Reviews (page 13 of 15)
For me this was the last Metallica album that I really liked. The first album was raw but had great songs and catchy riffs. The second album was somewhat more technical, but still had some rawness. The third album was far more commercial and this one is more of the same. To consistently put out four amazing albums without any real filler is an amazing feat. I don't personally think anything Metallica did after "...and Justice" stands up to this. I saw them on this tour, in Donnington Monsters of Rock I think and it was just after Jason Newsted had joined. He did a great job here trying to cover for Cliff Burton RIP, who obviously had his hand in most of the songs. Powerful and epic from start to finish. Easy 5 stars.
…And Justice for All, but Bass for None. As a teenager in the early and mid 90’s, I was a pretty obnoxious Metallica fan. They were the greatest band on earth, the band that mattered most to me. I’d stay up late nights in the summer watching Live Shit: Binge and Purge on VHS on my 13” TV with built-in VHS player (at least until 12:30, when I’d switch over to the antenna and pick up Late Night with Conan O’Brien). They’re the reason I started playing guitar. My identity as 14 year old was tied in very closely with being a Metallica fan. Justice, as us heads call it, was peak Metallica for me. It’s heavy and aggressive, technical with tons of twists and turns, and, most importantly it questioned authority - the long held past time of any American teenager worth their salt. Listening to it today, at 42, I can’t help but like it still, it’s practically ingrained in my DNA at this point, but holy fuck is this album longer than I remember. Maybe it’s just that time moved slower back then or my span of attention was longer. That there’s no bass on this record bothers more than it used to, as well. I get it and appreciate that it’s a homage to Cliff Burton, whose death left a massive hole in this band, but a lot of these songs would be better served with some kind of low end other than Lars’ omnipresent kick drum. About 40 minutes into this record, the sound of it starts to grate on your ears. In terms of runtime, less would be more on …And Justice for All. You could probably cut “Frayed Ends of Sanity” and the record would be just as enjoyable. Conversely, in terms of instrumentation, less definitely isn’t more - this record is all high end and suffers as a result of that production choice.
80- luku, pitkä tukka ja farkkutakki. Mikäs se sit onkaan metallican paras levy, siinä kanssa hyvä kysymys. On tää sitä parhaimmistoa, mutta oisko black album kuiteskin parempi. Eiköhän sekin tällä listalla tule niin katotaan sit :D
Great players, double kick downstroke
- One is one of the greatest songs period - Not my favorite Metallica album, but certainly a great one - Falls off a tiny bit on the second half but still bangers
- It’s almost effortless for them - Not a lot stands out on this album, especially compared to their other stuff - Can’t see myself going back to this one -3.5
Classic pop metal. Absotutely holds up
One is a tune. I can't take Harvester of Sorrow seriously because of the restaurant chain - it feels like a Bill Bailey sketch as a result...
Needs more bass lol
it’s metallica
Thin sound, strange arrangements, 1988 trans am and moustaches and shitty beer. Nonetheless, it's rad guitars, amazing lead work, TIGHT playing, and even the aforementioned 'strange' arrangements and 'thin' sound kind of grew on me by the end. Def a decent record.
It's a great metal album, probably Metallica's best. I would really like to hear a remastered version with the bottom end brought up though, super high on the treble.
BL: Metallica as mentioned in my black album review, is something I listened to a little bit back when I was first getting into metal but not much before or since. So it’s good to be finally expanding my mind with them. AL: I think in terms of the Metallica discography, this and “Ride the Lightning” show them at their purest in terms of thrash metal. I think this did less for me than the black album did as this didn’t really try to experiment with the formula. This is just pure thrash, and if that’s your lane you’ll love it but to me it’s not really my go to metal sub genre so it wasn’t the worlds most inspiring listen. FT: “blackened”, “one”, “to live is to die” 3/5
I expected something different
Not my favourite Metallica album... but I firmly believe bad Metallica is still better than a lot of the other shit we have had to listen to.
Classic
I ALREADY RATED THIS YOU IDIOTS
Pretty damned good stuff from these guys, another killer classic. 5 stars.
Compression, Compression, Compression! I love this album so I'm biased. The only reason it's not a 5 (not really, i just need to get my dig in) is I cant hear the fucking bass guitar!!!!! ;) "One" is an absolute master piece. Dyers Eve and Blackened are also amazing.
Never liked Metallica. Can’t get into the vocals.
Angry as fuck with very hit-or-miss drumming. not their best but DEFINITELY not anywhere near their worst cuz blackened and frayed ends exist. great harmonies and james’ lyric writing is at one of its peaks for sure, I also really like the proggier angle to their metal with longer songs and diverse phrasing of riffs and passages
Blackened, Eye of the Beholder, One, Harvester of Sorrows, The Frayed Ends of Sanity and Dyers Eve. Amazing guitars and drums. Main complaint is the guitar riffs just all sound the same. Master of Puppets is better.
classy message. there are better Metallica albums. one, blackened, justice for all, to live is to die, dyers eve.
Really good start and finish but the middle felt sluggish. Great guitar and drums. FS: Blackened, Frayed Ends, To Live, Dyers Eve
Yes real metal
Actually a good ass listen 9/10
Got some bangers.
Not really my thing, but can understand why it's on the list, and a bonus star as it seems to be a good production (rather than just noise)
For me, there are better Metallica albums.
2.4 I can see how this could be a good album if you're into the genre but it's just really not for me... And the songs are unnecessarily long Fave songs: One
Not their best album
if “we live in a society” was made into an hourlong musical number. like a lot of the riffs and instrumental but its nothing spectacular compared to their earlier work
It's intense and skillful, but still doesnt quite crack the hardness nut. If I wanted raw aggression I'd go for dnb or hardcore hip hop. I respect it, but dont love it. *Very* hard to work to.
I'm sorry but it's just nay pour moi
My favourite metal album. Was honestly my favourite album when I was getting into music. Out of all the CDs my mum and dad had. This one for a time had a special place. I now look at my favourite, favourite types of music and albums, and themes and similar aspects are in this one. It’s like a metal genesis album. This is their best. Unfortunately the production isn’t the best. Apparently Plampin tells me they haven’t got the master tapes anymore so they can’t even remaster it. And that all adds to the concept in that almost other-worldly way. Metallica are a cheesy metal band. Metalheads hate them. Your nans heard Enter Sandman and she hates it. But if you ever want to prove where this band were at their peak (album before their bestseller, usually a telltale sign), listen to this album. Sot: Blackened And justice for all One 4.5/5
Still not really my thing
Chug, chug, chug-chug, chug. This album didn't move me when I was a metal fan. It's no Master Of Puppets. Fine for what it is, but too long and a bit too dull.
Very very good album, unique sound and loads of interesting songs
A decent album by Metallica, full of intense guitar and drum riffs, and melodies that make it classically Metallica. But what is it with these bands from the 80s having such long albums and in particular releasing double albums? Best: Eye of the Beholder Worst: To Live Is To Die
A solid Metallica album. I feel like some tracks here tend to drag on for too long (if you're not a fan of long guitar solos), but overall there are more good tracks than not.
It's Metallica... I mean it's fine.
My husband was very excited this morning when I told him that this was my album of the day. Unfortunately, I'm not into metal whatsoever. I can't deny Metallica's massive talent, that much is obvious. I just don't enjoy listening to metal. It all sounds the same to me. I did recognize "One" because I don't live under a rock, and it was the highlight of the album for me.
Hard pass, no thank you.
Nope. I'm not a fan of metal anyway, but this sounds like someone forgot to reverse the RIAA equalisation curve. Tinny AF.
It’s good I’ve forgotten it it’s been a long time since I listened to it and also a very long time since I listened to it all the way through
Not a big fan of 'em, but this one is solid, The Shortest Straw is a banger
Album Notes: - Blackened is a great start BUT holy cow where's the bass its just ALL high end i feel like im gonna get tinnitus - Title track be long af but its really epic and goes hard but yeah my ears still hurt from any lack of low end - Eye of The Beholder was okay, pretty standard Metallica - One = NUT - Next couple tracks are solid but feel like they're a couple minutes too long - Viking chants are silly - Okay braining turning off during To Live Is To Die -The closer woke me back up so that's good Best Tracks: Blackened, ...And Justice For All, One, Dyers Eve Worst Tracks: Eye of The Beholder, The Frayed Ends Of Sanity
Every song sounded the same. Listened to whilst revising, motivated me slightly. Favourite song: the shortest straw.
Pretty good
fav track: to live is to die least fav: most of them
p596. 1988. 1 star. The unwanted hatefuck children of Van Halen and Motorhead (Van Halen on the distaff side). Loud, tedious and totally redundant. No-one needs an album of heavy metal with each track over 5 minutes long. Remember 70s prog rock and the wankage associated with it? This is the 80s heavy metal equivalent. Dreadful, shouty noise. One star for the guitar work.
