Classical Composer Reacts to To Live Is To Die (Metallica) | The Daily Doug (Episode 281)

[@Arrow2theACL]

Fantastic reaction as a tribute to Cliff Burton. Thanks Doug.

[@HighlanderNorth1]

Next option? One of the better, more complex tracks off the album, its title track, "And Justice For All". 😉👍

[@jesusbravo7523]

There’s no strings in the song, is guitars using the volume knob, listen well!

[@suprchickn7745]

Cliff made Metallica what they were. RIP Cliff

[@TheSaintberzerker]

Cliff had nothing to do with To Live is To Die.

[@ccvarndell]

@@TheSaintberzerker lmao what world do you live in?

[@leec6810]

Been listening to Metallica for about 30 years and the middle of this song still gets me every time.

[@keithmorgan1170]

Me too, brother.

[@purehevol]

I played that at my nanny’s funeral during the eulogy …… like you it get me every time …… but it warms my heart

[@noellzy]

Been my favourite Metallica song since I first heard it in 89. That solo after the acoustic interlude still punches me in the chest.

[@corrosivecabal]

Every time, goosebumps.

[@gnemois]

couldn't agree more.. it gets me too..

[@colemantrebor6574]

It's nice to know that Mikael Akerfeld from Opeth once played the clean riff from the middle section at a concert and then told the audience: "if it wasn't for that lick, Opeth wouldn't be around".

[@guennille]

Do you have a link to that concert?

[@brianwilliams9462]

Never heard that, but that makes so much sense

[@alexkenley1]

wow that makes so much sense

[@despot666]

I find that all of early Metallica’s acoustic/clean parts are incredibly beautiful. To me it’s one of the most important things that sets them apart from so many two- dimensional metal bands of the era.

[@kokusho1]

@@guennille kzbin.info/www/bejne/pXypc6FjbpySb80

[@bullycrusher8618]

It's a masterpiece. I heard this at 17. I had just lost my mother and father to tragedy. This was one of the songs that helped me through it.

[@Ilshatey]

Sad to hear that. I hope you're doing well.

[@alfiezenith527]

I’m so sorry to hear that, hope you’re okay

[@mdott93]

❤️

[@andreapellegrini6742]

stay strong mate

[@MadMaXCOD-pi4dy]

Sad to hear this. God bless you

[@ChiselledK1990]

James and Kirk’s harmonised volume swells were so beautiful that an actual classical composer thought they were strings.

[@captaindein33]

Absolutely right. I do believe they are reversed as well.

[@Fireglo]

It's hilarious that idiots on here think it's Jason. 😂

[@elcapitan549]

Exactly right.

[@rng_offline9182]

@@Fireglolook at 4:00 at the live version that Metallica posted of to live is to die. It’s not Jason doing it but rob does them.

[@erikhicks6184]

I mean, it is played on strings

[@travischarlessmithOKC]

"To Live is to Die" is a masterpiece, and further demonstrates why Metallica is so much more than a simple thrash metal, but really conquered the summa bonum of metal

[@eetfuk3571]

people hated that fact that they didn't stayed in thrash metal because they are evolving as a musician as well. they also ignored the fact that Megadeth, Anthrax, and even Slayer followed the Metallica mainstream footprints lol.

[@regurgitatedapplez7388]

@@eetfuk3571 slayer is not like metallica...

[@henryr.schrader7520]

@@eetfuk3571 Slayer stayed pretty thrash I mean listen to the latest album repentless that's pretty thrash

[@williamkoscielniak7871]

Indeed. Metallica's melodies, harmonies, and compositions were way ahead of the curve. There was a romantic-classical element (Ala Beethoven, Wagner, etc.) that other thrash metal bands didn't have. James Hetfield has a knack for writing melodic riffs, Cliff had a brilliant understanding of harmony, Kirk is drawn towards melody in his solos', and Lars seems disposed towards long, epic arrangements.

[@gweiloxiu9862]

Cliff's absence is, to me, painfully clear in the albums following this one. It just isn't as nuanced in sound or feeling. Cliff brought the progressive element to Metallica, which always kept things fresh and interesting. I think this song is a peek at where the band was evolving to with Cliff, and which it really fell short of after his passing. With Cliff= 2 years between albums, without Cliff = 3++++ and it just gets longer and longer. It's way more than going from thrash to demithrash; the creative soul of the band had been ripped out and cannot be replaced. All of course, my opinion. We each are entitled to our own.

[@anthonycatron646]

The thing is, To live is to Die fades out with this really calming acoustic guitar and it makes you feel all is well but then the album goes right into Dyers Eve which scares the hell out of you. Which it should. You have to listen to the two songs back to back on your own time, it’s great.

