Ride the Lightning - Metallica

So I have been listening to so much Jazz lately I lost track of reviews. So I decided to pick this album because I know it quite well, and while I doubt I will have any new insight, I still wanna do it. Okay now back to the review, or into rather. A growing trend in media seems to be revamping old ideas for today's sound. Like classical music, but it's rock and is supposed to "kicks ass". Or let's revisit out 80's albums and make a new album, but with new production. Which in all fairness, sometimes you need to go back to move forward (and some people have pulled it off). Rejuvenate that love or passion you once had, and then take the drive and continue forward. So they follow the album up with a fresh sort of breathe of air. It might have been off putting at first, but there are glimpses of something nice and interesting for a thrash band to do in decade 3. Then for whatever reason they take 5 years to follow that up, but the final product just seems to take ideas from elsewhere and their 90's albums. Hardwired is not a good album, it's not terrible and I do not see it being impossible for someone to enjoy the album. I have lightened up on it, but that's because I also haven't listened to it and only remember being disappointed. The only thing is that it can never amount to their 80's out put or even their 90's. Why? Well what happens when you run out of ideas? You either go back and look at old ideas and renew them, or you push ahead and try new things and do things you never thought possible. Fuck if they put out an EDM album, it'd probably suck, but at least they weren't back tracking. So in honor of that disappointment I felt I needed to review my favorite album by the group. This is the second album by Metallica. This is also my favorite album by them. This album kicks ass. Now this album is also somewhat historical. Yes, Dave Mustaine co-wrote four of the songs on Kill 'Em All, including the first four bars of each solo. But here this is where the writing is better than on the prior album, and also you got some of the best songs Metallica ever made.

