CD Review

Artist: Metallica

CD: Death Magnetic

Release Date: September 10, 2008

Record Label: Warner Bros. Records

Reviewed by Taryn Hubbard (Vancouver Correspondent)

Metallica is one of those bands that has such a huge, devoted fan base that anything they put that's out of character is subject to attack. It's like when Bob Dylan went electric. An artist might want to broaden their song writing, but that doesn't mean fans will accept it. Without fans, a band is nothing. They might as well be playing in their basements.

That being said, it's been five years since Metallica put out their eighth album St. Anger. That album didn't have any solos or lead guitar. A Metallica album with no solos? This is Metallica, people. It's all about the solos in this band. You don't have Kirk Hammett on guitar for nothing.

Well, Metallica is back. Their latest album, Death Magnetic, sounds like Metallica circa Black Album, the one that shot them up to rock god status. Guitar solos are at the core of many of these songs. Metallica fans can breath easy. It's going to be okay.

One single, “Cyanide,” has the classic James Hetfield low, growling vocals and hard, fast drumming from Lars Ulrich. The bass is a fresh presence on this album as well. This is the first album with new bassist Robert Trujillo. The stars have aligned for Metallica this time.

“The Unforgiven III” is a good song, but the title intentionally prompts listeners to reminisce about the  original epic track of the same name. But it's basically just the one song on the album that has a slow beginning.

“Suicide and Redemption” is all instrumental, something they haven't done in a long time. Metallica fans have their band back.

Track Listings:

1.)That was just your life

2.)The end of the line

3.)Broken, beat & scarred

4.)The day that never comes

5.)All nightmare long

6.)Cyanide

7.)The unforgiven III

8.)The judas kiss

9.)Suicide & redemption

10.)My apocalypse