One of the greatest metal albums of all time.
justice for jason
Sometimes songs are too long for no reason. 3.5 really as I bloody love Metallica
Just fine isn’t it.
Runk-gugga-gunk-gugga-gunk! Headbangers ball, through and through. Not my casual listen of choice, but the presence of One on this and the overall sense of rock n roll/ metal gives it a middle of the road score for me.
Svo sem ekki leiðinlegt, margt útspecúlerað og sniðugt, en thrash er bara ekki tónlist fyrir mig.
Relentless unadulterated heavy metal. You are on a punishing thrash ride from the first red-hot guitar lick all the way through ‘til the last.
I would give this 4 stars, but I'm deducting it a star for the horrible mix that all but erases Jason Newstead's bass parts because Lars Ulrich is a total bell-end.
Finally heard the full album. Read the memes about the missing bass. + Blackened + ...and Justice for All + One DARKNESS IMPRISONING ME ALL THAT I SEE ABSOLUTE HORROR
In snippets, the title track sounds rich with Metallica's thrash side. Unfortunately, the recording attempts something much more serious, something that the thin arrangements and tedium can't support. There are just enough good moments to remind you that Metallica is a real band.
Awesome!
Well that's Metallica for you. Pretty sure their style could be recognized by first notes on every album.
Not my thing
It's always been their cult album because of it's ropey production but now it's been remastered it has a new life!
listened to this on a sunset walk around the neighborhood next to the sun and sail club and felt like an angsting teenager great experience
Classic. 'One' is absolutely amazing and always will be. Strong selection of songs with the true and true Metallica sounds to it.
I do often wonder if I genuinely committed some time to Metal that I'd eventually enjoy it. It feels at least for me that knowing the songs and the lyrics to shout is a large part of it as the guitar solos and random stuff never really does it for me. No slight on the music. It just never clicks with me. It's crazy to think without Stranger Things no one would even know who this band is. Netflix you crazy bastards you've done it again!
Ive never really listened to Metallica before, i guess i was maybe expecting more? This was pretty decent, just nothing amazing.
It's more of a 3.5, but the mix really bothers me enough to make it a 3 and not a 4.
3 days apart from each other (thank you randomizer), I've given both "Master Of Puppets" and "...And Justice For All" a good few (re-)listens and have to admit that this one really falls short in comparison. Both albums, like 'Ride The Lightning' before that are built along the same premise: 1) Start the album with a fast and heavy song 2) Bring a few of the epics (8 to 9 minute songs) interspersed with some slower songs 3) Bring out one instrumental 4) Finish with a fast and heavy banger But while Metallica went from the Thrash to more Black Sabbath-like rhythms, the songwriting remains great, it's the tinny and empty production sound that really stops this album from being a masterpiece. Without Bass, without soul, without input besides Lars and James.
Not bad. It really starts to wear its welcome thin by the end though.
2.5
It's been a LOT of years since I listened to this the few times I have before today, and even then I was far removed from the actual time of its release which may have lost some impact for me. I very much dig the themes they've approached on this album but I think, for the most part, they've been done better elsewhere. It's an enjoyable listen, but not a life-changing one. Other than "One" - which is an all-timer song for me. But the album version always leaves me longing for the video version with the bits from Johnny Got His Gun spliced in. That version destroys me every time.
Loud
Crunching riffs, twin guitar harmonies and doom-laden lyrics. What's not to like? I would definitely have been into Metallica had I not stopped listening to metal in the 1980s. I found it a bit plodding and unremitting in parts and not sure I would listen to this much now, although I do like some Metallica
The sound of a band undergoing furious evolution. The riffs are still pieces of granite, the drums thud, the guitars occasionally wail and there’s growly vocals. The songs are a bit longer than on For Whom… and in the case of To Live is to Die there are slow sections that contrast nicely with the full on sludgerama that is their default sound. On this track, there’s perhaps a whiff of a new genre emerging, thrash prog. Mmm. The slow bits could be lifted from late-70s Rush. Elsewhere, as on opener Blackened it is all thrash all the time. Interesting that they went for a more recognisable heavy metal sound next on the black album, as this is the sound of a band both slowing down (the overall tempo must be slower than Master of Puppets…) and expanding their sound. Dyer’s Eve and Blackened are perhaps last runs through the faster-than-you sound of the early stuff before MTV beckoned. There’s even a thrash ballad in One: practically auditioning for a slot on Leather and Lace IV. What are they singing about? You know, world domination, injustice, terror, death. Going out with them must be a bundle of laughs. Unless they confirm to the old theatrical truism that the cast playing Hamlet are in hysterics all the time, while those doing a Noel Coward are throwing shade to each other non-stop.
Gets the blood pumpin, great hard rock with some awesome guitar riffs. Not my usual vibe but good for working out or to scream at.
guapísimo
esta bien lo que pasa es que no me gusta tanto como otros, pero 7/10
It’s Metallica........has to be at least a 4* !
It has its issues but great nevertheless.
Instrumentals were impeccable albeit harsh, not what I'm used to but with repeated listening I'd definitely appreciate it more. Lyrics are actually touching, contradicting my initial expectations of the album. Overall solid, but not my cup of tea.
Nunca eh sido un fan del Metal o rock tan "pesado", si es que se le llama así. A pesar de esto, no lo encuentro malo ni cerca de serlo, pero, además de no tener buenos puntos de referencia, mi falta de experiencia con el genero me hace creer que todo el Metal suena igual. Aún así, supongo que los conocedores sabrán calificarlo mejor que yo, por lo que le daré la calificación "estándar".
Rating: 5/10 Not huge into metal, so not the album for me but overall not bad.
Had this record as a kid and haven’t heard in years. I love their harmonized guitars Cool guitar melody in “And just for all” I would’ve liked some more melody in the vocals for all these songs. I found myself feeling like I waiting for verses to end so we could get to the guitar solos. “One” is probably my favorite Metallica song and has so many great guitar moments. Intro for “living to Die” is awesome Least favorite is “shortest straw” and “frayed ends” Tough one to rate… 3.5 ..4?
Can’t believe we’ve had two Metallica records and they weren’t kill ‘em all or master of puppets. This was fun, some really cool riffs and grooves. Guitars sound amazing and huge throughout. love the solo on the title track and eye of the beholder. One is such a great song. Tempo changes were cool. I wish the drums were also huge sounding. one thing that kills me about metal is the sample replaced drums, even though I don’t think Metallica did that much, they still kind of have that sound with the paper-y little kick drum. I dig Metallica but I feel like it all kinda sounds the same. Its cool to see how they kind of paved the way for newer metal and hardcore bands, and by comparison Metallica is pretty soft and palatable and even pretty at times.
I was going to give this a 4 until To Live Is To Die. So good.
Not the best choice for a headache day, but I like the album.
i see the influences this album has has on modern music
Pretty fucking solid. Reminded me of learning guitar and playing One over and over again. The flips from classical to metal got to be a little silly on the back half of the record. Still very listenable. The remaster fixed the snare sound I hate but it's still smashed. Good album!
An outstanding thrash metal record that is lessened by an horrid production. This was actually my first time listening the 2018 remaster, and while the bass is a bit more clear in the mix, the production still feels terribly out of place in this album. That being said, this still is Metallica showcasing some of their best songwriting, and arguably the last of their great thrash metal albums.
This band produced solid music over the ages. I know many who think this is their best album. And, yeah, I can see why. From time to time you always want to shout: 'Master!' - Wrong album, I know, but it would work. I don't know if that's a good or a bad sign.
Classic thrash during their height of creativity. Some very doomy tracks here, and some have a folky metal sound reminiscent of Led Zeppelin. We see some of their strongest like "Blackended" and "One" but also a few of their most mediocre of the period. I would not like "Eye of the Beholder" if not for the instrumental in the third quarter, and the only thing I like about "The Shortest Straw" is the speed drumming. There are plenty of highlights, particularly the 10-minute instrumental "To Love is to Die". There's some really awesome riff going on in every track, and the drums hit hard. It's overall an outstanding effort, with my biggest complaint being the barely audible bass and snares.
Not even my favorite Metallica album of the decade.
DARKNESS. IMPRISONING ME. ALL THAT I SEE. ABSOLUTE HORROR. Other than One this didn't hold up as well as i remembered. I really like Metallica's proggier side but idk about this one. Jason isn't as good as Cliff (RIP) and Lars's lackluster drums stick out like a sore thumb. It's still solid though, just didn't amaze me now as much as it did in freshman year of high school.