[@jcdenton616]

I think Dyers Eve would blow Doug's brain out lol. Especially after To Live Is To Die!

[@BannedPhotoshop]

great point

[@michaeldunn5695]

+1

[@WastelandBowman]

Every moment if solace is ended by the pain.

[@maximummatt73]

Dyer's Eve is up there with Fight Fire With Fire, Battery and Damage Inc in terms of intensity and complexity

[@colbygentry9210]

9:35 that isn’t a violin, that is actually an electric guitar using a technique called a volume swell. where you use vibrato to let a note ring out then turn your volume on a bit. it gives that fade in and out feel as if it were a violin.

[@onebakedwalrus]

I was going to say that!^^ I learned that trick specifically for this song in the early 90s. One of the most feels hitting songs ever.

[@jayw5306]

I love that Kirk used the technique so effectively that he fooled an actual composer.

[@ebom8406]

it was recorded by cliff on bass using volume swell and a bunch of other effects

[@Pirustae]

You can use a pedal also for that

[@MarcusL1995]

Mike oldfleld use this trick most of the time

[@mikehawke2374]

"They're in E minor" - That's how you know it's Metallica. Loved the reaction to the beginning of the interlude. More than 30 years later, it still gives me goosebumps.

[@larrycardlock5876]

“YEAAHH E MINOR E MINOR!”

[@Eggy-im1zg]

@@larrycardlock5876 love that reference loll

[@BoopnBingnBop]

@@larrycardlock5876😪

[@MattH-wg7ou]

Same, that intro and interlude gets me every time. Just something about it! Especially with the drums. Orion is another great!

[@JasonJohnsonMa]

anyone who plays guitar loves this comment.. literally everything is in e minor lol

[@everpolo29]

Everyone talks about the beautiful clean interlude, but no one mentions how powerful/breaking is the harmony before and how it kicks in at 8:34. Those guitars are crying, man.

[@blackened1231]

Finaly somebody intepreted this part as me, it always remind me of crying. Hell, 20 years it gives tears to me eyes, still dont know why, it's just that sad melodic music vibe, I guess...

[@christopherdaniels3927]

While my guitar gently weeps.

[@Thirdiii2002]

Exactly. Its a musical interpretation of the emotional journey in having and losing Cliff.

[@wodzjar]

In `87 when they did this part live…. Ohhh man!!!! Jason started it and the rest joined in. They sat down on the stairs and the rest turned as an intro for puppets. But this part was the point…

[@av3nger3]

Yes they are.

[@metalmaniac8640]

James Hetfield wrote some of the most beautifully composed music to ever be played.

[@RobwLPOC]

And he is a pretty humble dude. He was in disbelief and just about in tears with emotion when Elton John told him that He thought nothing else matters is one of the greatest songs ever written.

[@cripplingdebt224]

Absolutely! I'm getting "Papa Het" tattoed when he eventually passes :/

[@vincent2053]

@@cripplingdebt224 That was a bummer

[@Artaxerxes.]

you're kidding right

[@iamblue9976]

@@Artaxerxes. wym?

[@drivers99]

The ending really needs to be heard in the context of the album where Dyer’s Eve just takes over abruptly (and intensely). Yeah you’re right in noticing that.

[@mikeanthony6520]

Just like Orion goes into Damage Inc and Anesthesia goes into Whiplash. Frantic not so much into Kutulu

[@drivers99]

@@mikeanthony6520 oh, yeah!

[@mikeanthony6520]

@Donald Rivers, yes if you listen to each of the pair of songs the blend well with eachother. You should give it a listen and share your opinion. Oh yeah, your facial expression on the breakdown was priceless.

[@LiquidShadows]

One hundred percent. I remember when I first listened to "...And Justice For All" when I was 12, I traded my "Black Album" for it. I was just grooving to this song and then BOOM! "Dyer's Eve" just comes in and kicks you in the teeth. It straight-up startled me the first time I heard it. 😂

[@jimofthenorth8090]

yeah man I had to go listen to Dyer's Eve afterwards :) du du du du du du

[@scorpionking4012]

That song is a masterpiece, and going straight into “Dyers Eve” which is a great album closer!!!

[@garettturbettmusic]

My favourite Metallica song!

[@Rizzlord59]

@@garettturbettmusic fucking same man, so underrated compared to the hits. All these “new” fans have no idea what a banger Dyers eve is 🤘

[@Torquemonster440]

Yep.. talk about an abrupt transition!! 🤯 I love AJFA so much. What a masterpiece.

