I bloody loved this.
Just listened to all 77 minutes of it. This is the
Metallica album i would wish for. It's like a 'Best of' with all new songs. Anyone who likes
Metallica from 83's
Kill 'Em All to the faster stuff on 91's
Black album, like
The Struggle Within, should also love it.
Every song hit the spot with me, there wasn't a weak link in the chain. It's fast, it's furious, it's catchy and it's brilliantly produced with a huge crunching sound. I heard little bits of
Metallica from throughout that 83-91 period. Penultimate song
Room of Mirrors i was picking up
Iron Maiden vibes in the solo harmonies and
Volcano era
Satyricon during the icy guitar slashes in the chorus.
Throughout the twelve songs i was constantly moving to the music, tapping my fingers, moving my feet and legs and headbanging in a minor pathetic way.
Although none of the songs have stayed with me in an ear worm fashion -
Padam Padam it ain't - i've come away from it with a Cheshire cat grin and i'm ready to listen to it all again.
Oh, and there are no ballads!