bonus "O.C. Life".

This album was produced by Bob Rock, and to much surprise, he did an outstanding job. Rock has produced many hit albums, including numerous Metallica records as well as Motley Crue, and his own band the Payola$. Although he is responsible for bringing Metallica to mainstream success, many also consider him responsible for the band's eventual departure from popular opinion culminating with their album St. Anger. For the Offspring to hire Bob Rock for this album was what some would call incredibly risky at the very least. But in Rock's defense, he really pulled through. These songs are great, and are easily just as good as anything off their Americana or Smash albums. Everything is there, the guitar, the vocals, the attitude. Hopefully this group of punk rockers will still be able to keep it going in a couple of years and bring us another great album. Who knows, maybe even a U.S. tour?

Total Album Review: 8.0/10

1. Wake

	2.	Given Up
	3.	Leave Out All the Rest
	4.	Bleed It Out
	5.	Shadow of the Day
	6.	What I've Done
	7.	Hands Held High
	8.	No More Sorrow
	9.	Valentine's Day
	10.	In Between
	11.	In Pieces
	12.	The Little Things Give You Away

Chester Bennington - vocals
Rob Bourdon - drums, percussion
Brad Delson - lead guitar
Dave "Phoenix" Farrell - bass guitar, backing vocals
Joe Hahn - turntables, programming, samples
Mike Shinoda - emcee, vocals, rhythm guitar, keyboards

The year 2007 saw the release of Linkin Park's third studio album, Minutes to Midnight, produced by Rick Rubin. While it generally has recieved positive reviews, and spawned several hit singles, the album has been criticized by some for being too 'mellow'. Songs like "What I've Done", "Shadow of the Day", and "Leave Out All The Rest" are perfect examples of this mellow new direction. However, tracks like "Given Up", "Bleed It Out", still have that classic hard rock sound of earlier Linkin Park material found on Hybrid Theory and Meteora.

This album is also different in the fact that emcee/vocalist Mike Shinoda only performs his rapping techniques on two tracks, "Bleed It Out" and "Hands Held High". While Shinoda makes up for this loss by singing backup and lead vocals on numerous tracks, Joe Hahn, the band's DJ and effects man, does not seem to hold the pivotal role he held earlier on in Linkin Park's career, as his deejaying can only be heard on a few tracks. This album also marks the first time guitarist Brad Delson has performed guitar solos on any Linkin Park album, for the songs "In Pieces" and "The Little Things You Give Away". The biggest change Linkin Park has made to this material is the use of politically-charged lyrics. There are a lot of political messages in this album which are pushed on the listener, instead of the traditional songs mostly having to deal with relationship issues. A politically active Linkin Park may be one which is not well embraced by older fans, and could have been a reason for backlash.

All criticisms tossed aside, this album actually has a lot to offer. Between new direction, lyrics with deeper meanings, and more layered music, Linkin Park have recharged themselves, and proved that they don't have to keep on making the same old music again and again. They knew that their sound could have gotten stale if they kept repeating themselves, so they decided to change. It was a bold step in a new direction but who could blame them?

The way I see it, is that Linkin Park made the right decision to make this album the way they did. Minutes to Midnight has some great songs, and some songs of a little bit lower calibre. In my opinion, the entire first half is fucking incredible, and then it starts to sour. Any which way you look at it, the band still has time to hone in on the new sound and perfect it for future albums. This album may be no Hybrid Theory, or Meteora, but it is still pretty good, and could serve as a point f inspiration for later works. Not only did this album open up the band to new audiences, but it also opened the band up to their own creativity, and I'm sure Minutes will go down as a cornerstone of their career.

