Metallica's Ulrich: 'We Could Not Have Made A Better Album'

The latest issue of UK's Kerrang! magazine (web site) includes an interview with Metallica and report on the band's July 27, 2008 concert in Istanbul, Turkey. A couple of excerpts from the interview portion of the article follow.

On staying relevant more than 25 years after the band's formation:

James Hetfield (guitar, vocals): Despite the earthquake that is going on in the record industry, this band is still relevant. We worked through our problems and now we've gone to work capturing our musical essence. We've challenged ourselves; we're hungry.

We understand the importance of staying relevant. We understand the importance of playing new songs. We understand how important it is not to become a nostalgia act. No one in the band wants us to be that. [Metallica] still has something to offer. No matter what the public thinks, as a band we will do what we have to do. We always have.

On Metallica's new album, "Death Magnetic":

Lars Ulrich (drums): I can honestly say that this album is the best album we could possibly have made. Can I guarantee that people will like it as much as they like our older albums? No, I can't; I can't offer any guarantees. But I promise you that we could not have made a better album.

Kirk Hammett (guitar): This album is some of the best music we've made in the past 15 years. A lot of the albums we made post-'Black' album were us trying to get away from a perceived Metallica sound. That was the right thing for us at the time, but we don't feel we haveto do that anymore. And to be truthful, it's fun to play fast, to be heavy. We're now all on the same page with regards to that. I'd even go so far as to say that we even missed playing that way.

James Hetfield: This album has a hunger and a youthfulness about it. We had a new producer, a new bass player… and we worked really hard to get it right. So when you ask me if it is good, if it's really good, I can honestly say, 'Yes, it is!'

Kirk Hammett: I think we're all aware of the danger of becoming a band that exists in the past. I think any band that's been around as long as we have has to face that. But ['Death Magnetic'] is going to prove to people that we never lost our ability to make an album like this. We just chose not to. And I'll stand by those words.

Thanks for the report to Blabbermouth.net.

Comments

[FaLLibaneZ]

...as always - everyone says the same thing again and again and Rob just says nothing ...

But i agree that this album will have the best songs after 15 years

[roarinflames]

i cant wait for this

i found it on a couple torrent engines
but i dont know if its real or not

i honestly cant wait any longer

[joshua029]

i'm excited...

[Lapidus]

The usual bollocks shall we say...

[sucay]

i wonder where i heard that before ....

[Ducky-Kun]

lol

[Mootallica]

roarinflames wrote:

i cant wait for this

i found it on a couple torrent engines
but i dont know if its real or not

i honestly cant wait any longer

They're fake, unless they have the 9 songs which have been the official setlist according to Metallica, and, they actually are the song, but I doubt this album will be leaked.

[Ironpriest]

this is getting way too close im about to just lose it.
i never liked this band much, but when you hang around with my mates long enough, its inevitable you will get into metallica. As of recently i have really been digging their old stuff, and am really looking foward to this 'epic' return, or 'sad' failure.

[Birdy266]

I really can't wait, i want the music so bad!

[shattamakar]

ROBERT TRUJILLO (bass ??) : ..... ..... ..... ..... .....,, .... ..... ..... ,.... ....(picks nose)

[bunty312]

V'll c....

[black007hawk2]

Meh.

[CBofJAWBREAK]

form what i've heard so far
this album is great
granted ppl will still bitch because its not puppets

but this is definately the metallica ive been looking for. i'm suprized james can hit the highs he hits in "The Day That Never Comes"

[strat07]

['Death Magnetic'] is going to prove to people that we never lost our ability to make an album like this. We just chose not to.


HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

[lopezmetalmunky]

I dunno. I think they're talking it up too much. That's what I'm really worried about. I've heard some of the "previews" on their site and I've also heard Day but still...

[mhylands]

Yeah, I definitely love The Day That Never Comes, and I also heard the live version of Cyanide, and I'm definitely looking forward to the studio version for that. Just a couple more weeks!

[ShadesOfNight]

shattamakar wrote:

ROBERT TRUJILLO (bass ??) : ..... ..... ..... ..... .....,, .... ..... ..... ,.... ....(picks nose)

haha makes no sense.
but makes me laugh



but back on subject, the day that never comes is a pretty good song. im hoping the rest are heavier though
or at least more thrashy

[Garf72]

strat07 wrote:

['Death Magnetic'] is going to prove to people that we never lost our ability to make an album like this. We just chose not to.


HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

shut up.

[rhyme2zone]

yeah it does kinda sound like old james but mixed with a newer one

[Sixp0under]

shattamakar wrote:

ROBERT TRUJILLO (bass ??) : ..... ..... ..... ..... .....,, .... ..... ..... ,.... ....(picks nose)

Hes a shy guy.

[prateak]

where is robert?? he is not mute.

[Billy Picken]

Kirk Hammett (guitar): This album is some of the best music we've made in the past 15 years.

That is not saying much, but I would certainely hope so. Maybe Kirk is finally off his wah pedal addiction and Metallica will produce a good album. It's been a long time since And Justice for All...

