Metal Thrashing Mad

Here ya go, jackref...

Number 4 - Metallica

Let me be clear - Metallica died in 1992 after the Black album. Anything after that is garbage and is not going to be considered. It is a completely different band at this point and Lars is one of the biggest pieces of shit in all of metal. The Black album was a polarizing album in that it was the best produced metal album of its time, but also became "stadium rock" and made alot of old school thrash fans upset with the direction the band took. Even their peers mocked and scoffed at their pretentious shift of music. I am going to paraphrase an interview with Lars and an interview with Kerry King of Slayer for you that sums it up nicely:
        
    Lars: Well, you know,  we as a band and wanted to expand, you know? We didn't want, you know,  to paint ourselves in a corner and limit what we could do, you know?

    King: Fuck that. We have the coolest fucking corner in the world and I wouldn't want to be anywhere else. And if you don't like our paint then fuck you.


Now they are just frat rock and an embarassing shell of what was once the best metal band on the planet.

There is also an argument they died with Cliff Burton back in 1986. Cliff was the heart and soul of the band back in the early 80's and a critical part of their sound with his prominent bass and wild personality. His death was a tragedy and one of the most incredible bass players was taken from us prematurely. The band did find a great replacement in order to move on in Jason Newstead. He brought his own character and style to the bass and with him drivng the rhythm they created some of their most defined and complete songs. However he never fit in with the other 3 and was the subject of years of hazing as the rest of the band didn't really know how to cope with the loss of Cliff and took out their anger and sadness on Jason. After the Black album and they acheived critical success they truly embraced him as part of the band, but he was interested in other projects and left. Unfotunately when he left, the band as metal fans knew it was over. He was replaced by Robert Trujillo of Infectious Grooves and Suicidal Tendencies fame. A great and competent bassist in his own right, but still not Jason, and definitley not Cliff.

So, how do we properly showcase such an incredible metal band from the early 80's that shaped the entire genre and scene. Let's start at the beginning with Kill Em All. The album that scared the shit out of the establishment and started a genre revolution. Megadeth frontman Dave Mustaine was an original member of the band but had a falling out with Lars and James before this album was produced (More on that when we cover Megadeth). They enlisted Exodus guitarist Kirk Hammett to join them and the rest is metal history.

The song that started it all - Hit The Lights




Also worth checking out from that album are Four Horsemen (WHOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!) and Whiplash. I also love Anesthesia which is a bass solo from Cliff. Really showcases his talent and was something was never done before (or after as far as I know) and having a bass solo on an album.

Their next album was Ride the Lightning and was just top to bottom a powerhouse of thrash metal. I can still listen to this top to bottom and want to listen to it all over again as soon as it is done. Impossible to pick a favorite song but to showcase thier talent I would go with For Whom The Bell Tolls. James was maturing as a song writer and lyricist and just an amazing song with story and feeling behind it.





Most bands hit a lull after their sophmore effort, but Metallica may have produced their best work on their thrid album. Every song was crisp, tight, and just auditory ecstacy. Once again impossible to pick a favorite but the most impactful would have to be the title track of the same name - Master of Puppets describing drug addiction.



Unfortunately that would be the last we heard of Cliff... RIP. However the Newstead era started off strong with an album full of covers called Garage Days. My favorite Crash Course in Brain Surgery




Then we come to And Justice For All. This album had it all - thrash riffs, potent content and meaningful lyrics, excellent production. It set the standard for all metal albums to follow. Impossible to only pick one song but the title track just held me captive with its sound and to a young Jack political content on the bullshit in the world. It resonated on a level no other song had up to that point in my life.




Also check out Dyers Eve - the only time shitbag Lars could pull off double bass drums throughout an entire song.

And finally, the Black album. Half the album sucks and is "new" Metallica, the other half is incredible and is "old school" Metallica. Production wise it may be one of the best produced metal albums ever. My favorite song from the album is Through The Never. Pretty much their last thrash song.




It is unfortunate that their shitbag movie shared this title as that was a steaming pile of hot garbage.

And then Metallica stopped being Metallica and doesn't count. Lars can eat a bag of dicks and go fuck himself. Fin.

#5 Pantera


The band that will melt your face. The band that saved 90's metal. The band with one of the most creative guitarist's who was taken from us way too soon. RIP Dimebag.



Pantera formed back int he early 80's but were not the Pantera we know today. They played glam metal and were trying to break into the scene that way. By the late 80's they realized that wasn't them and got a new lead singer in Phil Anselmo - a crazy fucking Cajun with just incredible tone and range for his vocalizations. And the frontman antics to go with it.



We are going to start with their first album of this incarnation of the band - Cowboys from Hell. From the opening riff of the opening track you knew you were in for a fucking ride. Thrashing guitars and a great blend of guttural crooning and pitchy wailing, this was fucking metal.





From that you move to Domination - just pure power. This clip is a live version that just gives chills watching Dimebag Darrell play (from the 3 min mark to about 3:45). He is magnificent. And also a great showcase of Vinnie Paul on drums (Dimebags brother).





Finally from this album one of my all time favorites. It gives me goosebumps every time I hear it. Cemetary Gates. A true power ballad and great song for reflection.






1992 saw the release fo their 2nd major album - Vulgar Display of Power which contains of the most notable metal anthems of all time - Walk.




In addtion that awesomeness, the album top to bottom was flawless. Listen to the whole damn thing but if not at least these tracks:

Mouth for War



Fucking Hostile - aka one man mosh pit. If this song doesn't make you want to move and just swing your arms for no reason then I don't even know.






Next up in the Pantheon of Pantera is Far Beyond Driven. My college freshman year anthem. I wore the CD out on this one - much to the chagrin of all the other people on my dorm floor.



Five Minutes Alone - how often do you ask for this. Give me someone for 5 minutes and lets see what happens




I'm Broken - features some of Dimebag's sickest riffs.




Their next album the Great Southern Trendkill was my least favorite, but still awesome thrash metal. I mean it's like saying your least favorite free beer. It's still fucking awesome. The most recognizable somg is probably Drag The Waters




Sadly the list is ending with Reinventing the Steel. This was the last album that Pantera would put out. Anselmo was strugging with back problems and drugs including pills and heroin. Lots of friction in the band and would lead to their demise and ultimate break up. Vinnie and Dime still played together in bands up until Dime was shot and killed on stage in 2004. That is a sad day and sad post for another day. In the interim let us celebrate the greatness of Dime with some of his final riffs.



Revolution is My Name




I'll Cast A Shadow





Rest in Power Dimebag. You will forever be one of the greats.