Metallica's Reviews

Ride The Lightning

(Average Rating: 9.50 out of 10)

Most Excellent Album

(Rated this album with 10 out of 10)
Reviewed by Graham Owen from Herndon, VA

I picked up a copy of Metallica's Ride the Lightning when I was just 12 years old. I got it mainly because it had a awesome looking cover. Once I listened to it though, it became my favorite album by Metallica or anyone else for that matter. It was ahead of its time when it came out in 1984. Metallica wrote these songs not simply interested in speed and agression, but also in melody and epic song structures and dynamics. Listen to the album the whole way through to understand its power and greatness.

Fight Fire With Fire(9/10)- The first song has a very happy classical sounding intro. It ends, and builds up into a very brutal opening riff. The song is played fast and angry, but then again, you cant write a calm song about nuclear apocalypse.

Ride the Lightning(10/10)- They slow down the tempo a bit, but none of the aggression is lost on this track. This song, about a person being executed in the electric chair has a very strong, shout-along chorus. It also has one of the best guitar solos ever.

For Whom the Bell Tolls(8/10)- A good song, but not as good as the others on the album. Its pretty slow actually. Definetly worth listening to. Cool subject matter.

Fade to Black(10/10)- Very good stuff here. It has something for everybody. Kind of a power ballad almost, but not poppy at all. More excellent guitars exemplify the pain of the song's subject.

Trapped Under Ice(10/10)- This song blew my mind away the first time I heard it. If your a fan of thrash and speed metal, this is the song for you. Super fast. Kirk Hammett really showcases his talent for leads on this one. His solo is just so crazy and intense, its incredible.

Escape(9/10)- Some people including James Hetfield really dont like this song. I dont understand why. Its not the best, but its a very self-impowering kind of song with a strong chorus.

Creeping Death(10/10)- This is an awesome song. Its about Moses and the plauges of Egypt. Once again, great solos. The song is so epic and huge sounding. The feel is amazing. Just listen to it.

The Call of Ktulu(9/10)- Good intrumental, but could have been a little shorter than it is. Dont get me wrong, i like long songs, its just this one kind of runs out of ideas.

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