METALLICA Hardwired...To Self Destruct Album Review | Overkill Reviews

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Sam reviews 'Hardwired...To Self Destruct' the new album from Metallica
Listen to Metallica: itun.es/ca/IQUreb
Watch Metallica videos here:
Hardwired:
• Metallica: Hardwired (...
Moth Into Flame:
• Metallica: Moth Into F...
Halo on Fire:
• Metallica: Halo On Fir...
ManUNkind:
• Metallica: ManUNkind (...
Spit Out the Bone:
• Metallica: Spit Out th...
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[@CalebHyles]

Into the description of Hardwired the song. I guess people forget about Death Magnetic... That Was Just Your Life was 100% a thrashy opener!

[@1dnr749]

D.Magnetic has an interesting start and becomes thrashy but elements are still lacking. S. Dunn is right about the band here. They are holding back.....Especially Lars. My God...Your song "That was just your life"....Imagine Lars playing AJFA or MoP style on that track. Talk about thrashy. Lars look through your old thrash notes dude!! I am not taking away what they have done but they can do better.

[@killswitch2408]

DM is by far better album than Hardwired to self destruct

[@1dnr749]

I can agree with that. Hardwired is only thrash on the 1st and last song. The in-betweens are anything but. I wish Metallica would go back to their old heavy guitar and drum tone. I mean I GET IT how James voice isn't on FIRE like it was in the early days and Lars has shoulder problems but I think if they REALLY tried they could turn ALOT more heads. New one does SOUND good though. The SOUND is better than D. Mag. But D Mag did have more to offer with the tracks and riffs.

[@jasontaylor670]

Caleb Hyles my apocalypse was old school thrash ..i only dislike 3 songs on death magnetic

[@TDAshton]

If Death Magnetic had the production of Hardwired, it would have been one of their best.

[@MrHellgate82]

only 2.5 ? damn you are way to harsh, loving the new album and a lot of songs you didn't mention like Atlas Rise or Murder One

[@helltoupee6664]

Robert Kopczak this is the trend nowadays... act as if you're grading on a curve , because the reviewers will get Shit from the haters if they give too high a score . "dude a 4.5 out of 5?! it's METALLICA, they're old and washed up and Lars can't play. Kirk uses wah." I bet you've read all of those comments somewhere before. meanwhile, the reality is, it's METALLICA. they know exactly what they're doing and how they wanna do it. they CREATED the genre, basically.

[@alanb2401]

+Joe Manzella well said!

[@vannacee26]

Robert Kopczak He's a MEGADETH fan. Therein lies his personal rating curve. 😉

[@chadgautier2864]

Just because it's new. Revisit this a year later. Or 8 years later and see what you rate it. I bet this will be dead on.

[@chadgautier2864]

this album is waaaay to long. it's boring the drums are so loud. you would think as bad as Lars is he would want to calm down. he has a fetch with a snare fills. it's all he can do without messing up. I just got done listening to it again. with a total open mind trying my all to like it. I just cant. this is the same old recycled stuff. it's just so over done. the songs are all the same thing. the lyrics oh jeez how bad can it get. you know old metallica. with every song you were on a journey. there was so many twist and turns. this new stuff is just terrible. but people will eat it up. because like I say. if you have a person who hasn't eaten in 2 weeks. whatever food you give them will be the best thing they have ever eaten. it's the same with this. wait till their next album comes our then rate this one. because everyone loved death magnetic. now everyone has a problem with it. but in 2024 or 2026 you should have a new album from them. Jesus they will all be 65 years old. I didn't expect much at all and got much less.

[@jfoeodkapfk]

Not only did they play Antarctica, they're the first band to play on all 7 continents.

[@mrsuperstarxv6006]

hopefully they're the first band to play in the moon. that would be epic

[@Nothing_serious]

Mr Superstar XV and Mars

[@SaGeOwL4891]

Metallica rules it all

[@Weedeater58]

gwar did it first

[@craigroaring]

That's unfair, gwar have hyperdrive.

[@kingrobert2621]

This didn't sound like a 2.5 review...

[@melvin32]

I'd give a 4 if not more!

[@kingrobert2621]

For a Metallica album, I think it's pretty good and way better, catchier, groovier, and heavier than Death Magnetic. Of course, we can never compare what they do now to their older catalog, so I'd like to think as Metallica fans we have to curb our expectations and not expect another Master of Puppets. The question should be does this fit on a Metallica playlist with all their albums or will you hit skip immediately when anything from Hardwired comes on. In comparison to other metal legends might be the most appropriate way to score. To compare these to current bands is totally unfair because younger bands are way tighter, faster, more technical, and they're just doing different things. In a new Metallica album, I'm not looking for some super technical, blastbeat, downtuned, 8 string guitar wielding kind of album or whatever newer bands are doing today. I want to hear something that sounds like Metallica, and I think overall what we got is a pretty damn good heavy, melodic, and technical sounding Metallica record for their age

[@MrMOGHammer]

age is not a factor. Pretty much all the big 4 have members over 50 and they all still kick ass.

[@kingrobert2621]

That's true. What I meant by that was more of a positive comment, not negative.

[@ikon8275]

2.5 is way too low....I would at least give it 3.5 Skulls.

[@KingFrantic]

That Was Just Your Life is pretty friggin' thrashy. Just saying... It seems everyone forgot about Death Magnetic.

[@iamcline]

Agree 100% there was plenty of "One note thrashy riffs" on that album.

[@MichaelHolmgaard]

That album was beyond boring... =_=

[@GoCeltics734]

All Nightmare Long is straight up Thrash

[@FredyTallicaMaiden14]

Brian Taylor Thats the album that when i listen to it i ask myself "I dont understand why that much hate?" but Well, Its a matter of tastes

[@ryanduray1]

Brian Taylor Your absolutely right. That song rips my face off and never got the credit it deserves.

[@AWG59]

The first time I heard the beginning of spit out the bone, all I could do was smile

[@eperl83]

This dude is basically making it sound like DM never existed. "No melody or transitions from tallica in a long time". Death Magnetic was all of these things

[@internallycombusted1]

Evan Perlman death mag had no soul or melody. this album does for sure

[@NICKWAPPERER117]

bads10357 DM had both of those too.....

[@MichaelHolmgaard]

Death Magnetic was the most boring album they've ever created :/

[@VBshredder]

Agree, as much as I respect banger films host (forget your name sir) this really comes off as if you skipped DM , which has a thrash intro song, tons of dueling guitars, and fast solos from Kirk. We all know the mix was horrible, but that does not negate the music showcased on the album. While I agree that at times Lars fails to find the groove (mainly manunkind) he does a pretty good job on this album. But what's important is overall the album is solid top to bottom, great tunes all around, really dig "now that we're dead" which is a great example of metallica putting out new, yet unique, really good music.

[@TheKartoffel101]

Fenny Helgi uhm Lulu, St Anger?

[@mikejohansen7807]

Hey Sam, not sure what you've changed, but the audio on this video is WAY better than what I've seen on this channel so far. Big improvement. Lock horns often suffers from poor audio quality, so whatever you've done here keep it up!