[ShadowsThatMove]

i'm getting sick of hearing this same old b*****t, JUST LET ME BUY THE BLOODY ALBUM!

[pepsi_lovr]

Why is it that everytime news is updated on this site there is always a metallica article about this album. If 'the day that never comes' is any indication on the rest of the songs, it's just st anger with solos.

[Donkey Fly]

Wasn't impressed by TDTNC. Got bored quickly with it.

Same old Tallica, releasing crappy stuff.

[Vulturous]

CBofJAWBREAK wrote:


but this is definately the metallica ive been looking for. i'm suprized james can hit the highs he hits in "The Day That Never Comes"

Funny, I kinda thought that pro tools would take care of James' vocals by altering it.

[AxlRose94]

WOO im so buying this gawd damn album

[Metetta]

Well, the new album seems definately better than their recent past albums. Should be worth listening to.

[Brisse]

Day that never comes is a good song but the recording is kind of strange. There is a lot of distortion that shouldn't be there if you ask me. I think it sounds bad.

Don't get me wrong though because I still think it's a step in the right direction for Metallica.

[Metal_Militia10]

Majority of you gus wont be happy until they re-release Master Or Puppets so stop listening to their new stuff beacause you obviously wont appreciate it.

Btw Rob didnt speak because he cant compare writing Death Magnetic to anything in the 80's and 90's!

[DesertEagle]

Its cool to see Kirk Hammet feels the same way i do about their older stuff hopefully they practise what they preach if so should be ****in awesome

[spazzymagee]

And on the 8th day the lord rested and said...

"And to be truthful, it's fun to play fast, to be heavy."

[Kreuger]

Maybe Kirk is finally off his wah pedal addiction

I guess you haven't heard The Day That Never Comes? I'm pretty sure he steps on it in the second solo and doesn't let off without playing a messy string of hammer ons and pull offs, as always. Don't get me wrong, I love Metallica but he needs to lay off the damn thing already.

[SethMegadefan]

So they admit that they don't want to become a "nostalgia" act, yet they also say that they want to make a return to their earlier, heavier sound. Sound like a contradiction, anybody?

I'll admit that I'm excited for this album, but it seems like they're just trying to reiterate the formula of their old albums (a la "The Day That Never Comes", a clear ripoff of "Fade to Black"). James says that Metallica is not a "nostalgia act". Ironic part is, it's the nostalgic aspect that's going to be the only thing getting most Metallica fans to enjoy it.

[IainDavies_2]

Look, the important thing is that they're happy and that their making the music they want to. That's all they've ever done. Everybody says they sold out. one word: NEVER!!! if u see the load sessions, Ronnie was an improvised riff and they were having fun, that's not selling out, it's trying something different. I happen to like St. Anger, it's got sum really cool riffs, and it's an album of pure emotion. I'm just glad that they happen to be writing the stuff the want to and at the same time, we're liking too!!!

[Multiplayerjon]

this i think, gonna be a good album... i just love when i friends love a band and didn't know they were comming out with a new album like 2 years before hand... thank The UG Team up and informed about this... well the people taht wrote this stuff...

[Biohazard]

metallica dug themselves into a hole. before, they lost fans because they went in a new direction with their music. now, if the album sucks, they are going to lose fans because metallica promises an album that's just as good as their thrashy days. if they let us down with this album, they are going to get flamed hardcore. tdtnc was a step in the right direction, but if the rest of the album is like this, then i am not going to be impressed.

metallica still kicks SO much ass though.

[Huntingtoner]

IainDavies_2 wrote:

Look, the important thing is that they're happy and that their making the music they want to. That's all they've ever done. Everybody says they sold out. one word: NEVER!!! if u see the load sessions, Ronnie was an improvised riff and they were having fun, that's not selling out, it's trying something different. I happen to like St. Anger, it's got sum really cool riffs, and it's an album of pure emotion. I'm just glad that they happen to be writing the stuff the want to and at the same time, we're liking too!!!

Well said. I think people need to start thinking in this way. Come on, it's always about the music!

[randyaintdead82]

pepsi_lovr wrote:

Why is it that everytime news is updated on this site there is always a metallica article about this album. If 'the day that never comes' is any indication on the rest of the songs, it's just st anger with solos

no its not you got it all wrong even in your name COKE (COCA COLA) IS WAYYYY BETTER and tdtnc is not like st anger at all that song is bitchin

[i_am_metalhead]

Basically what they're saying is "All of you ungrateful "fans" can bitch all you want - we really don't care. We are going to keep writing and playing the music that we want to and you guys can all stay back in 1986... we are going to keep progressing forward."

DM is going to be the greatest album of this decade!

[Sylvanus]

Apparently the day that never comes is the slowest song on the album, I hope this album is thrashy. To bad James doesn't have his old voice from the early days, and Cliff.

[Tedward]

i hate thrash i like this style way better and i cant understand how people can call this shit. St. Anger i can understand how brutal it was but this new song reminds me of Fade to Black (although that will never be outdone), sanitarium etc.

[smalRaptor]

I've never been a big Metallica fan, but I do respect them. I hope this album is solid.

