Master of Puppets

Master of Puppets

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com essential recording
One of the defining albums of thrash metal, Master of Puppets is arguably Metallica's best album (as well as their last with bassist Cliff Burton). Focusing on the concept of power and abuses thereof, this is a collection of complex, intelligent music, played at about a hundred miles an hour. Not that these are short songs; this eight-song album clocks in at over an hour, which makes it all the more impressive that not one moment on this recording is boring. In tackling various approaches to their subject, Metallica is insightful lyrically as well as musically: "Welcome Home (Sanitarium)" is from the point of view of an institutionalized inmate and "Disposable Heroes" is the perspective of a soldier. If all you've heard of Metallica is what's been on the radio recently, check this one out. You're in for a surprise. --Genevieve Williams

Tracks:

Battery
Master Of Puppets
The Thing That Should Not Be
Welcome Home (Sanitarium)
Disposable Heroes
Leper Messiah
Orion (Instrumental)
Damage, Inc.

Amazon.com essential recording

One of the defining albums of thrash metal, Master of Puppets is arguably Metallica's best album (as well as their last with bassist Cliff Burton). Focusing on the concept of power and abuses thereof, this is a collection of complex, intelligent music, played at about a hundred miles an hour. Not that these are short songs; this eight-song album clocks in at over an hour, which makes it all the more impressive that not one moment on this recording is boring. In tackling various approaches to their subject, Metallica is insightful lyrically as well as musically: "Welcome Home (Sanitarium)" is from the point of view of an institutionalized inmate and "Disposable Heroes" is the perspective of a soldier. If all you've heard of Metallica is what's been on the radio recently, check this one out. You're in for a surprise. --Genevieve Williams

Customer Reviews:

another masterpiece........2007-07-15

This album is one of the best in all of heavy metal. The importance of this album is astronomical.

This album starts off with Battery. Slow acoustic chords are played here for a minute or so before the heaviness starts. On the last album there was a rising note and then the heavy crash but here they just slam it out and from that moment its all madness. This song is extremely fast and I think the ending is probably my favorite part.

The title track here is a masterpiece. This is 8 minutes of incredible music with great time signature changes and a nice acoustic interlude in the middle. This is one of their best.

The Thing that Should not Be starts with two quiet notes that sound like madness and insanity. When the drums and guitars kick in it's very heavy. This is the heaviest song ever. Welcome Home is a nice ballad type song in the vein of Fade to Black. The ending for this is a great piece of writing and they have used this structure for ending many of their other songs at live shows.

Disposable Heroes is another 8 minute masterpiece. The lyrics are well written and the music is flawless. It's a bit overlong I think but that's part of its charm. I thought I would never hear this live but they did play it at a 1994 show I was at. It was incredible and a highlight of the entire show.

Leper Messiah is a great song that really holds the same beliefs as I do. I generally think religion is a superstition of sorts that should really be left in some medieval dust bin where it truly belongs. This song is a perfect representation of why that's true.

Orion is the last great Cliff Burton instrumental and was unfortunately his swan song. His writing and ability were both in top form here and i think every day what further things he could have done for music (and heavy metal) if he had lived.

Damage, Inc also starts with a bass solo of sorts that merge into probably one of the fastest songs they've done. The lyrics to this are great writing and it surprises me they were able to play this fast.

So all in all this is a masterpiece. There are no bad songs here. There is not a weak song here. This is great all the way through and this is the best 55 minutes in metal's history. So buy this if you do not have it already. This is something every fan of rock and roll should hear.

A True Thrashterpiece.......2007-07-04

This is one of Metallica best albums ever, I remember buying this album when I was 12 back in '86, I was hooked on Metallica ever since then. The title track is a true classic, but the instrumental "Orion" has been and always will be my favorite song on the album. Great guitar work and melodies make this album pure gold. I hope the next Metallica album can recapture the old school sound, buy this album I highly recommend it!!!

