Album Info
| Artist: | Metallica |
| Album: | Ride The Lightning |
| Released: | US, 2023 |
Tracklist:
| A1 | Fight Fire With Fire | 4:44 |
| Written-By - Burton, Hetfield, Ulrich | ||
| A2 | Ride The Lightning | 6:36 |
| Written-By - Burton, Mustaine, Hetfield, Ulrich | ||
| A3 | For Whom The Bell Tolls | 5:10 |
| Written-By - Burton, Hetfield, Ulrich | ||
| A4 | Fade To Black | 6:56 |
| Written-By - Burton, Hetfield, Hammett, Ulrich | ||
| B1 | Trapped Under Ice | 4:03 |
| Written-By - Hetfield, Hammett, Ulrich | ||
| B2 | Escape | 4:23 |
| Written-By - Hetfield, Hammett, Ulrich | ||
| B3 | Creeping Death | 6:36 |
| Written-By - Burton, Hetfield, Hammett, Ulrich | ||
| B4 | The Call Of Ktulu | 8:52 |
| Written-By - Burton, Mustaine, Hetfield, Ulrich |
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Description
Metallica: James Hetfield (vocals, guitar); Kirk Hammett (guitar); Cliff Burton (bass); Lars Ulrich (drums). Recorded at Sweet Silence Studios, Copenhagen, Denmark in Spring 1984. Metallica turned the metal world on its ear with their debut album, KILL 'EM ALL and then blew its mind with the follow-up, RIDE THE LIGHTNING. The riffs and arrangements are more intricate, the lyrics are more intelligent and biting and James Hetfield's growl is meaner. The set starts out with two tunes that would have been right at home on KILL 'EM ALL, but the next two are slower and more involved. "Ride The Lightning" is a slow (by Metallica's standards) dirge about the futility of war. "Fade To Black" is a ballad (!) that builds to an instrumental coda featuring the guitar melodies that the band would later base their sound around. It's also Hetfield's first attempt at singing in tune. The most ambitious song is a dense instrumental, "The Call Of Ktulu," that starts with a single arpeggiated guitar and slowly adds layer upon layer, building in intensity until it all comes crashing down nine minutes later.
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"Ride the Lightning," Metallica's second studio album, was released on July 27, 1984, and it marked a significant step forward for the band both musically and lyrically. This album is often credited with helping to define the thrash metal genre, and it showcased Metallica's growing maturity and complexity in their songwriting.
The album was recorded in Copenhagen, Denmark, at Sweet Silence Studios with producer Flemming Rasmussen. This collaboration was pivotal, as Rasmussen's influence helped the band achieve a more polished and powerful sound compared to their debut album, "Kill 'Em All." The production quality of "Ride the Lightning" was a noticeable improvement, allowing the intricate guitar work and dynamic compositions to shine through.
One of the standout tracks on the album is "Fade to Black," which was a departure from Metallica's usual aggressive style. This song features acoustic guitar passages and introspective lyrics, dealing with themes of despair and contemplation. It was a bold move for the band, showcasing their willingness to explore new musical territories and emotional depths.
Another highlight is the title track, "Ride the Lightning," which deals with the theme of impending death by electric chair. The song's complex structure and tempo changes are a testament to the band's evolving musicianship. "Creeping Death" is another fan favorite, inspired by the biblical story of the plagues of Egypt, and it features one of the most iconic riffs in Metallica's catalog.
The album also includes "For Whom the Bell Tolls," a track inspired by Ernest Hemingway's novel of the same name. The song's heavy, ominous bass intro and powerful lyrics about the futility of war have made it a staple in Metallica's live performances.
Critically, "Ride the Lightning" was well-received and is often cited as one of the greatest metal albums of all time. It was praised for its ambitious songwriting and the band's technical proficiency. Publications like Rolling Stone and Kerrang! have lauded the album for its influence and enduring legacy in the metal genre.
Interestingly, "Ride the Lightning" was not without its controversies. The album cover, featuring an electric chair being struck by lightning, was initially met with some resistance from record stores, but it has since become iconic in its own right.
The album's impact on the metal scene was profound. It helped to establish Metallica as a leading force in the genre and paved the way for their future success. "Ride the Lightning" has been certified 6x Platinum by the RIAA, a testament to its enduring popularity and influence.
In terms of cultural significance, "Ride the Lightning" is often seen as a bridge between the raw energy of early thrash metal and the more sophisticated, progressive elements that Metallica would continue to explore in their later work. It remains a favorite among fans and is frequently included in lists of the greatest metal albums ever made.
Overall, "Ride the Lightning" is a landmark album that not only solidified Metallica's place in the metal pantheon but also pushed the boundaries of what metal music could be. Its combination of technical prowess, lyrical depth, and innovative songwriting continues to inspire musicians and fans alike.