Reviews (page 7 of 15)
It's a bit of a classic and it hits pretty hard. Wouldn't say it's the kind of album that I would listen to all the time, although my teenage self loved pretty hard hitting music. The more classical music inspired bits are particularly cool, like the first breakdown solo you hear in the title track. Orion is pretty cool too. It's consistent, done well and the production is pretty much in your face. Sonically it's missing a bit of dynamics, I wonder if they did too much limiting/compression on the remaster? Sometimes the album sounds a bit crushed, there are a bit of dynamics missing.
It’s simply a fantastic metal album.
Classic
Wouldn’t really listen again but I had fun, though it was dorky, and also gained an understanding.
This album is very consistent. For a death metal style it's probably what you are looking for.
top 3: - the things that should not be - welcome home (sanitarium) - master of puppets
Cool I guess, but I don't really like metal.
A classic!
Not for me at all
This is great. And it shouldn’t be. There’s only two talents in the band - Hetfield is a rhythm player who ranks with Townshend and Malcolm Young and cliff burton certainly changes the bass in metal. Lars invents of course thrash drumming despite being not good at it. And Kirk does what he does. This should be awful but it’s awesome. 50 stars.
It is really easy to use Metallica as a cultural punching bag, especially Lars Ulrich. They sold out, they aren't "real metal" anymore, many of their records sound like crap, Lars is a terrible drummer, etc etc. But there is a reason they became the biggest metal band in history, and this album is it. It has all the things that are best about early Metallica -- breakneck speed, catchy riffs, the occasional melody, incredibly tight rhythm playing, great soloing -- in a record that is actually well recorded compared to the rest of their 80s output, and even some of their later albums *cough cough* St Anger. There are some genuine all-time classics on this record -- Battery, title track, Damage Inc -- and even the filler tracks are pretty great. Metallica has always been Hetfield's band -- he is creative leader and certainly most musically gifted, the voice and possibly the greatest metal rhythm guitar player of all time. His leadership is in full effect here, and he runs a tight ship. This is their best album. A final note about Lars Ulrich. Poor Lars cops a lot of flack for his drumming. And it is true that he struggles with playing with feel, and he can't swing. And he fumbles a lot of fills. And it was a poor decision to turn off the snare on St Anger. But, in fairness, he can play fast and he is tight on the drum hits, which is perfect for this record. His straight-ahead, breakneck playing and ability to stop on a dime is right on the money here.
Although I was never a big fan of Metallica, “Master of Puppets” is undoubtedly the pinnacle of thrash metal. Since it is one of the few "all killer - no filler" albums, I find it difficult to single out individual tracks. Nevertheless, “Master of Puppets” (every serious guitarist has learned this song—including Eddie Muson, of course ;) and “Orion” (every serious bassist... you know) still stand out! It doesn't get any more legendary than this!
Overrated
Battery, Master of Puppets, Welcome Home (Sanitarium) - ♡ Disposable Heroes- 👎 The Thing that Should Not Be, Damage Inc.- 🤷♀️ Master of Puppets- 🌟 (the song that is the main star of the album! Notes: • I'm not sure why, but I thought this album was released in the 90's! • the rift in Master of Puppets is just so epic, it always sends shivers down my spine!
I prefer their self titled
Fav
These stars are all for Orion
already listened to this but what an AMAZING album. wish i could relisten to this for the first time aaa.
This is definitely an album I should have known at least one song off of, however that is not the case. And now that I have listened to the entire album I cannot say that this is really my thing, apart from some of the cool guitar shredding. I am sure a few more listens would make me more of a fan, but ain't nobody got time for that! Favourites were Master of Puppets, Welcome Home (Sanitarium), Disposable Heroes, and ESPECIALLY Orion (best track on the album that single-handedly carries my rating to a 3, almost 4)
After listening to the album three times, they all started to sound the same. Master of Puppets is the obvious stand out in the album. Favorite songs: Master of Puppets, The Thing That Should Not Be
This is one of the albums that I was hoping to get when I started this project. Knowing my luck, I thought this would be my 1,000th album. Thank god it didn’t take that long. Personally, my favorite Metallica album is Ride the Lightning (which is criminally not on here), but this is like a very close second. A twin peak situation, if you will. It’s the beat Metallica would ever be before their eventual turn into the mainstream. There is sheer energy in every track, produced and polished to perfection, with a side of some political commentary. It feels clichéd to say this is where thrash metal really started, but that’s only because it’s true. And it, along with their other 80’s outputs, is what made Metallica’s run legendary. Favorite track: Master of Puppets Favorite track that isn’t Master of Puppets because that’s too easy: Tie between Battery and Welcome Home (Sanitarium). Hard to pick. Other hits: Disposable Heroes, Orion, Leper Messiah, The Thing That Should Not Be, Damage, Inc.
Metal-tastic
The kings of heavy metal! Possibly not their best album but certainly an intense ride. Battery, Damage Inc and the title track are the standouts.
I think I’m more in awe of pure thrash phase Metallica, than loving it as such. The riffs are so ridiculously fast (yet catchy), the drumming is just insane at times, which just makes it quite the spectacle really. Also, it’s just so smooth and clean, how can you do that playing at such speed, is that just in production or are they the tightest band ever, I never have seen them live? But it is also that cleanness and speed that stops me from loving them, it’s hard to take a breath and nod along, a moment is there and gone, then another one comes along before you’ve savoured the last. In conclusion 100% respect, 75% like, discuss…..
Metallica…is a silly band. Their lyrics are silly and often their hooks are silly. But that silliness is set to extremely rad and musically proficient and interesting thrash/speed metal instrumentation. I enjoyed most of this but none of it really struck me as essential. I was headbanging and giggling now and then from the silliness.
Classic Metallica
Classic Metallica
Many regard this as one of the greatest heavy metal albums of all time for good reason. An absolute masterpiece.
