Reviews (page 2 of 10)
Oh man here we go. Ktulu feels like two songs passing each other and not actually blending. The ornamentation on Master Of Puppets just does not work. and the crowd. Lord above. Is there not going to be a sick shredding solo on a violin or are they only going to be a texture piece. Hero Of The Day is overwrought. Oh man doing this as just one big push is tough. James actually sounds really good/ true to intent. Wherever I May Roam is the first song to really feel like the orchestra is actually adding something. Sad But True is such butt rock and the orchestra doesn't help. One is just not helped by this treatment. Is there a concept in here? yes. But its not something you can just half ass bolt on the orchestration like this.
So much musicianship but so little soul. Sounds like a made for TV action score, except that it goes on for hours.
Gimmicky and overrated. I don't think anyone actually listens to this. If you want to hear Master of Puppets you don't go to the symphonic version. Not a must listen to album.
And here I was complaining about the overabundance of live albums in this list just because The Who's *Live At Leeds* popped up yesterday--taking up slots that could have better uses--when *this* surges today! I'm sure some fans of Metallica love this live "symphonic" version of their favorite guitar heroes' staple songs. And I'm sure doing this sort of "work" requires some flawless "technical" skills from everyone involved in this particular concert and recording. The thing is, *artistically" speaking, this project is just inept and overblown to ridiculous proportions (gosh, the sheer *length* of that album!). Worse, everything in this record is so damn predictable, artificial and ultimately *soulless*: those stadium-like crowd chants! The *performative* aspect of it all! The bland and heavy-handed symphonic orchestration reminding you of so many dumb Hollywood blockbusters! All due respect for the memory of the talented Michael Kamen, but he wasn't exactly a subtle film composer writing memorable themes anyway. No wonder he accepted the job and condoned this whole project. Plus, how many *recent* great acts in the metal genre have been ignored to leave some room for *this*? If only for this reason, true fans of this genre should be angered by the inclusion of this LP in the list. 1/5 grade for the purposes of this list of "essential" records. Call that a "protest grade". Which translates to a 6/10 grade for more general purposes (5+1). Because *S&M* so often straddles the line between merely "listenable" and cheesy that it's easy to lost count. Number of albums left to review: 312 Number of albums from the list I find relevant enough to be mandatory listens: 308 Albums from the list I *might* include in mine later on: 168 Albums from the list I won't include in mine (many other records are more important to me): 225 (including this one)
Mammoth journey home so listened to a glut of great music. Sour, Parrallel Lines, Nevermind, Marshall Mathers LP II, 1992 Deluxe. Put them all together and maybe they're as long as this Metallica slog.
Just not my thing at all - confirmed my view that Metallica take themselves far too seriously and way more than their teenage-grade ooooh-so-scary lyrics can sustain. The opening instrumental is like one of those ‘The London Philharmonic Plays Rock Classics’ compilations you used to see advertised on tv in the 80s.
Sounds like a bad James Bond soundtrack.
Unterhaltsam ist das schon, wenn man einen Soft Spot für Albernheit und Hybris hat. Aus meiner Sicht auch grandios gescheiterter Hybris. Aber für mich ist die Platte nicht gemacht, sondern für Metalfans mit Zweitleidenschaft für Musical, und die füllen viele Stadien, und Elvis Costello wahrscheinlich nichtmal den Platz vom SC Südlohn 28. Also ok: 1 Punkt geschenkt für albernen Quatsch, einer abgezogen für die Idee dass ich mir das anhören sollte. (Ach so, und das mit den Streichern haben Massive Attack auch besser raus.)
One of the greatest examples of how classical music is a base for metal. This is one of the best live albums. I would have been in awe attending this one.
I really love the combo of Metallica with a symphony orchestra. It really elevates these songs for me.
4.5 - Even though I have mixed feelings about live albums on this list, the addition of the orchestra makes this so awesome that five stars is the only acceptable rating.
As a huge Metallica fan - naturally this is a 5 star from me. Any non Metallica fans I can appreciate this is lengthy. This is a basically flawless performance and perfect collaboration. The songs sound bigger and heavier with this orchestra - particularly that Call Of Ktulu opener - it feels like this was meant to be heard this way. Every member is on point. Hetfield's vocals are amazing, and Jason Newsted showing what an absolute asset he was to the band. The guy couldn't give more energy if he tried, and is hands down the best backing vocalist they've had. The setlist is also super interesting - two new songs that both are great in their own way. Outlaw Torn, Hero of the Day and Bleeding Me were great Load cuts to hear and all of them hold a place for me. I'm due to see Metallica for the 5th time in around 2 weeks so this album came at the perfect time.
This is one of my favorite projects Metallica did, and while I say that, it’s another live album I contend should not be on the list.
Generally I have a hard time separating Metallica's music, which I mostly enjoy, from the people, who I'm less fond of. This album holds a special place, however, as one I had on CD right when it released and something I listened to on repeat while living abroad.
Cool live event
Long and worth it. I loved this and now I want to see Metallica perform with the SF Symphony.
I'd probably say this is the album that really got me to start listening to Metallica. While it can feel a bit like Metallica the time was really deep into some olfactory self indulgence it's hard to dismiss that no one had really taken a metal band and put an orchestra behind it. This album goes HARD with the strings and trumpets behind it. So while it has so much nostalgia for me it's still an easy 5/5.
Not a huge fan of Metallica but this album is amazing
A whole experience of an album
Love this album, have it on CD. Highly recommend picking up a copy at a Napster near you.
Can't understand why some people are mad that this album exists
My first Metallica album, and it was amazing
I wasn’t aware of this live album’s existence before this, and am a casual fan of Metallica and really only like their early work, but what a joy it was to listen to. The symphony makes these epic songs even more epic and broadens the band’s sound in incredible ways. While the symphony makes this unique, it should be noted that Hetfield’s singing is fantastic here. His genuine appreciation for the crowd also adds to the listening experience too, he’s always seemed like a great dude to me. I’ve never seen Metallica live and this made me think it’d be worth the ticket price. The solos are epic and sound great on the recording too.
Det er igen en langt bedre oplevelse ens forventet. De har lavet speciel musik i et felt af middelmådig musik, derfor fremstår de rigtig gode. -- Jeg opdatede først ved 2. lyt som var et fokuseret lyt at det ikke bare var live, men med en hel symfoni i ryggen. Jeg kunne rigtig godt lide det! PS. Det må være her Volbeat fandt sin lyd, minus symfoni.
Hvordan får man Metallica til at lyde tungere, hårdere, vildere og højere? Man tilsætter et symfoniorkester! Det er ikke alle numrene der bliver decideret bedre af det, nogle løftes til nyt niveau. Men fuck det hele rocker alt hvad det kan. Hvor var det ærgerligt at de på den efterfølgende studieskæring ikke gik mere i denne retning med nyt materiale, men lod Lars’ usikkerhed definere en tåbelig Nu-Metal-ish lyd. S&M skal have 4 stjerner for indholdet og 5 stjerner for idéen og energien. Metallica har aldrig lydt mere i live.
This album is way overlong, overwrought, and overindulgent. I love it.
IMPRESIONANTE. Me pareció espectacular la fusión de los dos géneros, 100% brutal. Súper divertido e interesante de escuchar y ver cómo iban quedando las diferentes canciones, incluso se logra que las que son instrumentales se sienta como un canto. Temazos.
music is love
Really liked the two openers. Overall love the sound and energy. Most enjoyable at high volume; are they touring together soon?