[@mrastronaut9078]

@@garettturbettmusic i love it, but it’s a bit emo right? But the sheer anger… that’s why i love it. They sounded angry well before that. Ride the lightning was a very angry album, and so was master. But idk. James sounds legit mad and furious on that song. Like he’s not just singing, he’s legit crying in a rage of fury. That’s why i love it. The lyrics are kinda cringe, the riff is good, but the energy is just so raw and angry. Like actually angry, not just depicting something for art, but rather he was really actually angry that day at the studio. And i can really feel it on that song.

[@smartdud]

What are you yapping about "emo"​@mrastronaut9078

[@dosobrain]

There is something magical when James rips out a solo

[@ScoobieSwisher7413]

Never heard him do so.

[@kevlar1482]

@@ScoobieSwisher7413 He plays about 20 or so solos throughout their entire discography.

[@bradyguerin5525]

@@ScoobieSwisher7413 main one you probably know is on nothing else matters

[@ScoobieSwisher7413]

@@bradyguerin5525 How is that injury healing up?

[@ImThe5thKing]

@@ScoobieSwisher7413 Nothing Else Matters, Master of Puppets interlude, Solo 2 on this song, there's quite a few but those 3 I'd say are the most well known ones.

[@Workin2anEarlyGrave]

That interlude arpeggio is the most melancholic melody ever. Play this when you feel like shit and it talks to you, shows empathy to your emotions. As the great Jose Feliciano said, “she just listens to me, her music means more to me from any other woman I had known.”

[@Nebtor]

Facts brother. This riff helps me everytime :')

[@ilikethekeyofE]

Part of Metallica’s “magic” is the song sequencing on each album. This blasts straight into Dyer’s Eve and you get to hear pure anger from James. Powerful stuff my friend.

[@WastelandBowman]

Album sequencing has gotten less and less important now. Fans usually get the albums for one or two songs. Used to have to buy the whole thing and listen to it through. A lot of us musicians still sequence their records in the order they work best but only we notice lol

[@flightofthebumblebee9529]

@@WastelandBowman not always. The new Maiden album flows nicely. Even the new Rob Zombie album does too. Some people are still real musicians and not just KZbin sensations trying to sell one track online or some crap.

[@shinybeast8946]

Metalica should of kept their classical influence after Justice, it was such a great combo with their rock sound.

[@n0madtv]

This is probably the most overlooked aspect of Metallica's storytelling style. And Justice for All, in particular, is a poem unto itself. IMO, this album was the last of Metallica's masterpiece suite.

[@Deaconphish]

Kind of like Anesthesia (Pulling Teeth) and Whiplash?

[@executor317]

The slow intro, written in a Spanish style,repeats like an infinite memory - over and over again... The heavier part: A symbol for the loss and aggressions they felt. Solo #1: Kirk's feelings can be heard in every string he hits. The slow part: The slow part which sounds very silent is now including more harmonies - acceptance of the loss and the will to carry on... Solo #2: It is a kind of a laid back and more harmonized solo - It's representing how deep the death of Cliff Burton has touched them. The heavy part again: They tribute Cliff in doing what Cliff would want from them: To carry on with the music. The outro: Exactly the same as the intro - symbolizing that the song (the memory on Cliff) won't ever have an end. The last riff is cut which is symbolizing Cliff's life - cut short at such a young age.

[@radpeak1297]

thank you for putting my thoughts in words

[@shawnslay4751]

Awesome I felt the same...

[@staatsanwaltschaftemskirch4709]

Wow

[@goosefukulardeath7300]

That was very beautiful . I teared up reading it

[@simonjones2645]

Best description everrr !

[@kimpelalltheway51]

“Cannot the kingdom of salvation take me home”-the final lyric-is Cliff’s epitaph.

[@Squic83]

When a song manage to get you emotional without words, it ascends into music Olympus

[@mericaactual3030]

Metallicas MOST underrated album. I can’t get enough, start to finish.

[@Pirustae]

Ah stop this "underrated" bullshit already. You're one of those who use that for attention but say nothing. It's just the bass absence which people often criticize. Everything else is perfect.

[@josephyoung7592]

I disagree about the underrated aspect. This is my outright favourite Metallica album.

[@ElonMusk-cc2fy]

Nope, isnt underrated, is, after RTL and MOP, the best album from Metallica

[@19jobbin86]

It’s underrated in the way that it could’ve been their best if produced and mixed in a different way.

[@hank35682]

@@19jobbin86 it already Is their best besides RTL lol the production is perfect raw and polished the perfect garage album this is what st anger could’ve been if it had solos and better mixing plus the drums make the whole mix sound muddy as shit but I still do love st anger for what it is

[@lukewoodworth2101]

They literally lost a brother the story kirk tolled of him hearing james yelling and crying outside the hotel at night drunk "cliff where are you cliff" and that making kirk breakdown is one of the most heart wrenching story's I've ever heard.