Not my fave Metallica album but if there had to be one representative thrash metal album on this list, it's this one. Genius, composition, technical skill, testosterone vitriol wrapped into a beauty of a sub-hour album. four stars cause that's the max I give to an artist who has multiple albums on this list
Loved (nearly) every song on this album. It's absolutely no wonder why Metallica was, and is, so popular. They really managed to flow every song into the next and keep up the energy, and the commentary thread, consistent through the whole album. I will definitely listen to it again. Favorite songs: Master of Puppets Welcome Home (Sanitarium) Disposable Heros
Sempre bom revisitar o Metallica do Velho Testamento.
Album Art review - 10/10. Crosses great logo, red sky, puppet strings - no notes! Released in the middle of an incredible run of metal albums released by Metallica. Their initial body of work through the black album absolutely changed heavy metal music forever. Master of Puppets is a metal masterpiece. Chugging, ripping solos, speed, husky vocals, dystopic and miserable lyrics and melodies. Highlights, Battery, MOP, Welcome Home, Leper Messiah
Oh well! They work hard at it and you can't say they don't have a serious/furious theme going on.
didn’t hate it but didn’t particularly like it either
Smashing trash metal. Would be 5 star if I didn't love Megadeth just a liiiittle bit more
I have never been a fan of Metallica but I have to admit, the band is talented- even if metal is not my style.
Not as good as their previous album, but not bad
My first time truly listening to Metallica. I understand why people say they are very good. 8/10
I have this on Vinyl. Good album.
Obviously Okay
1)orion 2)master of puppets
i love this album of course
My go-to Metallica album is S&M, and prior to this project today, it's the only album I'd ever heard front to back. It's safe to say I'm only a general fan, having been thrusted into thrash metal in my adolescence, but dabbling in way too many genres. As far as Metallica goes, I always felt I knew a good chunk of their best tracks. At no point does this record fall short. The last few tracks were new to me and goddamn, what a way to pack a punch and pull it through. How am I just hearing Orion for the first time today? The sensation you get when you let this album into you is something like revenge and euphoria blended and purified. It was nice to hear the songs I enjoy as metal standards in their original grit. Will definitely be repeating this listen. 4.4/5
Yuck more Metallica. This is far too soon since the site gave me the black album. I feel similarly with this to the black album. Hatfield is one of the worst vocalist of all time. He truly ruins it from being an ok listen. And if I focus too hard on Lars drumming I vomit in my mouth. I will say that this record overall is faster and more driving and I do appreciate that somewhat. Battery is about the only song id say thats sorta listenable but still not a recommend. This shit sucks and I hate it but I will say that I gave the black album a 2 for the historical and cultural significance but I shouldn't have. This almost earns its 3 stars and while it still blows its much better than the black album. Id rather put a 2 here than on that garbage. All I can hope for is this is it for shitallica. I pray to whoever can help me with that. Im waiting with bated breath for st anger....please God no
Hey man, this album kicks ass. This is waaaay better than "...and justice for all." They wrote their own check with this thing, any amount of bullshit noodling and butt rock is forgiven. Normally I bitch about songs being too long: nothing overstays its welcome. It doesn't disappear up its own ass. It's just cool and good.
One of the two most glorious albums of Metallica. Nothing to add.
Album is definitely influential, but Metallica have better. Honestly this album is sorta dull.
Fine, very technically skilled but every song kinda sounds the same. Good get amped music though
Classic.
A bit repetitive but some of Metallica’s best
Favorites: Battery, Master of Puppets, Disposable Heroes This album fucking rules. It rips through its whole tracklist front to back like a loose cannon. Pure thrash metal bliss. An absolute must-listen. 10/10
Raw, loud, fasterrr
7/10
classic
The intro of Battery is truly beautiful. Sometimes I wish that metal bands would just dedicate themselves to making less metallic albums. I've heard the start of this song a lot but not the end because I used to play it on Rockband drums but could never get to the end... too many kicks. Master of Puppets (the track) is overrated for me. I don't really get it. James Hetfield kinda sounds like a pirate when he sings "master!" Orion intro. Orion those two guitars wailing together about 4 and a half minutes in. DO MORE OF THAT PLZZZ. Fave Tracks: Battery, Orion 3.6/5
ive always thought this was vastly better than ride the lightning, which is funny considering its one of the most shameless examples of a band copying their own homework, with every song having a RTL equivalent sequenced in almost entirely in the same order. honestly on closer inspection, i think it might be a case of Less Bad rather than More Good, for as down as i kinda am on it RTL does have a lot of fine raw musical ideas and i think in a direct song for song comparison theyre mostly pretty close to eachother. but the two big weakness of RTL for me, the production and james' vocals, are both improved pretty starkly here. the production honestly still aint no great shakes (slayer outsells) but its not a weakness, and james still isnt perfect (honestly i think his vocals are one of the only things ab metallica that actively improved as they went on) but he's clearly found his style and is comfortable in it. i feel like ive been v complainy here lol and yea metallica aint my favorite thing unless theyre kicking with lou reed. but it Is hard to deny songs this good...metallica's secret weapon of being more based in the rock songwriting idiom then metal is at its most vindicated here. my fave is thing that should not be, the equivalent to for whom the bell tolls which is probably also my favorite on RTL...the band giving themselves room to breathe is very flattering on them, i almost wish they had done some fully Doomy stuff at some point. but p much everything here is Some sort of classic,,,for whatever else i think ab it, RTL was a good album structure and formula, so an even more confident and refined iteration is a pretty guaranteed smash. its hard not to laugh whenever i accidentally notice lars tho.
One of my favorite albums by Metallica. Not as raw as Kill Em All and Ride the Lightning but developing into one of the best thrash metal bands ever. 4/5
Casi había escuchado todas las canciones de este álbum sin saberlo, me gustó, realmente no es mi estilo pero está muy bien. Mi favorita Lepper Messiah.
🔪 Master of Puppets – Metallica (1986) This album grabs you by the collar, throws you into a mosh pit of existential dread, and shreds a guitar solo while you contemplate the void. It’s not just an album—it’s a 54-minute controlled demolition of your soul. This is Metallica at full beast mode. No radio polish, no soft landings. Just pure, whiplash-inducing thrash metal with surprisingly literate lyrics about addiction, war, insanity, and—because it’s Metallica—death on a cosmic scale. Rating: 5/5 Short Review: Controlled chaos, razor-edged precision, and more riffs than your therapist can handle. Favorite Track: “Disposable Heroes” – because sometimes you want your anti-war message delivered with double bass drums and a sledgehammer.