Total Album Rating: 7.1/10

All of you college students out there, especially you young ’uns without a 21-year-old roommate (which I have been lucky enough to obtain), know how great it is to sit back and toss a few back after midterms, maybe play a few drinking games. You all have picked your favorites, whether you’re a fan of an ale, a lager, or maybe some cheap ass light beer you pick up every time you and your buddies make a midnight Albertson’s run.
And, unfortunately, a lot of you incoming freshies might not comprehend the importance of your (and your parents’) monetary situation, what with tuition, rent, and food. But, hell, that doesn’t mean you have to give up that great beer belly you’ve been growing all summer like an Irish science project! You’ve just got to lower your standards a little. Luckily for you, I have comprised a list of the Top Ten College Beers, all of which are affordable and have a somewhat decent taste. But again, what college student cares about the taste as long as the effects are the same? Unless you’re a lame frat bastard--notice I said frat bastard…no typo there.

10. Milwaukee’s Best- Wow…best? I don’t know whether to feel bad for Milwaukee or to just let them think they have a good thing going for them. It literally tastes like a slice of bread with old Pabst and bong water poured over it. But hey, if you love messing with your roommates by unleashing the ultimate farts, then this beer is for you!

9. Mickey’s Malt Liquor- You might feel a little ghetto when you unscrew the cap off of one of these green bottled babies, but the taste is decent and with an alcohol content of 5.6% and the price of a 40 oz. at $2.99, you can’t go wrong. Great for ‘King’s Cup’ and ‘Edward Forty-hands.’

8. Miller Lite- Definitely not one of my favorites, but if I’m in the mood for something a little watery and a can of this crap is in the room, I’ll plug my nose and take it. Although, a lot of you might already be inclined to drink Miller, so be my guest! Just pour this shit into a beer bong and take it before it gets a chance to touch your taste buds.

7. Pabst Blue Ribbon- The epitome of the phrase, “Legends never die.” This beer was a favorite of Honest Abe’s back in the time of the American Civil War. If it’s still around after this long, there must be something good about it. The taste is alright, and it’s an ideal cheap beer to hand out to the females while you horde the Coor’s to yourself.

6. Tecate- Olé! This fine Mexican brew is a favorite for all of those amigos in your group. Even if you’re a gringo, it still manages to pass along the tongue without too much of a cringe. Put a little lime juice in there and sip on it while you watch some bullfighting...just watch out for headaches in the morning!

5. Corona- Ok, ok, I know this doesn’t really constitute as a “prime college beer,” mainly because it’s a bit pricier than the assholes listed above, but it really hits the spot on nights like Tequila Thursday when you’re too much of a douche-nugget to take some Sauza shots, and don’t want to look like a fag walking around with only margaritas. Add a squeeze of lime and a pinch of salt for optimal satisfaction.

4. Bud Lite- A beer that's actually worth your money! I know many frat bastards would disagree with me...again note that frat is not a typo...when I say that this is one of the first beers on this list that is both cheap and a beer that gives you more bang for your buck. Yes, it's only 4.2% alcohol, but it's a beer that you can actually enjoy drinking while you work on that buzz. Ideal for high focus games like 'Beer Hockey' and 'Irish Poker.'

3. Natural Light- Natty up! Great times with this beer. This is a brew that you need to get a taste for. I guarantee the first time you drink it, you will think one of your douchebag friends refrigerated a can of cat piss and handed it over to you as a "Welcome, freshie!" After getting down a couple dozen cans during your first week of classes, however, you'll be praising the Natty. "The Natty is your crew, and also your brew. Don't trash the Natty, let the Natty trash you!"

2. Keystone- Ah, Keystone. The Key to life. The Key to college. The Key to a great buzz. Like Natty, Keystone is a beer you might have to get a taste for. First time I drank it, my face screwed up to look like Renee Zellweger's face looks normally. After a while though, you can taste a hint of apple juice...don't know what it is, but it's great! This is the prime brewsky for beer pong.

