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On June 5, Metallica's 10th album was released and for those of you who haven't checked it out yet, I strongly recommend it.
Love it or leave it, Metallica's softer days of "art for art's sake" (Load, Reload) are gone. St. Anger heralds a return to the glory days, but that's not to say that it's a rehash of old material. Many have walked away disappointed, having been expecting another 'Master' or '...AJFA'. I, for one, am glad it's not. We're no longer in the '80s and it's time for something new, which St. Anger delivers. Gone are songs about the electric chair, war, and dark beasts. In their stead come songs from James' heart, real emotion, things that people can connect with. Take 'Frantic', the first track on the album. "If I could have my wasted days back, Would I use them to get back on track?" It's incredibly simple and very straightforward, but James feels it, as do most people at some point in their lives. "My lifestyle determines my deathstyle." Again, it's very simple, but awesome and effective. The album's title track, 'St. Anger', deals with anger (imagine that), that most driving emotion that controls so many people, and how it destroys yet also how it has to be set free. It can't simply be squelched. The album goes on to cover subjects ranging from an isolated child to James' fight with his addiction. As always, Metallica musically captures the spirit of the piece, in touch with the lyrics. For example, 'Frantic' is jittery, frenzied... in a word, 'frantic'. I personally love and, from a creative standpoint, appreciate the mix of sounds, the frail, weak (if it can be called such) sound that kicks into the thunderous, stuffed-down-your-throat ominous metal march that Metallica is famous for. Now, onto some common beefs with the album and my feelings on them. 1. The bass is virtually nonexistant.- The bass is turned down so low that you can barely hear it. However, I can forgive this one seeing as how Metallica had no bassist at the time and Bob Rock (the producer) had to step in. Besides, it still sounds awesome and is a dramatic improvement over some older stuff and most of the 'music' out there now. 2. Kirk's solos are virtually non-existant. - Yes, the kick-a** solos that he is and always has been famous for are gone. As much as I miss them and with that they were there, it's a testament to the album that it still stands up for the entire 75 minutes and 6 seconds without them. 3. It is too much like 'nu-metal'.- 1. There is nothing inherently wrong with 'nu-metal'. 2. I'd contend that it isn't nu-metal at all. 4. The snare sounds too tinny.- Agreed. It does. But that is just no reason to ignore it, Tinny or not, Lars delivers in a big way. 5. It's too long. - What the? There have been complaints that 7 to 8 minutes is just too long without any of the above-mentioned solos. They are entitled to their opinions, but for those of us with longer attention spans, this is pure musical gold. As long as the guys keep giving, I'll keep listening. 6. Production? What production? - Yes, St. Anger was under-produced, and there are many flaws which could have easily been fixed. These certainly aren't the days of the Black Album, that perfect sound that could never be attained in concert. The production value alone has driven many away, but it was a calculated risk and I kind of like the raw sound. It's certainly better than so many well-produced but still mediocre albums. It should make for a kickin' live experience, especially with their new bassist Robert Trujillo. This is one time that I am truly proud to call myself a Metallica fan! |
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