Review Summary: Master of Puppets is arguably one of the best thrash metal albums of all time, and with good reason. The album has a not stop track list and delivers the speed and aggression that Metallica are known were known for in their early days. In short, the album
In my opinion Metallica's 1986 release "Master of Puppets" in one of the best metal albums of all time. It certainly ranks amongst Slayer's "Reign in Blood", Pantera's "Cowboys From Hell", and Motorhead's "Ace of Spades." Clearly it is in very good company.
After the releases of Kill em All, and Ride the Lightining, Metallica apparently had a very big task. After all they had put out two albums that woke the metal world up from it's make up, spandex wearing daze. Metallica rose to the occasion and put out one hell of an album...that album is "Master of Puppets."
The blazing speed and vocal aggression that Metallica is known for is all over this album, from start to finish. Although it only has 8 songs, it runs only a few minutes shy of an hour, and every song is great. On the album there are songs that every metalhead will know, and songs that you have probably never heard of, however this by no means reflects their quality....they are all great.
The album is packed with aggression, speed, and is just flat out LOUD. The thing that surpirised me the most when I purchased this album is that every song seems to have a clear message. James Hetfield's lyrics are great in ever sense of the word, they truly have meaning behind them and by the end of every song (except Orion), you'll have a clear image of what he's singing out.
"End of passion play, crumbling away
I'm your source of self-destruction
Veins that pump with fear, sucking darkest clear
Leading on your deaths construction
Taste me you will see, more is all you need
You're dedicated to how I'm killing you"
Lyrical excerpt from the song “Master of Puppets”
Even though Hetfield does a very good job on this album, he by no means pulls the rest of the band along. Kirk Hammett lays down some fast, intricate solos that really suite the songs well, and he does a great job when playing rhythm tracks. Cliff Burton is arguably the best bassist ever, and it truly shines through on this album. His bass solo on the instrumental track Orion is very original and it a real work out art. And last but most certainly not least, Lars Ulrich. Lar's ability to play fast and accurate is really something to behold. I also enjoy how some of his drum tracks sound like he's improvising (he did make them up, piece by piece). Thedrum track on "Master of Puppets" is a perfect example; the verse riff is in your face, and the chorus riff is very original.
My Track Rating:
1) Battery - 9/10
2) Master of Puppets - 9/10
3) The Thing That Should Not Be - 7/10
4) Welcome Home (Sanitarium) - 8/10
5) Disposable Heroes - 9/10
6) Leper Messiah - 8/10
7) Orion - 10/10
8) Damage Inc. - 8/10