1. Coor’s Light- And finally, the Silver Bullet, the Banquet Beer, the King of Beers...ok, that last name is a Budweiser trademark, but I'd be willing to debate it. Coor's has never let me or any other normal college guy down. Not only does the sweet, robust taste help to relieve even my most stressful moments, but even the damn can is glorious! That iconic, iridescent silver can with the majestic rocky mountains rising in the background...I feel bad throwing that shit away when I'm done with it!

I like beer. So I decided to post a list of my 10 favorite lagers. So without further adieu, I present to you, in order, the top ten best lagers on the market today.

10. Sam Adam's Light - The only Sam Adams I can actually stand to drink, this beer can hardly be called 'light'. Don't get me wrong this is a good beer, a really good beer for that matter. But the Sam Adams guys from the commercials have some sick desire to overpower all their beer with flavor to unnecessary extremes. This, by it's very nature, would make their 'light' beer, their most balanced, and just good enough to make my list.

9. Sapporo - Sapporo is a Japanese brewery, that make a wide variety of beers. The only one I know is the one that I get in all Asian restaurants, but it's damn good. It makes me wonder how the rest of Sapporo's products compare.

8. Beck's - You can't have a lager list and not include a German beer. Sure this one is pretty Americanized, but it's still German, and it's still good. Beck's keeps up with the German standards, and is overall a pretty good drink.

7. Heineken - An overly popular Dutch beer, but nonetheless, a very good beer. Heineken is very well known, and unfortunately, a lot of better beers are overlooked being under the Heineken shadow, but the beer is popular for a reason. I can't help but say I always enjoy one.

6. Kona Longboard Lager - This beer is brewed on Hawaii, and the Kona Company actually belongs to Budweiser. Don't let the name fool you, this beer is much better than any Budweiser you could ever drink. I would recommend this one to just about anybody.

5. Birra Perroni - The best Italy has to offer. I don't get the opportunity to drink this one too often, but I when I do I am duly pleased, seeing as how this beer is so good.

4. Steinlager - With this name, one might expect a German beer, but it is actually out of New Zealand. I don't know much about about New Zealand beer, but I know that as far as lagers go, they put out a damn good one, that is smooth and clean, and has a nice flavor to it.

3. Stella Artois - A Belgian beer, that is actually not a wheat ale. Stella is one of my all-time favorite beers. It's got that distinct clean lager taste, and tastes best during cold weather.

2. Pacifico - If I had to choose any one Mexican beer to be on this list, Pacifico is it. Named after the eponymous ocean, this beer is tasty, and like it's overrated counterpart Corona, is best with a lime. Nothing like relaxing on the beach with a cold Pacifico at hand.

1. Pilsner Urquell - This beer was the first pilsner ever created. It originates from Plzn, Czech, and is a smooth, flavorful lager, that goes down the throat with delightful ease. This will always be one of my personal favorite beers.

Al Pacino is the best of the best when it comes to acting. he is king when it comes to crime/drama but he has proven several times throughout his career that he can act exceptionally well in a variety of roles. If you have not seen many Pacino flicks, then start with the ones on this list, as they are his best.

10. The Godfather Part III - Rushed into production, and originally conceived to bail Francis Ford Coppola out of financial woe, the final chapter of the trilogy finishes the story of Michael Corleone, and actually does it in a just fashion. Often regarded as the worst in the trilogy, The Godfather Part III is still a damn good movie, and is better than a lot of the shit being made today.

9. Donnie Brasco - Co-starring Johnny Depp, this is another crime drama about an undercover cop (Depp) who goes under the wing of an aging gangster (Pacino). Based on a true story, this relative unknown is a great movie with great acting.

8. Serpico - Based on the true story Frank Serpico, a New York cop who goes undercover to expose police corruption. The character of Serpico is regarded as the ultimate good-guy.

7. Any Given Sunday - Oliver Stone's masterpiece about the lives of the fictional football team the Miami Sharks. The film mostly deals with the life of coach Tony D'Amato (Pacino), and his relationship with the team, as well as the team's owner, Christina Pagniacci (Cameron Diaz). Pacino really delivers in what is arguably his last great role.

