Usually I don’t like the modern rock music especially in the genera of Metal, however the group Metallica is a big exception I have to this feeling. This group is unlike other groups of its kind in many important respects that are worth noting, thus I thought it would be interesting to take a look at. The albums …And Justice For all and Ride the Lightning are both very similar in feel and style, as well a good representation of the style and qualities employed within the group. For this reason I feel reviewing both of them would be a good idea and at the same time be an extra holiday bonus.
Metillica as the name suggests is definitely is Metal, however it is also a classic example of a specialized genera of metal, known as “Thrash Metal.” (It’s not quiet as cheesy as you might think by the name) These albums are clear examples of this genera’s typical themes; the lyrics with subject matter revolving around dark elements such as loneliness, death, suicide and, other elements of this sort of nature. This set up is designed to make the listeners feel better about their own condition sort of like that of a blues, occasionally these themes get so extreme that they can be overly depressing, but this is the expectation not the rule. The styles of the albums instrumentation are also very much similar to other Thrash Metal bands (more on this later) giving the music an aggressive, intense and dark feeling. Overall the tones of these albums are serious and dark, however it is…And Justice for All is by far the creepy of the two with more political themed works and a higher level of realism.
The first and most important element of Metallica’s music one notices is the group’s use of the guitar as a percussive instrument. The combined use of low range of the guitar and rhythmic focus of the music creates a driving and fast quality. Other common qualities include the use tri-tone and diminished interval, and rhythm played in a fast-syncopated style along with a heavy use of the bass the drum. Solos are many times in high register and to use a variety of scales or in some cases no scale at all. Solos range for very additive such as in “Frayed ends of sanity,” to un-necessary such as in “…And Justice for All.” Solos in the album are best when they are either contrasting with the rhythmic body of the piece or when they themselves are a growth off from the rhythmic playing. The showy solos by the group seem typically separated from the work and in the way of the actual song, this problem is less apparent in Ride the Lightning as it is in …And Justice for All, but exists in both albums. Overall the style of this group has interesting elements within their instrumentation, which set them apart from other rock groups usually in good ways.
What set’s these albums apart from other groups albums, however is the stylistic elements of Thrash Metal and their own style they employ. These elements separate them from the typical rock group and create interesting tracks. The most important of these elements is the constant changing of tempo and style within the music, something found within almost all of the Metallica’s songs. The way the group does this is usually by an instrumental introduction to the new tempo, and then the vocals come in the new style. Another interesting element is some of the introductory guitar solos and in case of “One” the main theme, these are very lyrical and seem almost like classical lute like phrases. These phrases create an interesting contrast between the main themes of the piece and the introduction. Another element of contrast that is interesting to hear is the movement from harmonic passages to melodic passages and vice versa. These elements of style show a maturity and sophistication that many current Rock bands lack.
Metallica’s sound is such that it can attract those normally disinterested in Rock or who are interested in Ave Grande. The groups dark themes, driving percussive guitar sound, and unique styles either grab the listener’s interest or can them turn off. …And Justice for All is definitely the darker and more political of the two albums, Ride the Lightning is far subtler with its messages. Overall Ride the Lightning has on average bit better overall quality per song, but certain tracks on …And Justice for All like “One,” and “Harvester of Sorrow,” are definitely the best works of the two albums. Metallica is definitely at least worth a listen before a decision is made about them. Try listening few of the group’s songs before deciding whether or you like the group or not.