One of my favorite albums ever, and what I think is the best metal album ever. Crushing rhythm guitars and soaring leads. The incomparable bass work of Cliff Burton. Dark but unified subject matter. A masterpiece.
This might be ground breaking if I'd never heard a metal album before. The titular song is good
Wat een vet album! Veel melodieuzer dan ik had gedacht en super strak gespeeld!
it alright. ride the lightning better
Dad- 5 Mom- 4 Mike- 8.5 Lori- 8 Michael- 8 Miles- 8 Cole- NA Avg- 6.92
Thrash is not usually the genre for me but this is good. They mix it up a bit so keep it interesting. There are some surprisingly good musical moments to. hold the interest rather than just thrashing away. It is a bit bloated and they do take themselves very seriously. At the other end of the rock spectrum from yesterday’s Aerosmith but both are getting a solid 4
Master work
I’ve had one Metallica album so far and that was And Justice For All. Was not a fan of that one. This one though, a straight banger. It might help that I have listened to it before but its title track is so good. Overall, loved this one
Day 39 I have listened to this album many times before. A classic! Do I even need to say more? 5/5
6/10
I'm frankly surprised that out of all the Metallica albums this is the one that was chosen over the black album. It's still a great album! But I think the quality of the songs are better overall on the black album. The guitar solos on this album are just juicy and tastefully long. I think master of puppets as a song deserves to be here, because it's a masterpiece of metal, but the rest of the album? Not as sure
I sadly lost my notes, but just quickly - the intro song and Disposable Heroes rock, and I'm pleasantly surprised how interesting the songs are. Definitely relistening this one
I learned to appreciate this band over the years. I am not a big fan of heavy metal but I can enjoy it (tolerate it) once in a while.
Whatever.
One of the greatest metal albums of all time and even just albums in general. This is Metallica at the height of their powers and firing on all cylinders. A true masterpiece
Battery and Master. Nothing left to say.
Way too much drums. This is shit criticism but there's no space no air
There’s not really much to critique on this record. It’s my favorite of Metallica’s body of work, and it’s been in pretty regular rotation since I first listened to it in like 9th grade. I’m creeping up on 50, and this record still gets me so jazzed. 5/5
This is one of the best thrash metal albums of all time. It is high on the list for best metal album of all time. It is the best Metallica album as well. This album is just that good from start to finish. RIP Cliff
There’s some stone cold classics on this album, even if I’m not the biggest Metallica fan I still get a lot of enjoyment out of this record. It’s not my favourite of theirs, but it’s a solid entry that I was happy to listen to again after many years away.
I don't need to listen to this all the way to tell you this is one of the best albums ever made. Period. If I could give more than 5 stars this would get them without a second thought. Got me into Thrash as a teenager after a mate played it on repeat while we blasted ghosts & skeletons in 2 player tag matches of Ghoul on Saturday mornings. Got back to it after a while away listening to other stuff (grunge, desert rock) Now my teenage lad is into Thrash we're going to gigs together
Not my buzz but quality stuff
Snoei en snoeiharde gitaren. Tsja, dit is zo'n album wat denk ik iedereen wel kent. Of tenminste het titelnummer. Dat gaat ook gewoon heel hard, benieuwd hoe het hele album me pakt omdat ik bij Metallica wel vaak heb dat het een beetje een harde gitarenbrij word na een tijd. En tsja, wat ik eerder bij een Metallica album had is nu ook weer een beetje het geval. het gaat hard. Snoeihard. Maar niet elk nummer heeft een minutenlange gitaarsolo nodig. Dat is gewoon een beetje mijn issue met de Metallica albums, dat ze zo vet zijn en beginnen, maar als elk nummer tegen de 10 minuten is dan is het voor mij al snel een soort in elkaar overlopende gitaarbak. Neemt niet weg dat Master of Puppets fucking vet is en dat ik vooral erg positief verrast was over Orion. Toch weer een instrumentaal nummer dat mn aandacht pakt. Uiteindelijk had dit van mij een 3,5 gehad als het kon. Dat kan niet, en dan kijk ik naar andere albums met 4 sterren en daar vind ik het gewoon net niet goed genoeg voor. FAVO: Master of Puppets, Leper Messiah, Orion
When this album started to play it seemed the dog felt he was in trouble. He crouched low and looked startled and confused. The same for me. However, as the songs went on, I found that I began to appreciate the guitar runs and drumming. I never listened to Metallica. DId not like the yelling. Yet, I was reminded of music that my brothers listened to when I was young…Van Halen, Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, Alice Cooper, Blue Oyster Cult. The song Damage had my favorite guitar and drum runs. Who knew that I could still enjoy some of this at age 65. lol.
Not my cup of tea; couldn't wait for it to be over.
My favourite Metallica album. Simple as. It grows on me every year. I don't listen to it all yhe time, more like once a year and I find something new all the time. Aggressive, beautiful, adrenaline, thought provoking. MASTERpiece.
classic, thrash metal perfection, the intro is fast and energetic then goes into master of puppets, everything just works and makes sense and falls in the right place, amazing record
Not my bag.
Wow!! Welcome Home (Sanitarium) is an awesome song. Master of puppets is also pretty solid. Disposable Heroes is a bit intense for me.
They are just like me just a little scarier. Can easily see this becoming 5 stars. Fun way to start my day.
not my style at all
This was pretty fun. It helps I was in the mood for some metal this morning. I haven’t listened to a ton of Metallica outside of the popular stuff but this was ok. A lot of it sounds the same but you can’t argue with the talent in making the sound.
88/1001. Megadeth - Metallica 1-5.
Previous review: "Tremendous album from a tremendous band. Spent many hours learning the riffs and solos. “Orion” alone deserves more than 5 stars, but hey-ho." Being a huge MetallicA fan I'm not going to give it anything less than a 5. There's not a song I don't like on the album, but Orion is most superior. Listened to the album a couple of times for good measure.