Stank face engaged. Absolute shreddage
solid tracks in here!
I think it's safe to say that this album marks the end of the classic thrash metal era of Metallica albums. This album doesn't reach the heights of Master of Puppets in my opinion, but it's still pretty good overall. It would be better if you could hear the goddamn bass in the mix, but apparently Lars needed to place his mediocre drumming prominently in a way that obscured their new bassist's skill. It definitely leaves the album feeling kinda empty at times. I'm not sure that people would remember this album nearly as fondly if One weren't on the album. That track sounds like the old Metallica. A lot of the others sound a bit generic to me. 3/5
some hilariously washed out mixing and a barren/austere first half, but it grows on you over time. not totally convinced of those lyrics tho
This felt like the longest album I've ever listened to. Goddamn these songs all go on forever. I will never "get" Metallica. Favorite track: One
Solid metallica album, altho far from their best. Aside from a couple tracks i dont come back to this much.
Great album, hard hitting. Before they sold out
Good melodies, hard to understand lyrics
Complex, rhythmic, and energetic as hell. A great listen, although no track really stands out to me as being too unique or different from the others. Freaking awesome album art for 1988 too.
Decent but not my stuff.
It’s a good, heavy sound but I’d be hard pressed to tell one song from another in a police lineup
Classic of Rock n' Roll !!!! What are the drums solos on this album! Wow!!!!
HEAVY FUCKING METAAALLLLLLLL!
this album is pretty one dimensional. I didn't really like that dimension.
Metal Lords suck dick
i just can’t get into metallica, it’s supposed to be heavy but it’s not, some of the riffs are kind of cool but it’s just not enough plus the lyrics are not good
It's hard to follow up the back to back masterpieces Ride the Lightning and Master of Puppets, so of course this doesn't live up to those two. That being said it's still pretty solid, and One is an incredible song - it just drags in parts sometimes. Another one that i was familiar with but never sat down and listened to all the way through
Not for me.
Note: So first full Metallica album listen... And not that familiar with them to begin with tbh. A very interesting record! I enjoyed when we get 3rds and harmony. And just great sick guitar stuff all around! The mix has me very confused though. I wrote down listening to The Shortest Straw: "At what volume am I supossed to listen this at?" but that could just be time dating it, I don't know. Overall, liked parts (a lot) but a lot of times I couldn't fall into the energy and be with them in the song. Will revisit songs from this record definitely though. Top Stuff: Blackened, One, To Live Is To Die, Dyers Eve Bottom Stuff: Harvester Of Sorrow
Lack of bass is so noticable, how this shit happen? Album good Cool heavy riffs and as well as some nice melodic sections. Very nice. 4/5 Favourite Tracks: Blackened, The Shortest Straw, Dyer's Eve Least Favourite Tracks: ...And Justice For All
Look, shit rules.
Amazing, don’t have any other words for it!
Instantly recognisable with their sound. Enjoyed this. One was a standout for me. Accidentally found myself in a mosh pit at Glasto watching these. Kept calm and got punched in the throat. All in all a good time. High 3
'One' alone warrants 3 stars. One of the greatest metal songs ever. Great face melting sols and Lars beating the shit out of the drums. Easy 4 stars. 'Shortest Straw' solo is fantastic.
Int så bra!! Gilla int trummorna alls!!
This album is used as a punchline for it’s infamous bass mix. Really though, that isn’t the main issue with the album. The main issue that it isn’t well-written or interesting. Listening this only affirmed my bias that, the longer Metallica went without Dave Mustaine, the worse their writing got. Also, for all the talk of the bass mix, the drums don’t sound good either. The snare lacks most any punch, and the bass drum has this ugly thump that metal bands inexplicably agreed to being how a bass drum should sound. This is not necessary listening, reading about it as a footnote in Metallica’s career is enough. Except Dyers Eve. I like Dyers Eve
Helt ok riffs o fö att vara metal e gitarrsoloande helt okej också, men själva låtarna e så ass. James Hetfield e otroligt lame, hans lyrix e de djupaste skitet en 14 åring nånsin skrivit, hans skrikröst låter som ett skämt. Som att han vet att de e metal o han borde va gruff men han bryr sig int påriktigt så han gör en cartoon röst istället. ... Allt dehä sku kanske va fine om de int va fö långt o int tog sig själv på sånt allvar, men de finns jättelite roligt här. De hjälps int heller av att pretty much allt låter likadant, vilket säkert e fö att ja int e van vid thrash men whatever... chug chug chug gitarr påverkar ändå hur mycket jag gillar musiken om de legit e i varje sång.
On the day this was released I was junior in high school and I remember waiting all day for school to end so I could rush out by this album. Slightly mixed on first listen but soon after couldn't turn it off. It's been a while since I listen to this album, It's still a great album and probably the last great Metallica album. The songs are really strong and this has been talked about a ton, the mixing is horrible, it sounds even worse to me now then it did. I'm really glad I saw them multiple times on this tour and heard these songs live, they were there supposed to sound.
It’s no Master of Puppets, but it’s a good metal record and a classic. Fast, heavy, with growling vocals, but highly precise drum and guitar. It’s a record I always enjoy listening to.
This is probably the best version of this type of music. The guitar and drum work is excellent. But it's just not my thing.
This was not my thing at all. Other than One, all the songs sound the same and are, frankly, boring. I just don't think I like metal (or more specificially, don't like Thrash metal) Oh, and the mix is terrible. Drums sound like shit and there is no bass at all.
It probably wasn’t a good idea to listen to an album like this while I was winding down for the night because I feel like I didn’t enjoy it as much as I would’ve if I listened to it while working or something. Regardless, this is still a classic album that shouldn’t have lost to jethro tull even if I got tired of it after One finished. I think I still prefer the black album over puppets and puppets over this.
I already like Metallica and their music, and this gave me a chance to listen to the album in full for the first time. It's excellent. Highly charged, tight as can be, and very well composed. The music video they put together for 'One' is haunting and really stays with me. Wow.
100 hz pömmpöä. Tämä ei ole niin onnistunut albumi kuin master of the puppets, vaikka ekat kappaleet antaakin toivoa. Hajoaa vähän kasaan. Ihan hyvä ei vaan maailman parhaiden albumien kontekstissa. Heh.
If I were to rank all of the artists in the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame, I'd put Metallica in the bottom ten. They wouldn't be dead last, only because I've been told Bon Jovi was somehow elected to the Hall. This exercise of listening to an album a day for over two years now has shown me that Metallica is an extremely overrated band. That doesn't even take into account how the band whined and complained about Napster to the point where we stopped getting free MP3’s. I guess "One" is OK, but Christ, Scorsese's The Irishman felt shorter. No wonder Jethro Tull won the Grammy instead of this album. These fuckers never should have stopped drinking.
Este me gusta mucho
fajne
Guitar go egheneojrbrkisbenskjeheb
Not my genre anymore. If I liked heavy metal, I'd love this
I felt that the album was very well made and well produced, but it's just not what I like listening to. I thought To Live and To Die was interesting since it was different than the rest.
boooo i don’t like this album! I think it’s self explanatory why it’s just a lottttt 🤷♀️🤷♀️🤷♀️You can see talent and hear it somewhat but the voice is just what brings it low. I’m choosing between 1 and 2 not because it was good but because i’ve heard much much worse… 2/10, 1/5.
Throughout my likely-annoying and common "I really hate Metallica" ramblings over the years, I'll admit that *most* of that comes from some combination of their big "hit" years of loud songs in E minor with ridiculous growlinnnng...gUHH! vocalsss...sUHH! and my annoyance at the band in general, specifically James Hetfield and Lars Ulrich. Back in their early days they were merely this shadowy musical presence - literally never played on the radio; MTV and video shows were the only other way to publicly hear music and I'm guessing the only songs I'd ever really heard from them were a few from "Ride The Lightning" and then "One" from this album. They were just not my thing but easily avoidable back then just by making zero effort. I then happened to see them in concert on this tour and holyhell I had to walk away - literal headache. Also I suppose it's funny in retrospect that I chose to accept the now-comically-fraudulent generic stage banter from most of the big arena rock bands of the time over these guys who at the time just rubbed me completely the wrong way on and off-stage. Especially James Hetfield who always came (comes?) off as that quintessential age-stunted 16 year old asshole who is barely hanging on in high school and gets off on being a general prick to everyone in the hallways. That concert was the moment decades ago that cemented my "wow I really hate this band" opinion. So...um...hey let's revisit an old favourite! Well...it's not freaking "Unforgiven" or the now-clichéd hockey arena anthem "Enter Sandman" so at least it'll be ......... nope. This is too damn much - mostly that Hetfield's vocals are a do-not-pass-GO no-fly-zone - awful. Also the mix is shite, literally no bass whatsoever - none - what the hell - and I suppose the dry aspect is a preference and it's absolutely not mine. Besides all that, the thrash riffing - while technically very impressive - is something I just can't get through. The only part of the album that's kind of enjoyable is/are many of the mellow guitar lines on "One" The headache remains. 2/10 1 star.