A metal band playing with a symphony orchestra could come off as gimmicky, but it works. This is an epic length album that spans Metallica's entire career to that point, enhanced with an orchestra. The symphony blends well with Metallica to form an interesting take on their 80s thrash as well as their 90s songs.
O Metallica conseguiu colocar um nível altíssimo na mistura de música de uma banda com orquestra. É meu álbum favorito do Gênero. Escolhi meu melhor fone para esse álbum e curti com muito gosto! QoA Adonis New.
This might be the pinnacle of metal.
AMAZING!
I listened to the live version of this. Amazing.
It's one of the rare examples of such experiments that worked. Masterfully combining an orchestra with a metal bend, it takes all its songs to another level that makes this a very unique and incredible experience. The only downside is the 2 hour length, but it passes in a breaze, because it's banger after banger. 4.5/5
585/1001 2026.04.03 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌗 MASTER!
So what happens when you mix metal and orchestra into one concert? 2 hours of pure fucking awesome! I loved this. The mix is great too, I love how the orchestra seems to swell above the guitars
One of my desert island albums. Having seen Metallica more than any other band, their live shows are really what makes them great. And this one is one of their best.
Came into this thinking it wouldn't be my thing, but WOW this album is spectacular. The fusion of metal and symphony works so well, and even though it is very long (I'll allow it as it's a live album), I never got bored.
Who doesn't love Metallica -
Awesome live album!! One of the best!
Ugh, I get so legitimately annoyed whenever live album comes up on this list. I’ll try and keep my rant short this time cause I’ve gone on it everytime I see a fucking live album. Here’s the gist of my rant: -live albums have different parameters for what makes them good -live albums are almost always “best of” albums -live albums have completely different production elements that seem unfair to compare (live albums of a small band is way different than a live album inside a screaming arena). Seriously if I could make any suggestion towards this list in the future, just replace all the live albums with other albums that didn’t make the cut because of all these live albums. Then you can make a second lift of live albums!! Doesn’t that make way more sense? Anyways, yah this album is fucking awesome, it’s basically every great Metallica song compiled together and played with a fucking orchestra!! You have to be brain damaged to not like this. Like even my dad who hates 90s grunge music and 90s trash metal (he is a 80s hair metal guy) loves this album cause it has that mass appeal element. Genuinely if I was only allowed one Metallica album in my collection, it would be this album cause you get the fast thrash metal songs from their first three albums (the best ones) and you can mix it with the more crowd pleasing metal from the black album and reloaded era. Seriously if you have a friend that doesn’t really listen to metal this is like the best introduction album thats far from the deep end of metal. Seriously though its not fair to the other bands and albums on this list to include such an unfair masterpiece.
I've always avoided this album. I knew well of its existence, but it sounded so bad on paper that I made it a life goal to not listen to it. I guess I was also soured by Metallica post-Burton, as they churned out some pretty terrible albums (Load and Reload in particular) and went from a band I actively followed to a band I had zero interest in over the space of a few years. However, this is stellar, way better than I thought it was going to be. Even the post-Burton material stood up quite well when played live. The backing of an orchestra didn't intrude as much as I thought it might do, and it only took me a few minutes to settle in for the ride. I found some tracks a little disappointing ("For Whom The Bell Tolls" felt like it should be an album highlight, but it wasn't, same for "One"), while other tracks stood out as fantastic when I wasn't expecting them to. I feel I have to give this five stars, as I really enjoyed it from start to finish. I felt the two hour plus length was just about spot on and there was a good mix of old and newer songs. I would have liked to have seen some more earlier songs played, particularly at least something from "Kill 'Em All", but that's a tiny niggle.
Fuck I was unprepared for how much I loved this album. Somehow this makes even the Load and ReLoad songs sound like "Metallica" songs and not like Metallica making songs for 1997 FM radio. The only problem with this album is that the singing losing something on the versions of their thrashier stuff. Really great album and I'm rating it a 5 because its almost 2 hours long but still excellent. I look forward to the Metallica albums I am more used to appearing on my list.
Starts with a live orchestral rendition of The Ecstasy of Gold, goes right into The Call of Ktulu, which rarely gets played live, and gets better from there. The audience shouting the lyrics to Master while an orchestra plays is surreal. Another great album.
Really nice album a good way for first listeners to Metallica
The orchestra is crazy
Chefs kiss. Metallica with the San Francisco Symphony. A match made in heaven. Best Song: All of them Rating: 9.5/10 Stars: 5
No. 125 Yes, it is too long. But it's an absolute pleasure to listen to.
Wow! As a band nerd and a French Horn player at that, to hear Horns backing up sick guitar riffs and heavy drums ... This was amazing honestly ... and I don't even like live albums!
It was considered daring at the time what they tried. It turned out to be an awesome album and a turning point in Metallica's career IMHO.
Metal and symphonic/orchestral ("classical") have more in common than you would think. Metallica takes on an ambitious project with the help of the mighty Michael Kamen and the SF Orchestra and created something quite special. I do think it's a little odd that S&M was on the (revised 2010) list, you can argue each of the band's first five albums did something significant to the metal world, something this list really doesn't dig too deep into. I see why S&M is included as it's more unique than those albums, but Ride The Lighting is literally their best album and it's not in. "wah wah it's two hours long" it's a fucking CONCERT. every concert should have two sets and an encore. The Dead and Phish may have spoiled me with that regard, but people should get their money's worth as ticketbastard adds new fees for their infinite growth capitalism machine. bugger off with that criticism
Well! I didn't know this existed, but it has easily become my favourite Metallica album! The symphonic arrangements are tastefully done, and lift the complexity and emotional engagement of every track; the mixes are well done, with varied balance/prominence of components. The original Call of Ktulu, for example, was IMHO overblown, an okay riff or two (hardly outweighing the irritation of mis-spelt title), but not going anywhere interesting or not quickly enough (just head-banging for longer than I liked). The orchestrated version by contrast makes a lot more out of the chord sequences and overall development of the song. So I am much happier with these versions of the songs I already knew, and happy to listen to new songs. It's Pretty Wonderful, 9/10!!
5 for a live album
Teenage me was so blown away by this crossover of metal and an orchestra. Adult me might apprechiate this master piece even more. This record feels so rich and powerful.
I'm not joking when i say this, S&M is not only my favorite Metallica album but also my favorite live album period. I always knew going into this album that it was going to be something really special since i love the combination of metal and orchestral music but this album managed to surpass even those lofty standards. This is a show that starts explosive and remains explosive throughout all of it's 2 hour runtime. I genuinely can't think of anything that this album does wrong as it executes everything so perfectly. This is definitely a huge favorite of mine and is 100% going into the top ten of the albums i have done here. Best Song: No Leaf Clover Worst Song: Hero Of The Day Side note: Last Metallica album, here are the rankings: 1. S&M 2. Metallica (Black album) 3. ...And Justice For All 4. Master Of Puppets
A unique and cool album
Epic sound, epic songs, epic album. They really put their best effort into this and you can hear that they had great fun playing.
Such a classic that gave me tons of Nostalgia. I'm usually not a huge Metallica fan but the bombastic music contrasted with the beauty of the strings just makes for a very special album. Will listen more often.
Liked this one in the morning before work
I listened to this while working so had no complaints about the length. I liked the fresh take on a lot of great songs
I've heard the sound was not mixed well in the room, but it sounds immaculate on this live recording...Orchestral Metal is a powerful freakin' thing.
A fresh take on some classic metal. I love the energy they bring to this recording, and how it’s brighter than the original songs. Their songwriting is insane, but I didn’t listen to them that much due to the sub-par recording quality—their live performance is the second chance I needed.
chills
Is this the first live album I've listened to on here? I think it is. The crowd's energy is palpable. the arrangements are beautiful. the musicians seem to be having a great time. I loved this.