I mean, of course I'm gonna like this one. Although, I think it's the first time I've actually listened to it in one sitting.
I listened to the album and was not immediately compelled by the musical language. I found it repetitive and relentlessly pounding. Then I listened to Rock Virgin's reaction video to Master of Puppets on YouTube. It really helped me understand the background and intentions of the song. Her review helped me to hear the narrative and artistry in the music. I was originally going to score one star. I've increased it to three. I'm sure with a deeper appreciation of the musical language and additional listenings I would rate even higher.
Didn’t think I liked it and the I realised it influenced no Doubt a bunch of music I did like growing up, so it made sense then! 4/5
Undeniable. Every song rocks just as hard as all the others. Maybe Orion is my highlight. The first time I heard it and realised what was happening was a moment of "woah".
To be honest, I don't think it is the best thing they ever did; rather, I’d say it’s more important and influential for the genre of thrash metal, which is not exactly in my taste. There’s a lot of repetitive stuff, which is not what I like in metal. Still, every song has its own best moments, with some great riffs and vocal parts. But I can’t say that about Master of Puppets and Orion - these are just some of the best metal songs ever made.
Metallica at their peak. Was not into metal at all when this was released, but really liked this album and it still sounds great!
Ah, the classics. It’s been at least ten years since I last listened to this album all the way through. This one played a major role in shaping the metal side of my musical taste, and I have to admit that I still really enjoy it. It sounds especially good now, considering the last 15 albums in this challenge have been more or less total bullshit.
One of the first records I obsessed over. I can't say a bad thing about it. The sound is a bit thin, even on the remastered version, but that was the flavour of that time. I used to have my boombox in the bathroom as I showered, blasting this and Ride the Lightning on the B-side.
Siempre me pasa que me encantan los singles y el resto son relleno en mis libros. Nota: 3.6
Great album, would listen to it again
Definitely not my cup of tea. Very whiny vocals with abrasive loud guitars, struggled to get just a little over halfway through. Not sure why they became so popular when there is so much better stuff out there.
Würg!
A lot of five star reviews but I don’t get the hype. Too aggressive, depressing lyrics, kinda scary.
Not my favorite album by them. Not my favorite band, it's quite far from it. I was never a big fan of Metallica, but I can respect them enough to give this album a 5. But yeah, it is a really good album.
This album is a Stone Cold Steve Austin classic. It will open a can of whoop ass on you. I’m talking about stomp a mud hole in your ass and walk it dry - kinda ass whoopin. Badass album. Every track. Damn near perfect. 1001 album worthy: Yes - 105/195
My bf likes it, and to enjoy it you really need to turn it on loud. I'm not a big fan but can be energizing
I prepared to come in listening to this with fresh ears, unbiased, and expected that it wouldn't hold up once I got into the songs in the margins, and as a whole maybe it would come out a 3 or 4. I think I've heard that it's not even one of Metallica's favorites. Perhaps I failed, or perhaps it is really that good, but I can't rate this anything less than a 5—this is something that should be preserved as long as humankind survives. Maybe longer.
I wonder how I'd feel about this album if I'd never heard of Metallica before. There are some absolute classics on here (namely the title track), but I don't love the album as a whole knowing what else the band is capable of. I mean, it's still getting a 4 from me which is more than the vast majority of albums on this list, but not a 5 like the black album. Maybe I'm just a square who likes their later stuff more than the early, thrashy stuff. 4.0
It pains me to give this two stars. I have listened to this album hundreds of times. This album is perfect with cheap headphones or speakers. I listened to the FLAC HD stream on Tidal with high quality gear and, analytically speaking, it is very bad. Cliff is totally lost in the mix, that or Cliff, James, and Kirk are the greatest ever unit in complete lock step. I primarily heard a rhythm guitar, with distortion, and Lars's unenthusiastic drumming. I am a passable, volunteer, drummer in a church band and I feel like I could competently take Lars's throne. This is most clear on The Thing That Should No Be. Just awful, Kirk had a 10 second solo. Honestly, I wish I skipped this one, this time.
Such a great thrash record, just a brutal assault of drums and guitars. Fantastic record.
This is a perfect album. Unique, genre defining sound, tempo.
I've listened to this album so many times over the years that I can't really review it in an objective way. It was one of the first metal albums I ever listened, and it got me through middle-school. Although I love Ride the Lightning even more, I reckon they're both about equal in quality.
Listens: 4 Standout Tracks: Master of Puppets, Welcome Home (Sanitarium), Disposable Heroes Growing up, I never listened to Metallica (or really any heavy metal), but to me, they were infamous for being the poster child of "Napster Bad, Piracy Bad" and so naturally as a kid with no disposable income or means to buy music: Napster good. Napster very good. Metallica bad. Boo Metallica. Then I grew up, had disposable income, a love for music and the means, through modern, sensible streaming platforms, to no longer have a need to Sail the High Seas. We're in the golden age of listening to music, but I fear that's coming to an end with the incessant rising of streaming subscription prices. But I digress. This album is great. Master of Puppets is masterclass (and sounds a lot like the first Doom level, to boot... or maybe, its the other way around?). Disposable Heroes is a scathing critique on the the industrial war machine. It's 55 solid minutes of wild guitar shredding, loud drums and bass, and quite good vocals. Good job Metallica!
Have already listened to this. Good.
🤘
Mijn favoriet: Master of Puppets Niet helemaal mijn muziek. Orion was ook gewoon allen maar instrumenteel.
Återigen skivan före den riktigt klassiska skivan. Egentligen för mycket vanlig hårdrock för mig, men jag har lärt mig uppskatta allt av Metallica. Fyra.
Not my vibe
Metallica
Just an awesome thrash album, with enough variety to keep things interesting. Could listen to it over and over.
If this is your bag, I can imagine this is your bag. It is not really my bag. Interesting time signatures though.
