2003-07-30
You can say what you want, you can say Metallica gone main-stream, that they’re a group of old cowboys, that Hetfield has bad breath but still you can not change the fact that “St. Anger”
Is an extraordinary album, produced in a way considered to be a lost art.
It appears that ever Metallica got sick and tired of playing old “black” style and just in time to prevent monstrosities like “unforgiven 3” or maybe a triple album with the red army orchestra.
Besides the aggressive change of style “St. anger” is an excellent opportunity to hear Metallica’s new bass player Robert Trujillo (Infectious Grooves legendry bass genius who also played with Ozzy Osbourne and Suicidal Tendencies).
Contrary to all rumors about Metallica going new-breed the connection between
“St. anger” and new-breed is much like the connection between an average the Tibetan bull
and nuclear physics. “St. Anger” is more like old-school Hardcore. Hard brass snare that strikes almost on every beat combined with fast driving guitar riffs and not even one short glam—rock guitar solo.
One of the things I liked best in the album is the way the band sits perfectly… this reckless free style that just ticks like a Swiss watch on acid.
Ulrich is using his double bass drums more freely than ever and plays Tama’s bell brass snare 6.5x14 That sounds like his made out of pure gold rather than brass.
You can notice that Kirk Hammet tries to create this manic raw sound against all of his
Guitar-tech wishes and the result is a highly produced Hardcore sound and yet still powerful enough to break walls.
Actually the only thing in the band that stays about the same is Hetfield singing without any sign of growing tired or bored. Hetfield continues roaring and spiting in full steam (at least they cut the spiting in the mix)
“St. anger” is different, aggressive and fast… and for a lack of other more appropriate expression simply kicks ass!!
Tal Galfsky