[Mayngel]

The next issue of Guitar Part (really cool French guitar magazine) and Bass Part has some lengthy video interviews in the next issue with tips how to play etc etc...

[SanJose]

It's funny to see all of these "Metallica sold out" comments. You know, people have said that since 1986 or so.

Can't wait for Death Magnetic. Of course it won't be a Master Of Puppets part 2 or ...And Justice For All part 2, but it will be a GOOD album. When I put the DM cd in my cd-player I will listen to it open-minded like I do on every album I buy.

[CJRocker]

If that single is the best they can do, this album is going to wind up in the trash after a play. The guitar playing sounded thin and repetitive, the drumming sucked, Lar's sounded like a whiny bitch when singing, and and the lyrics blew. Metallica can play whatever they want... problem is, it always sounds like ass when they do as they find a way to screw it up.

[Shlecht]

theyre making me feel even more comfortable and confident that the album will be sick, and better yet, worth listening to. i'm amped.

[CJRocker]

I need to ad the effort is there. They tried to sound like AJFA. Except it came out as the bastard love child of Load/ReLoad, AJFA, and the Black Album. Kind of sad when you try to sound like yourself and can't.

[Shouting Gun]

Ride the Lightning was their best album by far, just listen to call of ktulu. but anyways it will be interesting to see if this new album has an instrumental, i love them because 'tallica's instrumentals are so perfect and the focus is on guitar and bass, not drums for once.

[KingSquall802]

-when i listen to the day that never comes, it has a reload feel to it honestly.
-i dont xpect much from this album as i hav heard cyanide and tdtnc.
-maybe i'll just like the fact that they will release a new different album.
-im hoping that the other songs from death magnetic w/c is not yet revealed will kick ass!
---MetallicA---LOVE

[CLIFF_BURTON]

I remember all the hype they made about the self titled and st. anger. Well let's see...

[mr. ...]

ok well first of all, they aren't "hungry" anymore. nor do they have their aggression and anger that they used to. they already have their itallian sprots cars, families, and a billion in the bank. Whats there to be angry about? the only thing that comes to mind is each other. if u watch some kind of monster you can see that metallica can barely stand to be in the same room together. they hate each other. Death magnetic is the sond of metallica trying to be something that they arent anymore. but then again, in the back of their mind thy know hat they dont have to be what people want them to be. this album is gon to sell 4 to 6 million copies reguardless of whats on it. Metallica knows that they can do whatever they want because enough people are going to like it anyway. seriously guys, dont get your hopes up. old metallicas dead, and it aint coming back. sad but true. james voice is GONE. Lars's drums sound like he boght it from toys r us for 20 bucks. and the guitars still dont have the blistering clarity they had in the cliff era. but no matter what, i know we all will buy any album metallica put out in the future because we all have that little hope that it will be a good record.

[hardrocker64]

There was a demo out a couple of months ago before the songs even had any names that you might be talking about. It is really thrashy and riffy but it was more like a jam session. The new cd will probably just have bits and pieces of it put into the songs.

Mootallica wrote:

roarinflames wrote:

i cant wait for this

i found it on a couple torrent engines
but i dont know if its real or not

i honestly cant wait any longer


They're fake, unless they have the 9 songs which have been the official setlist according to Metallica, and, they actually are the song, but I doubt this album will be leaked.

[Psycho Pigeon]

they were awsome at reading, guna be a great album.

[Orion999]

Huntingtoner wrote:

IainDavies_2 wrote:

Look, the important thing is that they're happy and that their making the music they want to. That's all they've ever done. Everybody says they sold out. one word: NEVER!!! if u see the load sessions, Ronnie was an improvised riff and they were having fun, that's not selling out, it's trying something different. I happen to like St. Anger, it's got sum really cool riffs, and it's an album of pure emotion. I'm just glad that they happen to be writing the stuff the want to and at the same time, we're liking too!!!


Well said. I think people need to start thinking in this way. Come on, it's always about the music!

+1

[Lapidus]

Get real: old sober billionairs cannot create good heavy music anymore. Hail to the king Metallica, let him RIP and enjoy its legacy.

[Jackolas]

Be quiet you twits. I saw them live for the 2nd time last night, and boy do they still have it.

[Orion999]

mr. ... wrote:

ok well first of all, they aren't "hungry" anymore. nor do they have their aggression and anger that they used to. they already have their itallian sprots cars, families, and a billion in the bank. Whats there to be angry about? the only thing that comes to mind is each other. if u watch some kind of monster you can see that metallica can barely stand to be in the same room together. they hate each other. Death magnetic is the sond of metallica trying to be something that they arent anymore. but then again, in the back of their mind thy know hat they dont have to be what people want them to be. this album is gon to sell 4 to 6 million copies reguardless of whats on it. Metallica knows that they can do whatever they want because enough people are going to like it anyway. seriously guys, dont get your hopes up. old metallicas dead, and it aint coming back. sad but true. james voice is GONE. Lars's drums sound like he boght it from toys r us for 20 bucks. and the guitars still dont have the blistering clarity they had in the cliff era. but no matter what, i know we all will buy any album metallica put out in the future because we all have that little hope that it will be a good record.