Extremadamente ruidoso al punto de ser molesto. Es trash metal, y entiendo que sea el punto. Pero los beats de la bateria son poco imaginativos y el cantante solo se dedica a gritar las letras, sin tener suficiente fuerza gutural o melodicidad. Los intentos de generar cambios de compases o cambios de secciones son muy pobres, sobre todo porque las marcaciones de la batería son demasiado obvias. Los temas son muy largos y no disfruté de la mezcla del disco, los solos de guitarra parecen sonar en una habitación alejada por ejemplo. Si está claro que el tema "Master Of Puppets" tiene un riff icónico y memorable (aunque no piense lo mismo de lo que resta del tema después de la introducción). También cabe destacar la segunda sección del tema "Orion" como un buen momento del álbum donde bajan la intensidad, la guitarra genera otros efectos, aunque la batería sigue igual de tosca y vacia de sutilezas. Entiendo que Cliff Burton fue un virtuoso del instrumento, pero eso no se llega a apreciar realmente, con excepción de algunos riffs. Entiendo que a quien le guste este estilo de música le parezca un buen álbum, y tal vez para la época fue significativo. En mi opinión no encuentro nada muy sobresaliente.
I see how people went apeshit but it's seriously same-y
Bawwww bi bi bihhhh. Big, stupid riffs. Solid, angry chugs. Dumb fucking vocals. This is Metallica doing what they were born to do – cleverly packaged, accessible thrash. “Master of the Puppets” does enough to nod to its forebears in heavy music (witness the Carcass in “Disposable Heroes”) while never knowingly alienating a single of the dumb shits who needs their music to feel by men, for men (the cohort Metallica would, over the following decades, spend a regrettable amount of energy wooing; their lifestyle determining their artistic death style). A true monster of a thrash metal record. Master. MASTER.
Solid
An album that blew my mind when I first heard it in high school, and one that credibly stands as perhaps the best album by the best metal band of all time - and by extension a good case can be made that its the best metal album of all time. Killer riffs, sophisticated and often prog-like songs structures, and surprising melodic touches. The leaps Metallica was making during this period is extraordinary. A landmark record.
Listened to this while playing Evacuation. I won. I was not allowed to listen to this kind of music growing up...but to be fair, I didn't feel like I was missing out on much. I wanted to like this more than I did...but it was just not my cup of tea. I really enjoyed the musicianship...but i truthfully would have liked it more with a different lead singer. The last two songs were definitely my favorites...but there were a couple songs I recognized earlier in the album.
I never thought I’d be listening to Metallica at 8:30AM barely 30 minutes after waking up. Yet here we are. This was my first ever Metallica album to listen to. However, heavy metal is not for me. But at least I tried!
I get the hype! But it’s not fully me
4.5 rym
Yessir
Not my favorite Metallica, but it was good to hear some different songs than ones from the radio
This wasn't for me
Metal classic, I prefer Ride the Lightning but still really amazing songs here like Orion.
Veel herrie, steeds maar weer hetzelfde gebonk dus niet echt fan hiervan 2/10
One of my least favorite Metallica records. Love ride the lighting and kill em all. This one is just boring to me, don’t hate it but not one that I come back to.
This is a fantastic album. Metallica before they sucked.
Not my thing
Ooof. Listened because I should. And it reaffirmed that I support other people appreciating guitar riffs. Makes me wonder if kids who wear Metallica t-shirts have ever listened to the music.
A good listen. I am appreciating Metallica more each time I hear them.
🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘
This album is good for exactly 36 seconds before turning into wet hot garbage. Fuck I hate Metallics so much. Just an actual war crime against music. Absolutely fuck this band now and forever.
Classic album for sure, but I just don't like Metallica all that much. And it's mostly Lars' playing. He's just not the drummer they need, and not as good as he thinks he is. It's frustrating.
ok ig
Not for me.
Not my week
As good as thrash metal gets?
All the songs here are technically good, great playing, good melodies, memorable riffs... but as a whole thrash metal doesn't do a whole lot for me. I get a bit tired of it, and unfortunately the greatest sin of this album is that it extends each song. Each one is about 6 minutes, which I would say is a couple of minutes too long. Better to leave enough time to develop the song, and then end it with the listener wanting more. It is probably the best thrash metal album I've heard, and I'm left wondering whether I actually like this more than the Black Album (not thrash), and if perhaps I'm rating this a little low. But I was already familiar with this album, and I knew before today I considered it about 3 stars. I've found since I started writing proper reviews, I've been paying more attention and finding more to like about the albums, and been giving more 4 & 5 star reviews as a result, and I don't want to get too generous. So, we'll say it's a strong 3. The best song is probably the title track, with Disposable Heroes and Orion being other highlights. Disposable Heroes had the strongest lyrics of the album.
Didn't realize this was so influential. Have always liked this album, but def isn't for everyone!
Here we go
I pretty much grew up with this album but the most amazing thing is that I find it better with each listen. It's more than metal, it's almost akin to greatest symphonic music out there. There is a layer of deep and beautiful sadness under some of the tracks, particularly the instrumental, Orion.
Not my piece of cake (heavy metal) but in a way a revelation for me.
Metallica, again?? I understand why people like Metallica. I felt pretty fired up listening to this album.
Always found Metallica a bit cringey and getting older hasn't helped much. It's not terrible but not for me
Not my fave. Some good cuts.
Battery is one of the coolest Metallica songs
hell yeah
Honestly, never been too crazy about this one, probably because it’s sandwiched between their two actual best albums. Still great, Orion was much better than I remembered, definitely gonna have that song on repeat for a while. But the rest is just fine.
3.5 rounded up it’s good but idk i think i need to give it some time to grow on me. gotta let it marinate highlights: master of puppets; welcome home (sanitarium); damage, inc. (july 26 2024)
This here is my go to Metallica album. Title track does the heavy-lifting here as it is flawless. The back half get gnarly and I am always down for a cool instrumental. (Orion)
Not my cup of tea but understand that there are people who like this sort of stuff.
I've already listened to this a bunch and it's one of my favorite albums ever. Probably as peak of a metal album you can get as it incorporates so much of what's been done up until this point but also retains its own identity. To create a record with pacing this good is an achievement. Truly a masterwork of a record.