1. Fight Fire With Fire: Opening is a great, really kicking off the start of a more focused album. I imagine it surprised some fans of the band to hear acoustic guitars opening up the record. I mean I could imagine me going what the fuck, if I want already exposed to their later stuff. Okay the drums do bother me a little bit, but the song is still freaking great and has a fucking awesome hook. The song is angry and has this energy to it that makes me wanna headbang, in usually opposed to that because I feel dumb. But this is an exception. The solo is not that memorable, well parts are, but it isn't as memorable. That is until the dual leads that are harmonized I wanna say a third or fifth apart. I could double check but I wanna be fast. I think that is the best part of the solo to be honest. And there is a great punch that comes with this song and shows that even though the opened different it still fucking rocks. 
2. Ride the Lightning: I think that this is kind of cool. People thought this was about the horror of Capital Punishment. But James later said he supports it, and this song is about a man who faces it for a crime he didn't commit. That gives the song a story, and an interesting one. This song also paints a picture with its words and the music even has this sort of lightning bolt feeling. The fast guitar chords, the cymbal hits and even the sort of clouding up the mix a bit. and the sort of thunderous clouds that I could almost see this being (if it was an instrumental) a tone poem about a thunder storm. The guitar solo is so fucking sharp and it could be ear piercing but sounds so fucking good and is very memorable. I also love how the song has a bit of a change with the solo and then it starts up with a dual guitar thing. So freaking good. Also I think Lars drumming actually fits this songs tone and theme quite well. Also how can you not love that opening riff.
3. For Whom the Bell Tolls: Again another nice touch having those bells in the beginning. The bass is the lead on this in the intro and the guitars power chords sounds like thunder clouds. The track really is constructed extremely well and the guitar makes you feel l your going to trudge into battle. I figure the walking pace of the drums helps that quite a bit, but again musically another stellar song. Even the lyrics and the delivery feel like its people chanting about to go to battle. Revisiting this album I wonder if Cliff was the real brains or at least creative force of the band. Well either him or Dave. This again is a very memorable solo and song in general. I love the ending and they basically do the break down of Raining Blood two years before it came out. 
4. Fade to Black: A very nice change of pace, very sad and depressing. The song is about suicide and musically and lyrically I feel its handled quite well. Lyrically its not a master piece, but it isn't as shallow or corny as it could be. There is a real grit to the tune. I mean look at some of th later post-Black Album lyrics... Odd they'd go down that road and wouldn't progressively become better lyricists. Unless.... No, they couldn't have phoned them in on newer albums. I also want to point out on the CD this works perfectly from the last track. Also as if the soldier wants to die bow that the battle is over, for some reason or another. Like a pseudo-protoOne. This really is a gorgeous song and really evokes sadness, misery and just finality. The second half of the song, is a great change and I mean it isn't that shocking of a change but it is like a "beat change". The first half is the sorrow, and the second half is the follow though. This really is a great moody tune, as I've said now I don't know how many times, but I really have yet to grow tired of this or any tune on this album honestly. And that solo, the only thing I wish is it was turned up a tad, but other than that I mean it works.
5. Trapped Under Ice: Based on a demo from Kirk's days with Exodus this song Impaler. Note: this demo was later released, rerecorded, on Exodus' 2004 album Tempo of the Damned. I honestly don't think this would sound out of place on Kill Em All. It's very fast and probably the best example of speed metal here. I mean not to say the songs aren't fast, but this is like a shot of adrenaline, and a much appreciated one. This song is really solid and has some great moments, but the fact that it is a bit faster than the others is a nice contrast to the slowest/"lightest" song on the album, the previous cut. Plus it kind of is a return to the charm of the last album.
6. Escape: This is the only tune I can never remember. Honestly I just can't ever remember it, hence me not having this a "bold" track. I mean I can remember all the others why can't I remember this. And to be honest, other than it could easily be transformed into a sludge metal/groove metal tune, there isn't much here for me. I mean yeah when I hear the chorus I remember it, but it doesn't stick with me. Sadly this is the weakest cut here. But I'd prefer one weaker cut to more or less an entire albums worth. There is some nice moments, but this feels like I don't jive with it. Honestly I'm having trouble retaining anything other than the chorus, but even that I doubt I'll remember.
7. Creeping Death: Another killer fucking tune, and possibly the best of the album. Well with the exception of maybe the closer. Written about the plagues of Egypt and Kirk co-writing the lyrics, this really is a heavy hitter. This is a song that I think even now, on newer live albums/releases, it'd be hard for even this band to fuck up. This also returns to the sort of thunderous thrashing that was earlier on the album. Great solo harmonies and this really is a great cut. I also like the change that makes it more chaotic, and yes you've basically hear this earlier on the album, it's nothing new, but it works very well here. The chant makes it seem all the more evil. Which is odd, I was always taught the Egyptians were the bad guys in that scenario. I guess it comes down to perspective, of which if you think sort of a subversion of Christianity, like what God doing is "evil" or whatever, check out Wormwood by The Residents. They got some odd stories that actually are in the bible. Judas Saves is my favorite in terms of thinking. Regardless great tune as a penultimate track.
8. Call of Ktulu: This track was originally titled When Hell Freezes Over and was co-written by Mustaine. Mustaine later released When, a reworking I believe if I remember correctly, in 2001 with Megadeth. This is another track I can't imagine them fucking up, like really it's handed to you on a platter almost just don't fuck with it. The electric guitar arpeggios are reminiscent of what would come on the future albums and, to a lesser extent, Fade to Black. The really great thing about this is this track builds in a fucking phenomenal manner that is just a bit baffling to me. This so fucking kicks the shit out of Pulling Teeth, Orion and definitely Suicide & Redemption. This is really just a great tune that while you can argue nothing much happens, it keeps your focus for all 8 minutes. That truly is a large achievement, especially for this type of song. There isn't really anything new happening here that hasn't happened on other tracks throughout the album. It's almost like a sort of overture, but at the ending, and instead of featuring the themes it just takes that elements instead of exact notes. Killer ending.