[@suprchickn7745]

I never heard that. Heartwrenching loss!

[@kamilfingr371]

If you listen carefuly, you can hear guitar yelling "Cliff where are you" from 7:01

[@Ilshatey]

@@suprchickn7745 I think it's told in Metallica: Behind the Music. I felt that.

[@ghengisdong6714]

@@kamilfingr371damn! I didn’t notice that until you pointed it out. Excellent catch.

[@truthcantbesilenced4533]

Just no consoling any of us, starting with James.

[@anemicroyalty8764]

This song honestly might be the most underrated masterpiece in modern music history. It transcends genre and time, and evokes the rawest of emotions in the most epic, yet accessible of ways. At the very least it’s the greatest tragic song I’ve ever heard.

[@brianomoli4]

I couldn’t agree more. Well said😀

[@DarthGandalftheBlack]

This song is so special. You can really feel the sadness, anger, and lament they felt at his death. He was a very special musician, and I’m guessing an amazing friend and band mate. I can only speculate, but you really can’t write such amazing, emotionally connected music unless that person was pretty damn special. This song really hits me in the feels when I listen to it. I’m glad you like and appreciate their music! And this arguably one of their best ❤️

[@claudelwashington3725]

And Justice for All is the best metal album of all time IMO. There's not a bad song on that album. And To Live is to Die is an absolute musical masterpiece.

[@rossbooth4635]

100% Metallica's best and most underrated album.

[@notrueface]

I love watching this guy discover the power in metallica. You can just see it in his eyes and face.

[@Aquila81]

9:02 everybody's face, hearing that break... 😲 🤟😁 "To live is to die" is a total masterpiece,,, RIP Cliff ☦ 🎸 🎶 ☦

[@SimoExMachina2]

The death of my wife at a fatal car crash was very much a shock too. This song encapsulates many of those same feelings that I have now, about a month after the incident. These songs I would listen as a teenager and young adult, come back to me with whole new meanings.

[@Chiro_ASMR]

So sorry to hear that

[@adriannephilpott]

So sorry for your loss.

[@Huddle_House56]

Metallica has 1 more true instrumental called “Suicide And Redemption” if you’re interested in capping off the 4 Metallica instrumentals. It even features a solo by James just like this one which is rare! Great tune!

[@AR15OFFICIAL]

I love the bass tone and the riff Rob is playing at the beginning...I'm trying to learn it for weeks now on my bass

[@KJF-ny]

And I usually lump My Friend of Misery and Bleeding Me into the "instrumental" songs.

[@AR15OFFICIAL]

@@KJF-ny i have problems playing the intro and solos lol

[@cyntogia]

Anesthesia, off of their first album.

[@esteban280889]

There is 5. Anesthesia also. Too bad my friend of misrey didn't stay instrumental

[@whimsyxoxo]

Hands down the best song by Metallica. So many feels. This is a masterpiece.

[@WallBreakerOfficial]

I never understood why this song made me want to cry until I learned the context of its creation. All the stages of grief encapsulated in it, it all made sense then.

[@drsilkman]

What it is, is a musical masterpiece that portrays the peace, anger, pain and ultimately the resolution of losing a much loved one. Genius.

[@vikguitarbackingtracks]

James’ solo is giving me goosebumps every time I listen to it. Been listening to ‘tallica for 35 years. And still. This song is a songwriting masterpeice.

[@blipowicz]

this song really tells a story of pain, suffering and sadness. it starts off with the clean guitars kind of like he said just everything is as it should be, then out of nowhere everything changes. then around the end of the solo i notice it feels like trying to fight off the sadness and keep the rage and anger alive to keep from being sad but as the second part of clean guitars comes in, that’s when the wall falls. that’s when everything comes caving in and sadness emerges. but it got back up and ended as it started. learning to get through the grief and go on as things were.

[@phantumgrey]

I remember the first time I heard that middle section around the 4:29 mark (is the song not this video) as an emotionally fueled teenager it actually made me cry. One of my favorite quotes by James Hetfield “it means a lot to me that my darkness can connect with your darkness, and make it ok”

[@MaxwellJacobFriedman_MJF]

One of the most beautiful pieces of music ever written. It’s unbelievable the journey that song takes you on. Just fucking brilliant.

[@GuardianKnightoftheRealm]

The Metallica instrumentals really start with Anesthesia (Pulling Teeth) from Kill'em all. It is pure Cliff.