First of all...I totally agree with the last part of what you said: it's so true, no matter what we're all buying the album anyway. So all of this is moot to some extent. As for the rest of it, I don't know. I definately know where you're coming from...although I don't think I agree. The cynical part of me does, but I'm also optomistic. I do think they've found a kind of hunger again, and I do think it's fresh. I also think they're getting along well again. There's no doubt that the anger seems to be gone but I do see a lot of energy there so that's a good thing. I think Metallica's biggest problem has been that for a long time they were sort of just going through the motions. Then I felt like St. Anger was the ungly but necesary purging of those demons. And ironically enough, I think death magnetic is a sort of rebirth and a return to Metallica's roots- to an extent. The anger and the youth isn't their, but the raw hunger and the energy and excitment is, and that's important because it's what separates Meallica from being a "nostalgia" act. Plus they're still sick live.

[this&that]

even if this album is leaked dont bother dling it, ****ing buy it, thats what im going to do.

[Gargantuan]

It makes me crazy to I know the album is already done, its probably already on CDs and on the trucks, but oh no, we can't listen to it yet. Plus this whole album release thing reminds me of the way we reacted to Cloverfield.

It builds up alot of hype for a really long time, we are only given little bits of pieces of it to see what it looks like, and hopefully it will be really good.
I am a huge fan and I can't wait.

[xaviergray]

I'd like to know how many people trashing TDTNC actually listened until the very end of the song. I didn't like the first bit, to be honest, I thought it was too much like One or Fade to Black but later on in the song it got faster, more thrashy, but a different kind of thrash, like they're moving forward yet at the same time sticking to their roots, and mixing a bit of their AJFA days into it... I say good for them for doing what they want, and I have no doubt this album is going to be very good. It may not be comparable to their older stuff, but who knows, it might be so different that comparing it would be like comparing apples and oranges. And the tapping riff in the second half of TDTNC is amazing.

I'll agree the mixing was terrible, though.

[GuilT]

Dude that is so true, most Metallica fans have been let down repeatedly sice the BlackAlbum, it's wonder the old school fans even give a crap about Metallica, it a nostlgia thing, that's the allure to Metallica these, all the old school fans hope and pray that one fine day, Metallica will return to it's roots and thrash.

SethMegadefan wrote:

So they admit that they don't want to become a "nostalgia" act, yet they also say that they want to make a return to their earlier, heavier sound. Sound like a contradiction, anybody?

I'll admit that I'm excited for this album, but it seems like they're just trying to reiterate the formula of their old albums (a la "The Day That Never Comes", a clear ripoff of "Fade to Black"). James says that Metallica is not a "nostalgia act". Ironic part is, it's the nostalgic aspect that's going to be the only thing getting most Metallica fans to enjoy it.

[N031]

god damn, i'm pick of hearing all there little fakes saying they hate metallica. yea, they've made a few shit albums but have the album, not the band. sure they're hated for their anti-piracy stance but who could blame them? they work hard to make their albums and they should get paid for their work. anyway, i'm hoping the new album kicks ass. i was really disappointed to find the unforgiven III on the track list. the unforgiven II sucked ass so i'm kinda sketchy about that.

[GuilT]

I also would like to interject that "The Day That Never Comes" sucked. I've been a fan of Metallica since I was like 11. This new single is nothing new, it's not groundbreaking, it's not refreshing, it's just a plain hard rock song. I once again am disappointed in Metallica, at least this single, but I guess there's hope for the rest of the album.....not likely, but there's always hope.

[Black-Circus]

The Day That Never Comes - The day Metallica makes a good album again.

[perilouspete]

Vulturous wrote:

CBofJAWBREAK wrote:


but this is definately the metallica ive been looking for. i'm suprized james can hit the highs he hits in "The Day That Never Comes"

Funny, I kinda thought that pro tools would take care of James' vocals by altering it.

i think his voice sounds awful on the day that never comes....he has almost nothing left of his trademark growl which is what set him apart from other people in terms of singing. hopefully he's just not trying as hard on that song as the others.

[Vanhanen]

At least nothings wrong with there self estem

[joester567]

this album is good so far but if this album sucks then they just dissed themselves and said they have no more talent

[GuilT]

They have to always say "This album is their best", otherwise thay'd be admitting it's not as good as the others, then again as long as they stay away from the whole St. Anger sound, it couldn't get any worse. Notice how he did say the best in the last 15 years, that basically puts the album "Load", and everything after that in that "15 years". Funny thing is everything from "Load" on sucked, which in retrospect means he thinks, this album will at the very least be better then Load, Reload, and St. Anger. The Black album came out in 91' so that puts it outside the 15 years. This album will suck.

[lilrockster84]

omg oMG OMG

[chaoticchild555]

Mootallica wrote:

roarinflames wrote:

i cant wait for this

i found it on a couple torrent engines
but i dont know if its real or not

i honestly cant wait any longer

They're fake, unless they have the 9 songs which have been the official setlist according to Metallica, and, they actually are the song, but I doubt this album will be leaked.