Overall I have to give this a 9/10. Don't get me wrong, thematically the lyrics on these Metallica albums are awesome and inspiration to write better lyrics/stories. But I don't think they are the best thing ever. Now I think this is the best album by the group easily, but its not perfect. Its so fucking close, but not quite there. It's heavy, memorable, and definitely worth a listen. Also as a side note, let's hope that in 2031 they release the follow up to Lulu and not a St. Anger II in 2023. But according to past behavior (1988/2008, 1996/2016, 2003/2023?).

Hardwired...to Self-Destruct - Metallica

So originally I was not expecting to have this done so quickly. I expected it would at least take until January, when I Finish Up Reviews Month. But by the time Moth into the Flame dropped, I knew the albums fate. Not to say I wasn't hopeful, open minded or even kind of desperate, but I'd been down this road before. More times than I could imagine (a plethora of times I don't feel like counting). But then again I didn't like Blackstar's title track at first and TPAB has grown on me and continues to with each listen, so you never know. Okay so this is the long awaited follow up to 2011's Lulu, which the more I listen to that the more I happen to like. There are some people who like to pretend that never happened, but fuck them they suck. Part of what makes Metallica great is that they aren't afraid to try new things, while it doesn't always work out, sometimes it pays off. Now that's really the only thing that gave me faith for this album. That was the thing that kept me going... So to say. This is also the second album to be produced with Greg Fidelman, the first being Lulu. He's also worked on a number of other albums such as Repentless, I'm With You, Unearthed, Death Magnetic, 21, 13 and so on. So out of those aforementioned albums, I can say only one had songs I genuinely think are solid and worth re-visitation, well two including Lulu.

1. Hardwired: This was the first single that dropped and was released to promote the album. Off the bat this reminds me of Death Magnetic, but the vulgarity reminded me of St. Anger. But the lyrics are kinda stupid, and I can't get with them but the song is well enough. It's nothing special or all that great at this point. When I revisited the track, after hearing the other singles that dropped I liked it more than my original reaction. Again its not that its particularly. Good, but compared to say the other singles......... You know what I mean. Now when I finally sit down to hear it on the album it ain't terrible, it's not like I'd keep it on my iPod, but if I some how stumbled upon it or just a curious listen I'll revisit it.
2. Atlas, Rise!: Is this about the book Atlas Shrugged. The third single to drop, and nothing. If anything why not move those double time drums from Moth to this songs refrain or chorus. It's a bit baffling they've yet have any songs that do anything at all. This sounds like it could be a song from Load or ReLoad. I mean like the second that verse riff comes in  it just feels awkward and this song just don't sit right with me at all. I don't know this song just don't jive with me bro. The riff in the chorus reminds me of ...And Justice for All in a good way, but I don't know. This kinda feels like if that album had bass maybe. Also the song could be a bit shorter, in my opinion. I get there's Maiden worship.... but still maybe it should be shorter. To be honest you I felt like the song was over by the 4 minute mark, but we still get two an a half minutes more.
3. Now that We're Dead: What the fuck am I listening to. Okay I mean, oh cool it sounds like a motor reeving or a motorcycle for all you hog riders. You know what this song is. When you watch a shitty movie from the 80's/90's and they have a motorcycle montage and you get the now a days, cringy tough/badass song.... that's this. Also the vocals reminds me of ReLoad, wait Fuel. Wait do I also hear hints of Search and Destroy in the verses. I kinda wanna kill myself. I also hear hints of Outlaw Torn, but I mean I guess that's there to trick me into thinking this is really cool or badass but you can't fool me. I picked up on that shit. I will never listen to this song ever again in my life.
4. Moth Into Flame: The second single to drop, I was hoping this would be better than the last one. But sadly it's a very generic and nothing is memorable about it. I can see how "man this is brutal, so punchy. Got that punk vibe that was prevalent on Kill em All", but this song kinda sucks. No really, the chorus lyrics are so awkward and the structure of the song seems off. It doesn't really click. I can't be the only person to not hear a click, now maybe it's Lars... In some live tracks in the deluxe remasters I noticed he... He ruined some of those songs because he was off a bit. But I don't think it's only him, James sounds off too. There's also a weird effect on his vocals and that chorus just, I think they touched his vocals up digitally. I don't really know anytime he's ever really sang, but his harmonies are so tight... Odd. The guitar solo, I don't know, just doesn't really have anything to hold on to. There's no meat to this or those. It just seems awkward. When I got to this track on the album I just went, what that fuck am I doing with my life. I mean nice guitar work I guess.
5. Dream No More: By the way I was being sarcastic, and when I heard this intro I rolled my eyes and just waited for the sorry that was to come. The riff has a heaviness that reminds me of Sabbath maybe, but more Uncle Acid. Maybe I'm wrong, but I do know I'd rather listen to that Night Creeper album than listen to this. Then the vocals come and I cry a bit on the inside. It's like they took the stupid shit from Load/ReLoad and were like.... well it's been twenty years, so it's retro. Nice inhale, wonder how many takes that took to do. Also this songs too long.
6. Halo on Fire: This sounds like a title I would have came up with when I was 12 and into Halo. This might be a stupid comparison, but I totally hear Avenged Sevenfold in that riff. As the song progresses I hear some call back to older ballads. The song isn't terrible, but I definitely wont revisit it. Also what the fucks up with these vocals. I do like how parts of the solo remind me of some other guitar player whom I can't think of. I get that this could warent this massive 8 minutes but it isn't epic. You know, I know they still have it in them too.... The Day that Never Comes.

