Death Magnetic is the album that many fans have been screaming out for Metallica to release. In fact, Death Magnetic should have come out after And Justice For All.
I for one was very sceptical, especially after recent efforts and the ridiculous amount of hype this album has generated especially compared to better releases. Much to my relief this is no St Anger, the production from Rick Rubin, while not perfect, is better, and yes, even the drums do sound like actual drums, plus there are numerous guitar solos. You won't find Metallica's best album here, nor is it as incredible as many seem to think, even so Death Magnetic is Metallica's best release in many years.
"That Was Just Your Life" is a fitting opening track and puts the listener on notice that Metallica are back and doing what they do best. "Broken, Beat & Scarred" has a great catchy riff as do many other tracks. "The Unforgiven III" is an ok tune, with the highlight being the guitar solo. Many years and albums have passed since we heard an instrumental on a Metallica CD, here they have done it again with "Suicide & Redemption" with the guitars of Kirk Hammet and James Hetfield shining brightest as with most tracks. Closer "My Apocalypse" sees Metallica thrashing it up on one of the better moments which should please fans of their earlier material. Vocally James Hetfield does a solid job and Lars, well, he has never claimed to be the best drummer in metal, but it wouldn't be Metallica without him.
I wonder if this is finally the album that fans can agree to like, but I have my doubts and there will probably be many discussions over this. Even so Death Magnetic is good enough to please many.
Track Listing
1. Death Magnetic
2. That Was Just Your Life
3. The End of the Line
4. Broken, Beat & Scarred
5. The Day That Never Comes
6. All Nightmare Long
7. Cyanide
8. The Unforgiven III
9. The Judas Kiss
10. Suicide & Redemption
11. My Apocalypse