Grave Words: ...And Justice For All

It can sometimes be easy to forget how Metallica became a household name in the music world.  In recent years they've been the punchline to many jokes and the whipping post for much public ridicule.  This can leave a bad taste in anyone's mouth (or ears).  I certainly have not been keen to spin a classic Metallica record in a long while.  Today I got the urge and have been reminded that while they have not released a great record in many years, their legacy really is undeniable.  The fact is that who Metallica are now has greatly affected how we remember and perceive who they once were.  We can easily forget their three album rise to making it big and just how much impact they had on other metal musicians who then went on to do amazing things of their own.  How crazy was the speed thrash anthem Metal Militia in 1982?  How heavy was the apocalyptic nuclear doom opener Fight Fire With Fire in 1984?  How epic and orchestrated was the fan favorite Master Of Puppets in 1986?  It's not difficult to take them for granted after years of exposure and eventually excessive radio play.

Clear away your preconceived notions of Metallica, what they were and what they are.  If you can, forget you've ever heard them and then sit down and listen - really listen - to ...And Justice For All like it's the first time you've heard it.  It's 1988 and your mind is about to be blown.  These guys pulled out all the stops and made a truly uncompromising record.  No one was telling them what to do, and even if they were it's clear that no external input was heeded.  All bassless jokes aside, the production of the record was very tight, clean, and dry; it was quite harsh and gnarly for the eighties and reset the notion for what heavy music production could and would be.  Some say it was too clinical, but what I hear is a reflection of anguish and a stand in what otherwise may have been defeat.  AJFA is seeping with bitter, cold loss - there is no doubt in my mind that the music and sonic mood reflect the grief over the loss of bassist Cliff Burton in 1987.  There is a hard stifling of tears here, and a strong resolve to move on with a record that was as unconventional as it was commercially successful.  This record saw Metallica at the height of their technical skill and performance ability...and though many metal musicians today far surpass this level of skill, it was quite an innovative and impressive display in 1988.  I remember seeing these guys on the cover of nearly every guitar, drum, and metal magazine in the months, and even years, following its release.  This record reminds me of why Metallica was (and is) huge.

My original European pressing.

From the brutal opening track, Blackened, to the beautiful masterpiece To Live Is To Die and lightening quick double-kick-laden closer Dyers Eve, ...And Justice For All provides an ample amount of angsty sociopolitical lyrics and vocals, metronome-tight guitar licks, furiously pummeling drum fills, and progressive song structures and changes.  I am reminded that there is still space in my heart for classic 80's Metallica, and I am glad to welcome it once again.

Grave Words: The Sound Of Perseverance

I've been wanting to start a retrospective category of posts.  Each would briefly comment on an album which would have to be at least 10 years old - a paragraph or two of the significance of the record.  I've decided to start this series today with a post in honor of Chuck Schuldiner, frontman of Death, who died ten years ago today.

The year is 1998; Death, the pioneers of death metal, released their last studio album.  The Sound Of Perseverance is one of the most impressive metal albums I have ever heard.  From the over-the-top drum intro of opener Scavenger Of Human Sorrow to the intense death screams in the finale - a cover of Judas Priest's Painkiller, each track is teeming with disgusting riffs, majestic leads, mind-bending changes, and percussive black magic.  The Sound Of Perseverance should be held as the epitome for progressive death metal, meeting the perfect integration of technical skill and songwriting.  At just the right moments things shift from elaborate and intricately composed layers into beautifully heavy, melodic refrains and breaks.  Each song is a journey complete in and of itself - the album an omnibus of musical adventure.

I remember hearing it for the first time - my jaw just dropped.  I was indeed familiar with Death's previous work, but something contained in this record went just that far beyond what they had done before, which was quite remarkable.  Some feel that it was too polished and showboating - lacking the rawness and harshness of what death metal should be, but I feel that this was the album Schuldiner was meant to make.  Though he continued creating music with Control Denied, The Sound Of Perseverance is his swan song and solidifies his legendary status in the metal world.  I honestly don't know how this record could be any better, or could better represent what Chuck was all about.  If you're into metal and have not heard this record, I highly recommend remedying that immediately.

Here's to an extremely talented and unique songwriter and musician.  You'll never be forgotten, Chuck.