Metallica - Ride the Lightning
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Free Music Notes for Ride the Lightning
Free Music Review: Metallica's Fantastic Sophomore Effort
Hit: 5 Stars
Metallica's second album takes the songwriting up a serious notch from that which was displayed on their debut album, Kill 'Em All. Don't get me wrong, I love Metallica's first album as well, but even though this album was released just one year after their first album, they display much maturity on this record. First of all, the band most likely were more cohesive as an ensemble since Kirk Hammett was now an established member of the band, whereas with Kill 'Em All, he had barely been in the band.
For those who don't know, whereas Kill 'Em All for the most part was lyrically about themselves in the band, with such songs as "The Four Horsemen," "Metal Militia," and "Motorbreach,"; RtL, rather is an album seemingly all about death, from execution, to suicide, to being "trapped under ice" to the Angel of Death; the whole album is an examination of all things morbid. This album also includes the last batch of material by Dave Mustaine who went on to Megadeth, though he would argue he also developed the riff to Damage, Inc among other later songs.
The songwriting on this record is actually rather complex, and personally this album is my favorite, in a virtual tie with Master of Puppets. Here is the track breakdown:
1)Fight Fire with Fire--this song has a great baroque-sounding intro that then evolves into a great pounding riff (much like Battery on the subsequent record) however, the song seems to fall short after about the first minute and a half, becoming one of the weaker songs on the record.
2)Ride the Lightning--The title track of this record is probably one of the most underrated Metallica songs ever, the breakdown 2/3 of the way through with Kirk's solo is one of the best ever.
3)For Whom the Bell Tolls--probably one of the best Metallica songs ever, EVER made. This song is a flawless march about death in the Spanish American War. The intro riff is one of the best heavy riffs ever.
4)Fade to Black--at this point, this was probably Metallica's slowest song...the lyrics are very depressing yet full of heart, it's with songs like this, that they can be taken much more seriously, than say, Metal Militia.
5)Trapped Under Ice--without a doubt the most mediocre song on this record, it just seems very sub-par, as though little effort went into it.
6)Escape--I personally love the somewhat mellow solo in this song. I think this is another underrated Metallica song, and actually seemingly breaks the mold of their normalcy at this point, it actually sound different than anything they had ever done.
7)Creeping Death--without a doubt the most powerful song on the record with the most catchy breakdown chorus ever crafted "Die...by my hand..." This is probably one of their best known and most liked really heavy songs.
8)Call of Ktulu--this is one of the 3 EPIC instrumentals Metallica recorded, the others being Orion, and To Live is to Die. This song seems to rely on a lot of classical influences, though it is nonetheless crushingly heavy. The great thing about this song is is somehow captures a feeling of tension like something evil is brewing...perhaps a Ktulu is being called...I don't quite know. Also, the blisteringly heavy closure to this song is downright incredible. By the way, Cliff Burton has an amazing bass solo through most of this song which can be barely heard due to equalization holding the bass so low...turn up the bass on your stereo to hear the amazing solo.
Free Music Review: The BEST Metallica album ever conceived!
Hit: 5 Stars
Metallica really haven't been doing well lately, especially after the release of their highly disappointing "St. Anger" Studio Album, which quite frankly is only recognised as Metallica because of James Hetfield's lyrics. However, I went through my Metallica collection the other day and popped "Ride the Lightning" in and all I can say about the CD is: pure, unmitigated musical genius...
This album, released in 1984, was the last album featuring the guitar stylings of the legendary and talented Dave Mustaine (he went on to form Megadeth in 1985 after he was thrown out of the band). Now I also love Megadeth, but the reason I think this is Metallica's best album ever is not because of Mustaine or any other member, but because of the way each member is at their absolute peak on this offering! "Ride the Lightning" is simply one of the greatest Metallica songs ever. The riff chugs away, the guitars shriek and roar, the drums are masterful and Hetfield's lyrics are deeply penetrating. The song actually talks about Death Row and and an inmate awaiting execution by the electric chair and honestly, this song makes you feel like you ARE that inmate! And dear lord, have you heard the solos on this song? Holy s*** it's so beautiful that you just wish you could be those guitars! The structure is complex and there's a real storyline to the song which creates interest and a sense of progression. Simply masterful Metal.
"For Whom the Bell Tolls" has also got to have one of the best openings in a Metal song. The Church Bell combined with the guitars and drums sounds amazing. This is then followed by a "solo" bit by Mustaine over Hetfield's killer rhythm that just sounds incredible. Once again Metallica demonstrate their Metal prowess with their awesome solos and meaningful lyrics. Once again there is a sense of progression in this song and the idea of the journey that every human has to take: the journey from life to death. It's simply fantastic Metal.
"Fade To Black" has some beautiful acoustic guitar work and some very moving solos. The song isn't as hard and heavy like the other songs but still retains a darkness that is the mark of early Metallica. It is once again masterfully crafted and is full of energy and emotion. The guitar work overall is simply wonderous and the lyrcis are once again emotionally-charged and intelligent.