[@BangerTV]

Thanks Mike! We pride ourselves on high quality videos. Lock Horns is a different beast - live streaming software has its challenges! But glad you appreciate what goes into making BangerTV sound great.

[@danielwilliams4924]

Lock Horns is a LIVE web show. If you watch any Banger video that isn't live the audio is fine. Like they said its a software problem with the live streaming.

[@davetelfer2725]

Daniel Williams

[@thecarrotmonster8827]

People need to give Death Magnetic another listen. Really underrated album with some brilliant riffs where Kirk Hammet has a bit more of an influence. Such a shame he's not got a writing credit on this one, I think this might be a bit of the problem

[@j.t.8848]

This album is way better than Magnetic. Kirk should lose his phone full of riff ideas more often.

[@thecarrotmonster8827]

Mmmmm well good job he used a pen and paper in the 80's and early 90's or we would have lost some of the greatest riffs and anthems of all time.

[@Iconoclastithon]

..and "all nightmare long" was their best and heaviest song since Master, and the video was fucking cool

[@SalchichaStudios]

TheCarrotMonster 88 Dude... The judass kiss, all nightmare long, the day that nevee comes... its a GREAT album imo top 5

[@benedictdonald4338]

TheCarrotMonster 88 death magnetic is a modern classic, despite the production.

[@JordanLake25]

What the fuck? Where is Dream No More? I fucking love that song, man.

[@alexveras1042]

J Stone didnt mention here comes revenge either

[@dudeman8622]

J Stone just his taste. But I agree dream no more is fucking killer

[@JordanLake25]

Should have did the full damn record. It's fucking Metallica for fuck sakes.

[@lorddaffy]

dream no more is the best song on the record...shame that you didnt include that one.

[@jonneff]

That Groove in the beginning of Dream no More is so potent and fucking awesome.. makes me start moving my head and turning it up every time.. Totally agree!

[@driplordvonskullmangler6106]

that pronunciation of Trujillo though

[@ASovietUnicorn]

Yup, not even hard. True-He-Yo.

[@EricFarmer01]

Tru hee gio

[@nimanikpoor2135]

Miguel Ferreira nah its tryjellio

[@PrimateNine]

Lmao too funny

[@sdmsdmsdm]

Depending on your dialect of Spanish, the double L sounds like zho.

[@waylander24]

Death Magnetic was thrashy too.......

[@bordiuras14]

Especially the track "My Apocalypse" \m/

[@juventinos81]

great record with production problems.i can listen it from start to fininsh without skipping songs.

[@Ruleof2Review]

NORTHERN MUSICIAN agreed. I've found it interesting how much people have talked about Hardwired being such a return to thrash and old school roots, which it is, but really that started with DM. A criminally underrated album. Tons of great thrash and melodies there!

[@glennielsen]

kinda...but vocally, it was extremely WEAK....Hetfield finally got his vocals back in order which honestly I didnt think would ever happen..I figured he'd be stick in 2003-2008 forever...Glad that they're back!

[@metalshek]

This is probably the first time in 26 years that Metallica, Anthrax, Slayer, & Megadeth have released albums in almost the same year. What a time to be alive.

[@xamnosidda2242]

Why do Thrash fans always forget about Testament?

[@Thepoltergiest101]

They don't. It's just it's always in the context of the big four.

[@kevandalzell7906]

Abhishek Sen: I'd say it was Anthrax's year!

[@Thepoltergiest101]

Or Megadeth's. To me, For All Kings and Dystopia were on par in terms of greatness.

[@DonShetland]

and Overkill

[@Bruno-Guitarist]

I think this new album is the best ive heard from them since the black album. But thats just my opinion.

[@danlehmkuhl8985]

I don't really even acknowledge anything post black album, until death magnetic where they seemed to sprinkle that oldschool thrash back in, its not the exact same but i wouldn't expect them to be exactly the same. This album is good, but it needs a month or two in my rotation before i can tell whether its equal or better than death magnetic.

[@Northernmight]

Load and Reload are pretty damn good. Sure, more blues-rock inspired than metal, but the songs are solid as hell, generally.

[@MrFreezerator]

After listening to "Hardwired......" for more than 10 times now, I truly believe this new album makes "Death Magnetic" sound amazing, musically wise, not production wise, of course.

[@MetalDad88]

Aponys21 I feel like the melodies in hardwired are a little better. I put this and death almost on top of each other. I need to go back and listen to death again.

[@MrFreezerator]

***** Death Magnetic and St. Anger should be remastered and maybe released together as a double album - St. Magnetized Angry Death. I listened to the new album for a few times in the past week and I feel there are two songs that don't say anything to me, namely "Dream No More" and "Murder One", whereas "Now that we're dead", "ManUNkind" and "Here comes revenge" are a bit flawed, they run way too much, they could have been shortened and improved here and there. Not to mention Lars's drumming, which leaves a lot to be desired. Take "Here comes revenge" or "ManUNkind" for example; there's a lot of snare abuse there, Jesus Christ! These two songs in particular sound a bit stagnant and stuck, because Lars "Average Drummer" Ulrich doesn't use better fills. The rest of the songs range from ok to spectacular. I also wish they had placed "Lords of Summer" on the regular 2CD version instead of fucking "Murder One". So I still don't know whether I should buy this album or not. I think I'll buy it second hand when the time is right.

[@Payduro]

Hardwired vs. Repentless vs. Dystopia vs. For All Kings episode Sam?!?!

[@kevandalzell7906]

RattleheadCrow 9910: Anthrax!

[@j.t.8848]

Brotherhood of the Snake from Testament or XI by Metal Church still tops for me personally. All good records though.

[@mrsuperstarxv6006]

FOR ALL KINGS!!!!

[@spector1591]

Dystopia

[@danl1830]

RattleheadCrow 9910 Doesn't sound that fair. The bands have their own personal style and musical talent. You can't compare those bands to each other.

[@rjq8273]

It really seems like Sam completely forgot all about Death Magnetic. The number of times we're told in this review that this is the first time we're hearing things like thrash riffs, guitar harmonies, melodic leads, etc., etc., from Metallica in years and years... No matter our opinions of the previous record, it absolutely used all of these elements, some of them several times throughout. Also, Dream No More is fucking killer.

[@MrMOGHammer]

Thrash in DM was sporadically spread across non thrash songs. And when it was speedy on the drums, Het fucking strummed the parts which IMO sounded too punkish. So DM overall was much closer to the black album generic metal spectrum. Even My Apocalypse fell flat to be a thrash worthy song. It sounds like Load had a baby with KEA. Does not sounds bad at all, DM is still one of my favourite albums of all time. But anyways. If you do consider DM as having thrash parts, then yes it still have been a fucking long time, 8 years is eternity when Metallica used to release an album per 2 or 3 years in their glory days.

[@rjq8273]

All fair points, but this review breaks the songs down into sections, riffs, moments. You can't single out a thrashy riff and say it's the first time they've put one out in decades. Can't say that about harmonies either. Just wanted to point that out. And yeah, I wish they'd release a lot more new music too, but what can ya do. Really wish I knew why it takes them so long these days. It's not like they're laboring over the actual production; their studio sound is extremely bare-bones lately.

