Metallica, Master Of Puppets - A Classical Musician’s First Listen and Analysis

[@FloridaHammer]

You will enjoy Orion from this album.

[@LuddyVonBeat]

Love Orion. The middle section has a part that reminds me of of Portuguese Fado. Fade to Black another favorite.

Seek and destroy.

[@zimmy4868]

And Sanitarium also

[@sergeantbigmac]

I really like Metallica's older instrumentals, James doesnt get the credit he deserves as a guitarist.

[@breadmoth6443]

she ABSOLUTELY needs to listen to Orion, and then The Call of Ktulu from Ride the Lightning - 2 incredible instrumentals.

[@RodJames-official]

The interlude is so special. Representing the High and the Ecstasy of the drug - only to come down a short time later and the intensity picks back up as the cravings come. It is so well done.

[@bafumat]

A special song for those who know have seen and delt with this in themselves and others. The cycle is like clockwork.

[@szeplakiattila865]

Indeed: (first solo) high - reality kicks in again with no mercy (dram) anger and frustration... again - back to endless maze: high.....

[@VinzClorthokeymasterofGozer]

No lyrics, no Master. Just the bliss. Until it runs out.

[@MisterPoppy-sc1sj]

lol 😆it’s interpretation, the band didn’t think of this kind of thing, you intellectualize too much

[@Eric-js7od]

Yuuup, The good times.. sadness.. sadness lol

[@SonicVR12]

Who would've thought that 40 whatever years later, as a recovering addict, this song would bring tears to my eyes.

[@jasonholloway2476]

Bassist Cliff Burton (RIP) was trained in classical music. A fan of Bach. I wonder if Virgin Rock may/may not hear or notice some classical structure in Cliff's bass. While on the Master of Puppets album, the instrumental "Orion" would also be a great dissection!

[@Narnold]

IMO Cliff was Metallica, I know they didn't really blow up till the Black Album but the first three to me are the peak.

[@Georgemeister777]

No he wasn't "trained in classical music" just because he had some piano lessons or he enjoyed Bach pieces

[@mfree80286]

@@Narnold Cliff passed on enough of his knowledge that while not quite the same after his loss, Metallica continued to produce excellent music.

[@jasonholloway2476]

@Georgemeister777 yes, he was. Go see this article at guitarworld: Metallica's Lars Ulrich: What Cliff Burton Taught Us as Musicians

[@chrissibersky4617]

Orion is also the closest to the melodic part of this song. I think they all, more or less, have practiced Bach scales and theory. It's common when you play classical guitar and I suppose in metal too. To pick up speed and learn how to jump from one place to another which was common for Metallica during the Cliff era.

[@FangKaiWen]

I would LOVE to see your reaction and hear your breakdown of Sanatarium and Orion from the same album.

[@Mr.Ekshin]

I would like to see her reaction to some of the classic live performances of the music that she's only listened to thus far. The studio tracks are good and all, but you never get the real excitement that these bring when done live. Maybe Metallica in Moscow, AC/DC at River Plate, Stevie Ray at El Mocambo, EVH's famous Eruption solo, Rush live in Rio, etc

[@ToddPro]

Cool, exactly two I recommend as well, haha 🤘

[@scrolemodel]

@@Mr.Ekshin Well, you have to listen to the studio versions (and know them well) to appreciate the live versions.

[@ChristopherTreadway]

There is a classical guy that reviews Orion and Blackened.

[@marioaf85]

Be nice to see her melt to fade to black

[@itodobien1396]

I don't know how you ended up on my feed by man oh man did I love this! I found my self deep smiling in my chair watching your appreciation for one of my all time favorite songs, in ways I couldn't have imagine was just amazing. I love when 2 worlds collide with respect like this. Just amazing to watch this. I don't even typically care for 'reaction' videos but I really enjoyed this whole thing.

[@XXjg_]

She is easily the best music appreciation teacher of all time. Passionate, profound, academic, poetic, pensive, intelligent, detailed, yet fun and enjoyable. I think I dig pretty deeply in all of my music listening, yet she always reveals a new perspective or element I never thought of. ❤

[@stormy8207]

Amy had to work hard for it though and I think it is only now that it is starting to click for her. But she is a great reactor. No doubt of it.

[@AKJACKAL99709]

Almost to a fault! When she first started I feel like she came off as "classical music is superior" in her approach. However, there seemed to be a curiosity in why rock music had such a following. I feel like some conversations with her husband may have helped her start this journey. I also feel like her obvious background and the way she measures her words helps folks believe that she actually has never heard these songs previously, whereas many other reaction channels are accused of faking that aspect.

[@stormy8207]

​@@AKJACKAL99709how much of your parents or grandparents music have you heard? I thought the same thing once. The farther away from the source, the less you would hear the old stuff. Its only because of the internet that its coming back.