Scale: 1: Dissapointing 2: Didn't enjoy 3: Decent 4: Enjoyed 5: Would listen again (My first impression if not mentioned otherwise in a comment) Blackened: 4/5, dad rock but cool ...And Justice for All: 3/5, way too long and boomer guitar solo Eye of the Beholder: 3.5/5, yeah fine One: 4.5/5 best one so far but boomer guitar solo The Shortest Straw: 2/5, worst one so far Harvester of Sorrow: 4/5, like it The Frayed Ends of Sanity: 3/5 idk To Live Is To Die: 4/5, nice Dyers Eve: 3/5, ok Overall: 3.44/5, really like metallica instrumentals but the vocals are obnoxious af.
I liked this way more than I expected, considering I tend to dislike the bulk of later Metallica albums I've heard. "Frayed Ends of Sanity" and a few others had really cool riffs, with "One" as outlier, standing out as the worst track on the whole thing.
This is the last Metallica album I really fuck wit. Shreds pretty much the whole way, and the solo in One will forever bestow the chillies
Having never listened to Metallica before I didn’t know what to expect but I actually really enjoyed listening to this 3.7/5
This is a repeat album for me. Extremely cool guitar riffs, some interesting lyrics, but off-putting vocals imo.
...and justice for dva.
The more metal I listen to from this list, the more obvious Metallica’s incredible musicianship becomes. They’re operating at a higher level. Really intricate, beautiful music. They have an intense hard rock style but it’s not just brute force. There’s real craft behind these songs. You know me, I’m always attracted to the drums on an album. And jeez! These drums sound insane! That extra bass kick in there is so powerful. And the guitar solos! Some epic, stadium rock, guitar hero shit here! 🎸🔥 Wow - that transition from the melodic intro of “To Live is to Die” to the opening riff is really something! The whole song is stunning. I like Metallica though I probably respect their music more than I love it at the moment. But it's all new to me and I look forward to listening to more. Excellent album overall.
The first CD that I purchased with my own money! I love "And Justice"; it's so tight and there isn't a weak song on the album. It is unfortunately overshadowed by the massive "Master of Puppets" but to me it is like 1B to MoP being 1A in best Metallica albums. I'm fortunate enough to have listened to this album a TON at one period of my life and then seldom had revisits, so that these songs still have really strong ties to that one period of my life. I think when that happens, the more you listen to an album outside of that period of time the more the connection weakens. For me, this was me playing Triple Play Baseball on my 11th birthday in 2001 and blaring this album through a CD player. Lars Ulrich always gets hate for his drum sounds (the somewhat more recent album "St Anger" is one of the worst snare drum sounds ever), and I don't really mind them on this record. They feel a little thin, but overall Metallica's sound has always leaned more towards tight/compact and drums that are thinner make this objective much easier. The kick drum doesn't conflict with the bass guitar, the cymbals don't conflict with the guitars, etc. One thing I don't like on this record is that there are times where there are fast double bass hits and it almost sounds like they were overdubbed. The tone is less "clicky" and they overpower the mix when they hit. I wouldn't be surprised if the volume was automated to make them more forward/loud in the mix at those times though because it is a cool hammering effect. Good idea, but dated at this point in metal music production. I love the vocal effect on "Eye Of The Beholder". I'd imagine this was pretty experimental at the time for heavy metal. Metallica's "thing" since album 1 was thrash thrash thrash metal. Fast, low maintenance. Distortion on guitars and GO. That's it! Ok maybe a little bit of wah-wah pedal for guitar solos but nothing else. Since Master of Puppets though (the album prior to this) they definitely started to experiment more with things like reverbs, compressors, and even clean tones. Side note- "One" is one of the best examples of metal music using clean guitar tones effectively. That intro is one of the best intros to a metal track of all time and the tone is as clean as it gets. But back to vocals- this effect is cool, it's a warbly effect that I can't quite place. A quick google tells me that it was a Flanger. I love how long their tracks are. They were never afraid of having a metal song that is long and problematic for radio. I think this is one of the strengths of Metallica- that these long songs allowed them to develop themes and have the songs truly sound epic because of where they start, where they go, and where they end up. The average length for a song on this is 7:27 which is really unheard of.
95 / 1069 Another album I really should have heard before now. I’d heard about half the songs but not the whole thing. Where is the bass? Such an oddly produced album, had to try a couple of different headphones as I thought something was wrong. I then read up and understand now, but it certainly takes it down a notch.
2/9, 22%
The song One I could listen too fully and even did not dislike, the rest for me is all the same: stupid macho guitar music without an end. Hate heavy metal. Always did. Always will.
Classic. This album opened up a whole new genre for me back in high school.
I absolutely love 80s heavy metal and thrash metal in particular, so this is an easy 5 for me. Metallica has never been my absolute favourite band cause I'm not all that keen on Hetfield's voice. But I can look past that for the aggressive, energetic, chaotic powerhouse of an album this is. Favourite: One
I can see where this would be appealing in 1988. Something completely different than 80s hair bands and a little heavier. I've never been a super big fan of Metallica but I 100% see how loyal their fans are and it's because of this sound. Just a 3 for me though
I decided to go into this with open ears. Some Kind of Monster out Spinal Tapped Spinal Tap so it makes it very hard to just sit back and listen to Metallica for what it is worth. As with Megadeth and N#$#$%$ D#$#%* I just don't get the point, in this instance it is mainly just funny as opposed to boring or a crime against humanity. I mean...EVERY SONG HAS A SLOW BEGINNING BEFORE THE GUITAR KICKS IN! EVERY SONG! The same er er er guitar chord sound...er er er...the same ponderous, ridiculous drumming, drumming that is trying so hard to be "like heavy dude" that it seriously sounds like the 15 year old kid next door who has stumbled onto one way to play and is going for it every Thursday afternoon in the garage. Non-existent bass, why have a bass player? Lyrics that again would be written by the high school band getting ready for the end of year talent quest. And maybe that is what is going on here, maybe the genius of this is that literally any 15 year boy from Potsdam to Panania figures they could do this, not that they can sound like Metallica, but that Metallica sounds like them!
Now here’s a band I can really get into, at least when I’m in the right mood. I was a Black Album convert, never a huge fan of their earliest stuff or the woeful middle albums, but Dan has played their latest albums and they are a great return to form (but with modern production, yay). Anyway, sitting in traffic in a car on my own, I cranked this one and really enjoyed it. Apropos of my earlier musings on Megadeth vs Metallica - no contest. These guys make me want to bang my head. And they keep changing up their songs, but in a way that’s fun in an over-the-top way rather than just ridiculous. No further analysis needed.
I tried but I could not sit through an hour of this.
Jesus, this album is just exhausting. And it sounds _bad_. Apparently, Lars and James now claim that the dry, clicky drums and complete lack of bass were deliberate choices. Or maybe they were an accident, having trashed their hearing touring. Or maybe it was out of spite to make newly recruited bass player Jason Newstead inaudible. Does it matter why? It was a bad choice and all of the potential reasons are bad. It has always amazed me that James Hetfield has managed to drag three mediocre musicians into superstardom, against all the odds. I really struggled to get through this album. I know that my mate Tim and I used to listen to it when it first came out, but, apart from 'One', I had no memories of this record. Not one memorable song. And, having just listened to it afresh, I still can't remember any of the songs, apart from 'One'. I am so tired.... No more 80s metal, please...
Good album and would love to see some of these live but tbf not something I could listen to on regular basis anymore. Saved tracks: …And Justice For All, One, The Shortest Straw, The Frayed Ends Of Sanity, To Live Is To Die
Do I like metal??
I don't revisit this anywhere near as often as the two Metallica albums either side of it, but I really should, its a damn good record. Some songs are slightly longer than they need to be, but it never really gets boring and the high points are very high
Probably peak Metallica in my book, just tight, technical high speed metal wall to wall. On the downside it pretty much marks the turn to the all-serious, no-humor, self-important vibe that pretty much defined the band thereafter.
Samey Great guitar riffs No gems
Lars sucks. Kill ‘em all is the only Metallica album that’s better than mediocre. I’d listen again but it’s nothing special.