It is brilliant, both in concept and execution. Kamen had done a lot of work with rock bands prior to this and did a phenomenal job in scoring the complexities of Metallica's music. The symphony, for the most part, compliments the music perfectly or integrates with it seamlessly, adding a depth and clarity to the compositions that can't be found with simple guitar/bass/drums. This is a virtually flawless integration of metal and orchestra and it is widely praised for good reason.
Yes, it’s long (TWSS). Yes, it’s a live album. Get over it. This is awesome.
An absolutely phenomenal orchestral rendition of some of my favorite Metallica tracks and amazing first time covers of some I've never heard. Every Metallica fan needs to listen to this the whole way through!
Electric, compelling and contagious! The composition, vocals and instrumentation is thrilling and empowering.
I loved Metallica in the 90s. I played in an orchestra in the 90s, even toured into Europe. have been meaning to listen to this album for over 25 years. Loved it, enormous in its ambition and execution.
377;$;
symphony putting in WORK. I'm really interested in how the arranging process was for this album. I think my enjoyment was enhanced by knowing the original versions of so many of the songs, and most of the time the extra instrumentation was adding some cool depth. There were a couple times that I think it lightened the song a little too much for my liking (angry section in one for example). High 4 rounded to 5 for the novelty
This a long one, it’s just after 8am and I’ve been listening to this since 6, but it’s a good one. Live Metallica with the San Francisco Symphony. I don’t usually go for live albums, it’s a bit like seeing your friends’ vacation photos. You really just had to be there. But this works quite nicely. Michael Kamen’s orchestrations are fantastic and really complement Metallica well. They’re not the first to combine an orchestra with metal, but they may be the best.
Writing this review after only 7 songs but whatever, it's a banger, happy to give this a 5. Love that they took their classic songs, added full orchestration, then performed it live. At 2 hours a bit long in the tooth for a one day listen but that's my only complaint
This was a very impressive live album with the orchestral arrangements.
9.5/10
This was awesome! The orchestra just adds so much to this performance.
Peak. One of the greatest collaborations of all time. I appreciate being reminded of that fact.
Sur les 2 premiers sons sans paroles j'ai ressenti des émotions que j'ai rarement ressenti c'était fou. Un peu déçu que l'orchestre soit aussi étouffé par les grosses guitares et basses et batteries mais ça enlève très peu au banger absolu qu'est l'album. Un peu moins fan du 2ème disque en revanche
norm
woah how have i never heard this 5/5
I've always loved Metallica. Of course S&M is a classic.
It's essentially a Metallica greatest(ish) hits album that has mostly live versions that are on-par or better than the original and two new songs that are both fantastic. They're not the first to do an orchestra album, and in some of the songs it adds very little. But I love this album.
I didn't know what to expect with the variety of reviews. I always love live albums and this was a pleasant surprise
Incredible album. Nothing more to say
That was awesome
Quintessential Metallica. Just what I wanted this morning.
This was a groundbreaking and controversial album at the time - a metal band playing with a symphony? I’ve always thought it was fantastic, even more so now that I’m more familiar with Metallica’s catalog.
Heavily biased rating but I have loved this album since the day it came out. From an objective eye, it’s imperfect. But from an enjoyment standpoint, I love it. When it came out No Leaf Clover was an instant favorite, and it’s held up very strongly to this day.
Biased about this album. Absolutely love it. Introduced me to what music could be and not staying within the lines of 'genres' 10/10 no notes. Every. Single. Song.
Metallica with symphony orchestra
Quite possibly the best live concert to have ever existed. Would have loved to have seen this live. Not many bands can produce a live album to such perfection. You've got Nirvana Unplugged, and Metallica's S&M. That's the entirety of the list. What can I say about this album. You've got the best of Metallica, in their prime. Hero of the Day, Nothing Else Matters, Fuel, Master of Puppets. I could just list the entire album, there isn't a bad song. And they added two new songs to this release with No Leaf Clover and - Human. They didn't need to release new tunes for this, but I appreciate they did. But if that's not enough to sell you; When you reach that special part in the song Bleeding Me where the guitar solo crescendo's and then drops into that lusciously deep octave, pulverizing the melody deep into your lower spine, you will, without fail, reach the most exhilarating climax of your life... It's divine, it's heavenly, its every single dirty desire you've ever had hitting you all at once. You will explode. And you will never be the same after you do. You belong to them now, and you will thank Kirk for every single moment as he drives you into climax. Don't get me wrong, Kirk doesn't need a whole orchestra to get you there, but sometimes it's nice to have an audience. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ 100/100 - Perfection. Now, bring on that death that was promised when I started this list. I'm ready!
S-tier album right here. One of the coolest things Metallica has done, and Metallica is pretty damn cool. Bleeding Me is my favorite song from anyone, and with the Symphony, it's unreal.
I am such a huge Metallica fan. I tried to listen to this, but it was hard to do and I couldn't finish it. IMHO, heavy metal and orchestras don't mix. I'll give it five stars anyway.
What can you say, if you are a Metallica fan this is a must. The addition of the SFSO makes the concert even better. It was definitely a bold move, Cotton. Five stars.
The first time I listened to a Metalica album I thought it was okay. The second album I thought it was passable. Then I listened to this one. Now I might be a superfan.
I think everyone knows why I think this slaps. Absolute banger. Only issue is I wish the orchestral parts were more interesting during the non-instrumental parts. Horns are the best instrument ever change my mind. Metallica also is a super great band. I don’t think that’s a hot take. This is my favorite album yet. Not much can top it.
killer tunes
Beautiful album. I would love to listen again
This album is sick. The orchestra adds a depth and fullness to the songs and I think the only reason people find it a bit dissonant is preconceived notions on what orchestral music is supposed to sound like. The harp in The Outlaw Torn particularly tickled something in my brain. What a delight. Past the orchestra, Metallica’s performance is great. Other than the hits, I never really listened to Metallica. I will be checking out their other stuff after this.
Crazy good for a long run. Felt like I was in a James Bond movie
fuckin majestic
Absolutely legendary
Metallica:🗣️🗯️👹🔊🧨🪚 Metallica when some mf is playing a cello: 🌟🌉🎥🎶💥
Kann man eine Platte toppen? Ja, kann man: wenn man sie live spielt! Weil eben nur dann das Intro Ecstasy of Gold gespielt wird. Und dann noch ein Symphonieorchester organisiert. So geil, zwei Tage hintereinander die selbe Band.
Its Metallica, live- that's it. It has Master of Puppets live if you need a push. I mean, can I say It's Metallica one more time.
Metallica x symphony orchestra. Mega nice
Dude.....
1 woord, steengoed
I was sort of dreading it because it is a two hour live album. The massive redeeming factor is the symphony orchestra (as a biased musician who has played in a symphony orchestra). It actually is very good and one of the best albums I have listened to thus far.
Hell fucking yeah! This is THE album I didn't know I needed. I've always been a passive Metallica listener, never really given them much time nor thought, though wouldn't ever skip a track or turn them off. Even saw them at a festival once, and didn't realise they were this damn good. I wasn't sure at first. The intro had me questioning if I'd put the right album on. It gave 'geeky' vibes. I realised I was digging it before the end of the second track. By the end, I felt like my mind had been blown. Why haven't I given Metallica my time or thought? I listen to most of my albums in the car. Today, it felt like I was driving into battle rather than work. Really set me up for the day. \m/
very cool, i enjoyed it a lot
Really enjoyable album, although was let down in places by being a live album and not quite having the mix set right, however, on the whole it was a good listen.
