- by Hazel Sheffield
- Thursday, September 04, 2008
- filed in: Metal





Notable exceptions to the above are evident in the lead single 'The Day That Never Comes'. A divergence from high-octane, heavier tracks that are vicious and lyrically empowering, this Metallica-ballad attempts political commentary with its dolorous anti-war vocal. Meanwhile, 'The Unforgiven III' features a full-length orchestra and piano prelude, and is undoubtedly an album highlight.
Hetfield is back to singing about death and devilry, with themes of suicide, betrayal and torture, that sometimes seem slightly overdone, especially by a band aged in their mid-forties. There are moments, too, when co-ordination slightly slips and the overall effect is a little too contrived, perhaps most evident in 'The Judas Kiss'.
Nonetheless, Metallica have exceeded themselves in producing an album that is indelibly stamped with their eponymous sound, whilst allowing for breathing space that demonstrates musical deftness and innovation on a par with their best work. Each varying component of each track is as brief as it is carefully inserted into the wider cacophonous whole, so that choppy tempos, changes in sound and structure, and transitional keys dissolve seamlessly into the magnetic propulsion of their genre-dominating prowess.


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- The instrumentals on Death are fine, but James simply can’t sing anymore. His crappy voice ruins the album and every Metallica live show that I have heard lately (like Bonnaroo 08).
Metallica can live on, but James needs to pack it up.
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- wtf are u smoking? I think his voice is one of the best parts of the album...different than his old style but a more growly type...he can’t sing" persay...the higher vocals of the 80s or early 90’’s as he has come out and said TBA damaged his vocal chords. But what Death Magnetic does great is slam your ass against a wall and holds you from breathing without letting up until the end of the final song...i effin love it. You have right to opinion tho, and
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- Congratulations to Jonathan for what is the most moronic comment I’ve ever come across. Idiot.

- wow Jonathan im suprised, I agree live James doesnt have what it takes anymore but I thought the singing on the album was great. Pefect even.

- Jonathan, you moron you have not even heard the new album by what you say. Listen to the real leaks. You are crazy, this is the best album since 1988 and maybe better then Justice
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» View all 111 comments~ by Jonathan 9/4/2008
~ by Ken 9/4/2008
~ by James 9/4/2008
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