Very complex but good album. Some great guitar riffs. 'One' is one of my favourite Metallica songs. 4,5/5
I thought this was ok, but there is a bit of a cringe factor for me with Metallica. I much prefer Master of Puppets and the Black Album. I agree with the reviews that mention the bad mixing, the band sound like they're playing inside of a tin can. The only songs that stick out to me are "One" and "Harvester of Sorrow". I think I read somewhere that they have 4 albums in this book, too many! Master of Puppets and the Black Album would suffice. They could have included two other metal artists instead. No Tool albums in this book, really!?
Metallica’s thrash roots are still very much apparent, but this is a more thoughtful, complex, and experimental album. The uses of interesting time signature, arpeggios, and the suite like string structure all attest to Metallica’s desire to move beyond their music of the early and mid 80s. It is a resounding success.
You know an album is destiny when your brother talks about wanting to get into Metallica, you're about to recommend this album, and then you check and see what the album of the day is tomorrow and here it is. It's as if this list listens to us. But then there wouldn't be half the albums on here. Metallica is one of my favorite bands of all time and this album is the reason why. I would argue this is their best album in terms of length and quality (I even have a Funko Pop of Lady Justice!). I'd also accept their self titled black album, but this one came first and set the stage for their ability to go all out on that album. The sounds are crisp here, and Hetfield sounds better than ever on each of these tracks. The guitars are powerful and drums are loud and distinct. I think I call this one the best because you can actually hear everything (the singing, guitars, drums). This album, to me, harnesses all the anxiety that the group (and us) have about so many systems within this country. Opening with the dark, yet amped up Blackened, it seems like all is bleak and the world is ending, but you can't help but dance to the awesome guitar riffs and drums. From there we are taken to ...And Justice for All, a barefaced anthem about the unfairness of the justice system and how those with money tend to get away with everything. At almost ten minutes, this song flies by. Again, the drums and guitar really sell this one. I'm constantly air drumming this song. Eye of the Beholder is a lesser listened for me, but I will always love the opening guitar riff, this song has some lyrics like "Freedom of choice is made for you, freedom of speech is words they will bend, freedom with their exception" so another poke at the systems around us. I'd also say this song is underrated, even by me. Next is One, another masterpiece. The anti war song on the album. A soldier trying to live through injuries after the war is over but as we all know, so many people come home but never truly leave the battlefield. Reading the lyrics it's a really depressing song, but the instruments make you forget that a little bit. This is also a classic guitar hero song both on III and Metallica. The song ends with the soldier describing what this landmine did to him and how it "left him with life in hell". The Shortest Straw is an epic song, with an amazing guitar riff throughout and the solo is insane. This song was almost impossible to play on Guitar Hero. Talking about the shortest straw being pulled for you, life isn't fair, they are coming after you type stuff. Very on brand. I can't stress enough how amazing the drums and guitar are on this. Harvester of Sorrow is another, less political, but still dealing with that anger towards others that I think Shortest Straw deals with. This may be my least favorite on the album, but still good on a play through. The Frayed Ends of Sanity takes a bold swing with the Wizard of Oz "o we o" kicking off with the drums. Love that they are diving into someone just going insane, and not in a good way. "everyone's after me, frayed ends of sanity, hear them calling me". Also Hetfield's laughing towards the end is the cherry on top. To Live is to Die is a beautiful instrumental track that opens up very calmly before kicking into gear. I'll never say no to instrumental Metallica. Dyers Eve ends the album on a very strong note, starting with the kick off and moving into the descending drum beats that kick into a very fast gear rift reminiscent of Kill Em All. One of the few early songs with an F bomb too which I just found out today, no Parental advisory on this album! But I love the music when it hits the "Innocence, torn from me without your shelter" chorus. Excellent solo here too. Overall, this album is incredible, impeccable, and everything in between. A perfect primer for someone wanting to hear some metal music that hasn't before since it's like a Nu Metal type rock. It's pure art...and justice for all.
Another heavy hitter from Metallica! Some classic jams on here, including probably my favorite from them, "One." Songs like that are few and far between, but they demonstrate that Metallica can do different things if they so choose. They don't often so choose, and on this album there's a decent sized chunk that feels like filler to me, the back half got a little monotonous. But still, the heft of the earlier tracks is undeniable. Certainly not a perfect album, and I can say with confidence this isn't my favorite Metallica album (Master of Puppets was a 5), but it still goes hard. Favorite tracks: One, Blackened, And Justice For All, To Live is To Die, Eye of the Beholder. Album art: Definitely a classic, one of my favorite from Metallica for sure. No mistaking the symbolism here, especially with the title. Strong statement. 4.5/5
I am afraid this leaves me quite cold. The groaning guitars, the strangled vocals, the over-intrusive drums and the over-long guitar solos just does nothing for me.
this is definitely a metal album
inte alls lika bra som mr black
This album would be great for a workout. For the most part, all of the songs blend together to me. Not a bad thing necessarily, but it’s hard to feel excited about this album when every song feels exactly like every other Metallica song. Favorite track - One Least favorite track - The Frayed End of Sanity
This album was lame as hell. I like ride the lightening, kill em all, and master of puppets, but this was terrible. The lyrics were corny and overly serious, and the instrumentals sounded flat and lifeless like they were recorded on GarageBand with stock sounds. Was not a fan.
This was a struggle to get through for me. Maybe it's because I was listening during work, but it kept throwing me out of concentration. I understand and can respect that this is an iconic album, but for me, I will not be revisiting it any time soon.
FULL DISCLOSURE: I FUCKING LOVE METALLICA SO THIS REVIEW IS HEAVILY BIASED. Lars is a fucking BEAST on the drums as usual. This album has a lot of emotion because they released it only 2 years after Cliff died (original bassist). Will have to listen to this the next time I'm on a run & doing sprints. I have nothing bad to say about this album. I also like Kill Em All (86') and this is a crazy good follow up. Usually artists have a sophomore slump after a critically acclaimed first album, but these guys did their fucking thing. And that's why they're legends.
👍🏼
Classic Metallica, what can I say. Theres a lot you can unpack about the latter parts of Metallicas career from the 90's onwards, for the record I still love them dearly to the preset day but their history is definitely... complex. But any baggage caused by St. Anger is forgotton when that opening lead guitar part from Blackened comes in. Then you get One. I could spend paragraphs writing about how much I love one, mlodic, heavy, conceptual, creepy, all the performances are so bang on, Long enough to be epic but never outstays its welcome, the vocals are Hetfield at his absolute best. Hearing those guns, either on record, or especially live is just electrifying. And that guitar tone in the intro... wow. What a banger. I wont give it a 5 because if I was standing in a record shop and I could only buy this or another Metallica album I'd always go for the other once but its damn close.
Justice eldist langbest af þessum metal-plötum sem ég hef fengið. Get enn hlustað á þetta, ólíkt Rust in Peace og Reign in Blood.
One of my absolute favorites. It takes me back to Boy Scout days, sitting behind the tent in summer camp listening to Metallica and Slayer and all these other metal albums and just being young and stupid and not caring about anything in the world.
I always wondered if I was being unfair to them. Turns out they really aren't my cup of tea. There were moments of melody that were then killed by fast fast fast slow slow slow etc
7/10 there’s some good stuff here but there were also plenty of songs that sounded comically annoying I feel like they peaked with Master of Puppets, this just doesn’t sit right with me
Every band has that undeniably great album. And then they have the album that is debated, but ultimately crosses the line. The line of excess and overkill. The point of no return, as it were. For example, Yes had "Close to the Edge" as their undeniable great album. Their next album, "Tales From Topographic Oceans," is one that is debated by many fans about crossing the line of excess. (Personally, I love it, but I can see what they're talking about: double album, only 4 songs.) For Metallica, their great album is, of course, "Master of Puppets." The contested album is "...And Justice For All." The two big complaints are pretty obvious: 1) It's too long. Both the album itself, and some of the songs. "Harvester of Sorrow" is probably the one song I point to as being the best example of this, along with "To Live Is To Die." And yet, it's the shortest song on the album. But it feels like it's overstayed its welcome. Length of the album itself? "To Live Is To Die" os not as good of an instrumental as "Orion" from the previous album. "Frayed Ends of Sanity" is another one that just... goes nowhere. Looking at the LP version, you have sides that are 15 minutes long. It just seems like a waste. 2) The sound of the album itself. The bass. WHERE. IS. THE. BASS? Oh my GOD, this is such a perplexing album. You get a new bassist, and you canNOT hear him. The drums, however, are very prominent. Too prominent. The bass drum I hear in... um.... EVERY song. I don't think it's a hard thing to say all of the band members really peaked with "Master of Puppets." I mean, listen to them trying to play "Battery" years later, it never sounds right. I can't imagine what "Justice" would have sounded with Burton. But there's so much anger and grief in that album, it would have definitely have been different. Am I nitpicking at this album? Probably. "One" is one of their greatest songs they ever did, there's no denying it. "Blackened" feels like trying to take "Battery" up a notch, but I still dig it. It's the flaws that make it NOT be a 5-star album. But it is a raw, definitive thrash album. If only...
