Kirk Hammett

Album Anniversary: Metallica- Master Of Puppets

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It’s pretty crazy to think that 30 years has passed since Metallica released Master Of Puppets. Not only that but in those 30 years, Master Of Puppets has only gotten stronger. It’s widely considered to be in the top 10 heavy metal albums of all time, inspired countless bands to start up, and those songs when played live get the crowds into quite a frenzy that most of the time you can hear the audience more than you can hear James Hetfield. I remember when I first heard Metallica. And Justice For All was the album that I heard first, but of course once I fell in love with the band, I knew I had to go after the other albums that they had. Master Of Puppets, has such great use of melody and heaviness. It takes the blueprint that the band laid out on Ride The Lightning (my personal favorite Metallica album) and expanded upon it by making it more epic. There isn’t one song on this album that doesn’t fit in to their structure. Each song has a flow to it that jumps out at you as the next one begins. I really don’t even need to keep rambling at this point. You all know that Master Of Puppets is great and deserves to be celebrated. A few years ago while touring the European festivals, Metallica performed the album in its entirety. That must have been one hell of an experience to see live. Maybe one day when Metallica tours the states again, they do it for all of us out here. So with all this in mind take an hour out of your day and blast Master Of Puppets!!!

 

Metallica- Master Of Puppets:

List: Overrated Guitarists

I really enjoy talking to my friends that are musically inclined and have discussions about this and that. One of the constant things that always comes up is who we think are overrated in terms of players, bands, etc. Today I thought I’d focus on creating a list of those that are overrated guitarists. I’m not saying they aren’t good players, just that they aren’t all that “Great.” Keep in mind that this is just my opinion and it’s ok that you don’t agree…I won’t get mad! I’m sure there are others as well, so go ahead and add them in the comments.

1. Slash
2. Eddie Van Halen
3. Dimebag Darrell- Pantera
4. Kerry King- Slayer
5. Kirk Hammett- Metallica
6. Synster Gates- Avenged Sevenfold
7. Zacky Vengence- Avenged Sevenfold
8. Pete Townshend
9. Joe Perry

Album Anniversary: Metallica- Ride The Lightning

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30 years ago, Metallica stepped up their game following their debut album and released Ride The Lightning. The album was recorded in Denmark by Flemming Rasmussen, who would go on to produce their next two albums. Ride the Lightning is the last Metallica album to credit former guitarist Dave Mustaine, with co-writing any songs. He is credited on the title track, “Ride the Lightning”, and instrumental track “The Call of Ktulu.” Though only eight songs are on the album, the 47 minutes of sheer intensity is very prevalent. Starting off the album is “Fight Fire With Fire.” This song opens with a very classical melody then jumps right into the thrash madness. The title track “Ride The Lightning” balances the harmony of dueling guitars with a crunchy churning riff. “For Whom The Bell Tolls” has one of the best bass parts ever. This song is beyond recognizable and is still a crowd favorite at Metallica shows. Cliff Burton really shines on this song. “Fade To Black” wasn’t well received upon first listen, but this song really showcases the ability of the band to write great songs. The entire arrangement of the song from the melody, lyrics, and riffs are spectacular, not to mention the closing solo. “Trapped Under Ice” is a very underrated thrash song. The speed of the playing on this song is intense. “Escape” is a wildcard on the album. This song has a more melodic sensibility to it. Though it does show what kind of range James was starting to develop. “Creeping Death” is my personal favorite Metallica song, it was also the first song of their I learned to play, so there is some sentimental attachment to it. The riff on this track is heavy as hell. The interesting part of this song is the lyrics as they are all about the biblical exodus and the plagues of the Jews leaving Egypt. Closing out the album is the instrumental “The Call Of The Ktulu.” This song is epic, melodic, and heavy, all the things that Ride The Lightning represents.

Ride The Lightning was definitely a step in the right direction for Metallica. James Hetfield and Kirk Hammett really started to come into their own as a great guitar duo. Cliff Burton was a beast on the bass. Lars actually played with a passion. For many Master Of Puppets is considered their best album, I for one am in the minority in thinking that Ride The Lightning is. Not to take anything away from Master, I just have more of a connection to this album. 

 

 

By: Brian Lacy