5/5 Pari kappaletta oli huonommat kuin alkuperäiset, mutta muuten mukavan mahtipontista menoa.
Temarracos
This goes hard wtf
It's a best-of combined with the orchestral depth. Was an amazing concept and perfectly executed.
Ohhhhhhh yeeeaaahhhhhh!!!!!!!!!
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>The Beatles Don't need to relisten by will. I own this on multiple formats including vinyl. This album means so much to me and was probably the biggest shift in my music taste growing up. I was lucky enough to go to S&M² in SF. Incredible. All the music snobs and Beatles fans who don't like this can shove it. Give me this album a thousand times over any Beatles album.
Ik weet dat autotune al jarenlang standaard altijd wordt gebruikt. Bij elke artiest, op elk album en zelfs tijdens live optredens. Goede autotune is als een goede goochelaar: Uiteindelijk weet je dat je gefopt wordt, maar het trucje is zo leuk dat je dat kunt parkeren. Het opschorten van je ongeloof. Jullie zullen het geraden hebben, het grootste nadeel van dit album vind ik dat ze James' stem te vaak hoorbaar geautotuned hebben. In de hogere regionen (met name bij de stukjes waar de zang enigszins clean is) hoor je de autotune hard werken, hoor je de correcties en daardoor klinkt de zang regelmatig als High School Musical, moderne country of Suno AI. Je ziet de goochelaar het muntje uit z'n zak halen voor het zogenaamd uit je oor komt. Weg illusie. Ik verwacht helemaal niet dat die lamlul al die noten perfect raakt. Als we dat willen gaan we wel naar Adele om ons daar te laten teleurstellen. Het enige wat we willen is een beetje passie en echtheid. Ik wil eigenlijk geen 5 geven vanwege die autotune en vanwege het feit dat het min of meer een greatest hits is, waarbij ik één van de originele albums al een 5 heb gegeven, maar m'n zwak voor liveorkesten gecombineerd met moderne muziek duwt me toch over het randje. 2 uur en 13 minuten is eigenlijk ook veel te lang, maar het mag niet al teveel uitmaken. Skip gerust een keer een nummertje.
nyt pistettiin korvat hörölle. nyt kuunneltiin tarkkaan. san francisco orkesteri vähän hippiorkesteri mutta silti kiinnostava ihan kiinnostava konsepti vaikka tosiaan molemmat bändi+orkesteri on molemmat oman lajinsa jälkeenjääneitä. jotkut biisit tosiaan toimivat HUOMATTAVASTi paremmin kuin muut. varsinkin silloin kun tuotanoin pahemmin edes kuulee mitään jousia pikku ininää siellä takana niin vähän mietityttää että jooh areena-metalli rummutus raiskaa korvat kivajuttu ja joku siellä lauleskelee ilman alkuperäistä intensiteettiä.. haluan antaa viisi mutta sojottaako tarpeeksi hmm... dvils dance
I love Metallica and really like the symphony orchestra addition to this recording.
Metallica - ‘nuff said.
Greatest metal band on Earth. No other band can do something like this at this scale. Twice.
Did not think symfony + Metallica would work that well but I'll be damned if this wasn't an amazing album from start to finish!
Pretty fantastic.
4.5/5 S&M begins with the beautiful, serene intro of The Ecstasy Of Gold, followed by the The Call Of Ktulu. The build up with orchestration is fantastic, and when the guitar and drums come an amazing sound is produced. I love how the track develops and changes. Master Of Puppets is a more straightforward rocker, but I like how the audience energy is felt in the track. Also, the change up in the middle is brilliant. Of Wold And Man is an exceptional song, and the orchestration really does lift it. The theatrical, dark The Thing That Should Not Be was made for this concept, and it transitions beautifully into the straight banger Fuel. The Memory Remains is amazing, and then No Lead Clover is just a masterpiece. Just so satisfying, and such an achievement to stand up to the surrounding classic tracks. Two exceptional untypical Metallica tracks in a row, after Hero Of The Day, which is an elegant ballad lifted by the strings. Devil's Dance recognises the number of bangers we've just received, so starts slower, but is itself an amazing track. Then we reach the end of the first half with Bleeding Me, which is just an epic number, and the big horns are magnificent. Nothing Else Matters confirms that the show is still going strong, a beautiful melodic song. Until It Sleeps is exceptionally good, For Whom The Bell Tolls sounds massive, while - Human's quirky intro and strange organ are just small parts of an great song. Wherever I May Roam is orchestrated especially well, Outlaw Torn is an emotional journey, and Sad But True is a catchy banger. I enjoyed One much more within this album, before the incomparable Enter Sandman begins. The energy it has is so brilliant. Finally, Battery returns us to more straightforward, but still banging metal. Overall, this is a truly amazing live album, with an awesome concept which is fully fleshed out and pays off throughout. I love how meticulously it is planned and how delicately it flows between some songs. James Hetfield sounds fantastic. The Ecstasy Of Gold 3.5/5 (LEAST FAV) The Call Of Ktulu 4.5/5 Master Of Puppets 4.5/5 Of Wolf And Man 5/5 The Thing That Should Not Be 5/5 Fuel 5/5 The Memory Remains 5/5 No Leaf Clover 5/5 Hero Of The Day 5/5 (FAV) Devil's Dance 4.5/5 Bleeding Me 5/5 Nothing Else Matters 5/5 Until It Sleeps 5/5 For Whom The Bell Tolls 4.5/5 - Human 4.5/5 Wherever I May Roam 4.5/5 Outlaw Torn 4.5/5 Sad But True 5/5 One 3.5/5 Enter Sandman 5/5 Battery 4.5/5
I'm a huge fan of MetallicA so I was pleased to get this. It's not my favourite of theirs, the orchestra for me doesn't always light up their songs it just seems a little over thought. It works well for Nothing Else Matters and for some others, just not every one of them. It's a spectacular listen nonetheless. The live recording really is special - the guitars are heavy, James is singing well, the crowd really join in at the moments they need to. Love it, wish I could have been there.
Not a big metal fan, but something about a rock band and a symphony orchestra playing together just gets my juices flowing. Will I ever listen to this in its entirety again? Probably not, but I’ll definitely return to the Metallica songs I like quite often for this one.
10/10 Love
I was expecting more from this album than I got during the experience of listening to it. Sure, It's Metallica, one of my favourite bands, and it's awesome, but somehow not as awesome as I anticipated. Nevertheless, I'll give it five stars and add it to my Tidal library, but I think I prefer my Metallica fix without the orchestral accoutrement.
Never knew I actually like Metallica this way
I've always been a fan of Metallica. Even though they can come across as a little juvenile to me now in my 40s. Still, this album is absolutely amazing. Was groundbreaking for his time and still feels fresh and interesting. This is one I will listen to again.
I didn't know this was missing from my life until I heard it.
I’ve never been the biggest Metallica fan. I definitely don’t mind some of their music, and would go as far as saying there are a handful that I enjoy, but I wouldn’t exactly rush to see them. This led to moderately low expectations for this album. However, maybe the problem was that they were missing an orchestra! Every song that I recognised here sounded significantly better with the added instrumentation behind it. I got goosebumps many times listening to this. Metallica definitely won me over with this one.
The live experience brought straight to me! I cycled past a screaming child (on the beat!) at the climax of Outlaw Torn and felt very musically fitting. Usually roll my eyes at having to listen to recorded live shows, but maybe I shouldn't be too hasty. Some incredible moments and reworked well - now, where can I get into the Metallica orchestra?
Masterpiece vibes, man.
