Metallica - No Life 'til Leather EP
Every band has to start somewhere, and this is where Metallica first stepped into the industry
1. The Mechanix - Early version of 'The Four Horsemen'. Faster tempo than the song it would become on Kill 'em All. While the lyrics aren't the same, Hetfield's voice still hits the same notes in the same places ie: Instead of "The horsemen are drawing nearer", it's "Who ever thought you'd remember". The song seems to be about a girl who really "does it" for the singer, with numerous references to "Giving her another service" etc. About 3 mins shorter than "Horsemen"
2. Motorbreath - The same as the version on Kill 'em All. There's a bit of an echo on James' voice, not sure it was intentional, or just a recording relic. The first solo is a bit longer than the later version, although it's a bit hard to hear because of the lack of production.
3. Jump in the Fire - Pretty much the same as the one on Kill 'em All, same great riffs and solo. Faster than the Kill 'em All version
4. Seek and Destroy - The Solo seems to be faster than the Kill 'em All version, although this could be because the song is about 2 minutes shorter. Still an awesome song.
5. Phantom Lord - This song differs from the K'eA version because it doesn't waste 20-odd seconds with that "Evil" noise and the "Build Up". The lyrics are pretty much the same.
6. Sucking My Love - Diamond Head Cover. Who ever recorded this track in the studio should be hung, drawn and quatered. The levels for the different instruments sound like they haven't been adjusted at all, for most of the song you can hear Hatfield singing.... you just can't make out ANY words at all, only the guitars and drums. I wish Metallica had had access to some more money to properly record this track, it has some real potential.
7. Hit The Lights - I guess James and Lars were pretty happy with this song when they first wrote it, because I don't think it is any different on this album to the one on Kill 'em All. Probably the only song to be the same tempo on both albums - nice and fast.
8. Metal Militia - No marching sounds at the end of the track other than that, pretty similar. The solo around the 3 minute mark still doesn't quite make a 'smooth' enterance, but perhaps that's the effect the were aiming for.
9. Let It Loose - In a way this song reminds me of Whiplash. As with Sucking My Love, the production is pretty awful. Hetfield's voice gets pretty high in some places, but hey, he was young. A pretty average song, the first solo is pretty cool, though hard to hear over the fuzz and drums. The second solo is a bit better, as it's longer, and you can hear it clearer above the other instruments. This is one song that I'm disappointed didn't make it to Kill 'em All, but, at the same time, I'm glad it didn't, as it isn't all that strong. A great live track perhaps?
Pros:
The entire Album is a lot "Thrashier" than anything else Metallica produced, although 'Kill 'em All' does come in pretty equal.
Although the production is appauling, as could be expected from a demo, you can still hear the talent shining through.
Cons:
Production (if any) is the worst I have heard on almost anything, EVER.
Not widley available (In Australia anyway, I got my copy via LimeWire. You could try Kazzaa as well I guess.)
Overall:
If you can get your hands on a vinyl or a tape of this album, I STRONGLY recomend you do so, as it is the speed fix you've been looking for. If you are a mad-keen Metallica nut, do what you must (sell a body part or two if you gotta) to get you hands on a copy.