[@buddismackit]

This song blew my mind taught me that a bass was as cool or cooler than a 6string

[@kevinlee92265]

When Cliff died, I was devastated. Your interpretation of this song breathes new life into it for me. Now, I must play along on my Les Paul with it and learn

[@JoseyStranded]

That classical guitar intro and outro is one of the most beautiful and sad melodies ever composed in my opinion. Been listening to Metallica since mid eighties. That very melody always touches me deeply.

[@MattThomasLondon]

couldn't agree more

[@austingrunig5183]

Cliff Burton is the main reason I started playing guitar, when I first heard anesthesia I thought it was electric guitar not bass and was blown away that he could create such sound as compared to Hendrix or EVH. He was definitely beyond his time as far as skill, speed and creativity. Gone too soon 😔 RIP

[@oub4a]

Had he lived, I think he would have changed the band's trajectory if not metal music. His interest and knowledge of a variety of genres that would have been incorporated.

[@mqb17]

To Live is to Die has always been my favorite Metallica song. Glad you gave it a listen.

[@romandoo]

This song going directly to Dyers Eve is absolutely mesmerizing. Love AJFA.

[@thetribalist6923]

I love the return to the intro for the outro . What really makes it effective is the guitar is now playing alone, whereas the intro had drums and guitar. It really sells the isolation and loneliness of grieving.

[@COMBATACE1]

I shed some tears watching your reaction. You legitimately pin point every single aspect of the song. You got the whole thing. Wow

[@toddfisher7960]

You’re easily impressed.

[@harbinger8035]

Beautiful And Justice for All is my favorite Metallica album. Very underrated.

[@joeyxl3456]

Best thrash metal album ever

[@Nothing-6-337]

For ove 30 years, I have said this is one of the most emotional songs ever written. Not just Metallica, but overall. And it was only 10 years ago I learned this was a tribute to Cliff. This song has brought tears to my eyes.

[@thrashnicity5913]

I feel so sad and peaceful at the same time when I am listening to this song. Also the short poetic lyrics in the middle are so powerful. This is a masterpiece

[@joeymunson2245]

Most reactors don't do their homework before hand . . You clearly do. Best reactor out there . . Thank you. \m/😎\m/

[@tumpe6500]

Great example of heavy use of guitar harmonies throughout the song, it's something that Cliff introduced to the band when he joined. And damn that china sounds so musical compared to later years of Lars' recordings.

[@KahnSkins]

That cut to the classical in the middle brings me to fricken tears every time.

[@tywinders7628]

I love your perspective. Makes me feel like I listen to metal correctly. I've always listened beyond the head banging and appreciated the musicianship.

[@sammittal39]

One of the most underrated songs of Metallica

[@ptengstedt]

No

[@cosmemendez6608]

Literally not underrated in the slightest by anyone.

[@davidecipriano8046]

Great tribute to the great cliff. Thank you a lot man, really appreciated. Now it only remains the Kill 'Em All instrumental "Anesthesia (pulling teeth)" from Cliff. I think you could also appreciate "the outlaw torn"

[@doubledano6526]

Pulling teeth and to live is to die are like bookends, running right into the next song. Amazing

[@eddieg430]

Would love for him to do outlaw torn...I can listen to that song over and over.

[@zacharyhusk4649]

You're forgetting about suicide and redemption

[@davidecipriano8046]

@@zacharyhusk4649 yeah I know that.. I left it on reason because it's more a heavy song and maybe "less" melodic, except for the middle part.. I think it has less interesting melodies than the other two songs that I mentioned

[@wirsig3675]

@@davidecipriano8046 just because you don't think it's "melodic" doesn't mean you can just leave it out as an instrumental

[@Aidan.w]

Omggg i clicked the second I saw the notification. This is my all time favourite Metallica song! The gentle section in the middle never fails to give me goosebumps. I'd only consider myself an average Metallica fan but this is their masterpiece in my opinion. Your videos really are a treat, Doug! Edit: The original mix is more brittle sounding, similar to that you weren't so keen on in your Blackened reaction video. This 2018 mix i would argue is more thunderous but less harsh to the ears. The only thing i do prefer about the original mix is that the ending during the soft acoustic reprise cuts off completely abruptly to silence out of nowhere, rather than a rapid fade out and it really makes you say "Woah!".

[@standepain]

Nice avatar. Would be great to see this guy cover one of their songs.

[@Aceries_]

I first listening to this album when I was about 10. I didn't have any of the musical knowledge, I just coped with metal a lot through my younger years. This song just always had this profound effect on me that could just make me cry, but a healing sort of cry and I never knew why. This album was one of the only possessions I had and I remember every bit of every song. I even remember the specific drum fills for each track. Its such a strange thing that now I can watch someone else react to such an intimate thing to me personally and watch them have their version of a profound feeling to it like I did. Music is so beautiful and I feel honored that it gives me the chance to have these moments, even with strangers on the internet.

