Metallica

Item: St. Anger
Author: Bane Graves

St. Anger

(2003)

Reviewed by Bane Graves

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Label ElektraDecapolisJuly 2003

alternative metal hard rock heavy metal metal

There aren't many bands that have earned the reputation Metallica has. For more than twenty years now the name of Metallica has been synonymous with groundbreaking heavy metal. This is a group of musicians who over the course of their careers have endured an ongoing cycle of trial and triumph. Their newest album St. Anger is no exception.

The passion play of Metallica's career would probably see their first three albums (Kill 'Em All, Ride The Lightning, and Master of Puppets) as their "Nativity scene". They were to establish Metallica as a unique and miraculous event. These are the triad of albums by which Metallica fans gauge everything else in life.

The two albums to follow (...And Justice For All, and Metallica which is commonly referred to simply as "Black") could be seen as their years of ministry. It was in these years Metallica brought their message of blistering metal to the masses preaching the good word. It was in these years Metallica reigned supreme in the eyes of all.

If their first three albums were a "nativity", and the two to follow "Metal Evangelism", then Load, and Re-Load were their "Crucifixion". In spite of the musical genius of these albums, Metallica were practically murdered by their own fans. Not unlike a Jewish carpenter I happen to know.

So what then (given this wonderful metaphor I am enjoying so much) is St. Anger? Simple, St. Anger is Metallica's "Resurrection". St. Anger is an album only Metallica could pull off given their career.

Opening track "Frantic" shows a mature re-visitation of Metallica's early years, while bringing in new vocal elements, which harkens to Rollins era Black Flag. The psychotic cracking of Hetfield's vocal cords serves to bring forth the image of a man who while on the mend mentally, seems to be counting on his eventual return into insanity. All the while we see Ulrich pounding out the metronome by which Hetfield's breakdown is being moderated. It is without a doubt the brutal exchange between Ulrich's drum kit, and Hammett's guitar that signal the reawakening of a beast which once aroused will consume stadium after stadium of an unsuspecting public.

Title track: St. Anger flows into being with an almost otherworldly air provided by producer turned Metallicat Bob Rock's bass. This track is a fairly good example of why I believe you can set your watch by Lars Ulrich's kit work. Ulrich provides a rock solid timing, which is mathematically precise. What St. Anger also sees is a return somewhat to the vocal styles explored in Load and Reload, while Hetfield adds a call-response element to his musings. The intelligence and honesty of this entire album comes through in full horror when Hetfield belts: "I'm madly in anger with you... I need to set my anger free."

Dirty Window, reminds me of old Johnny Cash, with none of the country. It is all in the attitude Hetfield is projecting. The crunch of the song hits like a mallet to the skull. Hammett pounds out a counter to Hetfield's rhythm guitar. It is all things Metallica has become: gritty, no-frills, rock and roll.

St. Anger is what those who executed them for Load and Reload will herald as the "Return of Metallica". I say Metallica has AGAIN re-invented themselves and challenged themselves, fans and pundits alike.

B+