by
CBo from
RockReview.co.uk
Well
here we are, six years on from the disappointing Re-Load Metallica have
finally returned with a new studio album, St. Anger. The hype surrounding
this album probably means that you already know all the details of what
is in store and all that you now need to know is, is it any good? Well
I’ll settle that question right here, right now. It's more than good,
it's brilliant.
It is as if the last decade
had never existed for Metallica. “The Black Album” was never created,
“Load”, “Re-Load”, “Garage Inc”, “S&M”, none of it ever happened. Imagine
what would have happened if Metallica had gone back in a time machine
and created the album that would follow "...and justice for all" and you
will have some idea of the scope of this album. Out the window go radio
friendly 4 minute songs, along with the "one riff per song" idea created
by producer Bob Rock. Back come double bass drums, the complex riffery
of early Metallica and the “Fuck You” attitude once associated with the
band. Imagine some unholy cross between the current NWOAHM [New Wave of
American Heavy Metal] bands (read Chimaira, Shadows Fall), Ministry stripped
down to their roots and the drumming styles of System of a Down's John
Dolmayan all coupled with Hetfield's unique vocal style.
On first listen St. Anger
may seem overly complex, hard to follow with the frequent changes of style
and the multiple riff factor. Further listens reveal more to the album
as things start to come into place and everything that was once disorganised
seem to come together.
The first track, "Frantic",
truly lives up to its name, opening with a killer riff, followed by huge
drumming from Lars, and the return of James' harsh, angry vocal style.
The title track and first single to be culled from the album, “St. Anger”,
continues on with the frantic display of anger of the last and clocking
in at 7 minutes it ain't none of your pretty boy skate punk tripe. “Some
Kind of Monster” and “Invisible Kid” both clocking at 8 and a half minutes
continue with the complexities of the single. The latter of which has
sections that are eerily reminiscent of QOTSA further showing how Metallica
are still willing to experiment. The only track on this album that could
have ever been coupled with Black Album or Load era Metallica, “Sweet
Amber”, features a strangely Black Sabbath style riff and is the only
song that, in terms of length could ever be considered radio friendly.
Closing track, “All Within My Hands” is probably the most experimental
of all the tracks on the album, featuring as many changes in style within
the space of 8 minutes as hairs you have on you right arm. Ending the
album with Hetfield screaming, Kill, Kill, Kill, Kill.
You want me to some up?
Well if you hadn’t already guessed, this album is good, go buy it now
or forever be damned to wander the world that is without Anger.
Release Date : 05 June 2003
Produced by Bob Rock and Metallica
Band members:
Kirk Hammett - Lead Guitar
James Hetfield - Rhythm Guitar/Vocals
Robert Trujillo - Bass
Lars Ulrich - Drums
Track Listing
1 -
Frantic 5:55
(James Hetfield;Lars Ulrich;Kirk Hammett;Bob Rock)
(lyrics)
2 - St. Anger
7:21
(James Hetfield;Lars Ulrich;Kirk Hammett;Bob Rock)
(lyrics)
3 - Some Kind Of Monster
8:25
(James Hetfield;Lars Ulrich;Kirk Hammett;Bob Rock)
(lyrics)
4 - Dirty Window
5:25
(James Hetfield;Lars Ulrich;Kirk Hammett;Bob Rock)
(lyrics)
5 - Invisible Kid
8:30
(James Hetfield;Lars Ulrich;Kirk Hammett;Bob Rock)
(lyrics)
6 - My World
5:45
(James Hetfield;Lars Ulrich;Kirk Hammett;Bob Rock)
(lyrics)
7 - Shoot Me Again
7:10
(James Hetfield;Lars Ulrich;Kirk Hammett;Bob Rock)
(lyrics)
8 - Sweet Amber
5:27
(James Hetfield;Lars Ulrich;Kirk Hammett;Bob Rock)
(lyrics)
9 - The Unnamed Feeling
7:09
(James Hetfield;Lars Ulrich;Kirk Hammett;Bob Rock)
(lyrics)
10
- Purify
5:14
(James Hetfield;Lars Ulrich;Kirk Hammett;Bob Rock)
(lyrics)
11
- All Within My Hands
8:48
(James Hetfield;Lars Ulrich;Kirk Hammett;Bob Rock)
(lyrics)