[@tonydoinstuff]

9:01 This part gives me chills every time. Such an amazing range of emotions conveyed just through the music. Love your analyses btw! Great channel!

[@payblo2734]

I love how primal and simple the main riff is, it just feels like raw emotion. Edit: is it possible you could do an analysis of pantera’s cemetery gates? It’s a beautiful ballad with some great parts, I think you might enjoy listening to it.

[@RobbieFitzgerald]

If he sees this, Doug please get the full song and not the video version!

[@towball0535]

although I've never been a fan of this track as a whole, that middle section is the most beautiful piece of music the band has done. Just audible bliss. Wish there was more like it. In saying that, the rarity is what makes it stand out.

[@darkstar8196]

Out of curiosity, any idea why you never cared much for this song?

[@neilpatrickhairless]

You're not wrong

[@ryanforsythe8923]

I think it’s a masterpiece as a whole, but that middle section is definitely the best part.

[@MaggaraMarine]

Totally agree. The middle section is great. But I find the heavy section to be a bit too repetitive, not interesting enough to justify those repeats (and the same also applies to the intro - it's cool but there isn't enough development to justify its length). I also find the transitions between the sections to be a bit awkward. It kind of feels like 3 separate songs instead of a single continuous piece of music. But yes, the middle section is great - definitely one of their best melodies.

[@thelieinbelieve6594]

No violins...it's a guitar swell. You hit the note with the volume low and turn it up to get the swell sound. This song hits me every time. RIP Cliff.♥️

[@rossbooth4635]

This is Metallica's best album. It doesn't get the love it deserves.

[@chiyanrealestate]

Who grew up just staring at the album cover from front to back when you listening to awesome music and let your mind take away?

[@jasonseth376]

I’ve got to say that I’ve heard this song over a thousand times in the past 30 plus years, and your interpretation of what it means hit me in the feels tonight. Thank you.

[@ukaszkiebasa2842]

“That must go in to the next song” - and it does. UUUGHH how it does. It allways blows my mind \m/ It is like 2 songs in one for me.

[@cujosephwalker9707]

My favorite Metallica song. I remember the first time I heard that melodic breakdown in the middle, I felt like my whole life was being summed up in that 10 seconds lol. So cool to see someone with musical knowledge talk about this song.

[@eborlando]

Doug, you not only analyse music as a muscian, but as an overall artist that appreciates all the sides a song may have, it is wonderful. From a metal fan with respect and appreciation :)

[@DC.Gaming.37]

I've been obsessed with that little throwaway chromatic bluesly riff they just casually throw in a couple of times in this song for my entire life. THIS song, along with "Orion," out of all of them, is the distilled, concentrated essence of What "Metallica" Is. And thank you for being able to understand the music just by listening to it.

[@yessir6427]

the 2 3 2 5 2 3 2 5?

[@DC.Gaming.37]

@@yessir6427 In this video it first appears at 6:37 it's just a short breakdown, only a couple of bars each time, but the jarring change in tempo and groove just grabs me. That riff would be an entire Pantera song in their hands, but for Metallica it's just a throwaway.

[@fadetounforgiven]

As one of those who commented on that video (and Orion's as well) suggesting this song, thank you, thank you very much indeed. I'm not into "reaction videos", but somehow a while ago KZbin suggested me your channel and, well, it's not the same when the guy (that's you) talking knows what's he's talking about. Thank you. As a MetallicA fan, I have to say there's one instrumental left most people forget about and that's "Suicide & Redemption" from "Death Magnetic" back in 2008. All I can say without spoiling it for you is that it's a totally different animal (it's 20 years after the song in this video, even a few years more since "Orion" and "Ktulu") and I think you would need more letters than a, b and c to tell its sections apart. Again, it has nothing to do with this "classical trio" of instrumentals but it is, to me, an unexpected gem, as it's their only instrumental for the last 33 years. Again, thank you.

[@Gnug215]

James' solo in the middle is, in my humble opinion, pretty much the best (in terms of emotiveness) solo ever.

[@sinancrnagoro]

0:00 Humble Beginnings 0:55 The Rise in Fame 4:29 The Death 4:56 The News Spreads/Quiet Morning 5:51 The Mourning/When Tears are Shed 6:46 The Anger/Doubt/Acceptance 7:30 The Continuation 9:05 Humble Endings

[@ericstoecker2096]

Yep

[@dishy9366]

Just curious, I don’t remember seeing this breakdown on the CD sleeve when I had it.. where did you find this? Very cool

[@katiegwynn4495]

I'm 49, been listening to these guys since I was around 13. Thank you for bringing details to my attention! At this point, I didn't think there was anything more to hear

[@stefanopino9309]

Thank you, Doug. I have appreciated so much your reaction and your interpretation. It felt like listening to a song I love with a friend.

