RIDE THE LIGHTNING

Metallica

Prog Related

4.11 | 726 ratings

From Progarchives.com, the ultimate progressive rock music website

Luqueasaur

So let it be played, so let it be heard, it was sent here by the chosen ones: 9/10

To call RIDE THE LIGHTNING revolutionary is an understatement. It is one of the most meaningful thrash metal albums, not only for its unmatchable quality but also for its genre-defining characteristic. Up to this point, thrash was an undefinable mishmash of violence and speed metal; now, thanks to those lads, it meant much more, requiring meaningful lyrics and more sculpted arrangements rather than raw aggression. Finally, thrash diverged from "the quick and craziest, the better" mentality.

It also represented METALLICA's maturation: no longer were they the "let's trash this hotel while drinking beer" as of KILL 'EM ALL. Starting here, some of their most celebrated characteristics began to develop: unusual complexity in their sound; rich lyrics that go beyond the usual (for the genre) "venting" purpose: rather than just expressing visible indignation, they are rather metaphorical and psychological about it; most importantly, we begin to see a shyly gritty sonority - no, not angry sonority, like death metal, neither a suffocating sonority like black metal. Gritty.

Honestly, all those characteristics, exactly for not fully ripening, are on point. RIDE THE LIGHTNING doesn't sound overly pessimistic as MASTER OF PUPPETS and neither as aggressive like in KILL 'EM ALL. Instead, virtus in medium est.

The most meaningful characteristic of RIDE THE LIGHTNING for me is the absolutely killer riffage and presence anthemic songs. Not a single track fall shorts on inspiration and energy, the title track and Creeping Death being unparalleled thrash hymns. METALLICA's unexpected burst of innovation brought us a gem. HIGHLY recommended for metal fans. If you didn't give this a shot, you should do. You will be...

... thunderstruck.

Luqueasaur | 5/5 | 2017-7-21

MEMBERS LOGIN ZONE

As a registered member (register here if not), you can post rating/reviews (& edit later), comments reviews and submit new albums.

You are not logged, please complete authentication before continuing (use forum credentials).

Share this METALLICA review

Social review comments () BETA

Review related links

Send comments to Luqueasaur
Report this review (#1745207)
Buy METALLICA music online with PA partners
Show all METALLICA MP3/Stream
Go to METALLICA page for videos, full discography with ratings, reviews and much more
Go to Ride The Lightning page for more details, where to buy and ratings/reviews
Search the Forum for METALLICA related discussions