My personal favourite song from this album (and favourite Metallica song ever) is "Creeping Death." It's just so brilliant and has a unique and direct energy that is the epitome of Metallica's speed metal and musical capability. The lyrics are reminiscent of Biblical scriptures and the lyrics created a foreboding and ominous atmosphere. And the end solo is the single greatest solo I have EVER heard. Three guitars play as the solo reaches it's climax and it's simply one of the most haunting and memorable solos ever recorded. The song is incredible and one that I will never forget.
"Ride The Lightning," is undoubtedly a Metal Masterpiece. It is a shining example of what Heavy Metal should be: powerful, unforgettable, moving, dark, heavy, complex, intelligent, innovative and plainly extraordinary. If you're a Metallica fan you HAVE to own this album. Buy it, you will NEVER regret your purchase. If you like your metal masterful and classical, then Metallica's "Ride The Lightning" will more than satisfy your desires. I could go on and on about this album, but you just have to hear it to understand it all. 10/10 for Metallica's 1984 Metal Masterpiece, "Ride The Lightning."
Free Music Review: Hard-hitting, a more polished version of Kill 'Em All
Hit: 5 Stars
Metallica's second studio album, Ride the Lightning is a great thrash metal experience. The album's theme revolves around death; this is apparent from the album art alone, which depicts an electric chair. Some songs are fast, some songs are slow, but in my opinion each track is great in its own right. Enough foreplay.
Fight Fire With Fire: The opening track, this song is about nuclear war. It starts off with a calm acoustic intro, reminiscent of some sort of old instrument (a harpsichord I believe). If you didn't know any better, you'd think it was a recording of the National Symphony Orchestra leading up into a masterpiece by Beethoven. But all of a sudden, you get a fast, heavy, low guitar. It's a pretty good song overall, but it isn't the greatest. 8/10
Ride the Lightning: This titular track is nice because it simply sounds great. Hetfield's voice sounds angry, maybe even a bit spiteful. The song is about a man on death row, about to be executed on the electric chair. The solo is killer, as is the bridge leading into it. Great to listen to. 10/10
For Whom the Bell Tolls: This one is interesting, because it's a bit slower than the previous two tracks. The song seems to be about soldiering and the Hemingway book by the same title. The intro riff is cool, as are the various solos throughout the song. That said, I think it's a bit overrated. Not bad, just overrated; there are better songs on here. 9/10
Fade to Black: This song arguably started the 'tradition' that would be followed in the next two Metallica albums of having the fourth track start slowly but end heavy. The song has a catchy acoustic intro leading into a distorted riff. The song focuses on suicide, the mental struggle of a man. Once again you can hear some anguish in Hetfield's voice, and overall the song has a gloomy mood to it. It is definitely one of the slower tracks on the album, but it's very well composed and the solo is great. A classic. 10/10
Trapped Under Ice: Basically Fight Fire With Fire in terms of how it sounds. I like it, but it's basically 'another thrash song.' The song's title speaks for itself. 8/10
Escape: One of my favorite tracks on the album, and interestingly it's the only one that's got a more positive mood in the lyrics. The chorus is one of the best parts, just because of the way it is structured. The song seems to be about escaping from prison or from the shackles of life. Sadly, Metallica has never played it live (or so it would seem), because they don't like it that much. 10/10
Creeping Death: A song about the plagues from the story of Moses and the Ten Commandments, told from the perspective of the creeping fog that killed the first-born of each family that didn't paint the X on their doors (or however the story goes). It's a heavier track than the others, and has a good sound to it. 9/10
The Call of Ktulu: Inspired by the writings of H.P. Lovecraft, of whom the late Cliff Burton was a major fan, this song is purely instrumental. I do think it drags on a bit long, but it's still a good showcase of Hammett's guitar work. The ending is one of the best parts, because it simply sounds epic. 9/10
If you want to get into Metallica, this MAY not be the best album to start with; I would recommend the classic Master of Puppets or even the Black Album. If you've already heard some Metallica (I'm talking about early Metallica, not the Load/Reload and beyond years) then you should definitely get this if you haven't already.
Free Music Review: Arrrgh...I can't choose which one is the best!
Hit: 5 Stars
I'm of course talking about whether Master of Puppets or this is my fave Metallica album. It seriously alternatives almost every day. This one has the concept of different types of deaths the other has the theme of various factors that control people in life. Both have 8 songs including a killer instrumental, you know what, this isn't really the place to hold a major debate on that so I'll just review the album now.
This album was the one that put Metallica on the map and made them a first class rock act and a MUCH more mature effort on writing lyrics.
Fight Fire With Fire 12/10 - deceiving slow acoustic intro that ironicly turns into one of their fastest songs in their entire catalogue. Awesome nuke explosion at the end.
Ride The Lightning 10/10 - The lyrics along with the guitarwork are top-notch here, Hetfield really captures the anguish of a prisoner on the brink of execution.
For Whom the Bell Tolls - 20/10 One of my favorite Metallica songs. Lyrics are based on Hemingway's novel of the same name which is about the Spanish Civil War. I actually read it in high school so I can vouch for the band by saying their lyrics(and especially the music) brilliantly capture the essence of the highlight events in the story.