6. Dog Day Afternoon - Like many Pacino greats, this film is based on a true story, and tells the tale of a 1972 New York bank robbery gone wrong. There are many powerful undertones in this movie, perfectly paired with the deep, complex character of Sonny Wortzik (Pacino).

5. Heat - Co-starring Robert De Niro, this movie is also a loosely based story about the relationship between a Chicago cop and robber. This movie takes place in the greater Los Angeles area with Pacino starring as the cop, and De Niro the robber. It is an intense thriller that also co-stars Val Kilmer, Ashley Judd, and Tom Sizemore.

4. Carlito's Way - The story of reformed drug kingpin, Carlito Brigante (Pacino), this film also co-stars Sean Penn as his coked-out lawyer friend. After being released from prison on drug charges, Carlito tries to make it in the real world through legitimate business, but finds it is a lot harder than he thinks. The character created by Pacino in this movie, is interesting at the very least, and serves as the cornerstone for a great movie.

3. Scarface - The story of the Cuban, Cocaine Kingpin Tony Montana. Easily Pacino's most quoted character. Tony Montana is the epitome of drug lord, as can be seen in his rise to power and glory on the streets of 19080's Miami. He's brutal, mean, and power-hungry, but that doesn't mean he doesn't have a soft-spot. We see who the true character of Tony Montana is when he starts to reevaluate his morals, and gradually becomes someone else. Chaos ensues for the remainder of the movie, all the way up to the bloody bang of an ending.

2. The Godfather Part II - The 1974 sequel to the 1972 masterpiece. This movie, however, is a masterpiece in it's own right. This movie more closely examines how Michael Corleone runs the family business after his family's relocation to the Nevada. Pacino takes advantage of his time in the second movie to expose the true evil Michael has buried inside him, as well as the many complexities and emotions he expresses. This movie is also great as it tells the early story of Michael's father, Don Vito Corleone, who as a young man, is portrayed by an Italian speaking Robert De Niro. If you loved the first movie, this is a must-see.

1. The Godfather - Marlon Brando, James Caan, Robert Duvall, and Diana Keaton all co-star with Pacino in this movie, based on the Mario Puzo book of the same name. Puzo co-wrote the screenplay with Francis Ford Coppola, as he did with all three Godfather movies. The movie starts out showing the true nature of the business of the Corleone family, as one of New York's most powerful crime families. It initially shows Michael as the outsider of the family, unlike his father, and brothers. After there is an attempted murder on his father however, Michael's priorities change as he starts to embrace the family business. The real story of this movie is not about Brando's character, Don Vito, but about Pacino's character, Michael, and his transformation from family outsider to mafia kingpin. This movie, along with Part II, show the bigger transformation of a how a good man can become evil. They are also considered to be two of the best movies of all time, especially the first film.

Thought we'd pay a salute to the late, great Rodney Dangerfield. The guy was a hilarious comedian, and he was just full of classic one-liners. So we compiled a list of ten of our favorites. Enjoy.

10. I saved a girl from being attacked last night. I controlled myself.

9. I was so poor growing up, if I wasn't a boy, I'd have had nothing to play with.

8. When I was born, the doctor came into the waiting room and said to my father, "I'm sorry. We did everything we could, but he pulled through."

7. I was making love to this girl and she started crying. I said, "Are you gonna hate yourself in the morning?" She said, "No, I hate myself now".

6. They say 'love thy neighbor as thy self' , what am I supposed to do jerk him off too?

5. A hooker once told me she had a headache.

4. My wife has cut me down to once a month, I'm lucky I know two guys she cut off completely

3. With my wife I don't get no respect. She told me she wanted sex in the back seat of the car. I drove her and that guy around all night.

2. With me nothing goes right. My psychiatrist told me my wife and I should have sex every night. Now we'll never see each other.

