Metallica S&M
Heavy Metal mixed with Symphonic Music is nothing new. If you always thought that classical music was boring then this double CD may make you think again.
Many metal artists have either been educated in , or heavily influenced by classical music. The infusion of these two genres can be found in numerous songs and albums across spectrum of metal bands. Leading sometimes to surprise when people discover the popularity of classical music amongst many metal fans.
Being at the forefront of what is termed "intelligent heavy metal," it seemed only a matter of time before Metallica would eventually mix their classic songs with a full symphony orchestra. In fact, S& M is not the first foray the band has made into using classical music to enhance their songs. When recording The Black Album" Nothing Else Matters" in 1993 they worked in collaboration with the composer Micheal Kamen who scored an arrangement using a forty piece orchestra for what is termed as the "elevator" version of nothing else matters.
S&M is a unique live approach taken by Metallica to push their music beyond the perceived image of a purely heavy metal band. After working with Metallica before and fresh from a project with Pink Floyd on "Division bell"
Michael Kamen approached Mettalica with the idea of performing some of the their most well known songs live with a full symphony orchestra.
Metallica deliver a powerful and stunning performance and Kamen and his 100-piece orchestra fill in the gaps that as a fan I never though were missing and add a special touch and a depth, complimenting the band so completely that just sets those hairs tingling up your spine.The concert, itself a rather low key affair, was recorded at the Berkeley
Community Theatre, Berkeley, California between April 21st and 22nd 1999. The double CD album of this concert S& M was then released on November 23rd 1999.
The combination of an world class orchestra and a powerful metal group, is so inspirational that it crosses enough musical genres for it to appeal to nearly every person who appreciates good music.
NOTE: There are twenty-one songs on this album, so this is a long review - I hope I do not loose anyone along the way.
DISC ONE
Disc one opens to cheers and applause from the fans
1. The Ecstasy of Gold (2:30)
(Originally from The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly soundtrack)
The Ecstasy Of Gold is the intro Metallica always uses to open their concerts, but this time its different. A 100 member orchestra certainly brings out those goose bumps.
2. The Call of Ktulu (9:34)
(Originally from Ride The Lightning, 1984)
This song is rarely performed live so that it self is a real treat. The use of strings in opposition to the electric guitars in this production, takes an already excellent song to new heights. Metallica and the San Francisco Symphony won a Grammy for this remake.
3. Master of Puppets (8:54)
(Originally from Master of Puppets, 1986)
Master and puppets is something of an anthem amongst Metallica fans. It is about drugs and their destructiveness (Something Metallica are well known for) The harmony is sung beautifully and the orchestral arrangement is just stunning.
4. Of Wolf and Man (4:18)
(Originally on Metallica, 1991)
This is a monster song - Not in the sense that it is a hugely popular song with the fans, rather than it has Werewolves as the subject matter. The vocals and strings meld together superbly, adding a level of menace that is missing off the album .
5. The Thing That Should Not Be (7:26)
(Originally from Master of Puppets, 1986)
Another monster song, about sea monsters this time, , The haunting compliment by the orchestra to Metacllica's full on style just blows you away
6. Fuel (4:35)
(Originally from Re-Load, 1997)
Not my favourite song. Maybe its me but hot rods and classical music just don't gel here. Sounds a bit rushed - as if they realized they had made a mistake and just wanted to get it over and done with.
7. The Memory Remains (4:42)
(Originally from Re-Load, 1997)
Perfect song to mix with the symphony. It's about a has been celebrity who can not accept his decline . This version lacks Marianne Faithfulls vocals from the original version. I can't say I particularly miss her tuneful "DA DA DA DA DA" during the chorus.
8.No Leaf Clover (5:43)
(Original for S & M)
This one of only two songs written solely for this album. Starts wonderfully clean then bangs straight into the classic Metallica riffs. The string section must have had really bad cramp on this one but thankfully they keep up with the pace.