All albums are leaked ALTEAST a week before launch... all of them, even video games, everything is leaked.

[Metalrockrdudez]

going to miss school just to go buy it

[crazymanbigman]

Jackolas wrote:

Be quiet you twits. I saw them live for the 2nd time last night, and boy do they still have it.

+ Fucking 1 !!

All these dick heads saying they still dont have it, i saw them live last night at reading and trust me ... they still do, they were amazing and loooked so fresh and happy.

I personally cannot wait and if i dont enjoy it im still gonna love them and go to their shows and say thanks for getting me into metal, not bitch, moan or whine.

Cheeers guys x

[heebblow101]

dudes the new single sounds killer! Its got the elements of all of Metallica's career. A little bit of The Load era at the beginning of the song then souding alot like Justice and Lightning! How could you people still complain it isnt good enough! What do you guys expect the boys are not as you as they used to be! Lighten up and aapreciate the fact that they are still willing to bless us with there music and still are touring!

[shpaz]

GuilT wrote:

They have to always say "This album is their best", otherwise thay'd be admitting it's not as good as the others, then again as long as they stay away from the whole St. Anger sound, it couldn't get any worse. Notice how he did say the best in the last 15 years, that basically puts the album "Load", and everything after that in that "15 years". Funny thing is everything from "Load" on sucked, which in retrospect means he thinks, this album will at the very least be better then Load, Reload, and St. Anger. The Black album came out in 91' so that puts it outside the 15 years. This album will suck.

What are you saying dude?
if its better than Load then its a good album

[theking4everr]

i really wish we would stop commenting on somethings thats not even there yet...(read Death Magnetic)...just relax guys..and wait for sept.12..
The feeling you'll get while listening to the new album is going to be amazing...and the after-math is going to be insane....once you guys will be through listening to the new album...
you can bet you ass off that you'll want to pick up your guitar and play some metallica yourself...just give it a rest..stop commenting..right now..none of you are right..and none of you are wrong...
Let the album come out..and then comment...
makes more sense...
Have a good one...
/m\

[Slash 555]

I haven't been a huge fan of Metallica's post-Black Album stuff, but I may give this a shot. The single they just released hasn't sold me at all, but i have hope for some of the other songs.

[sowhat360]

pepsi_lovr wrote:

Why is it that everytime news is updated on this site there is always a metallica article about this album. If 'the day that never comes' is any indication on the rest of the songs, it's just st anger with solos.

this is honestly one of the most moronic comments i've ever heard. there's not a single song on st. anger that sounds anything like this.

[Kyle_Daoust]

It makes me crazy to I know the album is already done, its probably already on CDs and on the trucks, but oh no, we can't listen to it yet. Plus this whole album release thing reminds me of the way we reacted to Cloverfield.

It builds up alot of hype for a really long time, we are only given little bits of pieces of it to see what it looks like, and hopefully it will be really good.
I am a huge fan and I can't wait.

NEVER AGAIN COMPARE ANYTHING METALLICA TO CLOVERFIELD!

that movie sucked, it was a huge disappointment
this wont be

[Rockford_rocks]

Of course, Rob says nothing. I want to hear from him!


I'm starting to get excited for this album. Before I wasn't really excited about it, I was just kind of expecting another generic "Post-Black" Metallica album, but now I'm starting to see (and hear...) something a bit different in the works. I love The Day That Never Comes, and I can't wait to hear the rest.

[Darmanos]

Thank you for saying that!!

I can't believe that there are people that already say, "this album sucks"!!!! it's not even out yet! and the new single is absolutely amazing, i just can't stop listening to it.. i didn't have that feeling when they first played "Frantic" in MTV icon before St. Anger went out...and that's already good to me..

let's hope the album will as good as the new single or even better!

[scawti]

where is robert?? he is not mute.

He's never been that vocal during interviews even in his ST days. He does his "talking" on bass.

[AvernusAblaze]

im a fire and i burn burn burn tonyt

[garriputo]

It's like this:
METALLICA = Living legends

On their website you can listen to short samples of their new tracks, just from that you can tell Lars got a new snare drum (unlike the tin can in St. Anger) and Kirk and James are playing fast and heavy creating metal magic once more.

Welcome back guys.

[metfan09]

i love listening to how dumb people are who say they dont have "it" anymore, and that it sounds like st. anger with solos, you obviously have no idea what ur listening to. just bashing metallica cause you have nothing else to do. its so stupid.

[sFsKroniK]

i can dig it

[phishfan08]

I heard a few songs from the album and I can safely say It's gonna suck.
I wish it weren't true but if this album does indeed bomb, then they just need to stop and retire.

[BlisteringDDj]

WOW! dis news is sooooo amazinG!1

[GALLO-SHINE]

I've heard that new song "cyanide" on some youtube videos of recent concerts, and the song is ok, but the vocals are shit!, James sings nothing like before

[BlisteringDDj]

Anyways, looking forward to this album. Good luck Metallica!

[Nightfyre]

Metal_Militia10 wrote:

Majority of you gus wont be happy until they re-release Master Or Puppets so stop listening to their new stuff beacause you obviously wont appreciate it.