[@edvardm4348]

Yup, easily one of the most rich, viivid and eloquent reactions I've seen. 5/5

[@JDSquire]

Exactly! That's why I love her videos. I've been listening to some of these songs for 30+ years and I love gaining a new appreciation through her perspective.

[@tomdalsin5175]

I love how the guitar solo, twice, sounds so much like a frantic neigh of a horse. The addiction is a wild beast, taking you on a terrifying ride to a baaaad place. Or maybe you're the beast, abused and driven by a cruel rider (the addiction). Either way it fits. When I was young, this song was so edgy and cool so I loved it for that. Now that I'm older, and have some life exprience, and gone through loss, the song is an incredible, dramatic tragic story. So intense and tragic, and so wonderfully done, that tears well up when I hear it. This song, in terms of pure art, to capture the bittersweet horrors of all-too-Human tragedy, is majestic enough to get me choked up. The song is saying drugs will enslave, tortment, humiliate, and ultimately kill you... and you'll crawl and beg for more until the end. Brutal brutal stuff, and often quite true.

[@matti72033]

I've never thought about the solo sounding like a horse; that's an interesting perspective!

[@jefffeathers9116]

the contrast of a soft spoken musically informed young lady with the hard heavy sound of Metallica...bravo

[@goober8798]

It's like golf commentary for a landslide.

[@smileytownSF]

I love your open-minded, positive attitude & ability to find the successful aspects of all pieces of music. I feel like you try to honor the intentions & art form of the musicians & respect what they created. You reaffirm the best possibilities of platforms like KZbin.

[@Conan_Obrien]

15:03 Many of us would love an Amy Plays Metallica album! There are so many beautiful intros, interludes, and orchestrated sections that Amy could arrange for piano and harp. Even her take on a medley would be cool.

[@fredfredburger5150]

We forget Symphony and Metallica exists.

[@swere1240]

the into to and justice for all is still one of my favorite riffs to play its not hard just sounds amazing

[@patrickarts9091]

The slow interlude is portraying the effects of the drugs. Starts slow and wonderful. then fades into addiction and the need for more to try and recapture the feelling.

[@RyanShae-b8t]

Wow good description. 👍

[@andreasedvinsson7410]

That is kinda what stands out and what makes this so much better then every other song about drug abuse etc. It´s sung from the perspective of the drug and the addiction itself and even the interlude, not just an instrumental part but it´s a represents the high, the ecstasy and how good it makes you feel. Right after, the anger and desperation when reallity, anger and the desperation hits you and the need for a new fix comes back. What a masterpiece.

[@bluebehir]

WASP has a similar song, in that it's from the viewpoint of the drug. "Thunderhead" Thunderhead, (yes?) I am your master. Will you steal for me? Yes. Will you ruin yourself and give everything unto me? Yes. Will you lie, cheat, decieve, dishonour everything and even kill thy brother for me? Yes! Yes! Will you worship only me as your true master? YES!!! And Thunderhead, will you DIE for me? Yes Master. I'm not saying it's better than MoP. I'm just making a connection between two masterpiece songs.

[@bostonkeith1]

@@bluebehirmy aunt dated the drummer for WASP back in 1986. She was 20, living the life in CA. Pretty sure, if I remember correctly what the acronym stands for: We Are Sexual Perverts…?

[@seraphicdesigninc]

The bridge gives me chills every time. I look forward to your harp cover of that section. "Orion" next, please!

[@theghostofsw6276]

Spent weeks learning the guitar for that part......I know what a Cadd9 chord is forever...lol.

[@klasseact6663]

Saw this tour twice in 1986, they opened for Ozzy....AWESOME concert ❗️❗️

[@grahamblack1961]

I remember the summer of 1986 and this coming out. It was like nothing anyone had ever heard before. I saw them live that year as well and it was the most insane gig I ever went to. It was chaos. There was a real sense of danger about them.

[@tommc3622]

Metallica is such a household name today, it's hard to understand this was still fringe in 1986. They got almost no airplay, certainly not before 10pm. No music videos when MTV was king. Metallica was scary devil music. Lol

[@grahamblack1961]

@@tommc3622 When I saw them in 1986 it was inconceivable they would one day be considered a mainstream band. They were a totally underground band with an almost mythical status amongst those who knew about them. I don't think there was even 500 people at that gig. It was also one of Cliff Burton's last gigs about 3 weeks before he died.

[@Aaron_Kirk]

I caught the Metallica bug in the summer of '88 at the Monsters of Rock USA tour with 40k others concert goers. Never really listened to them prior to seeing them play the Master of Puppets album live on stage. I can say it was a life changing event in many ways, musically being one of them.

[@karllem531]

@@grahamblack1961 I first heard them in 1985 - I was blown away instantly (Ride the LIghtning). Went to the Damage show in 1987 there was about 4-5000 people there. THen had the fortune to go the Seattle 1989 show. That was a peak experience. WHen Justice came out I was not blown away but I liked it. When Black came out I quit and knew the run was over. At the time I was pissed they sold out. Not anymore, they did what they wanted and I respect that, and they are rich. That all said, I still love their first 3 albums and it never gets old!

