Death Magnetic by Metallica (CD, Sep-2008, Warner Bros. Records Record Label)

Metallica's instrumentation is far better than what they've been trying to feed us with their last four albums. They haven't quite restored the edginess they had when they were young, but who knows if that could ever happen. My main thought was this: James used to sing with sorrow. He sounded like he was trying to get a point across. Now he sounds like he's trying to make money. However, his singing is actually quite good in comparison to the vocals on the other recent albums. The engineering decision to use AutoTune on him was a bad one. I'll leave it at that.

The engineering isn't the WORST I've ever heard, but I made better mixes when I was an amateur. The kick drum is equalized incorrectly and it makes subwoofers distort and flap before they can even begin to start putting out any notable bass. The bass guitar? Basically non-existent. The only time I could hear it is when he was the only one playing, or when the over-compression popped him through the spaces between the drums when the guitars were resting. The overall mix is SO COMPRESSED that it is audibly distorted to even the most untrained ear. It's quite sad.

This is a collaboration of some of the most famously talented people in the music industry, which took YEARS. How on God's green Earth did no one notice that the album was over compressed and had a bad EQ job? It's mixed better than their eighties albums, but nowhere near as punchy and tight as the self-titled album (not saying anything about the music on that album).

I've done nothing but talk smack about Metallica for the last decade. I hated their "new sound" featured on "Load", "Re-Load", "St. Anger" and whatever that other one that sucked was called. This album is highly rooted in their old sound, with some of their maturity added to the song structure. It isn't their best by any means, and I'd absolutely love listening to it if I weren't constantly reminded how much I hate the mix. Why so cynical? It's Metallica. I expect a lot.

If you wind up wildly disappointed with this album and feel like you're going to go into shock because you really need a fix of new Metallica music, and you wish it sounded heavier and more talented, go pick up a Trivium album. ~

Although it is not Master Of Puppets or Ride the Lightning, Death Magnetic is much better than the last few albums Metallica did with producer Bob Rock. Nobody wants to own up to the fact that Bob Rock almost completely ruined Metallica's music style. Although I do give Rock credit for influencing Metallica's Black Album, and Motley Crue's Dr. Feelgood album. The years that followed these two triumphant albums has shown Rock destroying more bands careers than enhancing them. Case in point--the new Offspring Album, the self titled Motley Crue album, Metallica's load, reload, St. Anger (Need I say more).


Death Magnetic shows a return to what made Metallica so great in their early years. 7 minute songs with assaulting Guitars and Drums. Robert Trujillo is a perfect bass player for Metallica. Do not know why people are griping about him. He may not be Cliff Burton, but he does play bass much much better than Jason Newstead.

Much of this is evident in "All Nightmare Long" which some are calling "Enter Sandman II". I cannot see this as being true, it reminds me more of "Disposable Heroes" from the Master Of Puppets album. About the only song that almost kept me from buying this album was "Cyanide" which sounds much like the junk from "Load & Reload" albums.

Also a much needed return for Metallica is a full-on instrumental "Suicide & Redemption". Featuring a style not heard since the days of the "Justice" album. But before everybody thinks the entire album is glamorous, think again.

One of my gripes against the new album is the track "Unforgiven 3". Wasn't "Unforgiven 2 enough of this title and style. THere are also a couple of other songs that show the signs of Bob Rock's influence over the years, but the majority is straight edge old school Metallica which is why this non-perfect album received a 5 star rating from me.

At least this is one Metallica Album, I am glad I bought, unlike Load & Reload.

I have listened to this entire album about 5 times and I definitely think that it is not too bad. Death Magnetic is without question better than St. Anger, considering that was one of the worst albums to come out in a long time, but Death Magnetic in my opinion is not as good as the old school Metallica and nothing ever will be. James Hetfield's vocals have gone way downhill since their awesome previous albums(excluding St. Anger); you can tell that he's gettin' old. Death Magnetic has got some good solos and guitar riffs and sounds very good, but to me it feels like the vocals are slightly lacking. Overall, definitely not a bad album and worth the money to buy it if you are a Metallica fan, but if you're not the biggest fan I would wait for the chance to borrow it from a friend or just download it. 7/10. My personal favorite song from the album would have to be #1: That Was Just Your Life.

I haven't bought another Metallica album after Load/Reload but I'm glad I bought this one. I had gave up on them but they suprized me with this album. Reminds me alot of the Master and Justice days. I just hope they keep on track because this is Metalica's true style of music. Not the crap the have been experimenting with the last few years.

It's by the greatest heavy metal band in existance...Metallica. I bought as a gift for my husband. I liked how easy it was to purchase on-line even if the item wasn't brand new.

My husband wanted this CD for Christmas. I had to get it. Very satisfied-received items promptly and in condition as advertised. Overall, I'd recommend.

I bought this CD because I have all the Metallica CD's, even the horrible "St. Anger". While "Death Magnetic" is far, far better than "anger", it's NOT up to Metallica's old standards. I've listened to the whole, long album three times, complete, all the way through. Not one song, not one, is memorable enough that I can tell you what the hook sounds like. The best Metallica CD, to date, is "Black", as every song is excellent, all the hooks are memorable, and the production values are top notch. "Death Magnetic" is OK, but is NOT the Metallica of old. Perhaps it's because of the fact the guys ARE =getting= old, that it sounds like it was thrown together in someone's garage. Not my cup of tea. I'll be giving the CD away to a friend, let's see what he thinks. Wish I'd heard it first before I bought it - like "St. Anger". This is the last Metallica CD I'll buy 'unheard'. Sadly, the name "Metallica" on a CD no longer means every song is excellent, or even OK.

Old Metallica fans (like myself),rejoice.Great comeback CD,after few very bad ones (Load ,Re-Load & St. Anger),back to speed/trash metal roots.This new release,"Death Magnetic" rocks from start to finish (75 minutes of sonic mayhem ,sounds like Master/Justice crossover).With new producer Rick Rubin Lars & Co found their true sound again (Kirk is shredding solo's again,Lars double bass drumming is awesome ,rhythm section is powerfull,vocal's are great,..).I can't single out my fav track ,they are all great (even 10 min instrumental).This CD is must have for true speed/trash metal fan's , PLAY IT OUT LOUD !!!

Not the top Metallica CD ever, but it certainly is their style. I still really like it. I would recommend to any Metallica fan.

It was a great CD! Metallica finally showed their real ability of playing guitar, drums, basses and producing a song! The shipping was also awesome. Thank you for CD.

one of the best cd in a long time.back to there old roots of speed metal.decide to buy cd that i am a fan of old school metal.

BAMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

heavy, fast, kicks ass, the best Metallica record in years. if you are a old Metallica fan you will love this cd.

I recommend this to anyone who like metallica. They have returned to their style, as compared to the last cd which was a huge flop.

As the title say It is the best Metallica record since the black album,fast song, really heavy and awsome Kirk Hammett solos. I think that the success is due to Robert Trujillo and also Rick Rubin, the producer of the decade.

Go buy it, and listen to death.

I have a pleasure of Death Magnetic: hearing Metallica sound like Metallica again. Individual songs and, especially, Hetfield's lyrics -- more a traditional blend of angst and terror -- are secondary to how the band sounds, how they spit, snarl, and surge, how they seem alive. Metallica isn't replicating moves they made in the '80s, they're reinvigorated by the spirit of their early years, adding shading they've learned in the '90s. Listening to the band play, it's hard not to thrill at Metallica's mastery of aggression and escalation. There is no denying that the band is older and settled, no longer fueled by the hunger and testosterone that made their '80s albums so gripping, but on Death Magnetic older doesn't mean less potent.

Why did I decide to buy it? WELL-I`M A METALLICA FAN..

What do I like, love, about it? WELL-I`M A METALLICA FAN, SO I ALWAYS WANT TO HEAR NEW MUSIC FROM "THE BAND"..(ALWAYS)..

What do I dislike about it? WELL-I`M A METALLICA FAN, SO-NOTHING!

THANK YOU, MARK

Freakin' amazing, best album by any band in YEARS! If you are a fan of MUSIC, you should buy this album, totally worth the $10!

I love the BRAND NEW CD as promised. I decided to buy it for my husband's birthday, he loves it.....he rocks out to it all the time. REALLY ? why does the review have to be 100 characters ? that is too long..........

Better than their last crappy album St. Anger. No garbage can lid drum sound and no whiny vocals. Why'd ya do it? This is a decent last death thrash from this band. These days, there's alot more extreme music that's faster, heavier, and more aggressive and Metallica put out a more radio style heavy rock. It's not the 1980's anymore when these guys were the cutting edge. The songs are good but they're not orgasmic. It's not edgy, these guys have lost most of their edge. I hear ramblings of veganism, yoga, one week on tour one week off because of the kids in their interviews. The 30ish, 40ish receding hairline, overweight, flab on her ass crowd will love this album because it reflects their tiredishness and final conformity into society. As you get older, it's all about how much money you have and how much you can blend into the crowd. As for the young and young at heart, the heavy metal torch is passed to you. Keep the flame alive.

Metallica !!! Need i say more ? Best band ever !! Have loved metallica forever .. One of the most influential bands ever , Every cd they have ever produced ha been great !

best album ever x met.the price was really good!!!the sound of this cd is so well done you can here the guitars and drums so clear.I play this cd more than 50 times already and i enjoyed everytime like if is was the first!!!!!

Finally, Metallica was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame this year. Great talent, incredible energy and undeniable charisma. Metallica rules!

I have been a Metallica fan since the '80's with "Ride the Lightning" being the first Metallica album I listened to. A year later they came out with "And Justice For All" I was already hooked with "Ride The Lightning" but with "And Justice For All" the claws of Metallica sunk in even deeper, I was hooked on Metallica for life. I realized they had a few other albums that I didnt have, "Master Of Puppets" and "Kill em All". I bought both right away. Even to this day I listen to Metallica more than I do any other band. Just put "Master Of Puppets" in in the morning and it is just as good as two double shots of espresso, really pumps me up.

When Metallica came out with the black Metallica album I had to rush out and get that one too. With this album it seemed like Metallica was making a transition into a slightly softer form of Thrash Metal. None the less in my opinion the black album was a success. When they came out with "Load" I lost interest in Metallica, seems like they were experimenting with a different form of music. It wasn't the same Metallica that I came to love. I stuck with listening to Metallica music but just listened to the Metallica albums from "Kill em All" to the black album. There are a lot of awesome songs from that era.

Recently I purchased the "Death Magnetic" album. I am really impressed with this album. Some of it reminds me of "Kill em All" and other songs remind me of the black album. I particularly like "All Nightmare Long" and "Suicide and Redemption". Although "Orion" from "Master of Puppets" is my all time favorite!! Metallica song. Lots of bass!!

I would like to congratulate James, Lars, Kirk and Rob for making a come back with their newest "Death Magnetic" album. I now have a new Metallica album with lots of awesome songs to pump me up in the morning.