Some of my favorite classics were featured in this amazing work.
The impact this album had on me as a teenager is substantial, hours spent playing along to it and analysing the DVD footage. I therefore feel conflicted about its rating, as it's incredibly hard to disassociate my formative experience from listening to it today; for example, Of Wolf and Man was a firm favourite as a 15 year old, but I'm a bit indifferent to it now. Nevertheless, the overlaying orchestral music is excellent, with Metallica at the height of their powers before they fell prey to the post-St. Anger period. The Call of Kthulu, Master of Puppets, Fuel and Battery are simply awesome. What a way for Jason Newsted to bow out.
really cool live album, probably one of best metal performances with an orchestra
Gah this is so cool. A history of Metallica would be incomplete without this. This is not just a live album. This is the biggest heavy metal / hard rock band in the world at the time, the best they'd ever sounded live in their careers to date, working with their hometown symphony orchestra to adapt two hours of their biggest hits for an arena to be played live together with said orchestra, based on an idea from their original bassist, who had died tragically in a bus accident on tour 13 years earlier. He was the one who introduced music theory and more complicated composition to the group and still influences their work to this day. This performance even includes the only recordings of two new songs, one of which became a radio hit itself. In my opinion, Master of Puppets made them the biggest band in heavy metal, 1991's Black Album made them radio staples, and S&M made them legendary. They could do whatever they wanted after this. And they did, writing the lead single for Mission: Impossible 2 the next year, releasing a garage metal album in 2003 that has aged far better than I expected it to, collaborating with Lou Reed in a double album in his final work before his death, and returning to thrash for 3 Metallica albums, this time with radio polish. Metallica even revisited the S&M concept 20 years after the original as the first event to open the new Golden State Warriors arena in San Francisco and I got to see that on one of its two nights in theaters before getting a copy on Blu-ray. I love this album and it's really obvious how it ended up on this list.
Mind blowing collab
The greatest album i have ever heard. Unbelivable.
Essential part of my childhood. 'Nuff said.
Excellent album. A blend of classical and metal, which is always a classic combination.
I went in fully expecting to hate this because I saw it was a live album. What a pleasant surprise. Worst song: Devil's dance, just dragged a tad for me Best song: the first 4 songs absolutely set the tone that this was gonna be really good. Don't have time for in depth review--but I love how the symphonic orchestra adds more story telling and aids Metallica in conveying emotion. It feels like Metallica is putting on a movie of all their best tracks and the orchestra is the backing track that helps shape said movie. So good man. This is an apprehensive 5 star, if this was a studio recording of metallica+the orchestra it would be an instant lock for 5.
I love this one, but ill give any metallica 5 stars
Classic. One of the best Metallica albums ever.
Metallica. An orchestra. Now That's What I Call Five Star Music
One of my favourite albums of all time!
all music is absolutely wasted on the shittiest generation so far. somehow a huge group of retarded millennials all have the same taste and insults, musical ineptitude and lack of awareness that they are the most toxic fuckheads to ever walk the earth. the internet was a giant mistake. 1001 dumbfuck reviews that are actually just customer complaints because your pancakes didn't come out in your favorite shape. this is an incredible accomplishment because of how shitty previous generations have been. and to top it all off you all hate yourselves as the most depressed generation. when you gonna wake up lol.
Hella sweet
2h+ of live Metallica, with an orchestra even, oh no!
Yummy 😋🤤
oh FUCK YEAHHHHHHH!!! uhhh no brainer. 5 stars. Damn this album is 2hrs and 13min! no complaints here.
The greatest live album ever. Period.
In general I'm not a fan of live albums - it's usually just too much of a noise overload. This is no exception with the addition of the orchestra making a wall of sound at times. I did still quite enjoy this album! It's a little nostalgic for me, a bit like a greatest hits. The orchestra gave it a Bond movie soundtrack vibe. Usually I'd say its too long, but I watched the first half of the video of the concert and the rest just with my ears, low-key into it. Fave track: For whom the bell tolls
The greatest live album of all time!
Really great recording, with all the hits given a new twist
I really enjoyed this and thought the orchestra complimented the band well. It elevated the music to even more epic heights. It was fun to hear the enthusiastic audience and everyone sounded great live. I could see myself revisiting this.
5.5/5 A love letter to the fans, this live album is a comfort to me, and I have spent many a hungover afternoons watching this on youtube <3 I listened to this album before I could form sentences, so it will forever be lodged into my brain. The master of puppets to of wolf and man to the thing that should not be run is perfection, no leaf clover is THAT GIRL and Kirk looks so gorg during this show (extra .5 stars for him)
Amazing!!!
Was good, not my taste but it was good :)
FANTASTIC!
That was one heck of a commitment. The SFSO made this whole concert epic. It made Metallica has some great songs and are an entertaining crew. You really got their greatest hits on this album, and with the Orchestra, it is hard to beat this album.
Really cool concept, and well played out. The trash of Metallica with a symphony backing it up was a really cool combo
schon "soundgewaltig" mit so nem Orchester im Hintergrund,
It's not a 5, but you clowns are gonna rate it 2s and 3s when it's actually a 4.
Metallica with a symphonic orchestra. What sounds strange when you read doesn't sound strange when you hear it. Great live album.
5 stars always
Metallica + orchestra?? I'm intrigued. This is a masterpiece.
Absolute banger. Best live album of all time. Fight me, Peter Frampton fans!
Biased 5 star vote. Been listening to Metallica since I was 8 in 1986. One of the best produced and sounding live albums I’ve heard. Unique idea that doesn’t make sense on paper. No Leaf Clover and the underrated -human are really strong songs. If you know anything about Metallica, James Hetfield’s vocals have a lot of feeling and depth as well. As a long time fan, there are some songs I wish were there, but wouldn’t change the set list, would only add.
When you boil this album down, this is essentially a Greatest Hits on steroids. It's awesome! Maybe I'm biased since I'm a big fan of Metallica, but I don't care. I'm also a sucker for big orchestras. 10/10 Would I listen again? Absolutely!
I am so-so on Metallica and didn’t know what to expect, but this was AWESOME! The symphonic orchestra behind them added a fullness and completeness to the music that enhanced is a major way. Made every song better.
Epic
Orchestral Metallica sweet
Don't even need to review. I'm not a fan of Metallica, but I love this album. The orchestra just makes Metallica's music so epic sounding. "Nothing Else Matters" and "No Leaf Clover" off this album has been in rotation for me since 1999. The only thing tough about it is that it is a long album, so listening end-to-end can be a slog despite the quality
Ein packendes Album mit richtig fetten Orchester Sound. Ein best of.... besonderer Art. Auch gibt es eine ehrenvolle Widmung als Ennio Morricone Eröffnung besonderer Art. Ich bin kein Metallica Fan, aber dieses Album geht rein ins Ohr und lässt einem nicht los.
Que hermosa conjunción, una sinergia exquisita. No sé si hubo antes reuniones entre bandas metaleras y orquestras, pero esta fue la primera que conocí y me marcó.
They have invented a new thing here: Metal "in the style of" Classical music. Although Power / Epic metal with organs and winds had existed for some time, they have shown the world that guitars, drums and James voice can (not so) peacefully coexist in a song. Blessed are those who went to the Live Concert.
Once again another live album that I wasn't thrilled to listen to. But WOW. The combination with the SFSO made such an awesome sound and really helped accentuate both the classical elements of the orchestra and of course Metallica's classic rock metal sound.
A masterpiece.
Metallica y música clásica, una mezcla del copón. Vinilo.
full orchestra hell yeah. awesome stuff
Grandiose, rich, full, METAL! Loved it!