[@dreadpirate3152]

Metallica’s bassist Cliff Burton was the only member in the band that was taught musical theory. Additionally, he was a classical music fanatic citing Bach and Beethoven as his influences RIP Cliff!

[@RyanShae-b8t]

Absolutely correct.

[@mikaeldk5700]

They are building a small museum/memorial where he died (in Sweden). Also, Lars' childhood home in Copenhagen is for sale.

[@edschaeffer]

I find it hard to believe Kirk Hammett had no music theory.

[@faustomadebr]

@@edschaeffer Satriani was his guitar teacher for a while, but I dont know for how long. Maybe here or by himself...

[@Kentuckywinsyoulose]

@@faustomadebr joe satriani started teaching kirk and his drummer teaching lars during ride the lightning. at the same time satriani was also instructing steve vai well before the crossroads movie excellent rock history.

[@grgr6720]

The bridge and build-up to the main tempo in combination with the lyrics...What a masterpiece.

[@JohnJano]

So true! A major masterpiece!

[@jovana_r]

I started listening to metal when I was a young teenager and I was obsessed by it, exploring all genres and going out to metal parties. Of course I was (and I still am) much into dark outfits and heavy, dark make up. The funny thing is that people were sure that I was into drugs, often even openly told me that, but the truth is that I never got any contact with it, even going to those metal parties there was no drugs. Yes, there was a lot of alcohol, but not drugs. So it has always been funny (and annoying) to me how people instantly think that I am a drug addict just because of my looks or the music I listen to. Anyway, I really enjoyed this reaction. You rock, Amy, as always! 🖤 I'm really looking forward to "The Unforgiven" tomorrow!

[@ped7g]

Meanwhile techno party culture watching this from corner, sweating and trying to remain silent and not move to attract attention... :) /jk (sort of)

[@VicRonson5150]

Alcohol IS A DRUG, though just advertised and socially acceptable

[@gagamemnonripe]

Fade to Black, please!

[@AndyTernay]

Yes, please.

[@MF______]

Nah, has no base

[@adamzeggai5506]

​@@MF______go fade to black please

[@MF______]

@@adamzeggai5506 cute 😍

[@njldst2007]

@@MF______ The bass playing in Fade to Black is actually quite stellar imo

[@princeofpcos9804]

One of the GOAT metal songs

[@scruffy3121]

While I agree I must say " g.o.a.t is also a great song but it's from polyphia".

[@drfunkology8164]

@@scruffy3121that song too has great riffs

[@WillyJackson-if6zf]

From one of the greatest metal albums of all time.

[@estet77]

Can you imagine what my musical worldview is like if Master of Puppets was the FIRST metal composition ever I heard when I was 11 years old?

[@Kentuckywinsyoulose]

@@scruffy3121 polyphia is a monster "dream theater" way i think of petrucci. cliff burton was creating a whole metal world incorporated. where damage inc. came from.

[@belvedue7892]

Please do Orion, you won’t regret it

[@dexterjankaren]

So appreciating your channel and the breaking down of these songs from someone with a trained ear as well as an open mind. Especially if you like early Metallica 😊

[@mindfuct8862]

I remember watching your first metal listening and how it visibly affected you😂 You got your metal ears on now. Always love your perspective.

[@bluebehir]

I was expecting and half hoping for a moment of shock on the opening notes. But nope, took it in stride.

[@dezene]

Metal and classical are two sides of the same coin.

[@amosglitterz2649]

Have you seen the S & M (Symphony and Metallica) concert with the San Francisco Orchestra? The behind-the-scenes footage is fascinating as the 'rockers' and the 'nerds' collaborate. The similarities between heavy metal and classical is undeniable.

[@bigham1jb]

Call of Ktulu was epic.

[@Zapattack321]

I saw a post years ago that said classical music is metal before electricity. How spot on.

[@peterbrown2112]

First time viewing you. I just subscribed to your channel. I love that a classical musician understands just how brilliant this song is. I love all music, but Metallica got me through my toughest times in my youth, and I can honestly say that the fade to black saved my life. Had just lost my girlfriend in a car crash and was ready to end my life, then I heard that song. It made me realize how selfish it would be to all those that I care for and that care for me. I've never been that low again. Sorry for twisting ears, but I've been on my sailboat alone for awhile now and this is my therapist. Everyone take care and be safe out there!❤

[@ToddPro]

Amazing reaction, really enjoyed it! One of my favorite Metallica songs, so many great ones from this album! Hope you get to Welcome Home (Sanitarium), Leper Messiah & Orion are a few of my favorites! 🤘 Keep rockin, I'm 53 and I was lucky enough to 'live' this era, awesome times!

[@sigtyr8887]

I love the different takes and things I haven't think about myself on a song I probably have heard 1000 times, that is why I tune in to this channel. I'm sure next reaction to any Metallica song will be fabulous. My wish is The Call of Ktulu, our The Unforgiven, lol.