Now on to disc two. I wanna point out a lot of these titles are just..... Cringe. 

1. Confusion: Am I Evil? If I'm being honest, if the instrument was expanded upon this would work better along the lines of a Call of Ktulu. But instead we get another 6 minutes and 43 seconds of nothing new. Nothing fresh, nothing worth listening to if you're a fan and have heard their past albums.
2. ManUNkind: What is this a title left over from ReLoad. This also happens to be the only track that features Robert as a co-writer. Everything else was co-written by Lars and James. I don't know how to fell about this other than.... no. At this point I'm so fucking bored. Okay, these fucking songs are so fucking long.
3. Here Comes Revenge: This song isn't terrible, but again it isn't anything new. 
4. Am I Savage?: This title seems as awkward as the last songs chorus. You know this kinda sucks, my initial predicition was this will be a long double album. To be honest this could have been cut at track 6. There is also a Megadeth vibe to this track. These vocals also happen to suck.
5. Murder One: Is there a subtext, did they kill famed music producer RedOne? Nice Fade to Black call back with the distortion on the intro guitar. But nostalgia doesn't work on me. This again is okay I guess.
6. Spit Out the Bone: Really, Juniors Dad has a far better ending track in it and the last 10 minutes is more or less filler. Yes I dig that track, but I don't think you need to have a ten minute drone on a Metallica record, maybe 3 minutes or 4. Hell maybe 5 if you add to it... I'm getting off topic. What the fuck is this though, really this just kinda blends in with the others. It doesn't feel like an epic ending, it just kinda blends. While I guess the harmonies might be slightly different, this is nothing new.

Overall I have to give this album a 4/10. Okay so I'ma be honest, what the fuck happened. I am a fan of this band, but I remember more songs on St. Anger than I do on this and I just listened to this five minutes ago. Honestly, I kinda remember words that pertain to the titles of the tracks, and certain things that happen (double time) but nothing to where I could play a riff (or want to learn one for that matter) or actually retain anything. Even though I go back and forth with the last [band oriented] record there are still some solid and memorable tunes on it. Like let me stress, I had no pleasure listening to this album at all. Well, other than thinking of way to make fun of this thing. This albums on par with Book of Souls. It sounds like a lamer, older, awkward version of a once great band trying to still seem cool and creative and epic. But did they really not know to push youself. Instead they made St. Anger 2: Ride the Loaded Lulu to Master 'Em All - The ReBlacked Edition. Experiment! don't go back and what not. The single greatest quote to live by as a musician is, "without deviation from the norm, there is no progression". That is paraphrased and I don't know the originator (I've heard Zappa say it), but who said it isn't important. What is is the fact that you need to grow and master your craft and then grow and leave it. Metallica usually is creative and are willing to try something new. Fuck the fans who are idiots and want the same shit over and over. Show your artists and create. Be willing to sacrifice for your art and don't just give in. Be the Metallica you wanna be, not that your expected to be. Maybe this is where you wanna be, but why try to relive the past when you'll almost never be able to period. It's gone for a reason. Also what the fuck a double disc that's 77 minutes long... fucktards you can fit 80 minutes on 1 CD. I mean I get that not everyone knows this, but you fucking cut some of Outlaw Torn because of the time constraints... You should know this shit. Or do you just wanna say it's a double album/make more money. Well on the bright side, Hilary isn't president..... ;p see what I did there.