My Review for --- Master of Puppets by Metallica (1986).......2007-06-28

On March 3rd 1986, Master of Puppets was released and it became Metallica's 3rd, best, and the last with the bassist Cliff Burton before his death in September 1986. This is probably James Hetfield's best vocals on this LP. Kirk Hammett may have been played better lead guitar on Metallica's other albums but he still does an excellent job on this LP, man that guy can play guitar. He is just as good as Jimi Hendrix, Jimmy Page, and David Gilmour. This is a thrash metal classic and this has Battery, Master of Puppets, and my favorite instrumental Orion. Orion was the first instrumental song I have ever heard by any band and is better than The Call of Ktulu and though that was great too. Lars Ulrich does his best drumming on Orion. The title song has a great beautiful ballad style in the fourth minute of the song is what they would call it Maestro down in Mexico and South America. The LP starts out with Battery with a slow Spanish style acoustic guitar intro which was better than Fight Fire with Fire. This is also known as better than their previous record Ride the Lightning which was really great too. Welcome Home (Sanitarium) is a great ballad too, and though Fade to Black was a lot better. The Thing That Should Not Be is probably the slowest song on the LP and For Whom the Bell Tolls was a lot much better. Even though there is a F word on this LP it is still really awesome and is probably my favorite heavy metal record of the 80's.

One of the Greatest Old School Metal CDs!.......2007-06-24

I recently got into Metallica the past few weeks (their old stuff anyway). Ride the Lightning was the first CD I got. After being blown away by it, I didn't possibly think it could get better. I had always heard that MOP was their greatest moment, so I was Excited to recieve it. I thought RTL was going to be my favorite, but wow I was wrong. This is now one of my favorite metal CDs ever. There isn't one dull moment on this CD.

Battery 10/10: This track starts out slow, but then the metal punches you in the stomach and your left breathless. Wow, one hell of an album opener (kind of similar to RTL's Fight Fire With Fire). This song deals with aggression.
Master of Puppets 10/10: This is my personal favorite on the album. This song has the catchiest chorus and a slow, yet beautiful balled section in the middle. This song deals with drug addiction.
The Thing That Should Not Be 8/10: A lot of people bash this song. It is the weakest song on the album, but compared on its own, it's a metal masterpiece.
Welcome Home 9/10: This is the album's balled (still pretty heavy though). It deals with a mental patiant's struggle in an institution. The lyrics shine hear.
Disposable Heroes 10/10: This song is very underrated. This is one of the highlights on the album, imo. It deals with soldiers' strain in battle. The lyrics are perfect, and the chorus is catchy and heavy.
Leper Messiah 9/10: Another underrated song. Some say it's the weak point (but some like me disagree, I still say The Thing That Should Not Be is) on the album. It deals with priests collection contributions to earn a higher seat.
Orion 10/10: Wow. This is probably Metallica's best instrumental. The Call of the Ktulu was great, but often repetetive. Not this one. This one is interesting the first half, and then changes style and continues to sound even more interesting as it goes along. I'm not sure what it's about, but can guess that it's about outer space.
Damage Inc. 9.5/10: Great. Probably Metallica's best album closure. One hell of a closure. After the long and beautiful Orion, people are in a trance of a pretty melody in the first minute. But then the song takes off without expectancy and is over and done before you realize what just happened. The song is pretty much about what the title says.

Overall, terrific album without any filler. I'll be getting AJFA later next week.

It's #1 for a reason..........2007-06-10

Alright, I bought this album last month, with no Metallica music on my iPod except for 'Whiskey in the Jar' from Garage inc. It was only fiteen bucks, so I grabbed it. I popped it in and immediatly switched to Master of Puppets, the title track. After that, this has been in my CD player quite a bit(along with Led Zeppelin:Early Days and Latter Days and Black Rain). This is a great album. There should be no doubt in your mind whether to pickk it up or not. A recurring theme in the tracks are control and manipulation, but they're diverse enough so that it's more than one song. The liner notes have the lyrics inside, so you can sing along(good luck, these suckers are fast...) And now, time for a breakdown of the songs:

Battery: Great. Starts out pretty mellow, but gets heavier and proceeds to beat you into submission.

Master of Puppets: Great. Starts out heavy, then gets kinda' funky in the middle, and just when you think it's over, it punches you in the face and keeps marching.