[@carlgibson285]

Yes to both The Call Of Ktulu and The Unforgiven.

[@haterade9031]

Exploitation of chromaticism....That is wonderful, I think James himself would love that description.

[@siv8976]

😂😂yip, he could probably fit it in on blackened !!😂😂😂😂

[@MrZorzon]

Yet another masterpiece comment Amy! Tremendously enjoyed this commentary; it was so deep, intriguing and thoughtful. Music is a universal and the most soulful way of expressing the feelings. The same is true with your sophisticated commentary. Look forward to listening to the next one... Suggest te ORION for the next one! Ti is the instrumental but with a message ...

[@gianwinters]

All Hetfield’s melodies struck a universal chord. It is a gift to humanity

[@deportedsouls3165]

The string-sound is actually a guitar-playing-technique where you use the pinky to increase the volume via the knob, while hitting the string with the pick as usual.

[@VicRonson5150]

Yeah it's called a volume swell

[@LeeKennison]

Thanks for a great reaction to this Metallica classic! This one certainly belongs in your growing collection of Metallica songs you have now heard. Great commentary and closing remarks, including your comments on the guitar solo.

[@BloggerMusicMan]

When you started talking about the solos were always looking to say something beyond showmanship, I thought of these quotes about Metallica from the late Roger Scruton. He was an academic philosopher who specialized in aesthetics, and was a composer himself who had a very skeptical view of probably most pop music (FAR moreso than I do), who nevertheless liked Metallica. "When Metallica appeared at the 2014 Glastonbury festival, there was a wake-up moment of this kind - the recognition that these guys, unlike so many who had performed there, actually had something to say. Yes, there are distinctions of quality, even in the realm of pop." "I have actually been listening to quite a bit of heavy metal lately, and Metallica, I think, is genuinely talented. Master of Puppets I think has got something genuinely both poetic - violently poetic - and musical. Every now and then something like that stands out" It seems like another person with a classical background sees similar things. :)

[@willl676]

Incredible. I have read some of Scruton's work and discovered him thanks to the "Why Beauty Matters" documentary way back in the day, but never knew he enjoyed Metallica. Thanks for posting that quote of his!

Suppers ready by Genesis - longy but goody.

[@samiamten]

I seriously did not expect a Sound of Music connection in a Master of Puppets reaction. Your videos never disappoint!!

[@Greg-om2hb]

“Taste me you will see. More is all you need.” If you know, you know. Metallica’s greatest song and Hetfield’s best lyrics. The first part of the song is about the uncontrollable craving. The interlude is the relief from that craving and the high provided by the drug. The rest is about the agony and despair that inevitably follows on the way back down. To fully appreciate this album, you must be a testosterone-addled young man trying to understand his place in the world. The descending chromatic riff began as a warmup exercise first considered too stupid for creating a song. BTW, even James could down pick the riff this fast; they down-tuned the guitars and sped-up the playback.

[@Twiztedgoalie]

Inamorata is his best lyrics.

When a record is finished they take it in a room with an inverted pentagram on the floor and 5 witches 'launch it' to be successful. Fact.

[@Citizen_J]

they played it faster than this live - with the help of drugs!

[@julesbrunton1728]

To fully appreciate this album you have to be less of a dweeb

[@JerryMabrey]

Wow really, pentagram and witches and it's a fact, why not tell us where you got that fact.

[@otherfish]

I loved seeing you enjoy the middle "string" section. The change in body language going from listening to feeling the piece. :) Thanks for sharing your thoughts - gave me new perspective on a song I've listened to I don't know how many thousands of times since I was a teenager in 86.

[@mattsmith4068]

Its great how you point out the many things in music that i miss. I listen to music a little differently after watching one of these videos.

[@VicRonson5150]

Once you really learn to play an instrument, any instrument, you start to understand music and actually see it in different 'colors' Once you become a musician, not just someone that plays an instrument (big difference) you never listen to music the same way as a non musician does

[@VadersRage]

I don't think I have EVER heard Metallica and The Sound Of Music referenced in the same sentence before........but I'm here for it! BTW, thanks! Now I have "The Lonely Goatherd" stuck in my head😅 I think we ALL need to hear Metallica covered on the harp. Please make this happen!

[@WillFlyTheLightingGuy]

Amy needs to react to the S&M live version with Michael Kamen and the San Francisco Philharmonic. I think something will click in her understanding of metal when she hears how closely related it is to classical music.

[@delvictor7570]

Brilliant reaction, observation, and breakdown. You really get right to the heart of songs and their meaning better than any other reactor I’ve seen.

[@finfogel.382]

Fun fact, the squel at the end of the guitar solo was caused by a string breaking while Kirk was bending the string upwards, they left it in the recording as it was a one off, Impossible to recreate.

