Amazon.co.uk Review: While not as timeless as Ride the Lightning or Master of Puppets, Metallica's debut album--originally released in 1983--is still a fine piece of thrash metal and as good a marker as any for the debut of the genre. Fusing the rapid-fire attack of bands like Motörhead with a guitar style reminiscent of such British heavy-metal bands as Iron Maiden and Judas Priest, Metallica essentially created a new kind of metal. Several of the songs from this 1983 album have since become classics, including "Seek & Destroy", "The Four Horsemen", and "Jump in the Fire". The song-writing isn't as sophisticated as on Metallica's later releases; still, it's a great listen, and essential for any heavy-metal fan. --Genevieve Williams
Customer Reviews
Average Rating:
Rating: - Looking back...
...and playing this album again, it seems really dated.
I've never been a big fan of Metallica, but now and again they do make very good songs.
'The Four Horsemen' is a shining example of what I mean. Ironically it was written my Mustaine (who'd got kicked out and formed Megadeth), but that doesn't detract from the greatness of the song.
That song and 'Ride the Lightning' are the only Metallica songs I can stand to listen to for the whole running time.
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Rating: - Outstanding debut, hugely underrated
What strikes me is how fresh this album still sounds after over 25 years. Fast, furious and different, I was only 7 when this came out, so can only imagine just how much this must've rocked the Bay Area scene in San Francisco. It does wear it's influences on it's sleeve, but Metallica were still teenagers when they recorded it (imagine any band today managing the same feat?) and you cannot help but be swept away by the enthusiasm behind the record. It pumps out of every one of James Hetfield's riffs, ... Read More
Rating: - Wicked raw thrash metal debut from Metallica
Metallicas first album and it's breathtaking, for me this is one of their best albums alongside ride the lightning, Master Of puppets, And Justice For All & St. Anger(yes). This classic thrash metal includes 10 amazing thrash metal songs all killer and no filler. Best songs for me are The Four Horsemen,Motorbreath, Whiplash, Phantom Lord(just for the amazing mid - section), No Remorse & Seek & Desrtoy. Which is really the whole album. This is one of the metallica albums that i can listen the ... Read More
Rating: - RAW...
I'm a fan of Metallica, but I confess that I'm not a great fan of this album. It's extremeley raw, compared to the quantum leap that the band made in the next 3 yrs, with Ride the Lightning & Master Of Puppets.
Lars Ulrich's drumming is fast & hard but it's some of the most basic, I've heard. He improved a 1000% by album no.2!
The guitar tone is a little thin and Hetfield's vocals are frankly, awlful, with lyrics only too obviously written by a 20 year old.
On the plus side, Kirk ... Read More
Rating: - simple yet amazing
this is such a good album i cant emphasise enuf. this, ride the lightning and master of puppets r the best metal albums of all time. buy them all now!
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