Btw Rob didnt speak because he cant compare writing Death Magnetic to anything in the 80's and 90's!

Some of us who are fans can accept music other than MoP-era Metallica. We just hold Metallica (and in my case, any band I listen to) to high standards. MoP was an amazing album. If they put out an amazing album that didn't sound like MoP I'd be ok with that, because they're never going to make another MoP. But you'd think they could make another great record post-Black Album (which was at least very good)... but what I've heard of DM so far fails to impress in any way.

[HostileFTW]

Could not have made a better album?

*points at first three metallica albums*

[LPstudioWRz28]

for everybody bitching about them not being thrashy and heavy enough

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s3cMdu717TE&feature =related

peoples musical styles change over time... know that and get over it because im sick and tired of everybody bitching about metallica... theyre ****ing metallica they can do whatever the hell they want... they could give a flying **** if you dont like them anymore for changing

[LPstudioWRz28]

... if you dont like them anymore than dont listen to them... put on some megadeth or something

[Sonny_sam]

that's a very bold and cocky statement, also pretty unfounded after the show they put on at reading. I love the band but I just got bored through their set. The new songs they did were nothing really new, and while they did seem to be more in the older format, they just didn't have the catchyness or charm of the older albums.

[iamadrummer]

i hope all this hype wont lead to a massive upset to all of us.

p.s. i had a dream that i was at a bar hanging out with james hetfield.

[sottpwn]

*Yawn*

[Gordon guitar]

Hope it's better than the single

[Gryphon999]

i like metallica but i dont think this is really important news, actually its old news but new words... get better news please!!!

[ozzysdad]

I think the new material, at least what I've heard so far, sounds promising. It's funny how people are so quick to judge and say, 'they're just trying to rip off their old stuff'. Just because they're playing faster they're ripping off their old stuff? I think they're playing with more energy and intensity than they have in at least 15 years.
I'm sure they'll never make another Master Of Puppets, but nobody else can, either. Just can't wait to get the new album. I'm sure it will not suck.

[jambajews]

stop w themetallica news everyday

[Stratosplorer]

I absolutely love Kirk Hammett.
You can just tell that he's been waiting to make another real metal album since Justice and that he is satisfied.
The fact that Kirk genuinely likes the album is reassuring.

[VortexOfSouls]

The single is a great song, but I really want to hear more from the taste of death. It almost sounds like Metallica has been playing for so long, that they are actually being influenced by themselves (at least the older stuff).

[KnorrV]

IainDavies_2 wrote:

Look, the important thing is that they're happy and that their making the music they want to. That's all they've ever done. Everybody says they sold out. one word: NEVER!!! if u see the load sessions, Ronnie was an improvised riff and they were having fun, that's not selling out, it's trying something different. I happen to like St. Anger, it's got sum really cool riffs, and it's an album of pure emotion. I'm just glad that they happen to be writing the stuff the want to and at the same time, we're liking too!!!

YESS finally some sence damnit. Really music is here for us to enjoy, if you don't enjoy it then don't bitch about it other people will enjoy it.

I'm really psyched for this new album, i just heard the riffs in a youtube video, they sound nothing like st. anger but more like justice, awesome!

[the_heretic]

ozzysdad wrote:

I think the new material, at least what I've heard so far, sounds promising. It's funny how people are so quick to judge and say, 'they're just trying to rip off their old stuff'. Just because they're playing faster they're ripping off their old stuff? I think they're playing with more energy and intensity than they have in at least 15 years.
I'm sure they'll never make another Master Of Puppets, but nobody else can, either. Just can't wait to get the new album. I'm sure it will not suck.

Yes! People are way too fast to judge. Metallica has changed so much since the 80s, I can't believe how some people still think they are going to release something like they did back then. That is by no means saying they can't create good music anymore, just listen to the new single. It's got some really cool guitar parts in there, it's musically a very good song. And with the energy they've shown onstage recently I have to agree, this album will most likely not suck.

ps. gotta love what Kirk said, as always. Brilliant, yet kind of funny.

[Styx]

Can I guarantee that people will like it as much as they like our older albums? No, I can't
So true...
So far what i've heard this is not going to be an album to be ashamed as St.Anger but neither to be surprised. Is still a good album i liked Day that never comes solos they kicked ass but if people are specting a Master of Puppet they will be disappointed they can't go back to the 80's this is '08 now they have to evolve and move on just like the rest of the bands.

[Guitar_Hero2]

CJRocker : If that single is the best they can do, this album is going to wind up in the trash after a play. The guitar playing sounded thin and repetitive, the drumming sucked, Lar's sounded like a whiny bitch when singing, and and the lyrics blew. Metallica can play whatever they want... problem is, it always sounds like ass when they do as they find a way to screw it up.

