On a Lighter Note...

[fatalis_rabies]

The new Metallica album is really, really, really good.

Now I don't want to get into pretentious music reviewer territory, so I'll keep it short.  It's not ...And Justice For All 2: Justice Harder, and its not a time machine back to the '80s when Metallica were young, hungry, highly skilled musicians.  It's Metallica now.  They're old.  They're

Comments

[thirddance]

The first time I listened to the album, I thought, "this is kinda meh."

The second time, I thought, "hmm... maybe I should re-evaluate."

As of right now, I've been playing it almost non-stop for a week. It isn't perfect, but it's a really, really good album, as you say.

Also, I happen to like the art design, but to each his own.

[fatalis_rabies]

In all fairness though, we've been conditioned to be "meh" to a new Metallica album. I was the same way with this one, and then it really started to grow on me, and I started to identify with the lyrics, especially The Unforgiven III (and I was convinced going in that track was going to be lame).

It's not a Metallica specific gripe about the art, I'm just tired of crappy packaging in general. AC/DC is guilty of the same thing, as is Iron Maiden. What was wrong with jewel cases? Why give us something that will fall apart if it gets moist?

[thirddance]

We must have different versions, because mine *did* come in a jewel case. Did you get the collector's edition or something? I know there were at least two different packaging versions released - I just got the cheap one because we're broke as shit with paying for the apartment and all.

I, also, expected The Unforgiven III to be lame. And as much as I love the album - and the song - I *still* think it's a lame title.

However, one other thing I have to say (even though I know we also differ in opinions here):

ZOMG, they have another instrumental!!! And it's GOOD! :D

Their instrumentals are actually some of my favorite pieces of their work. I'm glad to see the return.

[fatalis_rabies]

I got the guaranteed-$8.99-or-less-Amazon-pre-order edition (don't say it).

[ricepapercrane]

Well ok, now I'll give it a shot. I needed your stamp of approval. St. Anger burned me.

[fatalis_rabies]

Well fine, but remember: I liked St. Anger... not a lot, but it had its moments.

Death Magnetic is not St. Anger though... not at all.