The Thing The Should Not Be: Crap. This should be called The Song the Should Not Be.

Welcome Home(Sanitarium): Great. Pretty mellow, but like the mental patients it's about, it rises, stronger and stronger.

Leper Messiah: Great.

Orion: Great, and instrumental.

Damage Inc.: Alright.

I think that'sit, but if it isn't, I'll edit this review. Also, this album was number one in the 500 Greatest Heavy Metal Songs of all time, so it must be doing something right. :)

The Scorched Earth Orchestra Plays Metallica's Master of Puppets

Average customer rating:

Enter Another Dimension

The Scorched Earth Orchestra Plays Metallica's Master of Puppets
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Vitamin Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Compilations | Rock | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

Tributes | Pop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Pianotarium - Piano Tribute to Metallica
Plays Iron Maiden's Piece of Mind
The String Quartet Tribute to Metallica
Rockabye Baby! Lullaby Renditions of Metallica
The Piano Tribute to Iron Maiden

ASIN: B000I2ISUE
Release Date: 2006-10-10

Tracks:

Battery
Master of Puppets
The Thing That Should Not Be
Welcome Home (Sanitarium)
Disposable Heroes
Leper Messiah
Orion
Damage Inc.

Album Description

Vitamin Records celebrates the 20th anniversary of this incredibly influential album. Highlighting and building upon the epic Master of Puppets themes, The Scorched Earth Orchestra have fleshed out the entire album in this sprawling tribute. The full orchestral sound adds necessary weight while new sounds emerge from between Metallica's notes. This is a true celebration of Master of Puppets and a welcome addition to any collection.

Customer Reviews:

Enter Another Dimension.......2007-03-15

There are countless Metallica tribute albums available and several orchestral interpretations of their music, but this is the one to Kill them all! The most incredible thing about this album is the way The Scorched Earth Orchestra manages to extract new colours and go deeper into these classic Metallica songs, all while keeping the dark and brooding nature of the original. It's like looking behind the curtain to find an undiscovered universe. Metallica fans will really appreciate the fresh journey they are taken on with their favourite songs. The sense of epicness, granduer and sinister-goings-on are all heightened. The standout out tracks are "Disposable Heroes" and "Orion". These are also the longest tracks on the original album and give the Orchestra room to really show what they're capable of. The solos in Orion are beautifully re-created. This album grows on you and is a must have for any true Metallica fan.

Average customer rating:

Another great cover set

Official Bootleg: Master of Puppets
Dream Theater
Manufacturer: YTSEJAM RECORDS
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Progressive Rock | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music

Progressive Metal | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence
Live Scenes From New York
Images and Words
Live At The Marquee
Awake

ASIN: B000M50HY2

Product Description

Live cover of complete album

Customer Reviews:

Another great cover set.......2007-07-07

Dream Theater, arguably the world's premiere progressive metal band, started a tradition a few years ago of covering classic albums during certain tour stops. The band would play a set of their own material, take a break, and then cover one of their favorite albums in its entirety. So far the band has covered Iron Maiden's The Number of the Beast, Pink Floyd's Dark Side Of The Moon, and Metallica's Master of Puppets.

Master of Puppets is an extremely important metal album, and while it isn't always evident amidst all of Dream Theater's sprawling progressive rock songs, it was definitely a major influence to the band when they were starting out (and later on, if Train of Thought is any indicator). I think Dream Theater does the album justice with this performance. The whole thing is a bit of a stretch for vocalist James LaBrie. His vocal style has little in common with James Hetfield's, so this isn't one of his better performances. Poor Jordan Rudess must have felt like the odd man out, as Master of Puppets is a keyboard-free album. Still, he managed to put his stamp on some of the songs, which made for some interesting interpretations of these classic songs.

Dream Theater's version of Master of Puppets is a must-have for die hard Dream Theater fans, and should prove interesting to most Metallica fans as well. It's a live performance, but the sound quality is quite good. It's probably not up to the standard of Dream Theater's traditional live releases, but it's definitely a cut above the typical bootleg recording.