1. I was such an ugly baby. My mother never breastfed me. She told me that she only liked me as a friend.

1. Used Others on Way to Fame - Many Radiohead fans are unaware that Thom Yorke was not the first lead singer of the band. The line-up originally included Canadian singer Geoff Trainor. Geoff wrote most of their early songs including their first hit single "Creep" in 1993. However Geoff never got the success he deserved because Jonny Greenwood little by little edged him out of the band by convincing him Yorke should lead.

2. Sketchy Business - When Radiohead released there latest Album "In Rainbows" for any price the internet collectively applauded. However fans who competed in an itunes sponsored fan remix contest needed to shell out $1-$5 for the music to "Nude". Penny pinching the most die hard followers may not be the most ethical way to make money back from lost sales, but since most still got the album for free, I'll let it slide. However counting these remixes under the Radiohead name to boost billboard charts on the hot 100 does not get a free pass.



3. Music Filler - There is nothing wrong with a little atmosphere in music. Sometimes it can be incorporated very well. Pink Floyd is a the first example that comes to mind. However, Radiohead does so in a fashionably forgettable manor. Every once in a great while songs like "Creep" and "Karma Police" make the mark, but all too often there is no real driving melody which makes every album a drag to listen to. Like elevator music for a new generation.

4. Thom Yorke - He does not necessarily have a bad voice. It can be a little whinny at times, but I'll give him the benefit of doubt and say that it's mostly for a stylistic purpose. So what's the problem? Yorke was initially recruited as a backup singer and that is exactly where he belongs. His voice blends in with the background music which is an excellent trait to have as a supporting role. However as a front man, Yorke lacks the presence needed to help drive the song instead of being carried along with it.

5. Greener Pastures Elsewhere - Aside from the countless crappy Radiohead spin-off groups, there are a few bands that share similarities and improve on their week points. Two of which are Porcupine Tree, a progresive rock band and Tool, a progressive metal band. Unlike Radiohead, the majority of their songs aren't trapped in the same lulling atmospheric drag. They make heavy use of soundscapes as well, but also put an equal emphasis on composition and melody. As a result they both have a much richer sound.

Type: Neo-Progressive Rock

Track Listings

1. Indigo (13:44)
2. Eraserhead (9:05)
3. Comatose (I View From The Seashore) (7:41)
4. Comatose (II Space Cadet) (4:02)
5. Comatose (III Home and Dry) (5:55)
6. The Freak Show (4:26)
7. It's Only Me (8:16)

Total Time: 53:10

Summary: A clash of styles in an extremely well produced package.

Line-up/Musicians
- Nick Barrett / vocals, guitars, keyboard programming
- Peter Gee / bass guitar
- Clive Nolan / keyboards, backing vocals
- Scott Higham / drums, backing vocals

Pendragon's Pure is one of the more interesting new releases this year. Pendragon got there start in 1978 and for most of there career have been making music with nods to early Genesis. There new album Pure however steps in a new darker direction for a new generation.

Instead of the dominate light melodies in their previous albums, Pendragon created an atmosphere that leans more to Pink Floyd with a Tool like progressive metal touch. The Genesis influence is still hidden there in terms of song structure and some lighter melodies, but no longer is it the driving force. While there is clearly a lot of other influences that go into their sound, Pendragon have crafted something that is both unique and should appeal on some level to a variety of audiences.

The album starts off with a bang with the song "Indago". A simple but strong guitar line kicks in followed by ambient melodies and noises. The song goes through many phases, including a metal breakdown, a catchy chorus, and a David Gilmore style solo. The next song "Erasorhead", is a little weaker of a track but still has some strong melodies. Things pick up once again with "Comatose", a 15 min song broken in to 3 parts. Each section contains some increadably experimental combinations of sounds that constantly re-invent the tune. Here Pendragon has musical transitions down to an art.

The energy however slows down on the last two tracks. They are not horrible songs, just very forgettable in comparison. That said when at its height, Pure more than makes up for its weak points.