[@stokesa3122]

It might be because I was 16 when I first heard it but ALL. NIGHTMARE. LONG. I think All Nightmare Long is a criminally overlooked track, and a better one than what I've heard off of Hardwired.

[@Pirustae]

Nightmare kills Hardwired in almost every way. Hardwired is more raw and simpler. Not bad but compare to All Nightmare Long, it's like a cruiserweight compared to a heavyweight giant. It's more complex and strong as fuck.

[@bazzzzz6175]

Killer track. Beats most of Hardwired for me, as does Broken, Beat and Scarred, That was Just your Life and the jam out on Day That Never Comes. Shame the vocal is too high for Jaymz to really nail live though.

[@JohnMegaton2062]

Better is a relative term but it's the best on DM to me for sure. I think the production quality on the new one is off the charts and it's across the board a stronger album. Again my opinion, but the sound is way cleaner and sharper on the new one, the vocals and writing are on a different plane, the harmony parts are amazing, and there's more variety in sound.

[@JohnMegaton2062]

Most great songs are not highly complex arrangements because while the complexity may be nice for showing off technical skill that does not necessarily equate to a great overall song or production. Paul Gilbert can play some great solos and has great complex riffs but he doesn't put it all together in a great overall song or album. It's like comparing a drag racer to an Indy car driver. One may drive faster but the other is a way better all around driver.

[@SomeoneElse-]

Did this guy just completely dismiss Death Magnetic? There was plenty of thrash and melodies on that album.

[@debgibsonfan]

agree...much better. DM was a mess.

[@joshwhite-pullerofstrings9518]

MegaCrasherMusic it could've been better too. they had a song they didn't release called "death is not the end" that was actually good

[@SomeoneElse-]

Josh White That song is just parts of other songs.

[@Danimal77]

@@debgibsonfan NO, DM was great! Hardwired was a MESS.

[@Jtitor177]

Album was weak. Poorly written songs, and poorly produced.

[@panchogonzalez4490]

first time playing thrash since , . How about tracks in dead magnetic like My Apocalypse, Judas Kiss, All Nightmare long?? even the tunes from beyond magnetic are thrash

[@wadekemmsies7180]

He just lost a little bit of credibility there with me.

[@Nightbreed82]

In Sam's defense, regarding the song "Hardwired", I think what he meant was it's the first opener in a while that is reminiscent of very early Metallica, ala Kill 'Em All.

[@MrMOGHammer]

first time since 8 years... he said a long time.

[@martijnstuart95]

Hector Gonzalez I think he was talking about opening tracks since he uses Blackened and Fuel as examples.

[@termsofusepolice]

I almost threw up in my mouth when he used Fuel as an example of "thrash".

[@cabalofdemons]

Sam hits the nail on the head regarding Lars's drumming. It stagnates the songs and brings down the album. These songs could've been much better than they are, but the drumming holds the songs back. Hardwired and Spit Out The Bone are the best tracks on the album.

[@vikimlakar1019]

Sam, I'm a big fan of your work, but I find this verdict a bit unfair. I mean, the standards of evaluating this album are far harsher than for all the other reviews you've done with special rating system created just for Metallica. How come others are not judged by the same stick? And even then Hardwired gets the same verdict as Dystopia and much worse then Testament. Don't get me wrong, I agree Testament deserves 4.5/5 and Megadeth 2.5/5, but how not giving at least 4/5 to this album is just beyond me. There are at least 6 very strong songs on this album (Hardwired, atlas, moth, spit, now that we are dead, revenge) making it one of the best releases this year imo.

[@MichaelHolmgaard]

Well, Metallica has such a huge legacy and glorious past, plus this record IS among the most anticipated ever! I think it makes sense to judge tt differently than others -Metallica has higher standards ti live up to, and I think that is fair anough ;)

[@juventinos81]

nope.they are 2 strong songs in this album(spit out the bone and moth)2 very good(hardwired and atlas) and 8 songs that i cant even remember their name.

[@MrPantera123456]

juventinos81 sounds like you wanted all thrash. People need to understand this was written to accommodate all fans not just the people that like thrash. You like the fast songs and dislike the slow ones. That tells me you don't judge a song by its quality but by its style. That is ignorant and I feel bad for you. Read comments from every new video or even in this thread. With the exception of a few songs the list of people's favs is drastically different from one another. It doesn't take a genius to figure out they made a dynamic album that has songs that will appeal to all of their fans. Old, young, new fans etc. That is why they are still relevant. With Metallica people critisize them for changing and if they kept writing master of puppets over and over they'd get critisized for not changing. They also wouldn't have sold 130 million albums if they hadn't changed. People need to wake up and quit trying to tell the biggest and best metal/rock band of all time how to play and write. If everyone is such an expert in what is good then go out and write a masterpiece. If you can't then leave it up to the professionals. Pathetic.

[@juventinos81]

MrPantera123456 what a fucking idiot

[@MrPantera123456]

juventinos81 sad you have to refer to yourself as "a fucking idiot". Open your mind mind you'll be ok don't beat yourself up.

[@Retrorevelations]

Reviewer states that there hasn't been an opening song on a Metallica album that had elements of "thrash" in it, since Blackened, in 1988. Completely ignores the full on thrash riffs inherent in Frantic and especially That Was Just Your Life. No offense, say what you will about either album, either song, but both songs, especially That Was Just Your Life, are absolutely "thrashy" songs. Hardwired might sound the MOST like, say, Kill Em All, yes. But to ignore the good thrash roots of especially Death Magnetic, which many eight years ago already hailed as a "return to form" for Metallica, is just kind of silly. Then he goes on to say the second track "is the first time in a long long time we've heard Metallica be this melodic". Like....did he just not hear Death Magnetic? But I digress.

[@DethFromAbove1985]

Exactly. If you don't consider Frantic or That was Just Your Life as Thrash than really how much of Master of Puppets is Thrash? The Thing that Should Not Be? or Welcome Home? They are pretty slow. Critics are too caught up in labels and genres. I'm shocked he only gave it 2 1/2. 3 1/2 would be the lowest credible score that I can fathom. Best Vocals and borderline best production that alone is 2 skulls.

[@BangerTV]

+Retro Revelations What we're saying is.."a Metallica album that kicks you in the face from the get go" That was just your life takes almost 2min before kicking in...and St Anger, yeah we're just straight up ignoring that one.

[@soleparkin7021]

He's like,"Hardwired is Metallica's first thrash song in a long time. Oh sure Fuel, Holier Than Thou, Frantic, Sweet Amber and others from St.Anger no one cares about, as well as That Was Just Your Life, All Nightmare Long, Lords Of Summer, Just A Bullet Away, Hate Train, and My Apocalypse was thrasy but they don't count. No, no, no not at all. You see, Hardwired is the only one that matters." New album's great, I disagree with Sam in the most respectful way possible.