The premise of the song is basically " good things turn bad, but it's nobody's fault but your own"
9. Hero of the Day (4:44)
(Originally from Load, 1996)
This is a really beautiful song and the vocals are sung superbly - Better than their original I have to add
10. The Devil's Dance (5:26)
(Originally from Re-Load, 1997)
Its all about Sex - This is heavy metal, sex and classical music all done with a lot of attitude. It's one of those songs you just never want to end.
11. Bleeding Me (9:01)
(Originally from Load, 1996)
The long song all about the search for a better life. (wouldn't be right considering the subject matter to make this a short song) This song almost seems that it was always intended to be performed with a symphony. The build up they give to it has a certain majesty as they sweep through the sections giving this an epic feel.
DISC TWO
1. Nothing Else Matters (6:17)
(Originally from Metallica, 1991)
It's a love song. The original was beautiful. This version is better than the original. James Hetfield puts so much emotion into this beautiful love song - It has been known to make big, butch, bearded bikers weep.
2. Until It Sleeps (4:29)
(Originally from Load, 1996)
Very dark and mysterious song, both musically and lyrically. It's about how dark personality trait comes back and hurt both you and the people you care for. This version sounds a bit jumbled but in away that compliments the lyrics.
3. For Whom The Bell Tolls (4:52)
(Originally from Ride the Lightning, 1984)
This track comes from Metallica's more social and political early days, Where they were trying to convey the savagery and pointlessness of war. The intro to the song, is somewhat long and dedicated to the symphony. However Metallica punch their way through and dominate the rest of the track.
4. Minus Human (4:19)
(Original for S & M)
This is the second track writen for this album. Good and heavy Metallica song - Not disappointing
5. Wherever I May Roam (7:01)
(Originally from Metallica, 1991)
It's about the joys of the open road and being free. Good use of strings here from the orchestra, along with the guitars again gives a real feeling of depth and space to this song.
6. The Outlaw Torn (9:58)
(Originally from Load, 1996)
This is a very moving and powerful song, about waiting for miracles The music, lyrics and orchestra yet again all blend well to gives the song an epic feel.
7. Sad But True (5:46)
(Originally from Metallica, 1991)
Another song about struggles within. The music has a slightly slower tempo than the album track, and unfortunately, the orchestra and melodious guitars make this a rather monotonous track.
8. One (7:53)
(Originally from ...And Justice For All, 1989)
Based on the book Johnny Got His Gun, This is a very haunting song about a soldier who has lost his arms, legs, sight, hearing, and speech. It concentrates on the horror he is experiencing. It is about how he did not die, but he feels he should have, as he cannot really now face life. This song does contain quite a lot of "thrash" which I supposed signifies his anger, unfortunately with the orchestra it just sounds a bit messy.
9. Enter Sandman (7:39)
(Originally from Metallica, 1991)
"Enter Sandman" is probably the most famous Metallica song among mainstream music fans . I have heard a lot of hard core fans complain that this is not as good as the original - However, although I agree it has a different tempo, which takes a bit of getting used to, I really like this version.
10. Battery (7:24)
(Originally from Master of Puppets, 1986)
For all fans of Metallic of "Trash" days you will love this track. All I can say is its very fast, very loud and very messy. I have no idea what it is about and really don't want to.
The Band:
James Hetfield - Guitar, Vocals
Lars Ulrich - Drums
Kirk Hammett - Lead Guitar
Jason Newsted - Bass
Michael Kamen - Conductor
with The San Francisco
Symphony Orchestra
Producer: Bob Rock with James Hetfield, Lars Ulrich & Michael Kamen
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18.06.2007 23:48
This was my introduction to Metallica and I just love it! Now I have this performance on DVD and the music is on my iPod, it's fantastic! Really enjoyed reading your review which I felt summed this up very well. Very sad that Micahel Kamen died in 2003. A very talented man.
27.01.2006 16:08
I find it utterly bizarre that I've never heard of this. Thanks for enlightening me. Very good review. x
17.12.2005 20:33
Sounds like a pretty cool take on the metallica originals. Phil :)