(Rated this album with 10 out of 10) Reviewed by
Terrence J. Reardon
from South Carolina and Mass., USA
San Francisco based heavy metal rockers Metallica's third album, 1986's Master of Puppets, was the second jewel in Metallica's triple crown of classic albums(the other two were 1984' Ride the Lightning and 1988's And Justice For All). Vocalist/rhythm guitarist James Hetfield, lead guitarist Kirk Hammett, drummer Lars Ulrich and bassist Cliff Burton played on this and their first three discs like a well-oiled machine. This album begins with the masterpiece Battery. At first listen, it sounds like it is going to start off to be an acoustic piece but then it goes into full throttle heavy metal and you are in for a ride on this album which some say is better than its predecessor, 1984's Ride the Lightning(I like Ride better). Next, is the title cut which is one of Metallica's best songs. The Thing That Should Not Be follows and is a great tune as well. The first half ends with Welcome Home(Sanitarium), which is arguably the best song from the Burton era next to Fade to Black. The second half of this album is strong too. It kicks off with Disposable Heroes and then Leper Messiah follows. The instrumental Orion is great and features a stellar bass solo from the late Cliff Burton, whom would tragically die unfortunately after this album's release in a bus crash in Sweden that September. The album ends like it began with another speed rocker Damage Inc. and does not fail. This album was the first Metallica album to go Platinum without a radio hit or video, just goes to show you didn't need MTV for fame. If you are new Metallica, buy Kill, Lightning, Master, Justice and The Black Album. Highly recommended!