[@soleparkin7021]

And what about "Battery"? That takes a bit to get fast. It doesn't take away the fact it's thrash. It's called being musically sophisticated. But I guess I see where Sam's coming from now. Also St.Anger is STILL a Metallica album, you can't ignore or disown it. That's like a christian family disowning a gay son. Sad and unjust. P.S; No offense to any religion. Just trying to make a point. I hope.

[@soleparkin7021]

Okay, you win a bit BANGER. "Hardwired" does kick you in the face from the get go. I still hold on to the fact that Metallica has done thrash after A.J.F.A and my comment about "Battery" and St.Anger" still stand. Plus you did say, "opening song" thrash, not just "Any song" thrash. Album's still great though! ;)

[@RAAZR-]

You don't review an album and decide whether it's good or not by comparing it to anything.. You simply have to ask yourself one question: "Did I like the songs?"

[@fenderjohns7062]

RAZR ii

[@helltoupee6664]

if these were the only songs on the album, I would say that 2.5 is appropriate. but there's so many good songs you didn't mention, that it would warrant an automatic bump in the rating. "am I savage?" , "confusion", "here comes revenge" and "murder one " are all killers... why leave them out? I don't get it.

[@danielcespedes1875]

Joe Manzella I was thinking the exact same thing, I really like this guy, I love his documentary and all, but this review fell kind of flat, and I'm trying not to let my love for my Metallica to influence what I'm saying. I mean, I loved Here comes revenge, and not just the song, loved the video too, and not even mentioning songs like Now that we're dead, or Dream no more, or more so, Atlas, Rise? Mmm I don't know, those songs are killers IMO, I would have give this review at least one more skull

[@helltoupee6664]

Remmy 315 yeah why no mention of Atlas rise ? the three first singles were literally good great amazing.. I'm not saying this is dream theatre. we all know they aren't virtuoso. what makes Metallica stand out is they mix the level of talent they do have with amazing arrangement and songwriting skills.

[@helltoupee6664]

I don't wanna be that guy. Everyone look at the biased fanboy ..I'm not gonna get butthurt over a review , it's just weird to leave out some awesome highlights and resort to a low score.

[@danielcespedes1875]

Joe Manzella can't agree with you more my friend

[@burtonlegend]

Daniel Cespedes The video for "Revenge" is one of my favorites.

[@treverp4938]

Everyone's saying we haven't heard this Metallica in a long time... wtf about Death Magnetic? Everyone's acting this is a return from St. Anger. Death Magnetic was the shit. Dug the new record too

[@silentphantom7826]

death magnetic had horrible production, too loud. and besides this album blows DM out of the water

[@treverp4938]

silent phantom Death Magnetic did have poor production you're right about that. Didn't hurt the album though. You're dead wrong about DM about being shit though. You're funny.

[@rammuansicstin5086]

Trever P death magnetic is one of my favorites! love all the songs!

[@JohnMegaton2062]

Death Magnetic had strong songs but not a strong overall album. All Nightmare Long was amazing and Cyanide was a great sound but the album lacked overall IMO.

[@metfan4l]

Nice review but I feel you're being way too hard on your final verdict. I personally absolutely love this album. (Yes, even all the snubbed heavy mid-tempo songs in the middle.) I'd easily give this a 9/10. It's the whole package.

[@lukenotskywalker2957]

Lol.... No.

[@metallicafan416]

+Luke Lewis yes

[@TheDrRandomness]

I love metallica but if the album had only hardwired, moth into flame, halo on fire, atlas rise, confusion and spit out the bone. It would be a easy 9/10. The weaker songs make it a weaker album overall

[@MetalPersonJ]

get fucked fanboy

[@MetalPersonJ]

you can't eat farts you paint huffer.

[@juanf5391]

My two favorite tracks have been "Dream No More," and "Now That We're Dead..." Over all the album is awesome.

[@Guitarmaster100nico]

Lords of summer is not a new song from the album... it was added to the deluxe version of the album as an extra but it was released years ago...

[@chadgautier2864]

I think this is one of those albums that is good because it's new. Only the smoke clears and the dust settles. It will just be another release.

[@juanf5391]

Chad Gautier. That is a solid point. Many albums do have that effect. However, at for me, Metallica albums grow on me the more I listen to them. Metallica is 3-dimensional band in the sense that there is more to their songs than just a good beat. Jame's lyrics cut deep, and are in my opinion, much deeper than most hard rock and metal bands.

[@bobbyteenager4e]

Finally someone mentions Now That We're Dead. Probably my favorite song on the album

[@juanf5391]

Right?! Every KZbin Metal Reviewer I've seen have totally dismissed the song as 'filler'.

[@soundofsundayduo430]

Here's a tip....Just stop comparing everything to past albums and take the new album on face value.

[@DeepenWadhwa]

Exactly! I gave this album an 8/10 amd i was able to do that because i saw this as its own individual entity with it's unique plus and minus points. A very good album imo and I absolutely love 7 out of 12 songs here, which is pretty great; 7 new amazing Metallica songs! (To really complete my thoughts, 4 songs are kinda average and Muder One is the only really bad song on the album which either shouldn't have been on here or included as a bonus track; it would've gotten a 9/10 then).

[@shrimpe2876]

You cant review an album without looking back for context

[@DeepenWadhwa]

@@shrimpe2876 if that's the case, then you're a bad reviewer. Imagine comparing Load songs to Master Of Puppets, even if all of them succeeded at doing whatever they were trying to do flawlessly, it still would've gotten a bad review. I looked at the album as it's own entity just like Metallica themselves did and I still enjoy a little more than half of the tracks on there to this day.

[@shrimpe2876]

@@DeepenWadhwa its not the same considering there's very little thrash on load and reload so its not really relevant to master of puppets or anything in the thrash side of Metallicas catalog. But you still have to look back at how finely constructed those albums were compared to load and reload imo. And the same goes for the songwriting. But in this case hardwired is a mostly thrash album with elements from that load and reload era so it makes sense to look back at everything retrospectively and compare it to what they've become.

[@nikolademitri731]

Idk, I think looking back at the bands catalogue of work is how we gage certain aspects of their current work, specifically where songwriting, how quality it is or isn’t, and consistency, are concerned. You absolutely can understand that past context, and still look at every new album as just that. You judge the new album on its own merits, but past work serves as context for those merits, in a variety of ways. This can all be done with no contradiction, my friends. ✌️🤘

[@Aeternuss]

Being skeptic about Metallica at this point is an understatement

[@ZillaFitness]

I'm on my 3rd spin through this album and I absolutely love it. Far exceeded my expectations. Best release since the black album in my opinion. I got the deluxe version and I have to say that "When a Blind Man Cries" has captured me. James stretches out vocally a little in this trippy, change of pace. This entire album will be on repeat for quite some time.

[@JimSajMusic]

I'd be curious as to your review of Atlas Rise. Surprised you skipped over it.

[@DiegoRodriguez-kq5hw]

why does no one one remember death magnetic? that album is almost thrash with the exception of really 1 song.

[@juventinos81]

dont know.when i listen it for 1st time i didnt like the production and i skip it.but when i used to the sound and listen the songs i like it very much.solid heavy/thrash album with its own style.8/10 for me,with better production it could be a classic.

