Im a metalhead to the end but that doesn't mean I only enjoy metal, will listen to pretty much anyth...
Im a metalhead to the end but that doesn't mean I only enjoy metal, will listen to pretty much anything and will try everything at least once.
Member since:24.05.2008
Reviews:9
Members who trust:2
Ride the Lightning is the second studio album released my heavy metal/ thrash giants Metallica. Released July 27th 1984 and has since sold over 5 million copies in the USA alone. The album was released a year after Kill em all (Metallicas debut album) and in such a short time you can really tell how much the band has matured from ruthless teenagers to more deep musicians. The album deals with what some people would call stereotypical metal themes but I think that Metallica have gone further on the topics and really put a lot of thought into each track giving each one a uniqueness about it. As with Kill em all Dave Mustaine has been given credit for a couple of the songs on this album.
Lead vocals/ guitar: James Hetfield Drums: Lars Ulrich Bass: Cliff Burton Lead guitar: Kirk Hammet
Fight Fire with Fire- 4:45 The opening song to the album starts with a nice soothing melody (surprising when you know Metallica) but of course this changes after 30 seconds into an amazingly raw riff followed by amazingly raw lyrics, perfect
combo. These two factors coupled together make such an aggressive tune this is a great opening track that soon grows on you. Solo isnt bad either, this is just one of those songs that you can really lose yourself in. You can also really tell the difference in Hetfields voice which has grown a lot deeper making the entire theme just seem that little bit more strong.
Ride the Lightning- 6:38 A personal favourite of mine with probably one of the most addictive tunes youll ever hear. Ride the lightning brings us a story about capital punishment and the thoughts that go through some ones head as they are awaiting their fate, really deep stuff. Again the lyrics here coupled with the riff make this song incredibly immense. If there is a song on this album that youre going to listen to it should be this one. This is also the birth of those excessively long solos from Kirk that we all love and also the beginning of Hetfields mastery of lyrics (my opinion).
For Whom the Bell Tolls- 5:11 No metal band is complete until theyve released a track with that ominous bell tolling in the background, ACDC did it, Black Sabbath did it, and now Metallica. I think that this is where Metallica set themselves apart from other bands in showing that it isnt all about playing as fast as you can. A more toned down riff but still the lyrics have a major impact. Not much more to say about this tune other than it shows that Metallica are easily capable of changing their style.
Fade to Black- 6:55 Now this is really where Metallica breaks the mould. All we have seen so far are massive riffs at a blinding pace; we never thought Metallica could create what can only be described as a ballad. Another moving song about suicide and the feelings of a man that has lost the will to live. The track also has a nice melodic tune to it and in my eyes, shows James lyrics at their best. Inevitably, the song picks up tempo towards the end and brings around a great finish. Definitely another personal favourite of mine.
Trapped Under Ice- 4:04 Trapped under ice, yet another song about death, who could have guessed though it doesnt get old fast. Its all in the name, this song tells the story of a man who is trapped under ice. The tempo picks up again for this track and the lyrics are still amazingly strong. If nothing else, this song is at least interesting to hear the story.
Escape- 4:24 I love this song but this is where both the tune and lyrics slip in my eyes. The song still has an amazing solo preformed by non other than Hammet and the lyrics still sound great but I dont think it compares to the rest of the album but you are entitled to your own opinion.
Creeping Death- 6:36 Yet another personal favourite of mine and when you hear it live you may even say as much. This track is Metallicas most frequently played song and allows great fan participation during the mid section where an entire crowd will be chanting Die, Die, Die. The sheer power behind this song coupled with the biblical story of Moses and the plagues of Egypt make this song a classic. Truly great stuff. The lyrics are written mostly from the perspective of the angel of death and really have a massive impact.
Call of Ktulu- 8:51 Metallicas second instrumental clocking in at 8 minutes and 51 seconds but it doesnt go stale at all. It starts off very melodic like fade to black and then picks up getting faster and faster. Theres really not too much to say on instrumentals but the composition in this one is amazing, it all blends so well, not a single part in the entire 9 minutes seems out of place and is a great way to wind the album down.
Ride the Lightning is probably my favourite Metallica album and if nothing else should be listened to just to hear the lyrics as this is what I think makes this album, though dont underestimate the guitar (and drum work).
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
Don't let that classical-guitar opening to "Fight Fire with Fire" fool you--Ride the ... more
Lightningpacks a heavy-metal wallop. While not as ambitious as the subsequentMaster of Puppets, this early Metallica album is indubitably one of their best. Thematical...
Postage & Packaging: £1.21 Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
Don't let that classical-guitar opening to "Fight Fire with Fire" fool you--Ride the ... more
Lightning packs a heavy-metal wallop. While not as ambitious as the subsequent Master of Puppets, this early Metallica album is indubitably one of their best. Thematic...
Postage & Packaging: Free! Availability: Usually dispatched within 24 hours...
Don't let that classical-guitar opening to "Fight Fire with Fire" fool you--Ride the ... more
Lightningpacks a heavy-metal wallop. While not as ambitious as the subsequentMaster of Puppets, this early Metallica album is indubitably one of their best. Thematical...
Postage & Packaging: £1.21 Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
Advantages: Vocals well done, great guitar and drum playing, awesome first half Disadvantages: Production values could be somewhat better, not so consistent 2nd half
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
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