Metallica - Self Titled / "The Black Album" Review
Hey all! Like I said in one of the previous posts here, I’ve been gone for a while mainly because of school, but now I’m back. I said I was gonna review all Metallica albums, and now it’s time to review their famous self-titled fifth album. This album is essentially what got Metallica out of the underground scene and into mainstream music, and is hated by a lot of thrash fans and elitists for that reason. It is also their most famous album. Without further ado, let’s get to the review.
The Review
I think this is a good album! I don’t think it’s as good as any of the first 4 albums, but I think it’s pretty solid in its own right. This album simplified Metallica’s music for a more mainstream audience, switching from a thrash metal sound to a “traditional” heavy metal sound, and as said previously, is hated by some for this reason, especially some thrash fans and elitists. Still, the songs are pretty memorable and catchy. The songwriting and production still holds up pretty well to this day. Another thing I like about the album is that the bass is actually audible this time around, in contrast to the muted bass of AJFA. Jason Newsted is a great bassist which I think Metallica could’ve utilized better in general. I couldn’t find a general theme from this album as I did with others. There’s enough variety and the songs are pretty memorable. I think some of the solos had too much wah pedal use, but I wouldn’t say they’re bad solos nonetheless.
The riffs are pretty good, as well as the vocals. Personally, I wish Metallica kept going in a thrash direction, but I do like this album.
Overall, the black album is a fine album. Is there better stuff? Absolutely, but this is a really good entry level album filled with catchy and memorable songwriting. You’re definitely gonna see some elitists and the like trash on this album and say Metallica “sold out” because of this, but don’t mind them. Not everything has to be complicated, simple music can be very good and memorable. If you want to get into metal but think some of the other stuff is too heavy, this is an amazing starting point. I definitely recommend this to anyone who hasn’t heard it and is looking to get into metal.
FINAL VERDICT: 7.5/10