Metallica's Reviews
Ride The Lightning (Average Rating: 9.50 out of 10)
A bridge between thrash and commercial metal. (Rated this album with 8 out of 10)
Reviewed by
martin_seamus_mcfly
from San Jose, CA
Even though Metallica didn't truly break out and become mainstream until 1991's self-titled 'Black Album', of their early albums, this actually is the closest in sound to that one, but a little darker and heavier. Yes, it's thrash and has a bit of headbanger appeal, but it's more commercial than it gets credit for, as well, but not in a wimping out or poppy way.1. Fight Fire With Fire -- The soft accoustic intro explodes (literally) into an anti-nuclear war speed metal headbanger. It's mostly got a thrash pace, but has a nice solo toward the end. It's still listenable, but not really one of my favorites. Not recommended for more pop/commercial oriented fans. 2. The title track is similar, but with more variation (aka better). Told from the point of view of a prison inmate on the electric chair, and also anti-death. A bit more anthemic, especially on the chorus and the bridge. It also features a long, fast, unforgettable solo. Had this come out 7+ years later, it could've been big. 3. For Whom The Bell Tolls -- The first of the now famous songs, a somewhat mid tempo, more commercial oriented metal anthem. This time, the theme is soldiers at war. Again, it's not wimping out at all, but it could appeal to metalheads as well as 80's AOR rock fans. Despite its 'hit' status today, it's still criminally underrated, one of their best. 4. Fade to Black -- Their very first noticeable change of pace and semi hit. This heavy, somewhat sensitive rocking ballad is often rumored to be about encouraging suicide, but, according to the band, it is not. It starts off slow but builds up to a medium 'rocker' about midway through. Somewhat dark yet happy, at strange as that sounds. One of their best songs. Why isn't this bigger than their '96-present cr*p!? 5. Trapped Under Ice -- A theme of being stuck under a block of ice and not being able to escape. Not too memorable, but not bad. Again, much more of a thrashy pace with several blazing solos. 6. Escape -- If there was a third commercial type song here, this would be it. It seems to be the least liked of the 8 tracks here, but I'll never know why. A bit more anthemic, particularly on the slower sung chorus, it's also lyrically the 'lightest', not dealing with death of any kind, but just being about finding peace with yourself and escaping. Hence the title, I guess. 7. Creeping Death -- The pace increases yet again with the Egyptian tale of pharoes and slaves' death. A definite thrasher but remains unique enough with its slightly exotic solo (in keeping with the theme, I suppose). Has become a concert favorite, with its "Die, die, die, die!" chant. 8. Call of the Ktulu -- A medium paced (for them) 9 minute guitar instumental with a darker sound. Since one of the things I love about music is words, I usually don't care as much for instrumentals, but I have to say, this one's pretty good. Still, it's the one I listen to the least. Basically, headbangers - don't be turned off by the 2 (almost 3) now commercial tunes, there's plenty you'll love here. Mainstream rock/newer Metallica fans - you'll soon discover more than you thought you'd like here. Buried beneath the loud noise and screaming, it's very catchy and not as scary as it would appear on first listen. Check my music reviews. I'm mostly into 80s rock (with quite a bit of classic rock, pop, and some 90s pop/rock). Most of the people reading this will probably laugh at some of the stuff I listen to - and heh, I invite you to (Loverboy, Phil Collins, Lionel Richie, Poison, Green Day, Gin Blossoms, Avril Lavigne, Rod Stewart, Eagles, etc). Whoa, you guys still with me, or did you already vote 'not helpful'? LOL. See, told ya you'd be in hysterics. A list like that, and even I love this album. That should say something good about it!
Buy this album on Amazon at $13.99
|