The silence between the tracks was welcome relief.
I really like Metallica. I appreciate what they did for music and their creativity. I like this album. It's one of the classics.
þetta er bara fínt. meira að segja mjög góðir sprettir. aðra? því ekki? 3,5.
a good surprise
Back in the 80s, at the height of glam and a decade drenched in glitter and shine, thrash metal dragged music back to its punk roots, with raw and primal rage. It’s violent, no doubt, but it’s not glorifying violence, it’s calling it out. And beneath all the fury of this album aimed at war and injustice lies a celebration of meaningful lyrics, sharp precision, and masterful composition which make it one of the few gems of the 80s and a relevant album up to today (see the incredible youth reaction to Master of puppets after it was featured 38 years later in the TV series Stranger things). Even tracks that might seem secondary hide killer riffs and solos that still hit hard. Nevertheless, and to be honest, Master of Puppets isn’t my top pick from the thrash era, nor from Metallica. Yet, it blew me away back then and I still enjoy it today. It is easily one of the few Metal albums everyone agrees on, a true cornerstone of the genre, its influence unquestioned, and still the most popular of them all.
This is my first time listening to a full Metallica album. I absolutely loved it.
Lars taking drum lessons really was the secret sauce for Metallica to make a perfect album. And I’m not even the biggest Metallica fan in general! If only he had continued to take those lessons….
ya des bonnes chansons mais en vrai c un peu long et répétitif
A classic
It’s insane they allowed the first half of leper messiah to make the cut
Not my fav metal band, and not my fav album by them. Battery low key sucks! It kinda takes 3 songs for me to like a riff on this thing. There’s no way to know Cliff Burton was a good bassist considering this mix. 5 stars because every metal album I like more is biting this, but lowkey Metallica sucks.
Thrash metal's not my thing but I enjoyed some tracks.
The forth Metallica album I've gotten. Turns out I'm a big fan. The sound they make is so amped up and gritty, tough as nails. The solo sections are mind melting
Not a metalhead and this is certainly heavier than what I'd normally listen to, but really enjoyed it
This album is like the time you and your two best friends were all on family skiing trips to Wanaka at the same time. Your parents are all out to dinner together, and have left you at the motel. Your older sister gets you a box of beers to share and you are experiencing what it is like to let loose for the first time. A girl from a couple of rooms down the hall joins you, and after telling you how she’s into Radiohead, you end up hooking up and doing hand stuff for the first time while Master of Puppets plays in the background, etching this song into your memory forever. This is an awakening. These halcyon days are a turning point in your life, for all the right reasons
I really wanted to not give this album 5 stars. I obsessed over this album as a young fella but have not really listened to it in a long time. Assumed I had moved on. No! This album slays track to track.
One of the best thrash metal albums and definitely influential in heavy metal in general. It was my favourite Metallica album but I prefer Ride the Lightning these days, but will still give this 5 stars. The title track is flawless.
An album I own already. Still good and still worth a revisit. Classic.
It was really good. I liked the faster parts a lot
Actually mind numbing
That was a good listen, but not my favourite Metallica album. There was too much repetition on guitar riffs, but it is undeniable the talent and the unique sound they developed.
Kyllä! Masteri on aina Masteri! 4/5
En tiedä mikä siinä on, mut nää kasarimetallin klassikot on musta yllättävän tylsän kuuloisia nykyään. Ei siinä, taitavaa musiikkiahan tämä on ja kolmonen on helppo antaa.
No no no
Masterful.
Classic! Prefer the later Metallica albums.
encore le weird fetish de la mort. ça commence à me gosser un peu Master Of Puppets est correcte
Figured the black album would be Metallicas entry here…metal for the masses. But Master of Puppets showcases the bands thrash…and musicality!! The quality production caught me by surprise as well. The black album made Metallica a household name with its MTV-ready singles, but this album wasn’t made to be watched on your parents living room tv. It was made for racing down a dark road with a 6er in the passenger seat. The world wasn’t ready for this version of Metallica 4/5
Oh man, crazy memories come flooding back for me listening to this album. I saw Metallica open for Ozzy on this album's tour. 1985, Brendan Byrne Arena in NJ. In the parking lot, fans were divided between the old guard of Ozzy Osbourne and these new up and coming metal studs, METALLICA!!! You would hear a fan, yell, OZZY!!! and an opposing fan, scream, FUCK YOU!!! METALLICA!!! Once inside the venue, the atmosphere was tense. People were shoving each other and some guy shoved me from behind. I was like 15 and I just turned to the guy like, "I don't want any trouble man." We made it to our seats alive and Metallica hit the stage and just blew the roof off the place! This was one of Cliff Burton's last shows as well, so I feel privileged to have seen them with him on the bass. I mean, talk about an opener! These guys had the whole crowd whipped into a frenzy! When Ozzy came out, the place absolutely exploded! People were somehow ripping or cutting(?) seat cushions out of the seats and they were flying everywhere! Ozzy grabbed one off the stage and threw it back into the crowd and yells, "ROCK 'N' ROLL!!!!" I'd say Metallica had that crowd warmed up.
It is guitar hero music, it does not move me
Simply one of the best metal albums ever made. Kick ass all the way through.
3.5/5
8/10
Technically good but meh
OMG!!!
Solid album
Surprised I enjoyed this a lot , you can really hear the influence of Ennio Morricone on Hetfield and it really benefits the album. It is light years ahead of similar stuff I’ve heard from the same era (such as megadeth but I’m no expert).
Masterpiece! My favourite Metallica album. Easy 5 stars.
It’s Metallica, you already know if you’re into it or not. I will say the Cthulhu song was pretty sick
Amazing record
A classic
*Started off pretty cool, then got repetitive. *Will try this one again - kept trying to listen throughout the day and just wasn’t in the mood for light metal. RATING - 6.5/10
One of my fave Metallica albums, tho haven't listened to it start to finish in a while. Still love it, classic Metallica.