[@metallicafan416]

because people think their cool to act like metallica is nothing people hold the fact that they made the best 3 albums in history against them because they can't match or top it news flash no band has matched those albums and never will side note I really like the new album a lot

[@metallicafan416]

because people think their cool to act like metallica is nothing people hold the fact that they made the best 3 albums in history against them because they can't match or top it news flash no band has matched those albums and never will side note I really like the new album a lot

[@jbs68]

Diego -maybe that is a testament, in part at least, to the perceived undesirable sound quality of DM? i dig the album myself, but to be honest i did the same as other people and kinda skipped it for awhile due to its flat sounding mix... i had just recently found it again and have really enjoyed it as of late. Of course, to make up for what i perceive to be a flat sounding album, i turn up the treble and bass :). i sure would like to find a high quality recording of the 'guitar hero version' i keep hearing about.

[@PauloJose-fx9wj]

exception of 1 song??? cyanide, unforgiven III, the end of the line... none of this are thrash

[@canaldopedronalara8438]

New album from Testamet 4.5 New Metallica album (the best since "And Justice...") 2.5? Oh Sam..

[@bmkpleox]

Sam is a little hater xD

[@torstrasburg4274]

Keep in mind that Megadeth’s new one was 1 skull out of 2. I’m glad they changed to 5 because having only 2 skulls was much too limiting and couldn’t be qualified enough. It was simply either/or.

[@georgekalaitzidakis3852]

The new album is not that good honestly... If another unknown band released the same album no-one would give a damn... The fact that it is Metallica doesn't mean it always good

[@charlesbaker7505]

ΣARIOS that's your opinion I think many Metallica fans enjoy this album but recognise there are some faults but overall great

[@eliotmccann2589]

Trujillo is pronounced "Tru-HEE-yo".

[@HyperbubbleTV]

Estás en lo correcto.

[@chucknowakowski6676]

Surprised you decided to blow past confusion, while I like ALMOST all of the albums, I think confusion is the strongest, both lyrically and musically.....

[@Drb777x]

Chuck Nowakowski i agree 100%

[@Pirustae]

He forgot Here Comes Revenge and Dream No More and what was the other one...ah Now That We're Dead

[@chadgautier2864]

Let me help you. It's called confusion...because the listener doesn't know if at the beginning of the song. If they are listening to am I evil? Or a blaten rip off. But then it falls into the same old crap. Knowing you have entered the Metallica zone.

[@jbs68]

i agree with you and Chuck

[@JohnMegaton2062]

I thought the same thing. He also passed over songs like Here Comes Revenge and Murder One without a peep. This review was a bit spotty and didn't represent the whole album well.

[@BirdsElopeWithTheSun09]

I never expected Metallica to released an album this awesome again! 8,9/10 - Moth Into Flame, Atlas, Rise!, Now That We're Dead, Halo On Fire, Confusion, Am I Savage? and the incredible Spit Out The Bone are the highlights for me.

[@raphael9093]

Same here and I'm really shocked how many "Fans" just can't enjoy this album... yeah taste here, taste there bla bla..

[@manuelluispereira1139]

The best song on the álbum is now that we're dead

[@magnetarkhan]

@@manuelluispereira1139 Spit out the fucking bone dude!!!

[@magnetarkhan]

Halo on fire is the weakest. Spit and hardwired kicksass

[@TheMathMog93]

Agree on the strong tracks you mentioned, but I also think that "Dream No More" stands VERY strong for what it is. That is the second best that Metallica can do, is that laid back heavy as fuck aspect of their song writing.

[@camhalen]

Can't believe you left out Dream No More, that song crushes! For those who appreciate the band's entire career, this album has a lot to offer. It's full of flavor. Feels much more natural and less factory assembled like DM was.

[@mr.krinkle1177]

Best song in the album imho.

[@savagliani]

I disagree! Halo on Fire is a masterpiece! All the songs are strong! The way they mix everything, all their different influencies and phases from the past is pure genius ! This álbum will be remembered as an all time Classic! Poor review my friend!

[@metalismybusiness1500]

Mário Savagliani Poor review because he doesn't share your opinion? Kek.

[@MichaelHolmgaard]

Haha, it will definitely not be remembered as an "an all time classic" ;)

[@dignouhagstromdegilead29]

I'm huge fan of MetallicA but I agree with Sam, This is not bad album but not totally good and too much songs are flats

[@donaefusia]

I agree Savagliani! This guy only likes "fast paced" songs so he completly missed the gems, how they mix different styles in the same song, flawlessly! James riffs are fucking amazing! I was not expecting a album like this from Metallica at this point! A classic, no doubt!

[@metalismybusiness1500]

Brash Taylor He has a different opinion, yet you think only yours is correct. Grow up.

[@saliljoshi1125]

This is by far the most detailed and the greatest review video I have ever seen.

[@Kanglar]

*SPIT OUT THE BONE!!!!* Wish they had a couple more songs on this album similar to this one and not as many somewhat generic rock tunes.

[@GrapplingBook]

A very thorough review. discusses all the different elements in an elaborate manner. Appreciate the effort

[@JordanLake25]

This album is the perfect balance between Heavy Metal and Thrash Metal.

[@jorgeretamal8106]

I really like your approach to review the record and the aspects of this new material that you have pointed out. If you ask me I would not be so harsh on the grade that you gave to the record (2.5 out of 5 skull), but you have made strong points in your review for standing the rating that you have gave it

[@bmkpleox]

Sam (2 1/2) really ???, I appreciate everything you've done for the music that you and I and millions of people love, but in this case I do not think the same as you in the verdict, this album is at least 4 skulls, and in the name of God, it's much better than the testament album...

[@PunkRock.101]

Yeah, I was sad too.

[@bmkpleox]

The Dude It's your opinion, it respects but I do not share it, three good songs, you kidding me ??? By God I do not lie to you there are a couple of songs that are not up to par, but the whole album is well done and with good solid songs, now if you're a fool hater and you expect there to be a record with 12 songs like "spit out of the bone", Then the album is not shit, your brain is shit

[@video2000_TV]

looks like the guy who travelled round the world for a series on Heavy Metal evolution a few years back

[@BangerTV]

Because it is!

[@MB-yw3pv]

HAHAAHAAAAA

[@StonyBlazestation]

Holy crap, I knew you looked familiar. A Headbanger's Journey was an awesome documentary!

[@Danjoker.]

nah

[@Citizen_J]

manUNkind is the low part of the album for me, aside from the drumming. not that its terrible, just bland

[@Citizen_J]

for me this album is Load meets Death Magnetic. spit out the bone is killer!

[@ZillaFitness]

It took me a few listens for this one and then I loved it, especially the intro.

[@ryanmackay1877]

ProjectAwesome1 I thought the exact same thing when I first listened to it

[@heresjohnny999]

it is awful.