For me this a must because IMO it’s one of the better live albums put out there. Not everyday you get metal and classical. Shows the quality of music by the band who transcended metal to another level and made it mainstream. Idk how I feel about “greatest hits” albums but this is one of those.
So, so, just so very good. Truly the One.
I bought this album back when it came out. I love it and know it back to front. I haven't listened to it for a while and for the sake of this list I did my best to listen to it very critically this time. For the majority of the songs this works amazingly well. There are a couple spots where the orchestration clashes with the band, or it just doesn't flow quite right. Really that's my only criticism and I'm not sure if that's enough to drop this from a 5 to a 4. I'll have to sleep on it.
One of my all time favorites!
Absolutely incredible - so epic and energising, I don't think I can go back to listen to Metallica without an orchestra now.
Live albums continue to be an issue on this list. If you're not a fan of the band, the live album is not going to be a good time. Despite that, this is fairly unique in terms of mixing the symphony with Metallica. And it's done well. I like Metallica so in my case I'm eating highly. But again, when live albums for bands I don't like come up, it's never good. So this being on the list is problematic.
Really good. Love the orchestra
Metallica? Symphony orchestra? Deal.
I really love this album. While, yes, it definitely does drag on a bit (double albums tend to do that), I still see this as Metallica's "Best Of" at the time they were still at their peak (I defend Load and Reload a little, sue me). Plus, the additional symphonic additions are just the icing on the cake. This is a spectacle of grandiose, and is just amazing.
I don't have much to say; I'm just an absolute sucker for when symphonies get added to songs that Ilike that originally didn't have them, and S&M is one of my absolute favorites. Sure, it runs a little long... A **lot** long, yeah, but I really don't care, honestly. Not when it has "No Leaf Clover" and among my favorite versions of "Master Of Puppets", "Fuel", "Hero Of The Day", and especially "One". The way James screams "NO" before the final guitar solo is just too perfect. It's stuff like that, and the transition from "The Thing That Should Not Be" to "fuel", that makes this one of those "deep in my soul" 5's for me. Plus, it's nice to give a metal album a 5 to balance out the 1 I gave to Kid gawddamn Rock.
I’m not sure quite how I should rate this, given my unfamiliarity with most of the source material, the fact that I sort of zoned in and out while listening to it given its runtime, and that unfamiliarity making me sort of unsure how much the orchestra added to the actual weight of the original songs. There were points where these sort of just felt like studio recordings to me. With that said, it’s definitely somewhere between a 4 and 5. What a enriching album in terms of that soundscape and that orchestra blended with Metallica’s style. Seriously, seriously incredible stuff here. In some sense, I think my lack of familiarity with the band is a bit of a positive; even if some songs sort of blended together, and even if my focus was a little lost at times, something about either the orchestra’s ability to keep up with them or Metallica’s inherent charm and appeal kept pulling my ear back in pretty quickly. Are there lulls and periods of this album where you can feel a sort of rest break built in? Yes, but they don’t take away from the experience for me because they blend it super well to a point where those rest breaks are just as needed for the listener to catch their breath. I might need to give this concert at least one more listen to really lock this in, but I’m super comfortable with the idea of a 5 just on vibes, execution, and energy alone. I can’t wait to get more Metallica, mainly so I can come back to this album someday with a very fresh sense of how much the orchestra added and how well these songs were adapted to incorporate them. Either way, I’ll go for a 5. Great stuff.
Top-notch combo of classical and metal, only outdone by S&M2.
This hits me in a sweet spot, as it's one of my favorites. Some of the newer Metallica songs are better with strings, and it's great to see Jason Newsted on the very-non-HD video.
Easy 5 here. Very aware of this performance and album but had only seen/heard parts of it. Phenomenal!!
I was skeptical when this album was first released 25 years ago but they managed to pull it off. The orchestra doesn’t necessarily make the songs better but definitely an interesting reinterpretation. Enjoyed re-revisiting this album after many years since the last listen.
Awesome!
Metallica, live, with the San Francisco Symphony as accompaniment - just absolutely incredible. The energy and the authenticity is inexplicable and, what some may consider polar opposites, melded together so seamlessly. From "The Ecstasy of Gold" from "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly" through the end of the album, this is a top tier album.
This was surprising. I fully expected to hate it, but then really didn't. When I saw a 2 hour long metallica album, well there aren't very many things I'd want to listen to less. I still probably won't listen again, but it was interesting.
This was basically pure joy. A bruatlizing fusion and a lasting testament to Metallica's dedication to their (witch)craft. Its camp, its gothic, its destruction.
Þvílík veisla. Algjör unaður. Ég hef hlustað svo oft á þessa plötu að ég kann hana næstum því utan að. Ég var svo ánægður að sjá hana og að hlusta á hana þó svo að ég vissi hvaða einkunn hún myndi fá. Löng plata en samt bara svo æðisleg. Mig langar bara að setja hana strax aftur af stað.
The juxtaposition between orchestra and heavy metal is amazing. Beauty meets the beast. Love this.
Yes
This shit blew my mind. I thought it was regular metallic then I was like yo this sound in like extra good for some reason. I first thought it was live show for army people then I realized SFSO isn't a military thing it's a life orchestra. 5/5
Metal and a symphony, say less
Great album!
wow. somehow the songs sound heavier when they are backed by a symphony. truly amazing and powerful album. this has been one of my favourite live albums since the first time i heard it. highlights: “the thing that should not be”, “no leaf clover”, “for whom the bell tolls”, “one”…
Epic album with most of their greatest hits. Love the blend of metal and orchestra. Even the bad songs are good.
Epic & huge. Metallic at their best, in one of the greatest live albums.
Mon opinion est biaisée considérant que Metallica est dans mon top 3 musicale. Excellent live, le mélange orchestral avec le métal crée un mix vraiment intéressant à écouter et ajoute de la profondeur aux tounes originales.
I love when artists try something different and unusual. Doesn't always work well, but this one sure did.
No leaf clover followed by hero of the day is cinema. They killed it on this
This is one of the best live albums I've listened to. There's just something about symphony music and heavy metal that go so well together. Would have been a heck of a show to see.
Absolutely incredible album. Metallica is always electric, but the orchestra fits together perfectly with the band. Great performance. Top tracks: The Call of Ktulu, Master of Puppets, For Whom the Bell Tolls, The Outlaw Torn
Fantastic album, great musicians
Da… sa gud
One of my all time favourites from my youth & still listen to it regularly. The counterintuitive mix of metal and classical music hits exactly right, with an amazing re-invention of almost every track. Notable for the new songs "-Human" and especially "No Leaf Clover". "Michael Kamen at the helm, YEAH!" (R.I.P) 5/5
This brought me back to my youth. I remember watching this concert on TV and being blown away by the incredible mix of these two musical genres. A great listen back down memory lane. incredible live performance 4.5
Eeppine, raff, legendaarinen
Wonderful
Tremendous show
None
Incredible.
Love it since 20 years - and still do. Amazong project <3
I unashamedly love this album. Metallica has always been such a rediculously melodramatic band. "S&M" just... leans into the drama in the best way possible. It's so huge and over-the-top that it becomes its own thing. The orchestral compositions by Michael Kamen are so good that, though it's supposed to be an album of Metallica backed by an orchestra, it FEELS like it's the other way around. The San Francisco Symphony is the star here and they deserve the spotlight. Metallica is just adding texture to their performance. And, again, it's JUST. SO. EXTRA. I can't help it. Haters be damned, I love it.