Metallica is one of the best at what they do and this album was pretty good, but not their best. A little too decadent - too many so 6min+ songs that could've been cut down. I got lost in the title track and To Live is to Die (as in, is this a new song or is it still going?), even though I like the former (latter was meh). One is still a brilliant song and one that I don't mind goes on a bit long. Blackened is one I'm not sure I knew well but quite enjoyed. Overall lots of anger, thrash, energy, and frenetic play - Metallica hallmarks.
Ahh… my first Metallica album. Well, the first one I bought at least. A friend had their earlier three albums and I had just started liking them when this came out. I never really got into the opening track “Blackend”, and it still doesn’t do much for me. The title track however is an awesome metal epic. I always like the fade-in of “Eye of the Beholder” and the enjoyed the flange-driven riff that drives the song. Then we get to “One”. Between the music, lyrics and that haunting music video this was and still is one of the best anti-war songs that I’ve ever heard. The rest of the album is some classic metal as well. “Harvester Of Sorrow” and “The Frayed Ends of Sanity” still hold up even to today’s more extreme metal. “To Live is To Die” kind of reminds of “The Unforgiven” a little at around the middle of the song. Metallica was good at writing intense album closers and “Dyers Eve” is no exception. I enjoyed revisiting this album after what’s been at least a decade. Not a perfect album but still one of Metallica's best.
It's amazing to me how this album never seems to draw me in. So much happening, but it never clicks. Could be because many of the songs sound similar to me. Could be the COMPLETE LACK OF BASS. Whatever it is, I've never been big on this album. "One" is a really cool song (particularly the end part), but most of the rest just sounds like the same song over and over. Giving it a 3 because I don't mind hearing it, but never feel an urge to seek it out. Maybe I'd consider a 4, but have to remove at least a star since they removed the bass.
Classic record! One (pun intended) I’ve listened over and over countless times. But this time I do a deep dive. The lyrics are pretty cool, they’re pretty on the nose but they fit the song good. Of course loads of great riffs, and features some om Metallica’s best solos. Some bass would be nice tho. This is a very energetic Metallica, with some of their heaviest moments as well as very experimental outings for them. Key tracks, Blackened, …And Justice For All, Eye Of The Beholder, One, The Shortest Straw, To Live Is To Die, Dyers Eve 8.5 out of 10
"And Justice for All" is an absolute masterpiece of thrash metal, if you enjoy being repeatedly smacked in the face with a chainsaw made of guitar riffs and drums. The complete lack of bass guitar only serves to enhance the raw, unbridled power of this album. It's like a never-ending adrenaline rush, except instead of a rush, it's more of a sustained, full-body assault. If you're a fan of having your ear drums permanently damaged, then this is definitely the album for you.
Metallica hasn't disappoint so far. The guitar riffs are compelling.
Totally biased - 1st record I bought 4 myself. The threshold to later post rock passion although metal heads seem to hate this.
Funkin nucts
I usually don't love thrash but I haven't listened to much and I enjoy Metallica. I liked this album, especially Blackened and One.
Alp metal should be like Metallica
Quite a good Metallica album. Not my favourite but definitely has some real bangers. Very close to a 5 for me. Giving 4 because it's not necessarily something I'll listen to over and over as a whole album.
Couldn’t even finish listening to it. I found it not as good. It seems as though the main concentration on the album were riffs, thereby causing the entire composition of the album to lose form. It also sounds flat and quite boring to listen to.
wasnt feelin it at all compared to their earlier work, the songs are boring and monotanus, didnt like the guitar tone at all, one is def a standout track though. 5/10
A thrash classic but not one I particularly enjoy and weaker than the other meticallica I've heard. Very hot take but for me metal is a genre improved by modern production and a lot (but definitely not all) of modern metal is a lot more creative than this, although I respect its massive influence in providing a gateway and bringing metal to the mainstream.
Some great solos.
Not my favorite Metallica album to be honest, I'm more of a fan of the latest work of Metallica than the starting work they did. Definitely incredible songs, but its neither my favorite genre or group.
This album straddles the line between the thrash the Metallica pioneered, and a more progressive sound full of tempo changes and through composed song structures. If anything here seems superfluous, it's the occasionally stale guitar solos of Hammett which sometimes steal momentum and intensity from the otherwise incessant drive of the record (mostly provided by Hetfields picking hand). Lars' off kilter drumming however seems to find a good balance on this record. A very strong record all around despite its flaws.
Not my style
Possibly the peak of Metallica coin flip between this and master of puppets.
De har bättre.
Ahhhh fuck..... METALLICA HERE WE GOOOO!!!
Buenísimo, muy enérgico y rabioso, Metallica sabe muy bien como hacer de esas dos características muy únicas y emblemáticas de ellos.
Not the best but gotta love Metallica
Giant of giants
I’d give it six stars if I could
OK, but none of the hits. And quite over stylised some might say.
Just great !!
Pretty epic and interesting lyrics but just can’t stand the vocals
There's no questioning that Metallica rocks, but their propensity for long instrumental breaks starts feeling self-indulgent pretty quickly. "Dyers Eve" is the *shortest* track at 5:14, and with the exception of "Harvester of Sorrow," the rest of the songs are no shorter than 6:45 (and two songs clock in at just under 9:50). But hey, this album's got "One" on it, which gets my vote for the most depressing music video ever, so yay? Bottom line: this album's good, but I would have enjoyed it more if they'd rocked approximately 1-5 minutes less on each song.
My city is a huge on metal & Metallica. Even though I didn't actively listen to them in the 80s, I knew their songs & they've always felt like home. As an adult, I've grown to greatly appreciate this band & have seen them live - what an electric show. One is a favorite, and the others are just sheer hard metal perfection. This is one of the few albums where I actually enjoy a 7 minute song. I'll have to revisit their other albums & take a trip down hometown memory lane.
I had forgotten just how solid this album is as I've really not listened to it in many years. But my biggest complaint will always remain and why I can never give this album a 5. WHERE IS THE BLOODY BASS! Poor Jason Newstead.
…And Metallica for some (just not me)
Don’t really like Metallica we’ll see how this goes Blackened: guitar nice at the start then the kit shits on it justice for all: also kinda shit
A great album really, I will say that I don't listen to it very often simply because I find it a bit repetitive but a great album nonetheless
Still reeling from the sudden death of bassist Cliff Burton, the surviving members of Metallica pour their grief into this collection of angry, hard-edged screeds against greed and corruption. Of particular is “One,” a musical interpretation of Johnny Got His Gun that is sublimely horrific and still stands as one of the band’s essential songs.
It's just too much of everything. 1 extra star for the guitar solos
I feel bad for saying this because I've grown to like Metallica, but "...And Justice For All" should be called "...And Boredom For All." Never has metal been more unexciting.
Some choice tracks
I think I've aged out of Metallica. It's all so repetitive and dull anymore.
This is obviously a solid metal album, I'm just not a huge metal fan. I can appreciate it but I doubt I'll find myself coming back to this album to listen to it all the way through again. The run time was also pretty lengthy for 9 tracks, which means that the tracks start to get a bit repetitive to a first time listener of the album. Standout Tracks: ...And Justice for All, Eye of the Beholder, One
It's been over 40 years but I still remember how I thoroughly enjoyed the first time I heard the Al Pacino character's line: "The prosecutor is not going to get that man today because I'm going to get him." The film ". . . And Justice for All" is one of my ATF. The album ". . . And Justice for All" - not so much.
My research indicates that this is the first of 4 Metallic albums we'll be sent!! Even though 1001 tells me I hate every type of metal (not true - I like metal from the heyday of metal, back when these guys were still in diapers), I will try to be objective in my analysis. There are some wicked riffs, very clean and precise, especially in One and it's easy to see how teenagers from the 80s would want to make this music there own. Also I'm hearing the early roots of grunge, my second least favourite genre. The vocals are a downer. I've read that this LP lost the Best Hard Rock/Metal Grammy to Jethro Tull, possibly the greatest Grammy upset of all time. So I listened to "Crest of a Knave" and, though I lost interest in JT in the early 70s, preferred it to this.
10th November 2022 Listened while working from home. Out for dinner at Stroud Italian place in the evening. Very loud, politically savvy metal with rushing drums and thrumming bass.
