S&M

All these years later, and this still ranks as one of Metallica's best DVD's. The cleverly titled 'S&M', released in 1999, sees one of heavy metal's greatest bands teaming with the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra, to unleash this sonic assault on the senses.

Taking place prior to all the drama at the turn of the century (do some research if you're unsure what I'm referring to), the band are on top form here. James Hetfield's vocals sounded absolutely fantastic around this time, and the band play phenomenally. Great sound, great picture (considering the technology of the day), lots of great camera angles and especially great performances, including Lars! This whole show was spot-on.

With Michael Kamen and co. backing them, Metallica's music just seems so much more vibrant and alive, evident on so many classics such as 'Master of Puppets', 'Battery', 'Enter Sandman', 'For Whom the Bell Tolls' (which sounds incredible), and 'One', which is given a whole new sense of rising tension and dread thanks to the orchestra.

Chuck in two new tracks, both of which are absolute bangers, a 40-minute documentary, and the ability to hear the concert back isolating just the band or the orchestra, this is an incredible DVD, that holds up well today and belongs in the collection of every Metallica fan.