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
