RIDE THE LIGHTNING

The difference between the debut Kill 'Em All and this album is like the size of the Pacific Ocean. The main reason being that the Kill 'Em All songs was pretty old when the album was recorded. Some of the songs was also co-written by David Mustaine (MEGADETH). The debut album of MEGADETH is perhaps the logical follow up album to Kill 'Em All. Ride The Lightning is more or less a complete break with that album. A strange development, but we are all richer for it. The following album Master Of Puppets was again a logical follow up to this album again.

The opening track Fight Fire With Fire is the only speed metal song on this album. A pretty naive straight forward song. The title track is a complex dynamic song. For Whom The Bell Tolls is another complex song with an opening guitar harmony which rips. Fade to Black is, shock horror shock, a ballad. Trapped Under Ice is a complex song. The same is Escape. Creeping Death is a catchy song and the single from this album. It is still a firm fan favorite at their gigs. The Call of Ktulu is a complex, melodic instrumental with a very strong bass line.

To summarise up this album; it is a less heavy album than Master Of Puppets and Justice For All. It is also a bit dated. I still think it is a great album, but with some flaws. The production is too thin. There is a couple of weak songs here. I used to love this album, but I have to admit I have moved on and away from this album. But it is still a good album. It is also the first real warning to the world about METALLICA's intentions. A good album.

3.5 stars