A classic surely, and still brings the house down 20 years on.. (Ride The Lightning - Metallica)

Member Name: st5229

Product:	Ride The Lightning - Metallica
Date:	22/03/01 (17 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: True class, and can be enjoyed even if metal is not really your thing

Disadvantages: Impossibly hard to play!

Firstly I'll point out that in my opinion, Metallica are THE best metal band ever, considering a 20 year tack record in which they have enjoyed huge success.
Sure, I'm a bit annoyed with them for their part in getting Napster shut down, but I can forgive.
This is their second album, and for the early eighties, this album is incredible, because in general music of this time was dreadful. It lacks the cheesiness of other bands of the time.
The introduction is a teaser, as it starts of very gentley, but obviously it don't stay like that for long! The introductions to songs are breathtaking generally. These guys are freakishly good on their instruments, and as an amateur guitarist, I have spent many a long hour squinting through books of tableture, trying to work out how on earth you play these songs!
There are a few chilled out moments, like track 4, FADE TO BLACK.
In conclusion, this is a metal band that you don't have to be a metal-head to enjoy; I don't particularly enjoy much else that incorporates much headbanging and 'moshing'
You can easily listen to the album 100s of times without getting bored with it, and the songs are very deep and meaningful.
It's hard to knock Metallica, and anyone with any clue about music, even if not their style, must surely respect and appreciate these metal veterins.

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