[@ZillaFitness]

I'm on listen #5 and the "non thrash" (as defined by the review) songs are growing on me quickly and with depth. Title track, Moth Into Flame and Spit Out the Bone kick ass for sure but songs like Confusion, Now That We're Dead, and Halo On Fire grabbing me by the balls and holding on. "When a Blind Man Cries" is a masterpiece. I missed that on earlier releases. If you don't have that bonus track, get it. In many ways, this album is shaping up to be the Metallica album that I always wanted. It hits on their roots - hard. It also captures some of the more melodic Metallica sound that I grew to like over the years.

[@ironbard316]

They definitely did great with those covers.

[@ErikGiovani]

ZillaFitness | Chad Pink right??? I fucking hate metallicas 90s records but these ones are different, really thought out songs

[@charlesbaker7505]

When a blind man cries is one off the greatest covers I've ever heard up their with disturbed

[@MOTM-bw9yl]

When a band puts some badass bass shit in there songs it just makes it fucking killer

[@Atlas65]

I really love the solo in Hardwire, which is the opposite of what most people think of it, judging by the comments that I have read - It is just so raw simple and thrash!

[@Somber.Killer]

I really didn't like it. It was very lazy in my opinion.

[@Atlas65]

GhostOfWar I disagree it was just Kill Em´ All-is. I agree that it wasn´t the most interesting solo from Kirk. But it worked really well with the song. The feel of the song is raw and simple, so it was appropriate to have a raw and simple solo in the song. -Plus Keep that in mind that singles on the radio usually don´t have guitar solo´s.

[@jinsu2301]

Three words for this album: bloated as fuck. This could have easily been a 50-minute single CD album. Most songs have two to three intros that just go on and on and on, and then they never end because they introduce another idea and another idea.... Just because you did 8 minute epics in your prime doesn't mean you need to do it with every single song.

[@sangramos]

Can you go into as much detail on all of your album reviews? Seeing the attention and respect that this album got, I would love to see longer reviews as well.

[@j.t.8848]

"Now That We're Dead" is my favorite track. Was interested to see what you had to say about it but of-course it was skipped. Probably because it's "mid=tempo and redundant".

[@Andrew-xr7nc]

Aeturnus I love that track but Here Come Revenge beats it by a few for me

[@Cruedawg]

Very good review. Well done and thorough, as always! Keep up the good work, Sammy!

[@mrsuperstarxv6006]

FOR ALL KINGS>HARDWIRED>DYSTOPIA>REPENTLESS

[@felipevanderson1301]

Hardwire>Dystopia>For All Kings>Repentless

[@slaytalldeth18]

1. Dystopia 2. Hardwired 3. For all kings 4. Repentless

[@felipevanderson1301]

***** True

[@pedroduran8927]

I'm not an Anthrax fan, but without 'em i can say : Hardwired>Dystopia>Repentless

[@MetallicaRules]

Completely agreed. I love all 4 of these albums, but For All Kings was just on another level compared to the rest.

[@pedroduran8927]

2.5 ? For me is too low. i give it a 3.5 / 5 , or 8 / 10 .

[@alonsojfn1]

3.5/5 = 7/10 Learn your arithmetic.

[@pedroduran8927]

Julian Frau well my point is that this guy give a too low score. the whole album is great.

[@spooknukem575]

Pedro94 he's just giving his opinion, if you think something else feel free to do so

[@yenkoblitz3811]

Pedro94 THE ONLY GOOD SONG WAS SPIT OUT THE BONE THATS IT.....EVERYTHING ELSE IS JUST BORING TO ME

[@pedroduran8927]

yenko blitz FOR YOU. !!! Go to metacritic and see the rating of the people, i like almost every song.

[@ryanohlson4181]

I definitely agree that Lars' drumming holds back the album, and that some of the songs are a bit too slow. In particular, I'd say Atlas, Rise! and several sections in different tracks on the second disk could use a slight tempo boost. However, even though the bulk of the songs are midpaced, I feel like there's a decent amount of variety stylistically in other respects, and there's nothing about the album that I outright dislike, which I can't say about anything else they've put out since And Justice For All. The emphasis on the NWOBHM influences with all the guitar harmonies is something that I'm a huge fan of, and if they're going to cut back on the speed and aggression for any other element, I'd have to choose that, but I'm also a huge sucker for classic heavy metal too, sometimes even more than thrash.

[@Pyregazer]

I'm one of those fans that hated everything after black and thought that the black album was the first of many missteps. I loved some of the new songs, and hated others. Some of it sounded like ride the lightining while others sounded like loaded/reloaded bullshit. I think they completely pussed out on making a return to the old school sound and thought that they needed to please everyone once again. Big fucking mistake boys. You should have gone full oldschool thrash metal on the whole album. Spit out the bone is fuckin' great. For reference, I started listening to metallica with the album kill' em all, so an old school fan.

[@KilianxFire27]

Great album, expected more thrash songs but the heavy/slower ones are great too. I think i'd put 8.5/10

[@Doubledeepfried]

Can you do really a good review at lauchday? Or am I the only one that always need time to adjust to the songs to really feel them

[@MostWanted-X7]

best Metallica album since puppets, I'll give it 4 out of 5, love it

[@76sagi]

Great review. Love that VOIVOD script at the end! I've heard rumors of a documentary on those guys.... That would be amazing!

[@tibbs1278]

This reviewer is spot on. He's right about that riff in Spit Out the Bone being the best on the whole album. However, one thing he didn't mention at all is how weak Kirk's guitar solos are in every song. If he plays a good lick, he repeats it. Very predictable! Great solos would have put a nice touch on each song. Something positive that I noticed is the sound quality compared to Death Magnetic and St Anger is much better. The vocals have the right amount of echo to them as well as the nice crisp drum sound. I wish they would change their guitar amps though. I hate the new diezel tone. Bring back the mark II.

[@carltonvonhammerstein9077]

Why is everyone ignoring Atlas Rise? That song is fire

[@12foot97]

You were not supposed to bring up the Lou Reed fiasco. And 3 skulls dude, 3.

[@KeshikS2C]

The title track Hardwired, Moth into Flame and Spit out the Bone are jewels! wish the rest of the album was at this level. Best offering from them by far in 25 years.

[@honigdachs.]

I agree with some of the points, but I also think the review is too harsh overall. Yes, the faster, more dynamic songs like the title track, Moth, Atlas or Bone are highlights. But the other central element of this record is a gruff, massive, punishing groove that just makes you shake in your boots. Some of those songs aren't particularly catchy or overtly "exciting", but they're hard and grinding as fuck, and I love that.

[@esme553]

2.5/5 seems fair to me. I think I skip about half the songs on this album when they come up on shuffle. But I definitely disagree with Halo on Fire not being considered one of the best songs on the album. That's definitely one of my most listened. The whole outro section is fantastic.

[@shizzlefohizzle417]

2.5? Shit i think they need to stop comparing metallica to there older stuff and accept there newer sound! For 50 years old, fuck they can still metal the fuck out!

[@Super-Simo-B]

shizzlefohizzle417 spot on mate. people cant accept a band trying and exploring new areas.

[@juventinos81]

2.5 is not bad its just mediocre.if you put out of the album hardwired,moth,atlas and spit out the bone all the other stuff are to simple,generic and flat.