NOTE: These albums were issued as part of the Ytsejam Records Official Bootleg series, and were produced by Dream Theater drummer Mike Portnoy. A few are out of print, but most are still readily available from the label.

Average customer rating:

Say your prayers little one... yeah, pray your ears don't start bleeding.
pointless

The String Quartet Tribute to Metallica

Manufacturer: Vitamin Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

Bebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

Jazz Fusion | Jazz | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Compilations | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Tributes | Pop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

The String Quartet Tribute to Godsmack
The Scorched Earth Orchestra Plays Metallica's Master of Puppets
The String Quartet Tribute to Creed
Back in Baroque: The String Quartet Tribute to AC/DC
Pianotarium - Piano Tribute to Metallica

ASIN: B0000JKLSW
Release Date: 2004-01-06

Tracks:

Enter Sandman
Ride the Lightning
One
Master of Puppets
Unforgiven
Wherever I May Roam
Through the Never
And Justice for All
Hero of the Day
Fade to Black
Nothing Else Matters

Customer Reviews:

Say your prayers little one... yeah, pray your ears don't start bleeding........2006-01-03

After receiving and listing to the "Say your prayers little one: The String Quartet Tribute to Metallica" I found I was rather disappointed in the "tribute" album.

Enter Sandman: The opening is weak... and as forceful as Metallica opens it, it seems like a simple lullaby when played by the Quartet. The notes are wrong, not as punctuated at they could be with clean cut offs and too much dragging out of the strings with the vibrato effect. I expected more thunderous bass lines and didn't appreciate the creative changes made to the song. The Freddy Kruger-like voice reciting the prayer is too over the top, and the changing of that prayer took away some of the poetic beauty of the original song.

Ride the Lightening: The wolf howl heard at the beginning of the song should have never happened. Tragically played... again, choosing to alter the notes rather than stick to the original composure of the song leaves one thinking "What in the hell was that?" Less dragging out of notes on this one... and it's less painful that hearing Enter Sandman. Some of the Quartet's changes from the original version are quite suiting to this song.

One: Not too bad on the ears... but the tempo was just a tad too fast for my liking. This song, when played on classical instruments should not be sped up. To me, the sound of One being played at a slower speed is much more useful, and enables the pain and heartfelt-ness of the original song shine through. It has it's high points, but they are few and far between.

Master of Puppets: The opening is rather nice... until they really get going. I'm noticing a pattern by this point of these guys changing the notes in the songs for reason I can't understand. Cheesy sound effects through out drag this down terribly and make this great song sound rather bad. Don't hate it completely, but I'm not loving it either.

Unforgiven: This is the only song I really like up to this point. The opening is lovely, with a single bell tolling as a lone violin starts up... the entire opening is lovely actually. I was impressed, and the changing of the notes played is suitable for the violin in this number. Great and impressive to the end, this movement, moved me.

Wherever I May Roam: After all that moving from Unforgiven I had picked up some momentum and I came to a dead halt when this one came on. The drum like noise opening this made me cringe, and the constant throbbing of the bass confused my now bleeding ears. They're fast when they should be slow, and slow when they should be fast. Again, more creative note changing in this one.

Through the Never: More stupid sound effects... maybe it's a whistle? Or a garbage truck backing up? Not sure, but that needs to go. Maybe it's just me, but it didn't sound too much like Through the Never to me. This should never have happened. At. All. They shouldn't have even thought about it. Whoever said "Hey, let's cover this one!" Should be slapped stupider than he/she already is.

And Justice for All: Eh.... I don't even listen to it. I tolerate Metallica's version because it's them. But I won't sit through this one. You'll have to find out for yourself.

Hero of the Day: A diamond in the rough. Not too much note changing... and no lame ass sound effects. Pretty moving and surprising, though the ending leaves so much to be desired it's retarded.

Fade to Black: SLOW THE F*CK DOWN! This song is not meant to be played at the speed of light. Again, another good song that would usually sound beautiful on classical instruments is mangled in the need to make it faster. However, it's a nice cover minus the playing at the speed of death metal at times. Sheesh.

