Those of you who own Metallica’s previous three offerings will know that this band are seriously into Thrash Metal at the highest degree. In fact Metallica practically invented this genre…well, with some help from Slayer perhaps. “…And Justice for all” could be the heaviest album Metallica have ever made, and is the first with new Bass player Jason Newstead. Unfortunately for Jason (and everyone who has listened to it), the Bass is non-existant! Strangely enough, the sound is very different from the previous three, thus adding to its originality. The guitars are heavier and James Hetfield’s voice is more brutal and raw.
It starts off with “Blackened”, a song about the death of Earth, and just about everything living on it. Quite morbid, but never mind! The songs on this album are all very long, but don’t fear, there is never a boring second in the whole of the sixty minutes. Song number four, which is called “One” is a chilling but nevertheless stunning example of Metallica at their best. It is about a soldier who has had his arms and legs blown off and has been blinded and deafened by a landmine in the War. James Hetfield shouts the following lyrics with ferocity:
“Landmine… Has Taken My Sight Taken My Speech Taken My Hearing Taken My Arms Taken My Legs Taken My Soul Left Me with Life in Hell”
Nearing the end of the album, at number eight is “To live is to die”, written by ex Bass player Cliff Burton. It is a beautifully melodic song, and the longest on the album at 9:48. Just as it is ending, you get the impression that the next song will also be fairly relaxing, and settle into your seat thinking you will be asleep in no time; but that’s where you could not be more wrong; “Dyers Eve” immediately kicks into harsh, thrashy guitaring, and mad drumming. James is full of rage in this song, and shouts the lyrics with venom! It is about being badly brought up by your parents, and not being introduced to the real world until you are in your late teens. You are lost, confused, badly in shock and do not know what to do or where to go. The solo in this song is incredible alongside the angry guitars and drums!
Well, what can I say? A truly sublime album, which will have you head banging until you have a headache! Anyone one who calls themself a metaler has no excuse not to have this CD in their collection!
I never liked this album much. I always missed the bass too much for me to ever consider it very heavy really. Good opinion though!
andrewj100 27.09.2001 11:41
Good OP.
I always thought the songs were a bit long on that album, I personaly think they could have choped most of them in half and not suffered. Good album though and one that is frequently in my CD player!
drusilla 23.09.2001 22:55
Well written, decriptive and informative. Thanks a lot ~ Dru
This record has so much good material that it's a shame the production is so shoddy. ... more
Song-wise, this is probably Metallica's most sophisticated album, exploring the theme of justice and perversions thereof with a vengeance. "One" is one of their best s...
Postage & Packaging: Free! Availability: Usually dispatched within 24 hours...
Sep 23rd, 2001
very helpful by (94%):
helpful by (6%):
![Lest We Forget (The Best Of Marilyn Manson) [PA] - Marilyn Manson](http://imagesa.ciao.com/iuk/images/products/small/908/prod_small-5766908.jpg)
![Greatest Hits Vol.1 (Parental Advisory) [PA] - Korn](http://imagesb.ciao.com/iuk/images/products/small/605/prod_small-5878605.jpg)