[@MV-tj1cq]

Saw Metallica for the first time in 1986 for Master of Puppets tour in Brussels Belgium…..haven’t stopped to adore them since!!! The middle part is really breathtaking!!!!🤟

[@aaronvanriffenberg]

This is fantastic Doug !! One I’ve wanted you to do for a while. Hope you enjoyed this 👏 😊

[@jeyycie3656]

for the riff that mimics violin, it's actually guitars but with a volume pedal or volume knob being cut in and off softly.

[@csaiz8847]

This is my favorite Metallica Album. Super heavy and pissed off sounding. This song is one of my absolute favorites of all time. Especially the clean melodic piece in the middle of the song. Thank you for posting this video. I love it.

[@BergerMeister76]

I absolutely love this song. Always been one of my favorite songs by Metallica. Thank you for reacting to it.

[@supernicko123]

This song is an amazing tribute to Cliff. One other instrumental that gets overlooked a lot is Suicide and Redemption from Death Magnetic, it is structured similarly to this song.

[@BareYoga]

I like how you comment in the moment. Many will stop the track and talk, which often is my cue to move on. I love your appreciation and open-mindedness to "music".

[@plebisMaximus]

Best music reaction I've seen yet. You know not to pause a piece to talk, you have an understanding of the art. Good shit, thanks man.

[@johnd5398]

They pause the songs to avoid copyright take-downs. He'll be lucky if this stays up.

[@Visrex2344]

One of the most forgotten songs by them. When i was 13 I wore this out in the cassette player. Lol

[@jeremiahscarlett1784]

Idk who you've been talking to, but this is far from forgotten.

[@robertjaros5380]

I also wore this out on the tape.

[@alcalu]

LOL??? What, exactly, were you 'laughing at loud' at? Are you 12?

[@spazap]

​@@alcalu chill out gramps take your meds

[@alcalu]

@SpaZap , was that supposed to be funny? Make a stupid comment and that makes you right? Your parents/teachers MUST be proud of you.

[@zachw2538]

The bridge section to this track is so good words fail me. It's one of the reasons i play music and its one of the few pieces that still raise the hair on my neck after 30+ years. As good or better than any classical piece ever written in the history of ever.

[@rickscott8756]

I always thought of the beginning and end of the song as "walls" to the middle of it. It's like the band allows you to pass through them to reach the vulnerability they feel toward Cliff and his death. It is one of the most well executed moments of somber I have ever heard in music. Aside from the spoken part and feel of the song, I have often wondered what Cliff's contributions were. I know he was involved in the arrangement of much of their past music and am pretty sure he contributed to more than just bass. I wouldn't be surprised if a riff or two or more were written by him.

[@marinos1977]

WOW. Been listening to this for 30 years and what you said at 6:40 gave me goosebumps. On your first listen!

[@nauj976431]

Me too

[@TheTheaterdreamer]

First listen my ass 🤣🤣

[@8tonystark8]

1. The slow introduction: it symbolizes the feeling of aggression and loss that the band suffers due to their loss. 2. Solo #1: represents the whole feeling of anger of Kirk Hammett. 3. The interlude (slow part of the intro): it represents the acceptance of the loss of the 3 remaining members, and the going forward in their honor. 4. Solo # 2: represents how deeply the death of Cliff Burton has affected them. 5. On the return of the heavy part, they pay tribute to Cliff by reading the poem, his last composition, and continue with the tribute doing just what Cliff would have expected of them, to move forward with the music. 6. Upon reaching the end, the song returns to the classic style of the introduction, symbolizing the memory of Cliff, which will never end. The final riff is suddenly interrupted, symbolizing the end of Cliff's life, cut short by death at such a young age. P.S. thanks to the autor of this comment

[@timmarshall2491]

This is such a wonderful tribute to Cliff. On of my faves of theirs. 5. Only the last two lines are Cliff's

[@JungleLarry]

Adding your own interpretation and passing it off as the intent of the musicians is disingenuous and foolish. Nowhere, at any time, has any of this been said except in your comment.

[@alexwood292]

@@JungleLarry it has been said a lot actually. Just by no one except the same people that read too much into marvel movies...

[@timmarshall2491]

@Bugs Bunny No. If you can't produce the evidence it's from a movie then stfu.