Fade to Black - 20/10 Another legendary song from the boys. Powerful ballad about someone contemplating suicide. Although a little depressing of a song (the theme at least) I've heard about many fans who say it helped them not commit suicide. If this isn't an influential song, then I have no clue what is.
Trapped Under Ice - 10/10 Seriously what's wrong with this song? I hear this being ragged on occasionally. It's underrated and I think it rules, it's a genuine thrasher from beginning to end. Again the lyrics are excellent depicting someone's thoughts as he's well, trapped under ice.
Escape - 10/10 This song gets dissed even more than the previous one. Again, this song rocks very well, Metallica consistently give you good, solid metal. On the contrary, I think the lyrics are kinda cool, I just look at it as a theme song for people with good music tastes trying to 'escape' from mainstream MTV hell.
Creeping Death 12/10 An all-out thrashing classic here. It's a popular live song as well I believe. You know what makes it even better? It's 6:36 mins of moshing mania! That's pretty f***in' awesome man. No wonder why everyone loves this one.
Call of Ktulu 10/10 Last but certainly not least is the first of a trio of epic instrumentals from Metallica. Did you love this one? Well guess what, they have one on the next 2 subsequent albums too dude! The most complex song on the album, it's a work of art people.
I didn't really mention anyone's specific musicianship skills in any song in particular because I thought everone was at the top of their game in every song. You just have to buy this album, along with Anthrax's Spreading the Disease, Number of the Beast, Vulgar Display of Power, the first four metallica albums, (maybe the black album) and then you have yourself a sweet little collection already.
I know I probably said a lot of rehashed stuff, but hey I'm trying to help out the younger generation and turn them into serious metalheads which will result in less MTV watchers in the future. Real Metallica, I'll miss ya man, once upon a time you were the epitome of thrash metal. At least you made your name as heavy metal legends though.
Free Music Review: One of Metallica's finest hours
Hit: 5 Stars
How Metallica went from writing heavy metal masterpieces like "Creeping Death" to churning out boneheaded Southern boogie-rock like "Whiskey in the Jar-o" I will never understand. It's said that all good things must end. Well, in Metallica's case, that proved all too correct, as their kick-ass heavy metal did indeed die a slow, painful death in the 1990s. Nowadays, Metallica's music is so lame, so cheesy, and so awful that I wish they would change their name - they are nowhere near the heavy-metal gods of the 1980s, and no longer deserve a name that was once respected the world over. Listening to their music of yesteryear is a joy, but at the same time it's depressing to think of how much this once-great band has gone down the crapper.
But at least they made 5 exceptionally good albums before their implosion. And make no mistake - these albums are KICK-ASS. Ride the Lightning is right up there with And Justice For All and Master of Puppets, and when you compare favorably with juggernauts like those, you know you're in for some incredible stuff. And incredible it is. Bands like these do not exist anymore. The passion, the towering, monstrous riffs, the masterful solos, the ingenious songwriting, the pounding, thundering drums, the powerful, primal screams of James Hetfield...all relics of an age gone by. Don't bother trying to find bands like 1980s Metallica nowadays - there are none. To understand what I mean, you'll just have to listen to Ride the Lightning yourself. Prepare to crank the volume. Prepare to bang your head. Prepare to be blown away.
Fight Fire with Fire - After a brief classical guitar intro, the opening track explodes into a heavy, rampaging monster. A fast, ferocious headbanger, with Hetfield shouting the lyrics like a man possessed. The solo is absolutely superb, as is the breakneck drumming.
Ride the Lightning - This song is a classic, no question. It opens with a bang and never lets up. Slower than Fight Fire with Fire, but just as heavy and just as good. Great chorus, lyrics, and guitar, and another spectacular solo.
For Whom the Bell Tolls - A slower, more creative track, this song is another highlight. The guitars are exceptional throughout the entire song, Hetfield's lyrics and delivery are perfect, and the slow fade-out at the end is great.
Fade To Black - A haunting semi-ballad, and one of Metallica's best songs ever. Halfway through, the song changes tempo and becomes even more poignant. As usual, the guitars, drums, and vocals are top-notch. Classic.
Trapped Under Ice - Doesn't seem to be very well-liked, but I happen to like it a lot. Certainly not the best track off the disc, but a very good entry nevertheless. I love its fast, frantic, kick-ass drumming, and the riffs and vocals are great as well (love that echo in the chorus). The bridge and solo rock as well.
Escape - One of the shorter tracks on here, and probably the least memorable. The chorus is pretty good, but other than that nothing special. Still a pretty good track.
Creeping Death - One of the top songs on the album, if not the very best. A heavy metal band singing about a Biblical story sounds kind of dicey, but the song goes quite well with the subject matter (it's about Moses leading the Hebrews out of Egyptian slavery). The song sounds like a storm about to strike, and the bridge, chorus, and main riff give it a powerful edge. Great stuff.
The Call of Ktulu - A great closing instrumental.