[@BillionSix]

When I was younger, in the 90s, I had the good fortune to see a live concert, a double act of Guns n Roses, and Metallica. They were opened by a band called Faith No More. It was shorty after James Hetfield had had an accident and burned his hands, and couldn't play guitar. They had a guest guitarist, and you could tell that Hetfield had no idea what to do with his hands as he sand. It was a fantastic concert though.

[@doug071173]

I saw that show too, in San Diego, Ca. but our opening band was Body Count (Ice-T's speed metal band.)

[@BillionSix]

@doug071173 cool. Faith No More was surprisingly good live.

[@wardka]

I've often thought in this piece especially, each phrase comes in just a little "too soon." It's not like it's in 7/8 time, but each phrase hits just a bit before you expect it. Like 15/16 time maybe, or 31/32 time if there is such a thing. It keeps the listener off balance and anxious.

[@pedroteran5885]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/moOlnpSso5uKoZI

[@wardka]

@@pedroteran5885 😲 Well, I'll be dayummed!

[@beatmet2355]

YES!!!!!!! MOP and Orion are appropriate introductions for someone like Amy to Metallica. Justice is a good track, but not necessarily as an introduction for a classical musician. I hope Orion is in the future, too.

[@craigsolano8812]

Yes Orion, Fade to black and master

[@truthcantbesilenced4533]

And justice for all is a masterpiece lol but thats why metallica is who they are, making a list of just 3 is fucking impossible

[@bz6046]

She started with Nothing else matters

[@mannybravo237]

R I P Cliff Burton🎸🕯 Your music and influence lives on🤘🏻. Middle interlude build up is the best. Heard this song performed before the album was released at Metallica's New Years Eve gig in San Francisco. Opening band: Exodus, Metallica guitarist Kirk Hammet's previous band

[@curbowbass6124]

“Fix Me”!!!! Important lyric in this song.

[@thoronthol1175]

Yes, with a beautiful/tragic double meaning of wanting to be fixed.. and needing a fix.

[@PatrioticMasks]

For years I thought James was screaming “Speak to me!” like the master is ignoring him and he’s pissed off.

[@punishernye4449]

@@PatrioticMasksme too!!

[@Inverse_to_Chaos]

Comparing the orchestral bridge with the actual virtuosic segment, I see the former as what drugs (or its promoters) promise to their customers, and the latter is the actual disorienting and uncontrollable sensation that is from getting coked out or hallucinating, almost as a puppet of said drug. I adore the amount of symbolism in the music, and I totally understand the amount of acclaim this song has received. Another great listen and analysis!

[@jonnylumberjack6223]

First section is the bliss of a high (because, believe me, it IS blissful) second is the despair and pain of suffering withdrawal (which is utter, utter hell). But music is great, because it allows for any and all interpretations :)

[@logankerlee]

Very glad that you ventured into checking this song out! It's always been a favorite of mine when it comes to Metallica. :) Great job exploring the themes behind it! :)

[@douglaswegener9086]

Just submitted for the "Metallica likes it" line that was fire 🔥

[@dreauboy]

Love the channel! I really appreciate the way you articulate your observations and opinions. In a way, the way you’re describing what you’re experiencing, sort of legitimizes Metallica’s musical prowess and disproves what others might have just written off as another loud distorted cacophony of noise promoting illicit behavior. Thank you for giving this a chance! But to me the intro is almost like a series of orchestra hits, sudden and bombastic. Not quite a fanfare but very Wagner-esque, like a German opera. There’s a video of Metallica performing some of their songs with the San Francisco Philharmonic Orchestra that kinda shows this and I think you would enjoy it. You should definitely check it out!

[@mauriciomijares7286]

This whole album is a Master Piece . But Orion and Welcome Home are the ones that I think you'll enjoy more.

[@egroegartfart]

Wow, your analysis was very impressive. Just excellent. And it makes me look at this song differently. I totally agree that playing that on harp or another classical instrument might be very interesting and cool actually. I play the violin and would love to do something also. I may be wrong but it seems as though I recall seeing a video of Metallica playing with an orchestra and it was really amazing. Just two opposite of the spectrum genres of music coming together in harmony. Whoever the band was it was excellent but I do think it was Metallica. Excellent video. Thank you. Edit: I think I may have thought of a really neat video project idea that you could do with subscribers. To take this song and you play the harp, and then subscribers who are proficient with an instrument can play those instruments and create a version of this song like that. And maybe even a singer? Just a thought though. I think it would be an excellent project.

[@bloemundude]

If you want to get beyond the distortion and lyrics, Scott D. Davis does a very nice impassioned version of this on piano somewhere on KZbin. You can really pick out the classical elements in his performance, as heavy as it may be.

[@abrahamtorres4744]

It would be really awesome to see you follow this up the live S&M version they did with the San Francisco Symphony back in 1999. The symphonic arrangement the composer wrote was just as intense and heavy as what Metallica is playing, and the Harp is featured during the melodic bridge section as well 🤘

[@halftag15]

One more fact you're missing about this song, and this album, in 2015 Master of Puppets was the first heavy metal album to be entered into the library of congress recording registry for being historically, culturally, or aesthetically significant. And I tell you this as a Megadeth first fan. I was 15 when this album was released and metal has been a very important part of my life.