Kill 'Em All - Metallica

This is the debut by the Big Four's most popular and successful band Metallica. Now my favorite, musically, is Metallica, but their personalities are pretty much shit. Well not all of them, more Lars than anyone else. But personal problems aside I will review their first album. This was released in 1983 and really is a prime example of a debut, I'll explain. Oh yeah I'm not gonna dwell so much on Mustaine's contributions to the LPs writing, except in track 2.

1. Hit The Lights: Fade in drums guitar and bass. Then a drum roll and some more feeling of a build. Here comes the riff, what a beautifully distorted riff. Then a scream, and then lyrics. This song is such a statement. Think about it, a bands first impression is their first album/ep release track. Back in the day, and when you listen to a while album you start with track one. This gets you pumped for whats to come and I can't wait to see, though I already know. The playing here is tight, like a machine and to think Kirk has only been with them for a short time. They sound well tuned and ready to shred. The solo is fricken great and he kills it. 
2. The Four Horsemen: Slightly slowed down and an added verse an bridge this was originally Mechanix. After they kicked Dave they took the song and fleshed it out. They matured it from a car to the Apocalypse. This is a scary song and it think it fits the theme. I I we're to make a movie about the end I would try to get this song to make an appearance if possible. Maybe a clip of the solo or something, but a part. This is an epic and it really is a well put together song. Sings like this with different tempos and time signatures make Metallica stand above Slayer, Megadeth, and even Anthrax and on their first album. This solo is so epic I don't think I can begin to explain the influence it's had on me. This is truly one of y favorite solos ever, up there with Hell Bent For Leather and Buried Alive. There are others too but just to wanted to mention. This is a strong and aggressive song to. You wouldn't wanna mess with this band. Te second solos sicker, but that's not really needed to be said. It's shouldn't change any aspect of the song, just I like the second more.
3. Motorbreath: I wonder if the title is a nod to Motörhead or if its a coincidence? You know, as much as I live this album it has some weaker songs. By that I mean they are songs I don't listen to by themselves. The solo here is another great solo by Kirk, maybe a little abruptly cut, but still great. I'm glad this is on the album, but it's hard to live up to the last two tracks you know. The solo is really whats the best part of this track. And the post solo power chords at the end. That's interesting. 
4. Jump In The Fire: This is an epic riff that I wish I could replicate. Not the greatest on this album, but it still tops most other bands. The chorus is so damn catchy, if after 1 or 2 at most listens your not singing along your a tool. Either that or your a parent who doesn't get with fun music. The pre-solo things is neat and I like the solo in the song. The vamp for the solo is cool too. The second solo is awesome here too and it really could listen to this albums solos alone. If only they released this albums solos on an album like Shut Up N Play Yer Guitar.
5. (Anesthesia) Pulling Teeth: Cliff gets to shine too. This is an interesting choice I think to have here. It's obviously to show off the bassist and his skill. The only complaint is his mistake before the change. It also like how're tempo changes and its like Free form. It's nice to leave that metal world and take a second to hear a bass solo. And also the title fits the song to a t, in the best fucking way possible. I think it's cool the band comes in later but still damn, listen to them jam. Cliff your sorely missed. 
6. Whiplash: This song brings us back to a more non instrumental world. This song honestly does take you back and makes me want to head bang. What keeps me from doing it is fear of "whiplash". Fuck it! Seriously this is a great track and kicks ass. Play this for any Mötley Crüe fags in the 80's and they'll melt. No offense to glam metal, but this is Metallica and were here to "Kill You All!". Another killer solo from Kirk and it is kind of a credo song. This is kind of like their own Motherly Love because it talks about going to towns and doing stuff. It's neat, just a though. 
