New Metallica

This post is directed toward true Metallica fans. If any of you remember the anticipation that existed between the summer of '88 (while you totally wore out And Justice for All), and the summer of '91, when the Black album was released, you probably remember how happy you were to finally get some new Metallica.

The Black album was so different than what we ever expected, it probably seemed "bad" to you at first listen. But if you're anything like me you gave it chance after chance after chance, and eventually you grew to like it as much as I did. This was it. This was the new Metallica. It was different but it was great.

Hetfield was actually singing a little.. lol Things had changed, and as much as it differed from the other releases, it also began to hold its own for you, if not surpass expectations. For me, nothing could eclipse the four studio albums before it, but this one was unique, and satisfied a ton of people as being - again- the new Metallica.

But none of the rest did that for me. They obviously went through a funk, or whatever. But very little new material they put out for 12 years did much for me with the exception of a few tracks.....

Until now. If you haven't given Death Magnetic a try, and another, and a few weeks' worth of listenings, you should. This album is incredible. No one wants to say "this is old Metallica", or "this is better than the first four (or five) albums," that's not the point. This is the New Metallica, and it is VERY good. If you are a true Metallica fan, and felt something from '83 to '91, then you will feel it again.

The best track is without a doubt "All Nightmare Long". It's obvious they spent a long, long time here. The instrumental "Suicide & Redemption" is also very well done. The two radio-releases, "The Day that Never Comes" and "Cyanide" contain tons of elements you remember from those glorious 8 years. The acoustic riff in the former gives me chills it's so much like Fade to Black. Even "Unforgiven III" after giving it very little chance is a great track, regardless of the fact that it is a III to a great Black Album creation.

Give it a chance - it's incredible.