I’m very curious about the new Metallica album Death Magnetic. I mean it has been 17 years by my count since they let out a solid album (can you believe the black album is 17 years old!). They are working with Rick Rubin who knows a thing or two about making not just a good metal album but a classic metal album (see Slayer’s Reign in Blood). Rubin just seems to have a knack for reviving artist careers.
This is the first bit that has “leaked” from the new album. This was obviously done strategically to build interest. They knew this thing would run all over the internet when they played it live.
I’m not in love with the song but there is some promise here. The first half of the song has some nice riffs and jams pretty good. They are going with the old school formula a nice long song with some time and pace changes in it (see master of puppets & ride the lightening). For me the problem comes in during the second half of the song. Their time changes to me just don’t seem to mesh well. Especially in the shadow of other metal bands that have mastered the art of quick and sharp changes without having to slow down their tempo. I’m not a metal master by any stretch of the means but Meshuggah and Mastodon both could teach them a thing or two about making those changes a little cleaner and making them feel less forced. The old Metallica songs were capable of moving without that forced feeling.
That said maybe this album has a little hope. Maybe the once great ‘Tallica can make a come back. I’m interested to hear the album but i doubt i’ll pay money for it. Suck my balls Lars… Two Times!!