[@tedbell6708]

@@timmarshall2491 The line, "These are the pale deaths which men miscall their lives" comes from the book Lord Foul's Bane, Book One of the series "The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant the Unbeliever" by Stephen R. Donaldson. In the book, the main character decides to write a poem to amuse himself. The full poem is as follows: These are the pale deaths which men miscall their lives: for all the scents of green things growing, each breath is but an exhalation of the grave Bodies jerk like puppet corpses, and hell walks laughing

[@ghengisdong6714]

This song is an amalgamation of emotions, I was going to go into this big long thing but as I was typing it out he said exactly what I was typing.. So many emotions, so many feelings and reactions. Who knew a song without words could speak to you in so many ways.

[@groovelife415]

I know this was posted 2 years ago, but I just discovered your channel. I am extremely excited to find a reactor that has theoretical knowledge, and can blend the excitement of listening to new music and weave in theory so naturally. I'm looking forward to watching your reactions!

[@Arrow2theACL]

Check the daily Doug Directory for a list of reactions. It's in this video's description.

[@paulmoran7026]

I have always found the central section so melancholic and moving….I listen to it when I need to feel that way.

[@EltoV]

I had the rare occasion to see them play this song live. The plucked part is played by James with his wah pedal wide open and the "violin part" is played by Kirk on guitar while opening and closing the volume knobs on his guitar. It may be that in the studio version he used a volume pedal though... Anyways, thanks for your video and comments on this epic piece! It is considered as a true tribute to Cliff Burton.

[@ThePinkfloyd8686]

You’re a liar, it’s never been played live in full

[@kowxley1793]

@@ThePinkfloyd8686 yes it has, in 2011

[@RobbieFitzgerald]

I had never considered this song in this way so thank you for that. Youve made me love it even more. And I agree that its their best instrumental.

[@thesociophobe8425]

I started music with a bass guitar 28 years ago and at the time Metallica was the big thing so I learnt to play their early albums up to Master Of Puppets. About a decade later I was intensely studying music theory and realised how much Cliff influenced me, the arpeggios, key changes, timing changes...all those things I'd already learnt but didn't understand at the time suddenly gained clarity and for that I will be forever thankful.

[@RaterisimoCBA]

Wonderful song, beautiful composition. Amazes me how 20 year old guys could compose this way as if they had 30 year experience doing it. Great that you're into MetallicA my first metal band and the one I always come back to. Thanks Doug !

[@jamesstaggs4160]

To me instrumentals, especially long instrumentals, can get very boring very fast, but the tracks from Metallica's first four are phenomenal, and this one is the king. My God the way it just drops out right in the middle of the song is just magic.

[@ChrisRash]

You have to do Dyer's Eve next. Those are the rules.

[@garettturbettmusic]

My favourite Metallica song!

[@DiegoBattini]

Haha, that´s right!

[@aaronmullenix5409]

Agreed

[@Lemon-rk9hq]

Also Blackened,One,And justice for all,Eye of the beholder,and Harvester or Sorrow

[@drivers99]

The “strings” are guitars (bass actually*) where you turn up the volume on each note by hand after the note is plucked.

[@frfoljek68]

It’s actually a bass! The only time it’s really audible on the album

[@bored7772]

@@frfoljek68 its audible in and justice for all (the song)

[@chassy50]

@@bored7772 and blackened, eye of the beholder, shortest straw, one, frayed ends of sanity, dyers eve, harvester of sorrow and as the original commenter said to live is to die

[@MrScrofulous]

Volume swells.

[@phadrus]

Could have sworn I read years ago that this was Kirk doing the vol swells on his guitar. When I do it on guitar it sounds pretty much like the album. They are some funky intervals, two notes per swell.

[@JamesDavis-jd1oq]

I've been a fan of this song since 1988. Nice to see a breakdown/appreciation of it.

[@danbrydon928]

Doug you articulate exactly why we as Metallica fans love their music. So as I’m listening I’m pulling these exact faces appreciating all the nuances. But to understand all the musical terms of why we enjoy this is fascinating and makes so much sense. Really enlightening.

[@musikinspektorcom]

Long time Metallica fan here. Great to rediscover and even learn something new about this song.

[@robertheaney1685]

To Live is to Die is great. I am more of Orion person of the big three instrumentals Metallica did; mostly because Orion makes you almost feel like Stanley Kubrick's movie 2001 space scenes. Such a majestic and at same time, ethereal song. Still "To Live is to die" is great great song. I could see why people would put this song as Metallica's best instrumental.

[@Brennan0914]

"Cannot the kingdom of salvation take me home." - Makes my hairs stand on end everytime.

[@JoseJr1977]

THIS IS SO BEAUTIFUL AND INTENSE

[@benjammin9369]

The way you just go, F#, that's a G... now to A, makes me so envious, I wish my ear was that good.