Nothing Else Matters: Okay, these guys have serious issues with tempo. Perhaps they don't know what it is? Go back and read what I said about Fade to Black and you have this song.

All and all, I would pass this album by if I actually had to buy it. But if you're like me, and must have any and everything Metallica, then by all means, buy it. I'd advise you didn't get too excited about it though.

If you want good covers of this in the classical type genre, I'd recommend you get Apocalyptica's Inquisition Symphony. Though it only has the Metallica covers for For Whom the Bell Tolls, One, Fade to Black, and Nothing Else Matters, it has a few original works, as well as covers of Sepultura, Faith No More, and Pantera. Much easier on the ears and mind... as well as doing justice to Metallica's greatness.

pointless.......2004-07-18

Why would anyone buy this when you could pick up an Apocalyptica album instead? Rather than this half-assed cash-in attempt with no imagination or passion behind it, check out Apocalyptica's "Plays Metallica By Four Cellos" or "Inquisition Symphony". They do much better string versions of Metallica songs.

Average customer rating:

Master of Puppets
Metallica
Manufacturer: Universal/Mercury
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Hard Rock | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Thrash & Speed Metal | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Hard Rock & Metal | Imports | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Ride the Lightning
Kill 'Em All
...And Justice for All
Metallica
Garage, Inc.

ASIN: B000GALEVS
Release Date: 2006-09-04

Tracks:

Battery
Master of Puppets
Thing That Should Not Be
Welcome Home (Sanitarium)
Disposable Heroes
Leper Messiah
Orion [Instrumental]
Damage, Inc.

Album Description

Limited Edition Japanese pressing of this 1986 album by the Heavy Metal giants comes housed in a sturdy miniature LP sleeve. Mercury. 2006

Album Details

Japanese Limited Edition Issue of the Album Classic in a Deluxe, Miniaturized LP Sleeve Replica of the Original Vinyl Album Artwork.

Average customer rating:

Hoffman master is the only way to experience this album
Rock on
Hey Puppets
Genius. Pure genius.
this album ROCKS!!

Master Of Puppets
Metallica
Manufacturer: Dcc Compact Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Hard Rock | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Thrash & Speed Metal | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Ride the Lightning
Appetite for Destruction
The Dark Side of the Moon
Signals

ASIN: B00000JCRH
Release Date: 1999-07-13

Tracks:

Battery
Master Of Puppets
The Thing That Should
Welcome Home (Sanitarium)
Disposable Heroes
Leper Messiah
Orion
Damage, Inc.

Amazon.com essential recording

One of the defining albums of thrash metal, Master of Puppets is arguably Metallica's best album (as well as their last with bassist Cliff Burton). Focusing on the concept of power and abuses thereof, this is a collection of complex, intelligent music, played at about 100 miles an hour. Not that these are short songs; this eight-song album clocks in at over an hour, which makes it all the more impressive that not one moment on this recording is boring. In tackling various approaches to their subject, Metallica is insightful lyrically as well as musically: "Welcome Home (Sanitarium)" is from the point of view of an institutionalized inmate and "Disposable Heroes" is the perspective of a soldier. DCC's 24-karat-gold version of this title offers superior sound quality for a higher price than the standard-issue CD. --Genevieve Williams

Album Description

1999 24 karat gold disc version of their classic five-times platinum 1986 release. Eight tracks, including 'Damage, Inc.', 'Welcome Home (Sanitarium)' and 'Disposable Heroes'. All tracks have been remastered. Comes packaged in a standard jewel case within a full color die-cut slipcase cover. 1999 release.

Customer Reviews:

Hoffman master is the only way to experience this album.......2007-06-02

If your a Met fan than save up and get the DCC hoffman remaster. It is SO worth it. This is such a staple of this genre, to miss out is a shame. Like missing a food group.

Rock on.......2004-09-08

Since I own Every Metallica CD known to man this takes the cake. Really Good Sound just like on the originial LP. Totally Awesome Must have for any fan

Hey Puppets.......2004-07-30

1986 release and its now 2004.This album still GRINDS.A truly PHENOMINAL RELEASE THAT CANNOT BE OVERLOOKED.

