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[Metallus Maximus]

Metallus Maximus � Maximus Archivus � Classic Album Of The Day Archive (Moderator: Hellboy)
Classic Album Of the Day 10/21/08: Metallica - Ride the Lightning

[Venom]

Metallica's 2nd album, 1984's Ride the Lightning is one of THE finest Thrash albums of all-time. 
The one-two punch of Fight Fire With Fire & Ride The Lightning are just blazing speed numbers and set the tone for the album. I could not believe how freaking fast the songs were when I first listened to this album, but were still heavy as hell at the same time.  As a 15 year old when I bought this album, I just thought Metallica could do know wrong.  To this day, this album still ranks in my Top 5 albums of all time (#3).

Track Listing:

   1. Fight Fire With Fire
   2. Ride The Lightning
   3. For Whom The Bell Tolls
   4. Fade To Black
   5. Trapped Under Ice
   6. Escape
   7. Creeping Death
   8. The Call Of Ktulu





 

[Klschmann]

Amazing album from start to finish.  Favorite song is still Creeping Death, that tune NEVER gets old to me.

[Release]

I don't know what to even say about this album...... anything I add is simply pointing out the obvious but here goes.......

A stunning, landmark album that will go down as one of the bets metal albums of all time.

[Venom]

I don't know what to even say about this album...... anything I add is simply pointing out the obvious but here goes.......

A stunning, landmark album that will go down as one of the bets metal albums of all time.

one of the BEST albums of all time Even

[Claymore]

I'll never forget the first time I heard Fight Fire. It just clicked - THIS is what I have been seeking!! 

[moshdrum69]

I'll never forget the first time I heard Fight Fire. It just clicked - THIS is what I have been seeking!! 

Same here,,,,,this is the album that finally pushed me over the edge,,,,,

I remember playing this album for many friends and they all hated it.  I told them they were nuts and that this was going to be the next big thing in music.  6 months later, every single one of those people that said they hated it were all diehard Metallica fans.

[ALF]

They set a standard that was impossible to live up to. THE best CD of Metallica's career and a true classic.

Die By My Hand 

[Metal_King]

A stunning, landmark album that will go down as one of the bets metal albums of all time.

...and believe it or not people, this is actually an understatement. 

[Venom]

A stunning, landmark album that will go down as one of the bets metal albums of all time.

...and believe it or not people, this is actually an understatement. 

[Release]

We all know that this is universally known as a landmark album but I really have to wonder if the newer fans of metal even realize how influential and forward thinking this album was at the time it came out. 

There were other bands doing this style by this point but I don't think any of those had the reach this one did.  It wasn't all out speed, it had dynamics, fast and slow, some real mood in there too with Fade To Black.  They started the whole mellow intro thing before pummeling us with a fast one.  They really upped the songwriting and musicianship within the entire genre and deserve every bit of credit they were given, even with the missteps they would take on later albums. 

Another thing I I love about  this album with (along with the follow up) is the masterful way of arranging the track listing.  Starts out fast, slows down a bit, the 3rd track is slower and heavier, track 4 is the "ballad".  Side 2 opens with another blistering track, slows down again and then end it with a really strong song along with an instrumental.  These albums take you on a journey, different moods and tempo changes, not just one song with different titles.  To me that is the perfect template on how to track a great album and something that is sorely missing today.

Man, I will never get tired of this album.  Hell, even though the song Escape is weak in comparison to everything they did up to this point, it's still a good song.

[Klschmann]

We all know that this is universally known as a landmark album but I really have to wonder if the newer fans of metal even realize how influential and forward thinking this album was at the time it came out. 

Honestly?  No. No they don't.

They're all too busy quoting releases from thrid tier thrash bands from the same era who couldn't tie Metallica's shoes and claiming that they are somehow "better" because so.  I've never seen a band with such great back material get such hatred thrown their way.  The only thing I can't remember is if it was like this pre Napster or not.

If anything, there will be a big group of newer metalhead fans who understand it's importance but don't care for it at all because, compared to most out these days, it's not "heavy" enough or something.

[Venom]

well said..this album and Master of Puppets are perfect roller coaster of song selections which really add to the whole overall experience.

[Release]

Good points Klsch, I totally agree.



Hey V, can you make this same thread over on the other board so we can see the reactions? 
I'm kinda curious about what people are going to say.

[anti nowhere punk]

I prefer master of puppets, I only consider this album ok'ish and rarely play it....

[Venom]

I prefer master of puppets, I only consider this album ok'ish and rarely play it....

I prefer Master of Puppets too, but that does not take away the GREATNESS of this album.