Metallica will be releasing their new album this week, and the anticipation is killing me. Will it be good? Will we get another St. Anger? Do they still got it? These and a boat load of other questions will be pondered until we get to hear Hardwired…To Self-Destruct. To pass the time until then, I’ve decided to compile a list of six of my favorite Metallica tracks. This was no easy task, as I’ve left out a plethora of great cuts from their illustrious career, but this list will definitely not disappoint.
6) “The Outlaw Torn” (S&M)
One of their better post-Black album tracks, off of their 1996 album Load, “The Outlaw Torn,” comes in at about 9 minutes long, but it uses every single one of those minutes to take you through a sweeping epic that combines some awesome instrumental sections as well as solid song writing and melody. This is further accentuated in the live S&M version of this song, making it worthy of this Top 6 list.
5) “The Call of Cthulhu” (Ride the Lightning)
The best instrumental Metallica has ever composed, “The Call of Cthulhu,” is a roller coaster of sonic emotion. Inspired by the works of H.P. Lovecraft, this song oozes creepy and grandiosity, faithfully giving a theme to the great old one himself, Cthulhu. After their fierce debut album, Kill ‘Em All, Metallica surprised everyone with the very melodic and brutal thrash opus Ride the Lightning. This instrumental is the perfect example of the musicianship Metallica displayed to be where they are now.
4) “Blackened” (… And Justice for All)
This selection was tough. It was a toss-up between “Blackened” and “Harvester of Sorrow.” “Blackened” is one of my favorite Metallica songs and one of the best intro tracks ever. The guitar feedback leading into a brief melodic solo sends chills up my spine and makes my blood pump. That solo leads into one of the sickest riffs known to thrash, and the chorus is just fucking solid.
3) “Battery” (Master of Puppets)
This is another masterful introduction track by Metallica. The wonderful acoustic guitar arrangements in the beginning leads into a grand guitar lead that segues into a full speed thrash riff that will make you bang your head until the conclusion of the song. This is one of those songs that just clings to your soul, and never lets go.
2) “Seek & Destroy” (Kill ‘Em All)
Very little words can describe the excitement I feel when I hear that intro riff– I’m like a flustered schoolgirl getting ready to party, gushing with anticipation.
1) “The Four Horsemen” (Kill ‘Em All)
The song so rad, I had to name my first band after it. I love this song. From the solid riffage to the awesome lyrics about the four horsemen of the Apocalypse, this song is fucking dope. It’s a great track with varying tempos that showcase the band’s knack for solid arrangements and composition. It’s crazy to think that this song is on their debut album! //Arturo Padilla