Genius. Pure genius........2004-01-13

There is not one song I even remotely dislike about this album. What can I say except that Master of Puppets rocks? The album starts off with a mellow opening to the first track, Battery. Then, all of a sudden, it goes into thrash mode and just kicks your a$$! This song practically defines thrash metal.

Then we go into the legendary Master of Puppets, a song about the effects of drug abuse. This song would make a great song to celebrate Red Ribbon Week at your school...that is, if they do that sort of thing. That song is the most common favorite song among Metallica fans, and I can see why. From the heavy riffs, the solo, and everything else, that song has it all.

Next up, The Thing That Should Not Be. Some say that this song shouldn't be on this album, but my question is "Why not?" It's deep, it's heavy, and it's haunting. What's not to like?

Now we move on to the ballad of the album, Sanitarium. Metallica have been criticized for making ballads back when Ride the Lightning was released, but the people who criticized them really should think about why. Even if the ballads are softer than their other stuff, they still have their hardcore parts. Sanitarium changes from soft to hardcore at the point of Kirk's solo. So I guess you could say that song has a little something for everybody.

We now move to Disposable Heroes, another thrash song about war. The lyrics are extremely deep and thought-provoking, and the guitar riffs are pure metal. Another awesome song.

Now we move to the next track, Leper Messiah. I find this song to be underrated. I know it's not as thrashy as some of the other stuff on this album, but so what? It can still spit out some poetic lyrics, electric guitars, and crazy solo, can't it?

Next up, Orion, a legendary instrumental. Cliff Burton's skill on the bass was definitely shown in this song. Plus, a band's ability to do instrumentals proves that they can make good music without poetry.

We're coming down to the final track, Damage, Inc. If you look up "thrash metal" in the dictionary, you will see this song. Like Battery, it starts out slow and then all of a sudden goes into a full-on thrashfest! My personal favorite Metallica song.

Overall, Master of Puppets is a must-have for any metalhead.

this album ROCKS!!.......2002-10-09

i have listened to just about every Metallica album, but this one is by far the best. great guitars, awesome lyrics, and slammin drums. if you buy this album, you will want to buy all of the other Metallica albums. the BEST song on the cd is the title track, Master Of Puppets. it has some of the best guitars i have ever heard anyone play.

Average customer rating:

Ride the Lightning
Metallica
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Hard Rock | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

General | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000LIGQHW

Product Description

Original Japanese import edition, this was the second pressing, on CBS/Sony records Japan, released on disc in Japan in 1988. Catalog: 25DP-5340. Out of print and unavailable since 1989, making this early Japanese edition a highly sought after item by Metallica collectors throughout the world today.

Average customer rating:

another masterpiece.
A True Thrashterpiece
My Review for --- Master of Puppets by Metallica (1986)
One of the Greatest Old School Metal CDs!
It's #1 for a reason...

Master of Puppets
Metallica
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Hard Rock | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Thrash & Speed Metal | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Hard Rock & Metal | Imports | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Ride the Lightning
...And Justice For All
Metallica
Kill 'Em All
Load

ASIN: B000025ZVE
Release Date: 2007-04-24

Tracks:

Battery
Master of Puppets
Thing That Should Not Be
Welcome Home (Sanitarium)
Disposable Heroes
Leper Messiah
Orion [Instrumental]
Damage, Inc.

Amazon.com essential recording

Customer Reviews:

another masterpiece........2007-07-15

A True Thrashterpiece.......2007-07-04

My Review for --- Master of Puppets by Metallica (1986).......2007-06-28

One of the Greatest Old School Metal CDs!.......2007-06-24

It's #1 for a reason..........2007-06-10

Average customer rating:

Thrash perfection...incorporated!
Reissue & Remastered..?
Metallica's best!

Master of Puppets
Metallica
Manufacturer: Smji
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Hard Rock | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Thrash & Speed Metal | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Hard Rock & Metal | Imports | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Ride the Lightning

ASIN: B0000CD8A8
Release Date: 2003-11-10

Tracks:

Battery
Master of Puppets
Thing That Should Not Be
Welcome Home (Sanitarium)
Disposable Heroes
Leper Messiah
Orion [Instrumental]
Damage, Inc.

