Metallica- Master of Puppets
Released: February 24, 1986
Elektra/Asylum
As a tribute to James Hetfield's birthday, I thought I would do a review of Metallica's classic album, "Master of Puppets." This is the third studio album by this legendary act. Although they had moderate success with their first two efforts, "Ride the Lightning", and "Kill 'Em All", they were still mainly a cult act and in the underground. "Master of Puppets" would take them over the edge. "Master of Puppets" is what they would be remembered for.
The opening track start's off with a classical guitar intro, that out of nowhere turns up the distortion and becomes an epic rock moment. This transitions into an incredible speed metal riff before the rest of the band joins in. This incredible intro not only demands the listener's attention, but defines the energy power of this 55 minute experience. Jame's Hetfield's vocals come in at around a minute and a half when he state's "Lashing out the action, returning the reaction, weak are ripped and torn away. Hypnotizing power, crushing all that cower, battery is here to stay." Kirk Hammet provides a very musical, yet very metal guitar solo that's full of power (I feel I can't use that word enough to describe this album).
The title track is probably the most important on the album. This eight minute politically charged track has it all, incredible riffs and leads backed up by Jame's stellar rhythm guitar work, intensified and angry lyrics, and yes, a really fast guitar solo. The thing that really stands out on this track are the instrumental breaks, including a cleaner, slowed down, melodic passage that breaks up the ferocity of this record and gives the listener a chance to collect themselves.
"Welcome to where time stands still, no one leaves and no one will. Moon is full, never seems to change. Just label me mentally deranged." These are the opening lines of Welcome Home (Sanitarium) a more ballad oriented song that is based on Ken Kesey's masterpiece of a novel "One Flew Over the Cukoo's Nest." This track hauntingly deals with the topics of insanity and mental illness. And yes, there is a guitar solo.
There are other highlights on this record. "Disposable Heroes" is perhaps an underated track that discusses how the band feels this nation treats war and those who fight in it. "You will die when I say, you must die. Back to the front, you coward, you servant, you blind man." "Orion" is a superb instrumental track that features impressive musicianship and an a very engaging and bass solo provided by Cliff Burton. The album ends with "Damage Inc.", an insanely fast speed metal track that is a real treat to headbangers everywhere.
Theres so much I can say about this incredible gem. "Master of Puppets" is by far the pinnacle of heavy metal and an album that rock and metal bands still draw inspiration from. The music is intense, technical, ferocious, and powerful. This album is incredible engaging lyrically. The lyrics are full of anger and politically fused as it deals with abuse of power, lack of freedom, and control. In a time dominated by acts pop like Michael Jackson and Madonna, lyrics that really made bold and substance full statements like this were a bit rare. Cliff Burton, arguably one of the greatest bass players of all time, would tragically die in a bus accident, but not after leaving his legacy on "Master of Puppets."
Simply put, the music on this record is beyond great. This is really one of the best albums to come out of the 80's and one of the all time great's. Kirk Hammet's leads, James Hetfield's vocals and rhythm guitar, Lars Ulrich's speed drumming, and Cliff Burton's bass guitar provide an unmatched combination. If you call yourself a music fan, but have never heard this album, that is a huge problem that needs to be remedied. "Master of Puppets" leaves an incredible legacy on the world of music
My rating: 91/100
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