[@ShiningTrapezoid]

Nobody would give a fuck about this album if it wasn't put out by Metallica. It's weak and generic by any standard. Has nothing to do with comparing to their old shit.

[@MrMOGHammer]

funny, they just released 12 new songs with new ideas. Define idea. Old stuff is not a standard to what a band should measure itself to, because they would measure to their unexperienced selves. Metallica grew out to be what they are now with the stuff they made over the years, and the risks they took that actually paid off many times. They are much more mature, experienced, and actually grew out of their own mold by actually making the music they want, no matter what we say. I respect Metallica for that.

[@metallicafan416]

+fuknwastd according to what you said every album ever recorded in music history is shit then because nothing stands up to metallicas first 3 albums wish I had your wisdom in 1986 think of the money I wasted buying any album made after puppets smh

[@ByloBand]

Personally, I think you let 4 of the 12 songs (Now That We're Dead, Confusion, Am I Savage, Murder One) torpedo your review. 3 of 5 skulls is the minimum I'd argue this album deserves, 2.5 makes me question if there isn't a bias at play affecting your score. I feel this album has far more hits than misses (3 great, 1 very good, 4 good/solid, 4 meh) and overall that warrants about a 3.5 to 4.

[@MichaelChase]

Best review on KZbin. Great job, really enjoyed this.

[@Andrew-xr7nc]

Michael Chase It's okay. 2.5 is ridiculous

[@paulturner2192]

i like the additional analysis you put into this review.

[@joeln901]

I think it should be like Facebook, thumbs Up or thumbs down. Lets give them credit, they have done it for 35 years! Like em or not, Metallica still kicks ass, how many bands have they outlived? One thing I'm really glad they did was get rid of Rick Rubin, he just ruins bands music with horrible over production. DM should get a redo.

[@thathandleistakentrythisone]

My fav song is Am I Savage. It blew my mind. That solo breakdown sounded like Gojira.

[@TheSpliffstarEffect]

You can't compare Metallica to bands like Gojira or Opeth, both of whom are progressive metal bands who being prog are bound to have more intricate material. Comparing the new record to actual thrash brands like Evile or Warbringer would be more approrpriate as they are actually thrash.

[@efrenmontolivo503]

Can you recommend any specific album from Gojira for someone who loves Opeth?

[@spankygrant]

It has been really interesting reading all the reviews and I was waiting to see Sams. The pros and cons across the reviews have been fairly similar. I have to wonder how it would have faired if it was 20-30 minutes shorter and they forced themselves to judiciously edit. I suspect ratings would be higher. In the end though it ended up in top 3 of what, 150 countries ? I suspect they are not too worried . lol To all folks reading this comment who manage to get to the Toronto Opera House show next Tuesday have a blast ! Concert Hall memories from the RIDE THE LIGHTNING tour are still burned into my old thrash brain.

[@josephlucido3556]

Great video, but in my opinion you went to easy on it. It seems like a lot of easy listening radio music to me. And compared to other metal legends it holds up? Do you think this is better then Dystopia? I think people set the bar to low for Metallica.

[@danielcespedes1875]

joseph lucido I wouldn't say this is better than Dystopia, and don't get wrong, I love the album, and I love Megadeth, but that album have some very forgettable tracks too IMO. I wouldn't say the bar on Metallica is low, just that some people tend to treat them as gods or something, and other people just plain hates them.

[@josephlucido3556]

Of course this is just my opinion, but I can't help but think that if Megadeth released a CD like this it would be called out for being as bland as it is.

[@josephlucido3556]

Daniel Cespedes Update. The CD has grown on me a lot. While it's still by no means as good as Dystopia, in my opinion, I do enjoy a good amount of the songs.

[@danielcespedes1875]

joseph lucido really? That's good! The other night I played both albums one after the other, and I realized how both bands made music inspired in their back catalog. Heard a lot of The World Needs a Hero in Poisonous Shadows for example, or a big Fade to Black vibe in Halo on Fire. That's something I really liked about both albums

[@danielcespedes1875]

joseph lucido but, at the end of the day, it's all a matter of taste. Me for example, am more of fan of the 90s period of both bands, specially Megadeth, Countdown, Youthtanasia and Cryptic are my favorite albums, since I grew up with them, A secret place was my first Megadeth song ever. So is with Metallica, The Unforgiven 2 is the first thing I heard from them, and Reload was my first album, so I guess I love that sound, style and vibe. I'm not saying a don't love the 80s era, Master of Puppets, Peace sells? Those albums are top notch!

[@seinfan9]

If Here Comes Revenge was played at a faster tempo, you would think that was arguably the best on the album. I don't know why they chose to do that one so slowly.

[@bluethunder7391]

Completely agree with this rating. Many people here need to listen to new bands that are out there making great music.

[@thrashaddict_805]

This melodic riff near the end of spit out the bone gives me chills every time.

[@ianwakers]

This sounds exactly like one of those written reviews where you've listened to the album once. You've even picked out the three simplest songs as the three best. Also, if you're still looking at Metallica as a thrash band... 1985 called. That's a terribly misinformed opinion and it doesn't do your credibility any good.

[@Neo-Midgar]

Spit Out The Bone simple? The Fuck?

[@Greatsky]

I really felt Lars drumming on this album was strong. It certainly isn't flashy, but it's like a freight train. It just keeps coming at you. It never misses a beat. As for the guitar sound, only one word comes to mind and that's epic. It's full of wonderful tones that excite and titillate. As for the bass playing on here - simply put, and taking away nothing from the Newsted era, this sound harkens back to their early work with Cliff. Amazing. Lastly we get to James vocals. What can one say but be impressed by his fidelity. More epic stuff. All in all this has been well worth...the wait. I think 2 and a half stars is much too little for this work. More in fashion to lesser bands. Nothing less than 4 stars is deserving here.

[@FlyingWhale213]

Wait..whaaat??? Watching all the review, thought the verdict would be higher...

[@DarrenNoFun]

My god, that little song clip at the beginning... Whatculture Wrestling uses that for their "Ups and Downs Segment"... i like hearing that sound...

[@JahlisMan]

only it's the "WTF Moments". King Ross uses it:)

[@DarrenNoFun]

JahlisMan yeah... Oh yes! I Forgot. haven't watched any of those videos in a couple of months.

[@mgm1138eb]

Fuck that review, its a killer album, my brother and I kept listening to the second disc, kept getting heavier and kept turning it up. I don't care about reviews, today all there is 're guys reviewing music who can't play music. I like it, its easily the heaviest and best album since and justice

[@chadgautier2864]

Come back in 10 years when their next release comes out and see what you think. I think that is your test. That when the next album comes out how you feel. Everyone thought death magnetic was amazing when it came out. The second coming of metallica. Now I hear and see so many complain about it. I think that is the test

[@MrMOGHammer]

what is said now about DM was already been said when it launched. Bad production, songs fell like there was something missing, just a little something to make good tracks into epic ones, many of these songs felt forced, as if metallica tried too hard to please metalheads and actually fail at making DM a trash album. The trash parts mostly were strummed on the guitar, instead of palm-muted, always made me cringed on otherwise good songs. Not this time. On this Hardwired, they used all the tricks in the right places. So Loadish songs sound doomy, heavy as fuck, and interesting. They feel metal. Thrash songs are pure thrashy motherfucking rhythm slaughter fest. This album takes all that what Metallica can do, and actually make Metallica worthy songs out of their past catalog. Good job Metallica, now I might like Load and ReLoad just a little more.