Overall a great collection, but not perfect. Battery has some great parts, but I think the repetitive flow of the lyrics holds it back. Master of Puppets then succeeds where Battery failed by breaking up the repetitive bits. Orion is a sleeper hit and would be way more popular if it had lyrics.
Lemppari: Leper Messiah Vähiten lemppari: The thing that should not be
best trash metal album ever
Nonnnnnnn
Idem à hier. Que serait le Métal sans les petits bébés de Metallica?
Le air guitar sur master of puppets ça a beaucoup fait rire Paul, je vais en profiter pendant que ça lui fait pas encore honte. Sinon, c'est assez répétitif comme album. J'ai plus d'attachement émotif à ...And justice for all. Un des premiers albums que j'ai acheté avec mon argent de poche au HMV de la place Versailles!
J’ai jamais été un metalleux mais je dois avouer que c’est du solide. Surtout avec le volume très élevé. MASTER!
A sassy little album that’ll sneak up and slap you on the ass when you’re not looking.
2* felt too harsh, but a 3 to positive...
Liked it, neutral 3/5
these dudes used to feel like my cool uncles and now they feel like my cool grandpas theres some fuckin chugs on here
If I were to listen to Metal, they would be my go to. I heard someone say they’re The Beatles of Metal music. I think that’s spot on.
Maybe I’m weird but….nah
Just yes.
I checked to see how much longer I had on this album, and I was still on the first track
Not a fan
Pastor of Muppets
This might be the greatest metal album of all time. There isn't a single boring second or a wasted moment. The fact that it was made by a group of 22/23 year olds that displayed unparalleled musicianship, songwriting, lyricism and overall "FUCK YOU WE'RE METALLICA" energy is just unfathomable. I could listen to this daily and never get bored. 5/5 A MASTERPIECE
AMAZING. I was thrilled to see this album pop up today. No notes; this is my second-favorite Metallica album and stands the test of time.
When Metallica was good.. with the hair. Great album.
Too heavy for me, some songs I liked but some remind me a garage bands doing covers when I was young. Just not my thing
Was not in the mood for this, sorry. Giving it 2.
4.5 for me, feels a little polished compared to Ride the Lighting which is the magnum opus in my opinion
Everything a thrash metal album should be. I think I prefer Ride The Lightning, but this is still incredible.
I loved this album in high school, but have since fallen out of Metallica fandom. I haven't listened to them for a few decades, so when this album came up, I was afraid I would cringe at what teenage me loved. I am happy to say that I still feel like Master of Puppets holds up.
Fav songs: Battery; Master of Puppets It's Metallica. They have at least 4 great albums and this is definitely one of them. No notes.
This is probably a legendary metal album. The problem is I just don't enjoy metal. I've tried my best. I respect the art but don't want to listen to it. 4/10 (2/5)
Easiest review ever.
The best album from the most influential heavy metal band of all time.
This is one of the greatest albums of all time. In high school, Metallica was probably my favorite band. It's still incredible.
Enjoyed that way more than I thought I would. Could be a 3.5
Like many other people this album was my gateway into the world of metal music. I don't listen to Metallica very often anymore, but this is still a really great album. Mid 5.
Good
Volvemos a éste reto sólo por hoy y mañana y toca éste discazo, de las mejores épocas de Metallica. Álbum de clásicos y de temazos, más que lo antes he dicho sobre ésta banda y género no puedo agregar. Muy bien 10, Sobresaliente. Hasta mañana.
I may be a bit biased as a Hokie fan, but I think Metallica is far and away the best thrash metal band ever. The combination here of aggressive speed riffs, adrenaline-inducing drums, great harmonizing, and thematic lyrics is pretty hard to beat. While their Black album will probably always be my favorite (again, some bias from all the times of bouncing in the football stands to Enter Sandman), this one's pretty great too.
heard this album before Battery - 4/5 Master Of Puppets - 5/5 The Thing That Should Not Be - 4/5 Welcome Home (Sanitarium) - 5/5 Disposable Heroes - 4/5 Leper Messiah - 5/5 Orion - 4/5 Damage, Inc. - 3/5 Average score: 4.3/5 (rounding down)
About what you’d expect. High energy! 4/5
Not my cup of tea, but pretty neat.
Too heavy for me
This is a good, solid representation of what Metallica is. It shows of their technical complexity compared to other thrash metal bands of that time. The lyrical themes were right up my alley and had excellent production quality. If you, like me bought the Black Album as your gateway into the Metallica-verse, this would be a good next step, less polished for mass appeal perhaps but more authentic.
OOOO THIS IS NICE, I feel like a strawberry in an alcoholic beverage when listening to this.
Well made album. I see why people like them but I’m just not in love with the genre. I appreciate how incredibly talented they are though. Time signature changes, solos, drums, etc.
Put me into concussion protocol from all that head banging.
Classic metal
i love metallica. no other comment
Meticulously crafted bunch of cacophonies.
Was beginning to wonder when we'd see this. I have quite strong feelings towards this album as it was one of the first albums I got when starting to get my own music when I was 13 years old or so. A friend had downloaded it and shared it with me. First time I heard it I was thoroughly unimpressed. But it grew on me, and having listened through it more times than I can count, it's impossible for me to give it anything resembling an unbiased review. I think this must be Metallicas best album, maybe in contest with the 'Black Album' and '...And Justice For All'. All songs except perhaps 'Disposable Heroes' and 'Damage Inc' are really good songs, with 'Master of Puppets' and 'Orion' being the ones transcending the rest by a small margin. The main riff in 'Master of Puppets' is just so iconic and never gets old. And the downbeat bass part of 'Orion' with the guitar solos is just pure class. Makes you wonder how Metallica would have sounded if they hadn't lost Cliff Burton early on. I think it shows great breadth in their composing that they are able to make tasteful slower parts feel as strong as the more upbeat ones. The almost mexican sounding acoustic start of 'Battery' is another example of when this works really well. You have memorable and catchy riffs everywhere, and just overall high octane metal where Hetfield's singing complements the music well with perhaps the most metal voice of all bands I've heard. Grounded, and more dirty, as opposed to Dave Mustane (Megadeth) and Bruce Dickinson (Iron Maiden) which are arguably better singers, but more opera like. I guess if I have to nitpick on some things, it would be that the songs start to sound the same after a while. The main riff of 'Leper Mesiah' for example sounds very similar to the chorus riff of 'Master Of Puppets'. In addition the palm muted open E pumping can get a bit old, but that's just metal I guess. This is a 5 star album to me without a doubt. Almost all songs are really strong, with a few standout ones that are stellar. It has also aged very well, and still sounds good today. I'd image many new metal albums are still measured against the standard of Metallicas earlier albums. Even though Metallica feels a bit like a dad band today for me, this is probably one of the first albums I'd suggest if anyone wants to to get into metal.