[@justaweirdpersond223]

This was the song that got me into metallica and inspired me to play guitar, if i wasnt in the vehicle when the rock channel was on and playing metallica, i may have not been a fan or even i may have never picked up a guitar

[@FarzadMediaINC]

Make sure you check out the 1999 S&M version of this song next!!!!!!!

[@ShaunBrown8378]

I've been listening to this track since the late 80's and I think you've helped me understand this song even more. The ups and downs and WHEN they are played mimics the lyrics and so the music and lyrics mirror each other. Ascending and descending mirrors the highs and lows of drug addition. Metallica never ceases to amaze me and find new things in music I've listened to for nearly my whole life.

[@Chobbito]

It's also one of the best performed songs with a live orchestra, the S&M album/concert is just great throughout

[@harislade6676]

A master piece. The whole album is. Thanks for the video.

[@prestigepea1235]

As a teenager listening to Metal & Thrash in the 80s, the messages in the music were key and usually anti drug, anti violence, and anti abuse. Sabbaths Hand of Doom would be a good song to explore that theme further. Other suggestions Ozzy Osbournes Suicide Solution, Neil Youngs Needle and the Damage Done, Motorheads Lost Johnny, Thin Lizzys I've Got to Give it Up... Bands like Anthrax had a positive message about believing in yourself and sticking to your principles in an unprincipled world - great messages to a kid from the wrong side of town! Of course there was the "party metal" side from the likes of Motley Crue, which is probably where the generak negative impression comes from, but many metal fans hated that side more than anyone!

[@musicfan07058]

I knew the meaning of this song many years but hearing it broken down like this in this amount of detail actually brought me to tears how dark and true it is and all coming together in a beautiful piece of art my family struggles with alcohol and drugs this song always has a special place in my heart This was an awesome video. Thank you for your incite.

[@Fineonee]

One of the Metallica perks, multiple solos 😊

I actually heard Lars do a roll without messing up the time.

[@SeanKagalis]

"Exploitation of chromaticism" is a fantastic phrase. I always enjoy your reactions and analysis.

[@MichaelSorensen-bl3ec]

James always wrote great riffs, he puts a bunch of them in most of his songs. Hits you with a great riff for a few seconds, then jumps off to a different, yet complimentary riff, and then after a while he hits you with yet another one.

[@staticrodent]

Aside from the songs that you've listened to that deal with the negative side of drugs, one really big song that comes to mind is Badfish by Sublime. Sublime is an incredible band with many amazing songs, with What I Got and Santeria probably getting the most air play today. At the end you mentioned seeing that there is a lot of pain in rock music, but also a lot of beauty. I never really stopped and thought about it that much, but now that I do it is very true that most rock music does seem to hold a great deal of pain, which is probably why so much of it contains such aggression. So I tried to think about what song I like that is purely beautiful, and the first one that came to mind is Come Sail Away by Styx (which is my favorite classic rock band). I have been eagerly waiting for you to listen to Styx ever since I found your channel, and hope you can give them a listen some day.

[@SuperSoundtracksEX]

He's exclusively down picking that rhythm section. No alternate picking. It is terrifying.

[@legitzkrieg]

It sounds so much more aggressive than when it's alternate picked. James has the best right hand of all guitarists.

[@stevenblakeakahashburns]

Great analysis. I’ve loved this song since my teens, I didn’t actually know it was about drugs, there you go! I also like how you didn’t keep stopping and starting every 10 seconds like a lot of KZbinrs do. Top marks

[@stevevanhorn1909]

Long time watcher ..... Just subbed !!! Awesome

[@kirkfair9486]

12:40 "Everything is beautiful when it comes to Metallica" - Vlad, 2024 You haven't told her about St. Anger yet, have you?

[@boomergames8094]

St. Anger songs, when they do them now and live, are actually pretty good.

[@creepingmalaise5006]

We don't talk about that...

[@lhommealenvers]

Lulu

[@jprg1966]

Trash can! Trash can! All I hear or see is trash can!

[@KingNiros]

St. Garbage Can Lid.