Lars doesn't sing dumb ass...
Anyway.
I have only heard Cyanide from the radio.
The first time I heard it, I smiled.
I think they might be comin' back.
I really hope so.
I have not heard "The Day That Never Comes", but it sounds good from what I hear.
And for people that think that Lars is a shitty drummer...you needa listen to the tracks more carefully.
I can see how you'd say that in St. Anger...but in all the other albums...I think he's great.
I'm a fan off ALL the albums.
Every album has something good.
James has amazing talent.
And so does Lars and Kirk and Rob.
Kirk will NEVER stop using the wah, and if that's what he decides...SO BE IT.
I really wish Jason wouldn't have left the band.
I really liked his energy and effort to the band.
I also wish Cliff hadn't died...may he rest in peace.
This album sounds like a change to their old stuff though, which I do prefer.
Either way...I don't really think I'll be disappointed.
METALLICA OWNS!

[nothingman34]

I have a strong feeling that this album will blow all the post AJFA material out of the water. I'm not a fan of the Black album, Load, Reload, and especially St. Anger.

[bigtimmy]

Whatever anybody says, whether that be reviews, metallica themselves or the public, people will complain.

we all wanted to go back to the former glory. in their minds, they have connected a form of it back into a modern sound.

THEY WILL NEVER EVER RELEASE ANOTHER ALBUM LIKE THEIR FIRST 4.

[Shouting Gun]

this just in.... metallica has renamed master of puppets death magnetic. Its gonna be a great album guys!!!

[Jazeblaze]

Am I the only one that hopes that DM is like the black album? That's the album where they really took off commercially. Personally I like it better than their earlier stuff, and nobody tell me I'm not a true metallica fan! If you want more thrash and without the wah pedal listen to megadeth. But back to metallica, I have huge expectations and I hope that they're met.

[bigtimmy]

Whatever anybody says, whether that be reviews, metallica themselves or the public, people will complain.

we all wanted to go back to the former glory. in their minds, they have connected a form of it back into a modern sound.

THEY WILL NEVER EVER RELEASE ANOTHER ALBUM LIKE THEIR FIRST 4.

im convinced some ppl here are just going to whinge no matter what they put out. i myself along with many many other REAL fans, want to hear this album, see them live and sing our hearts out and enjoy one of our favourite bands.

let us enjoy what we've been looking forward to for years.

[Skittles135]

Brisse wrote:

Day that never comes is a good song but the recording is kind of strange. There is a lot of distortion that shouldn't be there if you ask me. I think it sounds bad.

Don't get me wrong though because I still think it's a step in the right direction for Metallica.

yeah dude, i thought the same exact thing... i got my version from itunes. i'm told that the final edition that's on the cd will be much better in quality. i sure hope so, because there are spots that sound awful.

[Skittles135]

crazymanbigman wrote:

Jackolas wrote:

Be quiet you twits. I saw them live for the 2nd time last night, and boy do they still have it.

+ Fucking 1 !!

All these dick heads saying they still dont have it, i saw them live last night at reading and trust me ... they still do, they were amazing and loooked so fresh and happy.

I personally cannot wait and if i dont enjoy it im still gonna love them and go to their shows and say thanks for getting me into metal, not bitch, moan or whine.

Cheeers guys x

+1

saw them a while ago and i'm seeing them in columbus again this year, because they are THAT FUCKING GOOD!

[Zan3]

ite pretty weird that the single sounded so bad, because hetfields voice is better (even if that is usingMelodyne!), but its definately a step back from st anger which did have some rocking tunes like sweet amber and Frantic, and was slightly cutting edge. The production is one thing you think they could have got right. They should have enulated the black album in that respect (with less verb lol)

[Megadeth2011]

Not to dissappoint anyone, but James said St. Anger was going to be very close to Kill Em All. They want you to believe that the next album is gonna be great. That's why they're so defensive and always saying great stuff about the album.

[Lapidus]

agreed, they have never been better on stage, thanks to Trujillo and to the fact that they've been playing the exact same songs live since the black album.
Wh

Skittles135 wrote:

crazymanbigman wrote:

Jackolas wrote:

Be quiet you twits. I saw them live for the 2nd time last night, and boy do they still have it.

+ Fucking 1 !!

All these dick heads saying they still dont have it, i saw them live last night at reading and trust me ... they still do, they were amazing and loooked so fresh and happy.

I personally cannot wait and if i dont enjoy it im still gonna love them and go to their shows and say thanks for getting me into metal, not bitch, moan or whine.

Cheeers guys x

+1

saw them a while ago and i'm seeing them in columbus again this year, because they are THAT FUCKING GOOD!

[5_Strings]

Lapidus wrote:

Get real: old sober billionairs cannot create good heavy music anymore. Hail to the king Metallica, let him RIP and enjoy its legacy.

That man says it all ..

[TheAngryMob875]

i think this is the first time a bandmember has said their new album is exactly what everyone wants to hear. that Ulrich is a genius.

[Metalology]

Lapidus wrote:
The usual bollocks shall we say...

I'd say so.

[klemp602]

all u people who bash anything post justice aren't (to me) metallica fans, u are thrash fans. the first album of theirs i listened to was reload, and i loved it, and all of their other albums. st. anger was raw emotion, and death magnetic will kick major ass!!!

[Ichimaru]

The Day That Never Comes was disappointing to say the very least.