I’m slightly disappointed that this made the list instead of, say, The Black Album or Ride the Lightning (which is my favorite Metallica album). I remember being about 13 on a family road trip listening to this. My mom and I were in a rental car while my dad and his friend were in another. My mom struck a deal: I could control the music as long as I didn’t complain about her driving. I still feel a bit sorry for the amount of Metallica she had to endure, but she kept her end of the bargain, and I kept mine. Anyway, this is a really solid thrash metal album. “Master of Puppets” probably has one of the best and most recognizable metal riffs ever. There are plenty of other great songs too, “Battery,” “Disposable Heroes,” and “Orion,” to name a few. Still, aside from “Master of Puppets,” Ride the Lightning is the better album, with tracks like “For Whom the Bell Tolls.” And if you like long instrumentals, swap “Orion” for “The Call of Cthulu.” It’s not an album where I think every song is great, but it’s still a classic and a clear five-star.
3.5 stars rounded up. Title track is the stand out. Consistently metal but somewhat dated.
Chad
Metallica is so boring
Trash Metal with good guitar riffs, Lots of screamy vocals and dated production. For me this makes it exhausting to listen to and I realize I probably would like it more in doses rather than a whole hour straight. Apart from that it wasn't good to listen to while running.
Not my cup of tea at 0800 on a Monday lol
Great rhythm section! Bass was there but not overplayed. Hardest working drummer I’ve heard.
It all started sounding the same to me after the first few songs. I get that it’s a landmark album for thrash metal, but it could have been half the length for me.
When the aliens crash land in your backyard and ask you “what is this thing you call heavy metal?” (I have it on good authority that this will, in fact, be the first thing they ask), this is the album you play them.
Classic thrash but just doesn’t do much more me
The best thing I can say about Metallica is they gave us Megadeth... This one is a bit boring and monotonous for me. They've had some good songs over the years, don't get me wrong, but I've never understood how they're part of the big four of thrash. The only thing more insufferable than the cult of Metallica is Lars Ulrich.
Title track is the best true masterpiece but the rest of the album still holds up. Good album overall
Overrated
ГОСПОДИ КАК ЖЕ ЭТО ОХУИТЕЛЬНО 9/10
I have to admit that before I sat down and listened to Metallica’s Master of Puppets in its entirety today, I really never saw their appeal. Now that I have listened though, it makes even less fucking sense to me. What a load of lifeless, soulless, monotonous, dead inside, musically tedious, lyrically banal, non-melodic claptrap. Even the guitar solos are high pitched mile a minute painfully ear shattering displays of mindless pyrotechnics devoid of any subtlety or emotion. My wife was mowing the lawn while I was listening, so my favorite parts of this album were the parts that were on when she walked past the window with the lawnmower, which drowned out the “music” Other than all that though, I hated this.
Metal as metal should be
Epic I don’t think I’m a Metallica guy 2.5
Hit that sick guitar riff 🤘
Dit soort classics zijn nooit mijn ding geweest. De instrumentale nummers zijn wel nice, maar de rest doet het niet echt voor me.
Mettelica hoe mettelica hoort te zijn. Stuk voor stuk lekkere gitaren.
This is better than the live album on here, but only just.
Not as Epic as the Black Album, but I appreciated the instrumentation.
Not a huge metal fan so that hurt
Not metallica's best but some bangers
i've always been fond of orion
Feels like a heavy metal jam band. Lots of drum solos and guitar riffs. The album is angry and aggressive--gets you pumped up, but I felt like a lot of songs just rolled into each other without much distinction. Still hard.
Always been one of my favorite albums. There’s not a single skip song
Cool album. Got Rush vibes in some of the songs, but overall some seriously good metallic deliciousness
Not my usual listening but enjoyed the listen. Ultimately a little too samey for me which knocked it down a star and made it difficult to pick out an individual track
What a sympathy!! 🤘
Great album. I did 4 instead of 5 stars because, even with the remastering, the mixing is still incredibly top-heavy.
Once upon a time this was a 5 star album. Teenage arguments of whether this or Ride The Lightning was better even though Kill ‘Em All was my favourite. It still holds up but just means less to me now. Hetfield is one of the all time rhythm guitarists and devastating that Burton died not long after this, his bass playing hints at directions they never went down. Writing this I’ve changed my mind 5 stars still
Probably their best work, 8 tracks over 55 minutes. Thrash with healthy nods to a more mainstream metal.
Master of puppets.
One metal album to rule them all
Dad music but good. Favourite Songs: Battery, Master of Puppets, Welcome Home (Sanitarium), Disposable Heroes, Orion. Least Favourite Songs: Leper Messiah.
Infinitely better than the last Metallica album, and a full album of what might be described as "head bangers". This fit my gym workout very nicely, and imagine it's hailed as a staple metal album. Not quite my genre, and the album lacks enough diversity to be truly iconic (maybe shy one Enter Sandman), but still a quality Metal album.
Not my taste
Listened to this a million times. Still one of the best albums of all time. RIP Cliff
It's not really for me. I could see the appeal but definitely long songs on a long album. 4.2/10
8/10 album
Long time classic!! A fitting tribute to Cliff!!
You know what….. not as bad as I was thinking it would be.
I love this album and that says a lot because I don't like thrash metal.
This album was ok. A lot of the songs sounded similar, but it is such an energetic and driving sound that it was always interesting. This would be 3 stars, but Orion is worth a star by itself. What a great instrumental.