[@jeffheineken6709]

Started the video & instantly liked it, ‘cause we know it’s gonna be good 🙏🏻

[@richpeltier9519]

The first time I heard this song on a "classic rock" radio station, it made me mad because it made me feel old. This album was such a landmark in the evolution of the recording techniques used to record hard rock/metal. An absolute revolution in the sounds and tones they were getting from their gear. So much so, I sometimes forget how good some of the songs are. Sure, when I listen to Fade to Black or Orion... one focusses on the musicality of the pieces. But the more typical song structured songs like Master too often get overlooked. Kirk is IMO is the best at what he does. Of course, very few people have had a similar job to his. His role is specific and he fills it perfectly. So much of the musicality of the first two albums is Cliff's ideas, bouncing off James. James was already on the path to becoming a great songwriter, but Cliff's musical background exposed him to music that made him an even better musician overall. The albums with Cliff stand apart due to his influence from the bottom up. But he's always present in everything they've done since. Back then I had nicknames for each of the members of the band; James = Alcohol, Kirk = Weed, Lars = Speed and Cliff = Musician IMO they deserve every accolade they are adorned with. Even their bad stuff, is better than most bands best. 🤘🧙‍♂🤘

[@mfree80286]

This song was being played on our local 'classic rock' station from the day one... and remembering where I was when first hearing it, that's what makes me feel old.

[@JustinSwapp]

Metallica's Orion - its an amazingly beautiful song, and we'd love to hear your take.

[@UncleUncleRj]

Now show her the S&M version of this song.

[@TubetakerBHV]

please not. Metallica are not musicians enough to play with Orchestra. There are other rock bands who did a much much better job with this.

[@OHJAJOH]

@@TubetakerBHV no.

[@noahsjogren4887]

@@TubetakerBHV lmao ur funny

[@paulmoran7026]

No……as a life long Metallica & classical fan…..please do not show her anything from the S&M’s….they are beyond awful.

[@UncleUncleRj]

@@paulmoran7026 So awful the first S&M had quintuple platinum status? I think the number of people who disagree with you alone are a good enough argument for the S&M versions.

[@bigdaddy741098]

I've only heard your very first comments on this song, but it already highlights why I really like some of these breakdowns of songs I love from people that really understand and have knowledge of music... It's like, you've always loved this song for over 30 years, here's why....

[@craigswanson8026]

Gotdam you are brilliant, Professor! Wrote my master’s thesis on 3 Metallica albums, including MOP (RTL & AJFA) and your emotional, visceral, and intellectual responses are spot effing on. Bravo, sister! 🤘🏼🤘🏼🤘🏼🖖🏼✊🏼💚

[@gungriffen]

You haven't heard this yet till you see the Metallica Master of Puppets 1989 Live!

[@Saint_Anger]

Lets

[@houdin654jeff]

8:36 Your point about the repeated “Master… Master” feeling like someone puppeteering precisely is interesting. Not only is this a fantastic album listen, it’s expertly constructed as a live piece for a rock concert, with Hetfield encouraging the audience to sing the second “Master” in each of those phrases. Most fans who see Metallica at this point are intimately familiar with this song, but imagine going to a show never having heard this piece. By the end of the song, you’ve been trained by the crowd to chant it along as well, since it’s repeated so often… and even that says something about addiction and peer pressure and communal experience. To be clear, I don’t want to equate metal music with drug addiction, but I’ve always thought of it as another aspect of how metal songs about negative things can be turned into positive experiences. Going through drug addiction is a certain kind of hell, and certainly people in the crowd of those shows know that first hand. However, the experience of simulating it and hearing lyrics about how that hell can impact you, combined with some of the greatest riffs and guitar work ever recorded, I can only see as something awe inspiring and a total anti-drug message. For a song nearly as old as I am, still being played not only in people’s headphones and speakers, but also live by the originating band (sans Cliff Burton, RIP), I can’t imagine how much good this song has done over the years. Glad you’ve given it a listen at last. Rock on. 🤘🏼

[@SergePoitras-hj4ip]

It is so kool to see your réactions ! Your English is pretty good:)

[@joemomma3695]

Would love to see your reaction to No Leaf Clover by Metallica. One of my favorite songs by anyone. P.S. - the (S)ymphony & (M)etallica version.

[@gunrok1779]

Normally, my favorite part of the reaction is at the "chop your breakfast on a mirror" part, but this one didn't flinch!

[@matm6299]

This is great analysis. If you want to hear how someone would arrange this for orchestra you should check out the cover by Scorched Earth Orchestra. They covered the entire Master of Puppets album and it's pretty good, though the songs lose a little something without the lyrics.

[@Metal73Mike]

One of the greatest (metal) albums ever made and the first metal album I bought back in 1986 🙂Thanks for sharing ! Would love to see someone like you listen to The Faceless "I Am" with the lyrics next to it. FYI The guy who wrote it kicked a serious heroin habit (what the song is about) and is the driving force the band, doing vocals and lead guitar. The style is prog/tech death metal, but I also saw it labeled as cosmic death metal. Again thanks for the video and have a good one !

[@robertpetre9378]

The Guitar solo has a David Bowie riff in it from Andy Warhol

Seek and destroy.

[@russell2910]

Yes, it starts at 18:15 in this video I believe. For those that don't know.

[@guitaristssuck8979]

Guitar solo? No, it's just a riff towards the end

[@russell2910]

@@guitaristssuck8979 true, I overlooked that. It is from a Bowie song, though.

