METALLICA [AKA: THE BLACK ALBUM]

This is one of those albums that is really tough to rate. I love it in a way, and I hate it in a way. I love it simply because the music's good, but it frustrated me because it marked the end of progressive and good Metallica until Death Magnetic. The problem this this album isn't the music. It's the fact that this is really a transitional album. It brought them from the best metal band in the world, to a mediocre one. Just that fact makes this album drop a few points. If you compare this to Ride The Lightning, there is just no comparison. This isn't in the same league as their previous albums.

The music is obviously different from Master of Puppets, or any of the four previous albums. This shows more of Metallica's rock side, and has more pop songwriting shown than the previous trash metal albums. There are no fast parts, or progressions to different sections, like in previous albums. With that said, the music is still all great. The skill of the band isn't showing as much, but the music is nonetheless really good... for the most part. The best songs are 'Sad But True', 'The Unforgiven', 'Nothing Else Matters', and 'Enter Sandman'. However there are also a few weak tracks.

For people looking for easily accessible metal music without any speed, thrash, or progressiveness, this is for you. For anyone looking for those traits, go to Master of Puppets.

Metal Album Without the Historical Disappointment: 4/5

Metal Album With the Historical Disappointment: 3.5/5

Final Score: 3.5/5

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