Probably my favorite Metallica album. Haven’t listened to it in years. Great revisit that took me straight back to my “Metallica days” in my youth!
Gold.
Absolute legendary classic. Metallica and a symphony, who knew it would be such an excellent pairing of musical styles and instruments. This is absolutely one of my favorite albums of all time. Flawlessly executed, live on stage. Epic.
This is the first album on the list so far that I've actually owned, and it answers my question about double albums and live albums at the same time. Big fan of Metallica so this is a treat to listen to from start to finish again. I don't think I've done that since I had access to a CD player. The transitions from song to song are so clean and an aspect of it that I've been missing listening to it a track at a time. If you've seen them live you know what's coming to start up and the orchestra version of "Extacy of Gold" is just awesome, as are most of the instrumental tracks. For the vocal tracks, the theatrics and drama work better for some than others. "The thing that should not be" and "Hero of the day" The new tracks made for the album "No Leaf Clover" and "-Human" are both great and tend to be my favorites on each disk because of not having a clean studio version to compare to, and the orchestra has a much more relevant part. Great album and concept. I'm only about 10 in on this 1001 album journey, but this was my favorite so far. Favorite track disk 1: "No Leaf Clover" Favorite track disk 2: "-Human " 5/5
5/5 10/10 it’s Metallica’s with an orchestra. Very approachable balanced and incredible. Loved it.
Epic!! Can’t believe I didn’t know this existed! Had such a good time listening.
I’m gonna need to see Metallica live now. Preferably with an orchestra. This album completely blew me away. I get the Metallica hype now. Who’s coming with me?
Incredible work, perhaps not the best one to sit and listen to whilst totally sedentary, very long and very mosh inducing
I LOVE this album. A great idea and great execution.
136 albums in and this is just the 2nd metal album. I'm beginning to think the genre is underrepresented. As a lifelong Metallica fan I'm giving this 5 stars. Watching this gig on video is better than just listening though.
Yeaa this was awesome. Already love Metallica for being heavy without screaming, now add in a symphonic orchestra for extra grandness? Cool sound. I will say that it doesn't totally work for every song in this 2 hour set, but it really does for others, enough that I enjoyed the whole trip.
This was great music to lightly doze to
The Ecstasy of Gold- 10/10 The Call of Ktulu- 10/10 Master of Puppets- 10/10 Of Wolf and Man- 10/10 The Thing That Should Not Be- 9/10 Fuel- 10/10 The Memory Remains- 10/10 No Leaf Clover- 9/10 Hero of the Day- 7/10 Devil's Dance- 10/10 Bleeding Me- 10/10 Nothing Else Matters- 9/10 Until It Sleeps- 9/10 For Whom the Bell Tolls- 10/10 Human- 9/10 Whenever I May Roam- 7/10 The Outlaw Torn- 9/10 Sad but True- 9/10 One- 9/10 Enter Sandman- 10/10 Battery- 8/10 194/210
It's a great Live Show but it is better to listen them separately.
Harder dan hard, wat een creatief album metal gecombineerd met een symfonie orkest. Het sluit zo goed op elkaar heen. Laat maar weer zien waarom metallica de goat van de metal is
Friday 10:27AM: @ work... Three songs in... Master of Puppets... Popped the 2nd earbud in & ready to score this a 5 star & KICK! TODAY'S! ASS!!!! 🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘 11:45AM: Holy shit this album is 2+Hrs. long - F*ck Yeah!!! Still kicking ass @ Wherever I May Roam! If this album doesn't get you amped up check your pulse, you may have died. ☠💀☠
Amazing wowwwww
refreshing.... SFSO took head banging to a beautiful new high, glad this was included and a referral candidate to friends
It’s a 5
Very cool album with the addition of an orchestra to back the band!
Yes
No need for notes.
Very cool. Made me wish I had better speakers. It is a bit long, but I still enjoyed it through the end.
Every great artist should do one of these.
Good integration of the SF Philharmonic. Mic placement was suboptimal at times. Still banging tunes
ABSOLUTELY FUCKING SLAPS
Very cool mashup of sounds with the symphony.
So awesome!
Great mixture of rock and orchestral, loved it had a new spin to it
goood
This was phenomenal from start to finish. Real great take on a ton of great songs.
One of the best live albums ever
Эпик особенно первая часть альбома. Вообще он для меня поделен на две части - первая более симфоническая, вторая - более "металлическая". Обожаю, когда соединяют глубину и масштаб оркестра с современной музыкой. Я поняла, что устаю уже от большого количества тяжелой музыки за раз, но пятерку не поставить не могу
banger
Wow wow wow! One of the most epic things I've ever heard! Heavy metal and orchestra done perfectly.
Wowee! That was epic! Oddly enough, I had to take a break from the album to go see the Seattle Rock Orchestra’s presentation of Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon. It’s been a symphonic rock kind of day. Anyway…this album melted my face off in the best possible way.
High energy, unique takes on classic tracks, this one is a gem.
classical music is just heavy metal without electricity so there was no reason this shouldn't work although it is a weird idea at first. Mostly this album screams "not that great": it's live; over two hours and features a lot of songs wich studio versions are also featured on this site. Still this slaps and is just great from front to back. It might not be as great as albums like Master of Puppets but still really really good! favourites: a lot... there are too many least favs.: Bleeding Me, Until it Sleeps, Outlaw Torn Rating: strong 8 to light 9
perfect
Had already listened through this album quite a bit before it was recommended here. I am a big fan of musicians/bands reorchestrating their music in live shows to include guests acts, and S&M is one of my favorite examples- the full orchestra complements the compositions extremely well, and James Hetfield's energy in live shows helps tie the whole thing together. Some other parts of the composition suffer a bit (drums are the obvious example), but the sound quality is also extremely good for a live show. The instrumental openers (Ecstasy of Gold, Call of Ktulu) blend into Master of Puppets brilliantly to open the show, and the show contains a good mix of Metallica classics (One and Battery also stand out to me) along with some of their post- Black Album work scattered in.
What is this?? A cross-over episode?
Brilliant! An amazing collaboration between diametrically different musical genres that works! Can’t imagine what this was like live. It is too much to take in in one sitting recorder, so if this represents one show people would be wrung out by the end.
Alright, fine. That was pretty fucking good for a cell phone commercial.
Excellent. Love Master of Puppets
An excellent way to listen to Metallica! I enjoyed the whole show, appreciating the symphony parts throughout.