Album Description

Japanese exclusive reissue of 1986 album, packaged in a miniature LP gatefold sleeve, features 8 tracks. CBS. 2003.

Album Details

Japanese Limited Edition in an LP-STYLE Slipcase.

Customer Reviews:

Thrash perfection...incorporated!.......2006-01-30

Master Of Puppets (1986.), Metallica's third studio album

The Metallica of the 1980's was one of the main defining bands of thrash metal and of the metal genre as a whole. Drawing from influences of bands such as Motorhead and Iron Maiden, Metallica were one of the first bands (along with Metal Church etc.) to pioneer the thrash style. Metallica's excellent first album, 'Kill 'Em All' had a very raw sound to it; you could say it was thrash at it's purest. The masterpiece 'Ride The Lightning' followed in 1984; another album filled with more untamed aggression but noticably more structured than it's predecessor. Following this, the band returned to the studio to work on a follow up album. What emerged from this, in 1986 was 'Master Of Puppets'. The album has gone on to be regarded as one of the defining moments of thrash metal; frequently topping greatest metal album polls. So does the album really live up to it's monstrous reputation?

'Master Of Puppets' is an album that succeeds in practically all areas. With this album, the band developed their style further from what was seen in 'Ride The Lightning'. In structural set-up, this album is similar to it's predecessor - Metallica stuck to a formula in that respect. However aside from this, 'Master Of Puppets' progresses the thrash genre into new territory. The album features plenty of lightning fast riffs, as is the norm in thrash, but the band begin to use even more complex styles to their music (something expanded further in '...And Justice For All') and squeeze in plenty of new ideas. All of the songs on 'Master Of Puppets' are long, ranging from 5 to 8 minutes in length but none of the songs ever lose interest or get boring. This is especially due to the number of different riffs the band put into individual songs on this album. It's literally awesome how the band manage to seemlessly interchange riffs in some of the albums songs - just listen to the smooth but still heavy, bone-crunching transitions in songs such as 'Disposable Heroes' and you'll see what I mean! Furthermore, the album also succeeds amazingly with the themes within the songs. Where 'Ride The Lightning' explored themes of death, 'Master Of Puppets' looks at the misuses of power and the iron-fisted control it involves. The band members of Metallica in the 1980's always said they would stick to real life issues in their music and they managed it excellently. It's kind of ironic and sad that in the 1990's they became everything they once laughed at with their later music - just look at the lyrics on 'The Black Album' for example. Anyway, going back to 'Master Of The Puppets', you see an album which has themes ranging from the sacrifice of soldiers to war to the views of an inmate in an asylum. It's facinating stuff and excellently lyrically executed. All four members of the band play out of their skin on the album - there's some fantastic perfomances. What's mostly noticable is firstly Lars Ulrich's drumming, which has even greater presence on this album and secondly James Hetfield's vocals. By the time of this album, he had perfected his trademark growl and his singing is much more powerful than on the earlier work. Kirk Hammett's solos are diverse, fast and explosive throughout and Cliff Burton gives one of the all-time legendary performances on the bass. Sadly though, it would be his last as he tragically died a few months after the album's release.

Metallica's magnum opus kicks of with 'Battery'. The Spanish guitar opening gets things going before the crunching guitar riffs burst in. This is one of the fastest songs on the album and is an amazing opener. It has infectious riffs and great lyrics such as 'Cannot kill the family, battery is found in me'. After 5 minutes of full out onslaught, the opener runs into the title track epic. This song has plenty of complex moments but it never gets boring. The interlude is a clever departure from the song's main style and the commanding chorus is very strong and potent. The mysterious opening 'The Thing That Should Not Be' follows. It took me a while to get into the song, but my persistance was worthwhile. The song's dark, foreboding nature is captivating. Next, to end the first half of the album is 'Welcome Home (Sanitarium)'. This is an impressive song, in a similar mold to 'Fade To Black' from 'RTL'. The guitar work is awesome and the lyrics are strikingly powerful, where James Hetfield sings from the viewpoint of an asylum internee, trapped in a world of insanity. The change of pace in the song is great later on also.