[@wooloe]

Great review. When you spoke about laughter, I thought you were going to mention the play on call and response between the master and the slave 😊. I’m unsure if the solo was intended to represent the disappointed finish 😂 but I love that thoughtful interpretation (also you may be correct, I haven’t asked them) . My best song from Metallica is Four Horsemen. It’s a masterpiece that sits on a par with Master. Thanks so much for posting. Would love you to listen to Four Horsemen.

[@robertmatthews9650]

I’ve been waiting for this one!

[@ike555je]

Amazing analysis as always. Thank you for your discussion on drug references in rock and metal. I have listened to these types of music since I was a teen, and at 61 now I have never heard drugs promoted in a way that made me feel that I should try them. Too many hear only what they want to reinforce their biases. It takes true listening and contemplation to truly understand.

[@DaffierPig6843]

I’m so ready for this!! Such a great album

[@davidlopan7152]

I can't wait until you hear the instrumental song Orion from this album. It has a great bass solo as well as some beautiful melody

[@uoabigaillevey]

This is the song that got me listening to Metallica back when it was released. It was harder/heavier and more aggressive than my prior Metal exposure. That being Dio, Iron Maiden, Black Sabbath, and other more rock/blues based metal bands. This was like the 2nd wave of metal for me.. and led to other bands like Megadeth, Slayer, Anthrax, and Possessed. Always a favorite even though I may have listened to this song a thousand times. As you said.. it is a beautiful piece of work.

[@paulkeeling9881]

Not sure if you'll read this since you have a ton of comments but it is nice to watch someone who has a reaction series actually recognize a chromatic scale when they hear it. Also, as you mentioned, this song has multiple phrases (riffs) or motifs as you described them. Fugues/interludes, this song has it all. This is what makes Metallica so great. It takes a certain type of genius songwriting to create so many riffs together into one song and still have it come out cohesive. So many rock bands have tried this and failed because it just ends up sounding "forced", writing a progressive metal song just for the sake of writing a progressive song. Metallica isn't regarded as a prog band (unfairly I think) but make no mistake, this is the quintessential metal prog song that can be compared with the greatest of progressive rock pieces. Loved the analysis.

[@paulozavala3232]

Im 46 six and never have i ever felt so anti boomer like right now! So many on the live stream crying like old people crying how life and everything was so much better before and that Metallica with Cliff would have been so different! For one! Of all the members, Cliff was the one with the broadest test. Metallica with Cliff would today be playing rock n roll and country or some cassical/rock fussion. Two! Lars is Metallica! They are founding members of Metallica! Lars is also a heck of a managers and the one that arranger all the songs! Without Lars James would have been solo music as country musician! Also! The three first album where not trash as many boomers here make you belive. The difference in style between Kill em all and Master is as big as between master and the black album. Metallica has from the get go been transitioned. Its what makes them relevant. Some of the best songs are found in later albums like fixxer, Nothing else matters, where the wild things are, low mans lyrics, Ronnie, and so on! Of course I love the old songs also! But after 40 years plus the only thing that makes them relevant and not stuck in the past like helloween, Megadeth, Slayer is how they have adopted!

[@christhomas507]

Why are you lumping all boomers together? Does every 46 year old share the same opinions you do?

[@NPK476]

I'm younger than you are and I've hated "TallicA" since Load.

[@NorCalGuy]

I feel like this is still relevant as a young rebel’s music. I have. 25 year old son and an 18 year old son who both have a great appreciation for Metallica. Especially Master of Puppets as a whole album.

[@user-xb1bf8tu5q]

DEEP PURPLE "BURN" PLEASE!

[@Eyesofthasouth]

There are so many things that can be your master. This tune presents the struggle with anything and never giving up! Good for anyone!

[@mikeg3439]

Speaking as a musician, I have always felt that they are very capable writers and musicians worthy of admiration for damned sure. They have their own voice and art which is key too. Glad to see their work getting around.

[@Michael-oq5bo]

One of my most favourite songs of all time. 35 years and I love it just as much as the first time I heard it!!!

[@kcmet79]

Thank you! What great insights and interpretations, can't wait to watch some of your other vids! One thing you might find interesting... sure, Hetfield could play this on repeat at 250bpm, but in the studio they played the parts more slowly on a detuned guitar (at least the classic descending chromatic riff and associated power chords), then sped it up to 220/E, to help achieve the killer tone we hear on the album track. This album is obviously Metallica's magnum opus, though after thousands of listens I tend to prefer other tracks on the album that aren't quite as repetitive (sorry!)... and Ride The Lightning probably edges out MOP for my favorite album... heck if AJFA had a similar production it could very well be my fave!

[@ZepG]

I'm amazed at how much better you've gotten as a metal reviewer. I just went back and watched your In Justice For All video and you had no clue what was going on and paused way to many times. I grew up in the late 60s early 70s watching Looney Tunes and listing to all the great classical music that they used. I also loved classic and hard rock music. Then in the 80s I heard Metallica for the first time and the composition reminded me of Beethoven and Bach. I've been hooked ever since!