[@bucket6six848]

I'm just glad I found a reviewer who is not slamming this album right off the bat for being a new Metallica album. for that you get my subscribe. Also My first introduction to Metallica was from Leper Messiah. It was the first track on a mix cd a buddy gave to me in the 6th grade as a birthday present. I was hooked for life from there.

[@KarmaLikeDog]

Metallica hasn't been around for as long as Maiden. You are reaching there, and probably speaking to the younger side of your audience. Maiden was very very established when Metallica appeared. They're both huge bands. But please do not rewrite history. It's essential. Especially for someone as influencial as you are.

[@chadgautier2864]

Recording wise? What was maidens first album 82? When did killem all come out?

[@SirChubblesSteen]

Its funny you mention the end of Moth into Flame is very Volbeat, as when they performed in Toronto recently, Volbeat was the opening band to the evening :P

[@shplog2]

This album is impressive as it sits in modern terms and their career point. This album could EASILY be better if it were on one disc, and edited down a bit. There are some great songs, but cut out the crap. They meander and lose focus. I'm into all types of metal and prog, Metallica has the ability to realign their focus. They should. 4/5 for me.

[@shplog2]

Well, with Load/Reload we had 27 songs. I'd personally say that Load is perfect, and I think every song had a lot to offer whereas Reload had 4 songs that were absolute garbage. (Prince Charming, Attitude, Better Than You, and Bad Seed). Don't touch my loads.

[@kevinrelovullo270]

Appreciated your take 20 minute 2 second take on HTSD, Sam. Hardwired, Moth, and Bone are definitely juggernauts. Although, Dream No More...fuck, is that heavy tune. And my favorite off the record. As a diehard, blood-and-guts Metallica fan, I do have to agree with you how some of the songs fall stagnant, and don't 100% hold my interest for all 7 or 8 minutes. I saw you interview Chino backstage at BlackDiamondSkye in Toronto in 2010, and really dug the final product of those interviews. Keep flying the flag for us fellow bangers! Kevin

[@Towern96]

Am I the only bothered by how loud drums are in the mix?? That kick and snare are to damn high!!

[@TheJeffum]

ya the drums always held Jame's writing back as well.

[@vio2112]

Well, it's hardly new. Justice is infamous for it's absurdly loud drums. Lars can't help himself. At least the drums sound really good on this album. Best snare sound Lars has had since The Black Album.

[@azevedo666]

Completly agree but even worse is the amount of editing , sampling , mixing and what not in the sound of the drums. It just sounds fake. To bad

[@heldertiago124]

Towern That's like the trademark of Metallica lol. Drums are louder than everything else. Just listen to Nothing Else Matters for example.

[@Towern96]

Hélder Tiago Doesn't make it a good one. And don't even try to compare the overall (IMO) godly sound of Black Album. Like Miguel Azevedo said this sounds overproduced and sampled.

[@matthewcook9531]

First review I've seen this guy do. Insta-subscribe. Great reviews, and goddamn charming, to boot. Keep it up!

[@CarimboHanky]

dont get why people bitch about the so called "mid-tempo"... they are all damn good also reviewing an album based on just 25% of it content is kinda lame!

[@CarimboHanky]

grimfist79 still lame... he just one of theose "its mid-tempo not fast trash so it sucks" type of person

[@JohnMegaton2062]

I didn't get that impression like you apparently did sorry. The songs chosen to review were not the strongest songs on the album and did not represent how good the full production is. Songs like Here Comes Revenge, Now That We're Dead, and Murder One are far stronger than tracks like Manunkind or even Hardwired, but were not even mentioned. That's like analyzing the 27 Yankees while leaving out Gehrig.

[@MrMightymind]

Sam, being 46 myself, I reckon that you have got this spot on mate. Harsh but fair. But, I reckon it's a more of a grower than any other previous Metallica album. Initial thought 2.5 Skulls... but would be interested to see what we all think in 12 months.

[@jasonrawls6959]

Good review all around but I have to slightly disagree on the skull rating, I think it should be more like 3.5/5. But hey, opinions are like assholes, everyone has one.

[@deangordon2215]

So far your's is the only professional quality review I've found on KZbin, and this is a good video with good points , but I feel that missing out discussion on a lot of the tracks is a shame. Personal favourite right now is Dream No More, with an almost AIC approach to the verse vocal and a killer pre-chorus / chorus. I definitely agree with the opinion that Hetfield is the strongest element of the album as a whole.

[@barrywhitesavedmylife7957]

Personally I thought the rating was a little harsh. I'd have given it at least a 3/3.5. The problem is definitely Lars' drumming. The songs have a lot of potential but I do feel he drags them down a bit. Spit Out The Bone is a fucking monster I'd say. I still have issues with the production and the songs still need to be trimmed a bit, however all that said I prefer it to Death Magnetic. Not bad at all.

[@MichaelHolmgaard]

But this album was all Lars' vision, and he wrote most of the songs on it (with some help from James) so I can forgive that the drums aren't on point....... but Kirk's guitar tone, and solos, are starting to sound rather embarasing :/

[@jordaonb4261]

Fenny Helgi bit like your spelling

[@h1te]

A bit like your grammar.

[@LOWPASS92]

Brilliant review bro, this is some really good work

[@MaverickMustaine]

Hetfield is Metallica. He tracks all guitars on albums (but Hammett's solo). He is the songwriter, all others are replaceable. He should play the drums also. Ulrich started tracking the album in 2008, just finished. 2/5

[@RefreshTheDemon96]

Wrong dude , ever since load , Kirk has been tracking his rhythm parts aswell... Hetlfield might still come up with most of the riffs but Hammet has been since Load tracking the right audio channel on rhythm.....

[@Northernmight]

Musically, maybe, but as far as i know, Lars has always kind of been the decision-maker and band-leader type, and given the level of success they've had, i can't help but think he's pretty damn good at what he does, somehow :P

[@MaverickMustaine]

Northernmight business wise yes

[@glennford5659]

Watch them in the studio, James creates riffs by the hundreds. Lars takes those riffs and structures songs out of them. He organizes everything for Metallica even their song parts. No James, no Lars no Metallica.

[@chadgautier2864]

He is a better drummer but he can't sing. His vocals are way to far in the mix. Lars drags this album down. Kirk is kirk. Decent but works the music outline pretty good. Robert is such an amazing basses.so under used. But I thought this review was on the kind side. These songs could have been shorter and punchier.but it just falls into another Metallica release. Enjoy it might be another 10 years before you get another

[@nicholson9899]

I don't usually care for album reviews, but this is great! When I got the album, I didn't notice the drumming because I could only hear the RIFFS!! Haha either way I'm gonna subscribe now.