Það á greinilega að rífa man upp á rassgatinu, harkalega, þennan morguninn! Hrikalega töff plata. Ég á mjög sterka minningu úr húsi á Kársnesinu, væntanlega haustið 1988, þar sem ég kynntist Metallica í fyrsta sinn. Vídeóið af One var sett í gang og unglingahópurinn sat og starði á skjáinn, ekki orð heyrðist í þessar tæpu 8 mínútur, sem virtust vera hálftími. Lagið er magnað en vídeóið er svakaleg saga. Saga sem var auðvelt að detta inn í. Þessi upplifun er mér dýrmæt, ein af fáum unglingastundum þar sem mér leið eins og ég fittaði inn í hóp. Fæ alltaf flashback í þessa tilfinningu þegar ég heyri One. Mér þykir vænt um það.
Just a bit too much metal in Metallica for me I'm afraid.
This is so extremely Metallica
This is the FOURTH METALLICA ALBUM ON THIS LIST and listen up, friends, it's the most generic one yet. It's metal for people who don't like metal! Or good music! Or thinking! Or breathing through their nose! I'm not going to give this a one. It's entirely inoffensive, and pretty easy on the ears. I'm also a fan, funnily enough, of the song "one", so that saves this from getting a 2. I'd probably go 2.5 but I'll round up.
Better than I expected
This is a complicated record for Metallica. It hits just as hard as there first three albums, but it's the first without their original bassist. It's the first the album with a new bassist who they neglect because the album is infamous in that there is no bass in the mix. I would say this album is the black sheep in the bands first four albums, the classic thrash period, for the band. The band tries to tackle politcal concepts that maybe profound to some but may seem illconcived to others.
As a teenager, this used to be my favourite Metallica album. An underrated gem that goes balls to the wall and works wonders when your exercising. And while it's still a great listen in my 20s, it's their 5th best album. Ride the Lightning should replace Justice on this list. Overall the production tarnishes the quality of ...And Justice For All which limits how often I listen to this. The live at Seattle concert on the deluxe is a highly recommended listen and a better experience as it captures the albums best songs along with needed bass. When it goes hard, it goes hard. Blackened and the title track make a great one-two punch start and showcases how progressive Metallica could be. Dyer's Eve is an electric closer while One is truely one of their best songs. I used to not care for Harvester of Sorrow as a teen, but it has since grown on me along Metallica's other slow heavy tracks like Sad But True. Frayed Ends of Sanity and Shortest Straw on the other hand were ones I used to hail as underrated gems, but now can see they were too long for their own good and don't fit well with the bone-dry production. To Live is to Die has it's moments and presents the only space where you can hear bass, but it's definitely not their best instrumental by far. Eye of the Beholder has a great intro but is a pretty week song following its first verse. To summarise, a powerful album but its production, lack of bass and a few songs needing editing makes it flawed.
Some cool riffs but overall not really my cup of tea. They call it ..and justice for all and probably should start with justice for bass since the bass guitar doesn't exist and the bass drum is squeezed so much that it sound incredibly tiny
My absolute favorite Metallica album.
This is the third Metallica album I've had in this project, and I was not as taken by it as Master of Puppets or the Black Album. Not that there aren't some classic Metallica elements that I recognize and like. I get that they seem to be going for a bit more of an epic feel with the extended songs and changing tempos, but it lost me a bit. I'm also not sure what I think of environmentalist peacenik thrash metal. I like the message but it doesn't FEEL quite right.
My disposition regarding metal hasn't changed...rarely am I in a mood that I think "Oh, you know what would pair well with this...some metal..." However, on that rare occasion, it is mostly Metallica that I turn to, and this album does contain one track that has always drawn me in. That track in One. Other than that, it sounds much like other Metallica to me. So, I have no appreciation for what about this album is something I must listen to that others didn't already provide me. But now I have and I am all the better for it?
Other than One, I'd not heard any of this before. It's great! Really great! Much more accessible than Master of Puppets but a little less radio-friendly than Metallica (the black album). Right in the sweet spot. Loved it.
I had just read a story from The Guardian entitled “World close to ‘irreversible’ climate breakdown, warn major studies” and then started my first listen of this. Right on cue Blackened put a boot on my soul and ground in the depression. The message was right on cue. Unfortunately the message was delivered in the noodly, rambly, grinding Metallica style that really turns me off. All the talent on display here is lost on me when I can’t connect to any hooks or structure. It all becomes very tedious. This was an exercise in endurance. Some guitar solos that I appreciated here and there, and even a few bits of respite with some pleasant acoustic playing, but by the end my ears were numb and I was just glad it was over.
Solid enough album, but felt a little repetitive to me at times. Standout is "One"
I found this hard to get through and skipped to other Metallica songs on other albums. Not sure what was revolutionary about this - they have 4 albums on this chart which makes me wonder what genres they all fall into. Maybe I need to spend more time with this on repeat mode?
Finally Metallica, one of my favorite bands. I have listened to this album before but it has been a long time. One might be their best song, definitely top 3. Harvester of sorrow just makes me laugh because that's Paul Konerko's walk up song so it reminds me of my childhood. And justice for all and to live is to die are GREAT songs. Kick ass album 7/10
Some classic Metallica songs but really lack any low end
The production is crap and the bass has been turned right down. You can also hear the lack of Cliff Burton's classically trained ear. This was defiantly a tipping point from when they went from thrash gods to mainstream metalheads. But, it's bookended with two of the best opening and closing tracks in metal: 'Blackened' & 'Dyers Eve'. Also to have the 7m 26s 'One' as a single and their first music video is hilarious - a song that's made even better when seeing it live with the gratuitous use of pyrotechnics. Definitely the sound of a band going through a major transition and processing the grief of losing Burton. It's not as slick or complete as the previous three albums to this, but it's still packed full of great riffage that gets the head banging.
Its hard, fast but strangely melodic too. I never was a fan then saw then at Reading and then I got it ... masters in their craft.
LOUD NOISES - MORE LOUD NOISES - I LOVE LAMP
Such high hopes as well. Every vocal track sounds identical. Some really great playing, but which sounds thin and tinny. Prime cuts: One, To Live Is To Die
\m/
The more metal I listen to the less I like it. But this was just boring. Endlessly repetitive.
4.3 - It's easy to see why people love this record and why Metallica are considered a GOAT. Sharp vocals, clear messaging in the lyrics, elegant arrangements and, above all, impeccable guitar work. On a side-note, I'm listening to "One" within the context of the album for the first time and I find it a much richer listening experience than hearing it on MTV or on the radio. It's hard to explain but that song feels far more epic on record.
Depending on who you ask, this is Metallica's last great album. This also happens to be the first Metallica album without founding bassist Cliff Burton, after his untimely death in 1986. By all accounts, ...And Justice For All spells out Metallica's transition away from their thrash roots into simply heavy metal. Compared to their previous albums, I can certainly start to hear the band slip a bit in terms of quality. While still similar to Master of Puppets in terms of overall sound, the songwriting here just isn't as good. Where it's good, though, it's phenomenal. Blackened proves that they've still go an ear for good thrash. One is easily the standout track though, with a slow and tender start that leads into headbanger that kicks ass. Perhaps one of their best songs that demonstrates Metallica's ability for range while still playing into their strengths for speed and catchy riffs. I dread discussing the mix but it warrants some mention. After Burton's death, a new bassist was brought in to fill some big shoes. Jason Newsted took the mantle, and while his contributions are appreciated, he is barely heard in this mix. The lower end is mostly dominated by Hetfield's chunky riffs, which leaves little room for proper bass tones from an actual bass guitar. What was once a foundational part of Metallica's sound has been stripped away. The end result is a drier, flatter sound that persists throughout the entire album. While I believe in listening to original album mixes when available, I would also encourage listeners to seek out the bootleg fan remix ...And Justice for Jason. Make your own judgements about the bass mix, see what you think. Regardless, a mix cannot always make the songs better. ...And Justice For All is a great album that is marred by unmemorable songs, bringing the whole experience down for me as a result. Unfortunately this marks a decline in Metallica's discography, making it all the more disappointing as we lose the consistent level of quality found on the first three albums. Metal was never the same after that.
Starts aggressive and urgent and doesn't really shift gears for an hour. Whether that's good or bad depends on the person and the day. Favorites Blackened and of course One. Honorable mention: The Frayed Ends of Sanity.
Pretty good one carried it imo
“One” is the bomb, and the rest is good.
First Metallica album…kinda boring? Not into it.
All that's missing is Jason Newsted. Dyers Eve contrasts tragically with a song ten years later, "Mama Said."
