Back in September I posted a review for Metallica's new album Death Magnetic. As I was listening to one of the songs in the car this morning I started to think back at how my opinion has probably changed from this original review, so here is an update on it of sorts.
The lyrics are still mostly trival although I have found a few that have grown on me. "How can I be lost when I've got no where to go" from Unforgiven III this probably one of the best lyrics I have heard this year. In fact that song is probably the only bright spot lyrically in the entire album. I also finally found the reference of Death Magnetic in the last song on the album called My Apocalypse talking about the end getting closer and death pulling him in. At least I maybe have a little more perspective on the odd name.
My biggest gripe is over the sound quality. The crazy thing was that it took Guitar Hero to make it obvious to people. The entire album was released as extra download for Guitar Hero III and when people began to play them there is noticeable less distortion on those tracks than the other on the CD. It turns out the music is compressed on the CD in order for it to be louder (similar to the way that commericials are always louder on your TV). The side effect is a loss in sound quality which in today's world is a big deal. I can really hear it towards the end of The Day That Never Comes and spotty on those tracks. But the better the stereo you have the more glaring obvious the distortion becomes and it is really kinda of annoying and unpleasant.
This time around I believe I would give it 4 stars and notch up from the original review. This is better than about anything out there and is a true rebirth of Metallica. I love the album and I think it deserves all the praise it has received. The songs are energetic, heavy and well put together. The beginning riff of The Day That Never Comes still gives me chills. I could see myself at a Metallica concert screaming out some of these songs along with the band.
Despite my limited listening, this is my album of the year hands down.
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3 comments:
I always wondered why commercials were louder than shows, you learn something new everyday.
I literally didn't even see this post here till right now.
I'd do an album of the year, but I am not entirely sure I bought an album made in 2008. I'd have to look at a few of them.
Man, I am behind on the times.
yeah i guess this entry got overshadowed a little bit but i wanted to get it out there maybe as a side that opinions changes and also just vent about the compression distortion and how much that really bugs me. Remember how we used to put together CDs for each other on what music we discovered or got new over the year. I wonder if we could do a post on it and then work on getting eachother the music or leave it to us to find it or not. I was thinking about doing that the other day.
Mine would probably have to be over the last few years. I just haven't bought a lot of new albums lately and some of them I have got for holidays and stuff would be ones you have and know well.
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