Then, side 2 of the album kicks off with what is for me, the album's best song in 'Disposable Heroes'. This expressly fast epic has some amazing riffs which all interlock brilliantly. This predominantly anti-war song hits home very strongly. The 'Back To The Front' chorus and crunching guitars are not to be missed. The underrated 'Leper Messiah' follows. The song opens with plodding riffs, with an odd time signature rhythm and a call and response chorus. Then though, the track gathers pace into a fantastic interlude with a great solo from Kirk Hammett and resonating shouts from Hetfield before cleverly decellerating into the original riff. 'Orion' follows. Metallica's instrumentals are by far the most underrated part of their catalogue and this 8 minute work is shows this. The first part of the song features classic Metallica riffs, with powerful bass lines from Cliff Burton. Then though, the song takes an unexpected turn. The next part of the song is then a showcase for all of the band members. A smooth bass line provides the basis for some great Hammett and Hetfield solos before Cliff Burton plays an awesome solo (he makes his bass sound just like a lead guitar!). A phenominal track. Then finally, to finish this classic album, we have 'Damage Inc.'. The song has a sonic, futuristic sounding opening before developing into the fastest song on the album, and one of the best. The riffs are at breakneck speed, the drumming furious and the vocals powerful and aggressive. There's a superb Hammett solos also. This song was so popular amongst fans that the album tour was named after it!

'Master Of Puppets' saw Metallica improve even more on their excellent earlier work to come up with another thrash masterpiece. By developing their style in a more complex direction but still maintaining speed and heaviness, the band produced classics in this album and the follow up, 1988's '...And Justice For All'. Sadly though, this was the last Metallica album to feature the 'classic' line up of Metallica due to Cliff Burton's tragic death soon after the album's release. 'Master Of The Puppets' is a definitive album and is a near perfect work. A must for any heavy metal fan's collection; this is Metallica in their golden years.

MY RATING: 9.5/10

Reissue & Remastered..?.......2005-05-15

Is this reissue remastered in some way...?
Anyway, this album is considered by many people to be the best metal album ever recorded, indeed.

Metallica's best!.......2004-09-19

This is the best and heaviest of Metallica. Here's the song-rating:
1. Battery 5/5
2. Master Of Puppets 5/5
3. The Thing That Should Not Be 5/5
4. Welcome Home (Sanitarium) 10/5
5. Disposable Heroes 9/5
6. Leper Messiah 5/5
7. Orion 5/5
8. Damage Inc 5/5
There you go, the perfect CD. On of my favorite CD's ever!
BUY THIS NOW!

Average customer rating:

SONG LIST

Kill 'Em All
Metallica
Manufacturer: CBS/Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Hard Rock | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

General | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000LIGTLK

Product Description

Out of print original 1st CD pressing from Japan on CBS/Sony records Japan. Catalog: 25DP-5339. The original first issue from Japan comes complete with the extra two tracks (Am I evil?, and, Blitzkrieg). Out of print and unavailable in Japan since 1988.

Customer Reviews:

SONG LIST.......2007-04-14

1. Hit the Lights
2. Four Horsemen
3. Motorbreath
4. Jump in the Fire
5. (Anesthesia) Pulling Teeth
6. Whiplash
7. Phantom Lord
8. No Remorse
9. Seek & Destroy
10. Metal Militia
11. Am I Evil?
12. blitzkerig

Music Review:

Music Review

music review

Recommended Music:

Warehouse Grooves, Vol. 4

Concertos for Harp V.35 [Import]

Haydn: Symphony Nos.48-59

Music: B Strong

Get Rhythm: A Tribute to the Man in Black

First Family 4 Life [Explicit Lyrics]

Higher

Eva Luna

Coucou Me Revoilou [Import]

Classical Chillout Gold: the Most Relaxing Classical Music of All Time [Import]

En Public Au Travers [Import]

Cholos, Cholas y Pistolas [Explicit Lyrics]

Elite [Explicit Lyrics]

Talk to Me

The Breakfast Club: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack