Metallica : Load
What the hell is going on? Is this the same band that
recorded Ride the Lightning and Master of Puppets? After
listening to this album...you would never guess it's the same band! The music at this
point is pretty much a heavier Alternative-Rock sound, as Heavy Metal is out of the
picture. The production is the highlight of Load, with the instruments
being pretty audible. Jame$' vocals are average at best, Ja$on Newsted's bass work can
actually be heard, and Lar$ seems like he's bored back there on drums.
Load has a few good tracks, although plenty of
filler/unlistenables, as well. Of the better tracks include the lead single "Until
it Sleeps," which has a fairly decent chorus and clean guitar passages that make
it worth a listen, but it's OK at best. "Bleeding Me," "Thorn
Within," and "King Nothing" make up the other decent at best
tracks offered here. Unfortunately the rest of this album shouldn't even be included, as
the cuts lack aggression, speed, emotion, or just plain suck.
By the look of Metallica on the back cover art, sitting together in designer wear suits,
smoking cigars together on a candle lit-table, they appear to be established "rock
stars" at this point. This album shows progression, sure, but not progressing in a
direction that will please the long time fans. Metallica's days are over, and this album
is either there to keep the Metallica name intact or to collect a heavy paycheck (in which
they did).
Keep playing your 80s Metallica albums and stay far away and clear of Load
like the Ebola virus. This band is capable of such better music..or at least was. Not
recommended.
Tracks
1. Ain't My Bitch
8. Cure
2. 2 x 4
9. Poor Twisted Me
3. The House Jack Built
10. Wasting my Hate
4. Until It Sleeps
11. Mama Said
5. King Nothing
12. Thorn Within
6. Hero of the Day
13. Ronnie
7. Bleeding Me
14. The Outlaw Torn
Reviewed by Sam |