Total Album Rating: 8.7/10

This album is unlistenable.

















Total Album Review: 0/10

Track Listing
1. Dani California
2. Snow
3. Charlie
4. Stadium Arcadium
5. Hump De Bump
6. She's Only 18
7. Slow Cheetah
8. Torture Me
9. Strip My Mind
10. Especially In Michigan
11. Warlocks
12. C'mon Girl
13. Wet Sand
14. Hey



15. Desecration Smile
16. Tell Me Baby
17. Hard To Concentrate
18. 21st Century
19. She Looks To Me
20. Readymade
21. If
22. Make You Feel Better
23. Animal Bar
24. So Much I
25. Storm In A Teacup
26. We Believe
27. Turn It Again
28. Death Of A Martian

Anthony Keidis - Vocals
John Frusciante - Guitars, Vocals
Flea - Bass
Chad Smith - Drums

The year 2006 brought with it one of the best Red Hot Chili Peppers albums to date. The double album Stadium Arcadium, produced by Rick Rubin, is the Peppers' ninth studio album. These twenty-eight songs and two full hours of material prove that the Chili Peppers still have the awesome potential to create hit records. Every album since their 1991 breakthrough, Blood Sugar Sex Magik, has been both a critical and financial success, and this album is no different.

It seems that almost every great band, at some point in their career, decides to release the "epic double-album". The Beatles had the White Album, Hendrix had Electric Ladyland, Led Zeppelin had Physical Graffitti, Pink Floyd had The Wall, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers have Stadium Arcadium. This album easily puts the Red Hots on the same level as these greats.

This album has a lot to offer from it's wide variety of styles and tones. Stadium Arcadium brings listeners to the Peppers classic funk-ska-punk-rock songs, as well as mellow acoustic songs of which are immeasurable in quality. Each song seems to have it's own identity on this album, making it clearly apparant that the Chili's were not trying to repeat themselves in any way. The band puts a lot on the table with this album.

Tracks that really stick out include, but are not limited to the hard rocking "Readymade", the upbeat "Especially in Michigan", the solemn "Desecration Smile", and the funky "Storm in a Teacup". John Frusciante delivers some glorified shredding on the rockers, but easily makes the transition to soulful acoustic wailing when necessary. Flea executes the bass perfectly, as he always does, while proving that he might still be the best bassist of all time. Chad Smith might as well change his name to Chad Bonham when it comes to his drumming on this record. And Anthony Keidis, well he is still managing to keep his vocal melodies fresh and entertaining, yet sorrowful or rocking whenever he wants. The member really put out his all on this album and it really paid off.

The Red Hot Chili Peppers have managed to outdo themselves...again. Each subsequent album seems to be just as good, if not better than the last. This is the ninth time they've done this, and hopefully they will be able to do it again sometime in the near future.

Total Album Rating: 8.9/10

Mugal Thrash - (s/t) 1971 - Jazz Rock

Track Listings 1. Something Sad (7:32)
2. Elegy (9:37)
3. Dreams Of Glass And Sand (5:07)
4. Going North, Going West (12:00)
5. St. Peter (3:39)
6. What's This I Hear (7:17)
Bonus Track:
7. Sleeping In The Kitchen (2:45)

Total Time: 47:57

Mogul Thrash was a band formed by ex-Colosseum singer and lead guitarist James Litherland. In many ways it sounds like an extension of previous band. What separates them from Colosseum is is the addition of singer and bass player John Wetton, of King Crimson and Asia fame. The result is very distinct bass aiding the already killer jazz melodies Litherland was crafting in his previous work.

Along with a host of other great musicians such as Bill Harrison on drums, Mugal Thrash debut album is oozing with talent. There is actually very little to criticize so long as you are expecting a freeform jazz rock album. Great vocals, great arangements, lots of trumpet, guitar solos, intresting bass lines, and excelent drum beats. A possible weak point to the album is the song Elegy. Absolutely killer all the way through, but it is not an origional tune. It is instead a re-imagining of a Colosseum hit. I really enjoy this version of the song but a new song would have been nice as well.