[cliffemall123]

"This album is some of the best music we've made in the past 15 years."

Thats because they haven't made any good music in over 15 years.

[nnb]

hope its good...hope is the last thing to die..

[Albarranator]

JimMRocks wrote:

Boobies.

Oh yeah, and Metallica.
And Boobies, Metallica and Boobies hi.

Just two words, HOLY SHIT (I was thinking in boobies too, ja).

Oh yeah, and the album will kick some major ass!!

[Sdooper_Man]

The Day That Never comes was too processed to make it to the top of the 'pop charts'. When it got to the end of the song I was like 'why didn't they make it all like this?!'. First I blame the producer.... just because I can. 2nd I'm still going to buy the CD because it is Metallica. They are LEGENDS. ....and I hope they will raise higher than that with the new CD.

[what??]

I really wish Lars would shut the hell up. To me, him saying that is just an admission of failure and incompetency if the album is anything but amazing.

[gxz]

check this out, its 8 sample clips off their homepage of the new album

[gxz]

wtf, i guess the a href < /a> shit dont work on this but here is the link

http://www.metallica.com/index.asp?item=601104

http://www.metallica.com/index.asp?item=601104

[init24]

its going to be over produced and poorly received
THE USUAL

[Flying Afros]

Why doesn't Rob ever say anything.

[travd92]

this metallica shit is pissing me off. everyday there is the stupidest news on here of them. i mean, i can't wait for the album, but c'mon UG.

[Brad_Bassist]

i_am_metalhead wrote:
DM is going to be the greatest album of this decade!

Absolutly!!!

[LazyLatinoRocke]

DesertEagle wrote:

Its cool to see Kirk Hammet feels the same way i do about their older stuff hopefully they practise what they preach if so should be ****in awesome

Nice use of Testament reference.

[PaperSun]

Jazeblaze wrote:

Am I the only one that hopes that DM is like the black album? That's the album where they really took off commercially. Personally I like it better than their earlier stuff, and nobody tell me I'm not a true metallica fan! If you want more thrash and without the wah pedal listen to megadeth. But back to metallica, I have huge expectations and I hope that they're met.

I totally agree.

I was hoping 'The Day That Never Comes' was gonna suck, just so I could make a witty comment, like, " 'The Day That Never Comes' should not have came." or something like that.

I'm glad it came. It reminds me alot of 'One'.

[7stringuzr]

this is ****ing nutty

[Darmanos]

i just hope that all the dumbasses that judge things before hearing them DIE! DIE! DIE!

[kevintimmers]

I just want this album to kick ass and my favourite band off all time is back and COME TO LONDON ONTARIO DAMMIT!!

[LPstudioWRz28]

klemp602 wrote:

all u people who bash anything post justice aren't (to me) metallica fans, u are thrash fans. the first album of theirs i listened to was reload, and i loved it, and all of their other albums. st. anger was raw emotion, and death magnetic will kick major ass!!!

same thing here, the first metallica i ever heard was Load... i think that album is badass, reload i didnt like as much but i still wouldnt say its bad music at all, its just not metal

[LynchMobster]

I completely believe kirk when he said, "we never lost our ability to make an album like this. We just chose not to." If you listen to their cover of Remember Tomorrow of the the Kerrang Maiden Heaven CD, it sounds like ...AJfA Metallica. The guitar tones are classic metallica, along with the drums. And i mean not just sounding similar to those sounds like The Day That Never Comes, but it's practically the same sound they used back then. I think they just don't just want to keep a static sound. Even none of their classic albums sounded similar. Pesonally i can't wait for Death Magnetic. METAL UP YOUR ASS!

[metalisimortal]

man, i'm just ****ing stoked for this album. love metallica.

[lifeseternal]

lars is getting old

better to listen to megadeth

but I hope the new album will be great

[FantasyHerb]

CJRocker wrote:

If that single is the best they can do, this album is going to wind up in the trash after a play. The guitar playing sounded thin and repetitive, the drumming sucked, Lar's sounded like a whiny bitch when singing, and and the lyrics blew. Metallica can play whatever they want... problem is, it always sounds like ass when they do as they find a way to screw it up.

dude... lars doesn't sing...

and go metallica with DM!

*checked*

[PTVS Mike]

If the new single is any indication of the whole album they should just call it quits. They've been getting steadily worse for the past 18 years and the new single doesn't make me think that they've reversed the trend.

[Metal_Pwnage666]

Stupid ass mother ****ers you guys just like bitching about stupid ass shit..."we want them to make music like there older albums" well you get it then "omg there trying to copy all there old stuff OmFGDJSlfjalkjgaslkgjew" The album is not even out... you guys need to get life's and stop trying to find shit to talk about metallica...yes this post will get erased or just stared alot :P

[Slawter666]

Wow, some of things Lars says....Its like if his parents fed them Down Syndrome when he was a baby.....

Meh... Itll probably be good

[TranquilNight]

95% of comments is this: "i love listening to how dumb people are who say they dont like new metallica"
Metallica is completely overhyped so stop complaining when a few people say they dislike the new song.

I don't care whether or not the new Metallica album is back to their old