Who isn’t at least a little bit familiar with Metallica? My familiarity mostly comes from a mix of Guitar Hero, and local bands covering Master Of Puppets when I was still a youngling. Song I already knew: One, Harvester Of Sorrow Favourites after listening: One, Eye Of The Beholder This started off pretty strong. I don’t think I was ever going to love it because it’s just not my kind of music, but I was enjoying the first half of the album. However, as it went on there seemed to be a lot of… well, nothing. Just chugging away on guitars with solos that didn’t really serve any purpose aside from “hey guy, look at how good I am.” Also, as much as I enjoyed Eye Of The Beholder, it is hard not to laugh at how James Hetfield sings. “Freedom of choice is made for you, my frienDAH!!” It’s kinda unintentionally funny for most of the album.
Very important album in the metal/thrash genre. I wish the bass was turned up/mixed better. Overall a great album.
4 Good lostening
Great album by a great band.
...and justice for Jason. This album sounds bad. I feel asleep on the bus listening to it.
Eye of the Beholder has a great riff.. at first. Then we get all these jarring changes. But it is a vehicle for Kirk to throw in a couple of good solos. Did I just hear the Winkies at the start of The Frayed Ends of Sanity? Dyers Eve is insane! I think my favourite is The Shortest Straw. But the whole album just smacks you down with all those crunchy riffs.
One!!
Heard it before?: just the once but that was 10+ years ago Enjoy it?: I did in some aspects, I appreciate Metallica for what they are but I just don’t feel like songs need to be long for the entire run time of a project, I don’t mind long songs but they need substance and a sort of buildup or something to blow you away which is a hard thing to when your shortest track on an album is 5 minutes long, immaculate drums and guitar as ever but just loses a lot when you have songs running for so long they sound almost looped at points? Favourite song: Track 4 - One
Really did not enjoy this at all. I like the more tuneful Metallica but there’s a lot of one chord screaming here.
Noice
Mede door de solo's in dit album ben ik begonnen met gitaarspelen vroeger. Is misschien wel mijn favoriete album van Metallica.
Not quite as good as ‘Master Of Puppets’, but way better than the Black album. ‘…And Justice For All’ is the sound of a band pushing a sound and a formula as far as it will go, and stretching it to breaking point. Unsurprisingly, Metallica were never this complex again, their sound eventually devolving into something simpler, and blander: more country rock than heavy metal. But ‘…AJFO’ still stands as a last hurrah to their early, progressive thrash/metal years, both a bloated self-indulgent mess and a stunning tour-de-force.
I like One Metallica song, but afterhalf an album I get real tired of it. Feels so forced.
Not that good
Classic Thrash metal from one of the"Big Four" I can't believe I never to the album.
It's a pretty impressive release, solid on Metallica albums history, even not the best one, in my opinion. I think that this album lacks singles for a band like Metallica ("One" is the exception that confirms the rule), and the songs are too long. In short, I enjoyed it very much, but it's not a 5-star.
What is there to say? Even as someone who vaguely enjoys Metallica, I would've never sat down and listened to this front to back but happy I did.
I like it - I couldn't listen to it for too long in one sitting, especially as the songs are all quite long, but it's hard rocking, and some good riffs in there.
Rating: 10/10
one review on Allmusic states, "the apocalyptic lyrical portrait of a society in decay"... that is really really very deep. The music really gets your heart going, and they're one of the pioneers of the sound. However, I struggle to understand the lyrics a lot of the time. But that's the intent?
I absolutely love Blackened, Eye of the Beholder and One. Other tracks support the sound and energy but are enough of a step down that it doesn't quite live up to 5 stars for me.
DNF terrible voice
Meh…a lot o guitar and drums. Didn’t do anything for me then or now.
Very solid album. So many amazing guitar riffs. To Live is to Die had some tender moments as well and I really enjoyed that track.
Not my type of genre, but can understand why some might like it. Rhythm was the same throughout the songs.
Metallica is an iconic band in the overall metal style, there's no arguing about that. But let's try to be honest for a second: generally speaking, James Hetfield's delivery of his bland vocal lines is totally dull and unimaginative. Another guy actually *really* screaming his lungs out would have taken those songs up to another level. As for the music itself, it sounds way too paper-thin on this particular record compared to a lot of stuff that was later done in said genre, including Metallica's own "black album" (yep, a lot of critics were right: where's the goddamn bass?). So I guess that as far as albums go, you can keep *Master Of Puppets* and *Metallica* in your list of potentially essential LPs, if only for their cultural importance, and throw everything else into the "thrash" can. Number of albums left to review or just listen to: 798 Number of albums from the list I find relevant enough to be mandatory: 106 Albums from the list I *might* include in mine later on: 50 Albums from the list I will certainly *not* include in mine (many others are more important): 46 (including this one)
Not my favorite album honestly closer to a 2.5 but that’s my subjective opinion. I know nothing about art
Great album, this was the point where Metallica began to change and refine their sound. When it came out, purists hated it. I think it's awesome.
This was a solid entry into the annals of metal, but certainly not Metallica's best. In-between Master of Puppets and Metallica, Justice for All feels like it falls a bit flat. Hetfield's vocals feel washed out, the guitar riffs don't quite speak to me, and the bass was not very present, but the theme of the album shines through strongly and the lyrics paint a vivid picture of corruption and injustice.
listened to before it's...good
Classic thrash metal. Second best Metallica album and one of the greatest metal albums of all time. (Yes, this is the "One" album.)
👎
This will forever be a classic and should be required listening for anyone getting into modern music.
ALBUM RATING: 4.7 ALBUM GRADE: A TRACK RATINGS: 1. Blackened - 5.0 2. …And Justice for All - 5.0 3. Eye of the Beholder - 4.5 4. One - 4.0 5. The Shortest Straw - 4.5 6. Harvester of Sorrow - 5.0 7. The Frayed Ends of Sanity - 5.0 8. To Live Is to Die - 5.0 9. Dyers Eve - 3.5
Dry mix that is well known for having bass guitar, but not bass drums, way too low in the mix, aggressive but catchy songs, part of the end of the MTV generation of metal and rock music being as popular is hip hop is in the 2020s. Tight, scooped mid guitar tones. I had never realized how good of an album this was, but I definitely like Master of Puppets much more for both tunes and recording style. This album could use more bass and a touch of reverb, but the lack of reverb helps to showcase the virtuosity they had on this album by making the mix far less muddy. This genre appealed to me much more when I was a teen. I didn’t give this album as much of a chance when it came out as I should have.
I had a "cool" friend in Webelos that got this record when it came out and it was honestly my first real introduction into thrash/metal and it blew my mind at the time (and still does, honestly). "One" was on heavy rotation. Probably Metallica at their most technical: there's a level of depth and complexity that doesn't take away from strong lyrical themes of corruption, war, etc. It's a shame because the follow up to this (and beyond) is a totally different band. Maybe this was as far as they could go with the genre so change was inevitable? The only knock on this record is the shitty, shitty mixing, with Newsted's bass nearly mixed out on some tracks.
More progressive (and longer) than previous albums. A gem.
Yeah, maybe not my kinda thing. I appreciate the themes and complexity of the music - good stuff - but there's only so long I can allow my ears to bleed. I have heard and like some other Metallica songs, but I'm not really into this kind of thrash / heavy metal, so this album doesn't really do it for me. Stand out tracks: One, Harvester of Sorrow.
Aggressive, technical thrash. I used to love this album, and it still has some amazing moments but I did finding it dragging on a bit. Probably my least favourite of their 80s albums.
Great listen. I’ll maybe go back to this a couple of times
Heard one, heard them all. No bass line left me feeling there was no soul in the music.
Okay album
Heavy but thoroughly enjoyable - the longers songs I would likely have skipped
It absolutely rocks
I dunno, if you're going to go all in for power to the point where you completely forgo melody, you really oughta make sure your drums don't sound like *that*, and the bass guitar should do something other than be in complete lockstep with the rhythm guitar. Can you even tell it's there? What's left are chunky as hell guitars, some nice solos, some cool tempo and timing changes, and some very self-serious vocals. The songs are so long that I find myself liking parts of songs, but no individual song as a whole. I love the solo in the title track for example, but thats like 7 minutes into the song, and when it goes away, it's replaced by some sparse drums that, even if they sounded good, just don't do enough to take center stage, and are a pointless part of a song pushing 10 minutes. I reckon I could enjoy a Metallica album. The chunky riffs, the attempt at oppressive atmosphere, the unreasonable song lengths, and the self-seriousness that's constantly has you second guessing as to whether its parody or not. This album doesn't get there for me though.
Outside of a few big mainstream songs or hearing them at house parties, I've never sat down and listened to Metallica. There is a lot of awesome guitar and bass and some very nice passages and sections that I listened to a few times, but I just didn't enjoy much outside of that. The vocals don't do anything for me and often I was waiting for them to stop. I really didn't like the mixing of the drums, very sterile and thin, almost like a drum machine. I actually thought it was a drum machine, until reading up on the production of the album.