Review Summary: A timeless classic
If someone ever asked me to hand them an album that epitomises what metal is, this album would be my first choice. The memorable riffs, thumping bass and foreboding lyrics turn this album into a masterpiece that has stood the test of time 32 years on. Ride the Lightning showed Metallica abandoning the visceral rawness that fueled their debut album Kill ‘Em All and saw them embracing a more technical and melodic approach to their song writing. Ride the Lightning is a fantastic album that showcased the band could progress musically and lyrically while tackling dark themes with overwhelming success.
The intricate, opening acoustics to Fight Fire with Fire create a mellow atmosphere; as if to create the façade of a calm before the storm. The riffs throughout this track are lightning fast and accompanied by some fantastic double bass drum work from Lars Ulrich. Burton’s bass whilst there doesn’t shine out as much here as it does on other moments on the album e.g. For Whom the Bell Tolls. The speed of this song echoes back to Kill ‘Em All, but it shows more control and technicality in their playing. The memorable chorus makes this track a brilliant introduction to the album as Hetfield howls out lyrics regarding nuclear Armageddon which sets out the general theme of death that flows throughout this album.
The following tracks Ride the Lightning and For Whom the Bell Tolls remain two of the strongest tracks in Metallica’s catalogue. Kirk’s excellent solo in the title track showcases his talent, and backed up by Hetfield’s rhythm work only serve to raise the strength of this track. Cliff Burton’s bass work in both tracks is impressive, particularly the thunderous opening to For Whom the Bell Tolls. Many fans still revere Cliff as one of metal’s legendary bassists and it is clear to see why as his work still sounds fresh and innovative today.
Fade to Black for me still remains Metallica’s greatest ballad ever. The chord progression and the execution of the song is beautiful in a twisted way as it tells the tale of a man contemplating suicide. The way James Hetfield utilises his vocals and become these different characters in each of these songs still amazes me every time I hear this album; as if each song has their own character to tell the story. Fade to Black saw how Metallica could remove the fast guitars and yet still remain a leading force in thrash metal and maintain a heavy sound.
The following tracks Trapped Under Ice and Escape present two quite standard Metallica songs. The first of the two has a ghastly feeling of dread and is quite an exhilarating listen as it details the story of a man drowning under ice. The riffs here are fast and all over the place, the drums accompany the guitars effectively and the bass thumps through clearly. The latter of the songs, Escape is the weakest track on the album, but still holds well with a catchy chorus and consistent riffing.
The closing tracks Creeping Death and The Call of Ktulu are of superb quality. The lyrics on Creeping Death tell of the plagues Moses sent upon Egypt and the enslavement of the Jews. The opening riff pumps adrenaline through the body and ends up having you humming it for the rest of the day. The musicianship is phenomenal with all the instruments blending together seamlessly to make a cohesive, full sound. The same can be said for the epic, closing instrumental The Call of Ktulu. The forlorn atmosphere captivates the listener throughout as the song progresses, getting heavier and faster. The virtuoso guitar playing here demonstrates that sometimes songs don’t need lyrics to tell a story and shows off the strength of Metallica’s musicianship.
As a sophomore release for any band this is an impressive feat and opened the door to future classics like their magnum opus Master of Puppets. As an album, Ride the Lightning will be remembered as a metal masterpiece. Some of Metallica’s most memorable riffs are on here being Ride the Lightning and Creeping Death along with some of Cliff Burton’s most astounding bass work, as mentioned before the unforgettable opening to For Whom the Bell Tolls. As time marches on, so will the legacy of this album.