Like a greatest hits collection from an all-time group, PLUS some songs are much better with orchestra. (Some aren’t helped at all, but that’s hardly a liability.) Ktulu, Fuel, Bleeding Me are FANTASTIC
I love early Metallica. "Kill Em All", "Ride the Lightning", "Master of Puppets", and "And Justice For All" are some of the best heavy releases of all time and somehow they are all released by the same band! But I have to say, I think this recording might just be Metallica at their best. Those earliest 2 albums were great for Metallica in finding their thrash-inspired heavy metal sound, the next 2 ,"MoP" and "AJFA" was where they explored the idea of "epic" metal music, and the ones that followed- Black Album, Load, Reload, were the ones where they refined further to get to their most popular iteration/sound of the band. Combining tracks from all of those records and doing it live with a symphony is a crazy feat and a genius idea. Metal is such a good platform to add an orchestral sound too. Metal music tends to fit the sonic spectrum to the max- bass guitars fill up the low end and specifically in metal tend to fight up into the mid registers, guitars fill all of the mids and some lows and some highs, and vocals and cymbals sit in the high mids and highs. Drums also punch their way in through those frequencies wherever they like. Thinking "hey lets squeeze in a full symphony orchestra and around those frequencies" is super ambitious, and Metallica was the perfect band to do it. I think all of that exploring that happened through their first 7 albums paved the way for this legendary greatest-hits-esque release. Starting with "The Ecstasy of Gold" is such a badass idea. I remember being young and loving Clint Eastwood / western movies / Ennio Morricone and almost kind of gatekeeping that music in a way? Wanting to keep it for me and my friend group and thinking of all the ways that we could sample it and/or cover it in some metal way, but Metallica did it right. There are some composition decisions that I don't know if I agree with, like the intro of Master of Puppets is SUPER cool and heavy and memorable, but the strings at the 00:41 mark are just kind of weird... they use some rhythms that aren't used anywhere else in the song and just sort of like start a melody but don't actually realize a full version of the melody? This happens again around 2:50 in Master of Puppets- there is so much going on here, like so many chime-y percussion lines, harp runs, and timpani hits. They don't really elevate the band, they more so fight with the band for attention, and having different rhythms and melodic phrases that don't exist inside the already established music creates a competitive sound, and not a homogeneous one. This is super nitpicky but there's really a distinct lack of rubato / lengthening and shortening of tempos across the performance. A good example is at the end of the Master of Puppets solo around 6:15 to 6:30, this part I feel like famously usually slows down. It's like the post-climax crazy guitarness that breaks the pressure and gives the band a moment to recover (and for Kirk Hammet - who sounds INCREDIBLE on this record - to give his hands and wrists a slight break). Metal is in my opinion the best genre for energetic live performances and bands usually mess with tempos a lot, depending on how they are feeling and how the crowd is reacting. The energy symbiosis is a cool phenomenon with live music. This is a natural thing and is awesome to experience as both a performer and an audience member, but this record doesn't have a lot of this. I am confident that this is a byproduct of a whole orchestra being involved, and there's just a logistical misalignment / potential for miscommunication between a conductor and a drummer/frontman. It's a seemingly impossible thing to expect a conductor and frontman to be so in touch with eachother to lead the people behind them and push and pull when they feel it. I love how James Hetfield starts the first Master of Puppets verse and almost immediately stops singing to allow the crowd to sing the "response" part of the melody. That's so cool. This was probably one of the coolest metal concerts of all time. I truly love this album cover, man is it COOL. It's so cinematic. The black bars, the title text on the top of the graphic that looks like a movie title with producers names under it, and those COLORS. It's like looking at one of the 1990's Batman movies with these saturated hues and blown out and blurred lights. The S&M (Symphony and Metallica) on the bottom is super cool too. My one knock on this record is that it doesn't contain any tracks from "Kill Em All", which is an album I really adore but I understand that it is one that is really far from Metallica's evolved sound (but they are still known for this sound!). It would have been pretty clashy to have their thrashy sound brought in front of an orchestra so I get it. Overall, it's a 5 for me. It's such a standout record for heavy metal.
Increible
Weird idea? Yeah, that's why I like it. In fact, this album is what took me beyond being a passive Metallica fan to collecting their albums. I really respected that both Metallica & the SF Symphony Orchestra were willing to do this and I think they pulled it off well. I just wish I could've been there in person.
I don't even need to listen to this album to rate it. It's only one of my favourite albums of all time. Instant-5.
tum tum tum tuuum
I'm a HUGE fan of this album already - one of my favorites. Combining orchestra with Metallica adds something truly brilliant that is hard to find in either genre, and really adds a lot to their music.
One of my favorite albums of all time. Metallica and a Symphony Ochestra is a match made in metal heaven.
Por fin otro 5 (LNB) Brutal combinación ,aunque un poco largo(PSP)
I wish this was a studio album and not live. But I love it so much.
When I saw this pop up as the next album it made my eyes light up. I can instantly give this a 5 because it's one of my favorite albums of all time. Not complaining about an excuse to listen to this album at 11am on a Tuesday though. I listen to this album at least twice a year; once on family vacation at the beach and once during the fantasy football draft (who was that chick?). Incredible composition and energy from start to finish, I would give my left nut to be at this show. At least we live in a time where so much music is available on demand. A very thoughtful fusion of orchestral music and metal. Someone could do something like this to make a badass movie score with little to no dialogue.
My favorite all time musical production I have listened to S&M no fewer than 75 times and the first time was one I was about 10. Metallica was able to take their best songs and make them even more epic with the addition of the orchestra. One is the epicest I am truly jealous of anyone who has just listened to this for the first time because of this list. Let's give it up for the orchestra YEAAHHHAA
Chills, wonderful
I’ve always liked the combination of a symphony & a rock band. This collaboration is one of the best
Epic songs
This was really cool. The heaviness of Metallica's music is perfectly heightened by the San Francisco Symphony, who adds a level of intensity and urgency to an already powerful setlist. I'm writing this as I'm listening to the guitar solo in One, which sounds even more amazing side to side with a huge orchestra in the background. But although the music is severe, it's not abrasive or offensive. It sounds so clean too, you only remember that it's a live album when you hear the audience applaud or sing along with James Hetfield. Did every song from that concert have to be on this album, which ends up clocking in at over two hours long? Not really, but I'd be lying if I said I didn't enjoy nearly all of it. Standouts are Master of Puppets, No Leaf Clover, Devil's Dance, Bleeding Me, Wherever I May Roam, and Enter Sandman.
Love this. It's overblown and a bit silly, but also pretty wonderful and lots of fun. Listened while driving to Tunbridge Wells and back to watch Garth Merenghi, and was tge perfect soundtrack. So much music is conditional, I'm not sure I would have enjoyed it as much in other situations...but great driving music...and probably good for housework too.
Interesting experiment that almost works. Sometimes the strings don't add much to the songs
People who poop on 90s Metallica deserve to be pooped on. And thems is fax.
Intense
Sounds immense. Should it have worked? Idk, but it did. Still as fresh as the first time I heard it. Nothing heavier in metal than a brass section. Unreal vocal performance. Plus my son just said it sounds like Bowser music from Super Mario. No more notes needed.
Phenomenal. Felt like I was at a the concert. Unbelievably surprised the mix of an orchestra and rock worked so well. Stellar album
Metallica was my first true love as a 14 yr old girl in 1984. I have never stopped loving them, although there were phases when I just COULD NOR with them, St Anger, I’m looking a lot you. If this is your first intro to Metallica it is a pretty epic one. The orchestra along side the screaming guitars is a little slice of heaven.
I friend burned me a copy of this album as a kid I probably haven’t heard it since I was 11 or 12. It’s so cinematic from the top. this must’ve been an awesome concert to see live. It’s like a greatest hits and I think all these live orchestral versions are probably all better than the originals. The songs new to this album like No leaf clover are really good too. Their writing is pretty solid. They did some cool arrangement things with enter sandman. The orchestral arrangements are so great throughout. Kirk Hammett is great and has some cool moments but for the biggest metal band in the world I kind of want my face melted a bit more- the wah wah thing is cool but can get a little noodley sometimes. Would love some more sustaining soaring guitar melodys or crazy technical shreddy lines. I always liked the intro to One and I like their harmonized lines at the end and the orchestra adds so much. James hetfield kinda scares me when he gets everyone chanting “hey” but then he seems like a nice enough guy later when he addresses the audiences. I really enjoyed this the whole way through. I know it would be fun listening to and I liked it way more than I thought would. Good job Metallica! 4? 5?
I loved this! I honestly enjoyed this way more than any Metallica studio album I’ve heard. The orchestral versions work so well, the whole thing is like an intense soundtrack. This would have been so great to see live, I’m sure there’s a video of it and I’m definitely going to watch it.