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"If this "Black Album" marks a break in the career of Metallica, it proves to be a model of mastery and the care brought to the production allows him to remain current eighteen years later."
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4/5
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After the very raw "And Justice For All", and the tour that followed, the members of Metallica decided to take a step back from what they had just accomplished. Over the years, the band's music had become more complex and richer, and they wanted to return to simpler, more Rock songs. Impressed by the work of producer Bob Rock on albums like Motley Crüe's "Dr. Feelgood", they contacted him to mix the album. He joined the band for a long struggle in the studio from October 1990 to June 1991, resulting in the album that would become known as the "Black Album".
The evolution of the style of Metallica on this opus is considerable and a part of the fans will reproach them to have done everything to be on the radio. Indeed, it is clear that the tempo was considerably slowed. Under the influence of Bob Rock, the "four horsemen" leave their Thrash influences to concentrate on the finishing touches of the songs. Thus, most of the titles are built on one or two riffs, on which the band adds little by little elements, such as the grandiose "Enter Sandman". The bass finds its place within the band, and the possibilities of each instrument are exploited to the maximum. The sound of the album is considerably enriched, with an almost perfect production and a finely worked sound atmosphere.
Beware, the essence of Metallica remains present, with a majority of sharp and dark riffs. The slowing down of the tempo makes the atmosphere even more heavy ("Sad But True"). James Hetfield sings like never before, his vocal lines are inspired, and he makes tracks like "Wherever I May Roam" or "My Friend Of Misery" come alive. The lyrics move away from the usual themes of society, war and insanity. The feelings are more detailed, as James says: "When you talk about your feelings, you're sure you're not wrong, unlike the various problems of society".
The wildness is still present, but simply better mastered. The grandiloquent "Sad But True" or the fast "Holier Than Thou", are examples of punchy tracks that remind us that Metallica still plays metal. At the same time, some amazing tracks make their appearance. "Nothing Else Matters" will make a lot of noise, being the first real ballad of the band. This splendid track even features classical orchestrations (by the famous Michael Kamen), as well as a striking and elegant solo. "The Unforgiven" is quite original, with hard verses and a more acoustic chorus.
So for some fans, this album will be one of betrayal and compromise. However, having toned down the aggressiveness is not synonymous here with mediocrity. Of the various tracks on this album, many will become Metallica classics. This "Black Album", if it marks a rupture in the career of the group, proves to be a model of mastery, and the care brought to the production allows him to remain of topicality ten eight years after. - Official website
Did you know?
 The production of the "Black Album" was complicated and it was remixed three times at a cost of around one million dollars.
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TRACK LISTING:
01. Enter Sandman - 05:31
02. Sad But True - 05:23
03. Holier Than Thou - 03:48
04. The Unforgiven - 06:27
05. Wherever I May Roam - 06:46
06. Don't Tread On Me - 04:01
07. Through The Never - 04:03
08. Nothing Else Matters - 06:29
09. Of Wolf And Man - 04:17
10. The God That Failed - 05:05
11. My Friend Of Misery - 06:50
12. The Struggle Within - 03:54
LINEUP:
James Hetfield: Chant / Guitares
Jason Newsted: Basse
Kirk Hammett: Guitares
Lars Ulrich: Batterie
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READERS
4.2/5 (15 view(s))
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STAFF:
4/5 (17 view(s))
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