7. Phantom Lord: This is the song I've honestly heard the least on the album. I honesty couldn't remember this riff. I only heard it a few times. Part of the reason is because its a little underwhelming compared to the other tracks. But this most resembles a song of Show No Mercy. That album came out in December of that same year. The solo here is pretty cool sounding and reminds me of Hell Bent a little. The post solo vamp thing reminds me a little of Fade to Black. I wonder if they reused that for said track. The chorus is cool, but just not really Metallica.
8. No Remorse: This has that punk attitude. The solo in the beginning before the lyrics is a fricken great idea and damn, those only thing better is a solo at the start (ie Eternal Rest). This is another great riff and there isn't much to say here that hasn't been said earlier on the review. That crunch, Damn! I also like that swoosh sound. Each solo uses the same distortion but different enough to stick out. Those harmonies, damn! I also love the double time and the singing in the double time. Great end, reminds me of the intro to the album. 
9. Seek & Destroy: Possibly the best riff on the album, and probably most memorable. This thing honestly just could put fear down your spine. If I wast a Metallica fan I could very much see this being the theme song of the devil and his minions. This song is evil enough to be a Mercyful Fate song. That's saying a lot. Whiplash maybe the bands credo song, but this is Lucifer's credo song. The solo is an 10 in my book and really need I say more. This fricken song is a 10 in my book. This is a 10 in any logical persons book. The riff is from a guitar player stand point something to aspire to creating your own of. From my musical trained ear, I'm no expert yet, but the sequences and the whole way this song is and the harmonies and everything theory wise in this song rocks me socks off. I love the tones as the pitches and probably why I love parallel 5ths.
10. Metal Militia: This is more the tempo of Mexhanix. Talking about your army on your first release, that gutsy and kind of like, we are hereto take over. So close to 1984 people were probably scared shitless. The intensity that started this mother ends the mother on the same not and energy and just mid blowing fun. This has some of my favorite singing by James. Its not my only, but i think its perfect for this song as kind of like an evil hypnotist. Join in on the way of the future, the "metal militia" are here to win. Propaganda if I can think of anything else. One last great solo, kinda. The marching makes this a much more anxiety filled wait for me to do Ride The Lightning. I can't wait, seriously. 

Overall I have to give this album a 8.8/10. This is the debut album and its hard for a band to have it all together for their first album. This band somehow makes it sound like they've all been playing together for years. Thrash is Punk meets Metal or vice versa. This album embraces all the aspects of thrash and probably helped progress the popularity of the genre, so Fuck Master of Puppets, the frost two are way better. I don't think the vocals need much description other than they work as are sometimes awesome. He sounds like a screaming banshee going to attack you. The shredding on this LP is hard to both reconstruct and beat. But over all an extremely consistent record and solid. 

I'll highlight my picks tomorrow because this is on my iPod. 

Lulu - Lou Reed & Metallica

Listened to Metallica and Lou Reed's "Lulu". Not very good. Have to re listen to it. But From what I heard there are only 3 ok and 1 good song. The last track sounds like "Until It Sleeps" and "Hero of the Day". "Mistress Dread" has a 80's type metallica riff to it. The rest of the songs, except "Iced Honey" are.... bad. Of course have to relisten to them but. If you heard it give me your review.

Now I'm re-reviewing it. This album had so much potential. This would be amazing say if Lou Reed died from getting raped and James said in honor of his death we will finish this album and I will sing. That would have probably been Metallica's best album since 1980's