For me the highlights are Elegy and St. Peter. St. Peter is particularly interesting because Wetton does the vocal lines. Easily the most catchy song on the album.

8.5/10

Sumary: Jazz infused classic rock with lots and lots of great music instrumentals along with good vocals.

Line-up/Musicians

- James Litherland / guitars and vocals
- John Wetton / bass and vocals
- Bill Harrisson / drums
- Malcolm Duncan / Tenor saxophone
- Michael Rosen / Trumpet, Mellophone and guitar
- Roger Ball / Alto, Baritone and soprano saxes

Track Listing
1. That Was Just You're Life (7:08)
2. The End of the Line (7:52)
3. Broken, Beat, and Scarred (6:26)
4. The Day That Never Comes (7:56)
5. All Nightmare Long (7:58)
6. Cyanide (6:40)
7. The Unforgiven III (7:47)
8. The Judas Kiss (8:01)
9. Suicide and Redemption (9:58)
10. My Apocalypse (5:01)


James Hetfield - Guitar/Vocals
Kirk Hammet - Guitar
Lars Ulrich - Drums
Rob Trujillo - Bass


2008 has been a good year for Metallica. Back in June, they co-headlined the Bonnaroo festival with Pearl Jam. Last July, they were even invited to headline the one-off Ozzfest in Austin, Texas. But the best thing this year has seen come from these Metal vets is the release of their ninth studio album, Death Magnetic. After only a couple of months, the album has proven to be the band's best in years, praised by both fans and critics alike.

Stylistically, a lot of people will see this album's material as a return in sound to their 80's material, like that found off Master of Puppets and ...And Justice for All. That fact is undeniable. There is however a new Metallica sound that is duly present throughout the album. This sound is hard to explain, and best understood if heard. Some fans have expressed disinterest in this sound, while most have fully embraced it. I personally believe that this new sound is great, and fits in very easily with the already established "Metallica sound". One thing is for certain; Metallica has proven that they've still got it, and can still make a great album.

The album is divided into ten tracks, which run to a total of about 75 minutes. Metallica literally included all of the material that they possibly could have on this album, considering that there is only 80 minutes of space on a compact disk, and most new artists are only putting out about 45 minutes worth. There is not a boring moment in any of the 75 minutes. Between the heavy guitar riffage, blistering solos, thundering bass, and pounding drums, this album truly has it all. Each member lives up to his reputation, and beyond, on this album. Death Magnetic is clear departure from 2003's St. Anger, and sounds a lot more like material from the Master/Justice/Black Album days, which is widely regarded as the musical peak of Metallica's career.

The first three tracks, "That Was Just You're Life", "The End of the Line", and "Broken, Beat, and Scarred" can all be described as heavy, fast, and long, three ingredients necessary to any great Metallica song. The fourth, "The Day That Never Comes", is the band's ballad for the album, reminiscent of "Fade to Black" or "One". The next two tracks, "All Nightmare Long", and "Cyanide" both mix the classic Metallica sound with their newly discovered sound to create, kick ass, in-your-face songs that you can't help but sing along to. These songs are followed by "The Unforgiven III", a truly epic and distinguished piece which justly ends the trilogy with a bang. "The Judas Kiss", a great hard rocker, is followed by the incredibly mesmerizing instrumental "Suicide & Redemption". The album is capped off with "My Apocalypse", the shortest song on the album, clocking in at 5 minutes. The song also contains a lyric for which the album is named.

Overall I must say that Metallica has put out a truly incredible album. Death Magnetic is already an instant classic, and proves that Metallica has still got what it takes. They once again have paved the path for which I'm sure many bands will follow. Hopefully we don't have to wait too long for the follow-up.

Total Album Rating: 9.3/10