Hardcore, Punk & Heavy Metal > M Hardcore, Punk & Heavy Metal > Speed / Thrash Metal

Advantages: Mega all the way through
Disadvantages: None

This is the album that really set the standard for aspiring metal guitarists. Hetfield's rhythym playing is like nothing that was heard before - fast downstrokes virtually all the way through the album, quick chord changes and timing shifts were never so concentrated. Not only is the music technically difficult to play, it sounds so harsh, catchy and aggressive too. Metallica had sounded original with their previous albums, but this record was totally ...
...Ratt, Cinderella etc) seem dated and, well, a bit silly. If you like metal and don't own this album, get it. It's a real pity that the band sold out by going to Bob Rock for later productions. If they hadn't sold out, they might still be making music that comes close to this. Sadly, they went rubbish. Sorry. ... Read review

Advantages: This album rocks, the artwork rocks and the long tracks rock. Awesome
Disadvantages: To Live is to Die only lasts 9.49, They hardly play any of this live.

...6:41. Very very amazing track, and It immediatly gives me the the feeling 'Yay, I bought A Metallica Album'. 2. "...And Justice for All" - 9:47 In my eyes the best track of the CD, and it deserves to be the albumtitle holder 3. "Eye of the Beholder" - 6:30 I love the drums in this track. 4. "One" - 7:26 He deserves a medal for the guitar. 5. "The Shortest Straw" - 6:36 A 'regular' awesome song 6. "Harvester of Sorrow" - 5:46 Rocks my boat, and ...
...every second of this track. 9. "Dyers Eve" - 5:13 LOVE the solo. The only downside is that it is to difficult for them to play this album live, so you know how awesome they can be, and live they won't play this, makes me sad. ... Read review

Advantages: Some say their finest hour
Disadvantages: There's only 8 tracks

Ride the Lightning is Metallica's follow-up to their debut album, 'Kill 'Em All' and while not as raw as the first, this is hardcore, head-banging, thrash-metal at its best. The band would go onto refine their sound in later albums, some would say water-down, but this early showing is full of in-your-face energy, grit and perhaps surprising to some, sheer musical brilliance. In this reviewers opinion, it's also among their best work. The Metallica ...
...and rhythm guitar, Lars Ulrich on drums, Kirk Hammett on lead guitar and the late, great Cliff Burton on bass. Hetfield here is starting to show promise on vocals. He's never had the greatest voice, he never will either, but it fits in with the style of music. Certainly on the their first few albums, the vocals play a definite second-fiddle to the music. Famously, Hetfield and to a slightly lesser degree Lars, are the main protagonists when it comes ... Read review

Advantages: Arguably the first true thrash album, The Poor Production adds to the experience
Disadvantages: How did No Remorse ever make it onto the album

Although credit must go to the members who released this album ie James Hetfield, Kirk Hammett, Lars Ulrich, Cliff Burton, a special credit should go to Dave Mustaine whos influence made this album as special as it is. Although most would argue that poor production ruins albums, this is not true in this case. The raw and rough recording of this album gives it an extra thrashy sound. This is by far the best metallica album to own, followed closely ... Read review

Advantages: Technicality, originality, speed,
Disadvantages: Dawn Patrol seems like a filler track

...Of Souls Rust In Peace...Polaris If you like this i would suggest; Peace Sells...But Who's Buying? (Megadeth), Kill Em' All (Metallica), Master Of Puppets (Metallica), Reign In Blood (Slayer), The Sound Of White Noise (Anthrax), Killing Is My Business...And Business Is Good! (Megadeth), So Far, So Good...So What (Megadeth). ... Read review