Death Magnetic
by Metallica
User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 715 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 578 out of 715
  2. Mixed: 58 out of 715
  3. Negative: 79 out of 715

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  1. Cyb0rg
    Jun 16, 2023
    6
    Death Magnetic showcases the band's commitment to their heavy metal roots and delivers a solid collection of headbanging tracks. While it certainly has its standout moments, the album also suffers from some notable shortcomings that prevent it from reaching its full potential.

    One of the album's strengths lies in the sheer energy and aggression displayed throughout. Metallica brings    Death Magnetic showcases the band's commitment to their heavy metal roots and delivers a solid collection of headbanging tracks. While it certainly has its standout moments, the album also suffers from some notable shortcomings that prevent it from reaching its full potential.

    One of the album's strengths lies in the sheer energy and aggression displayed throughout. Metallica brings back the raw intensity that made them one of the pioneering forces in the metal genre. Songs like "That Was Just Your Life" and "The Day That Never Comes" are thunderous, featuring heavy riffs, blistering solos, and powerful drumming that will undoubtedly satisfy long-time Metallica fans.

    Moreover, the band's musicianship remains top-notch. James Hetfield's distinctive vocals are as gritty and commanding as ever, while Kirk Hammett's guitar work showcases his technical prowess. Lars Ulrich's drumming, though criticized by some, still delivers a driving force behind the band's sound, adding to the overall power of the album.

    However, Death Magnetic suffers from an overindulgence in song lengths and lack of dynamic variation. Many tracks tend to drag on, with repetitive sections that could have benefited from tighter arrangements. While it's understandable that Metallica intended to create an intense and heavy experience, some songs could have benefited from more concise structures and varied pacing.

    Another drawback lies in the production quality. Death Magnetic suffers from the controversial "loudness war" phenomenon, where the album's mastering sacrificed dynamic range for sheer loudness. This decision leads to a compressed sound that, at times, feels fatiguing and loses the subtleties and nuances that Metallica is capable of delivering.

    Despite these flaws, Death Magnetic does offer a handful of memorable tracks. "All Nightmare Long" stands out with its infectious riffs and catchy chorus, while "The Unforgiven III" showcases the band's ability to craft emotionally driven ballads. These songs, along with a few others, demonstrate Metallica's songwriting prowess, reminding listeners of their undeniable talent.

    In conclusion, Metallica's Death Magnetic is a solid album that delivers on the band's signature heavy metal sound and showcases some notable highlights. However, the album falls short due to its excessive song lengths, lack of dynamic variation, and compromised production quality. While it will satisfy die-hard fans craving for Metallica's classic style, it might not resonate as strongly with those seeking a more diverse and refined musical experience.    … Expand
  2. Dekielek112
    Feb 20, 2023
    8
    The production threw this album in the mud. I can't listen to the album on full volume due to the awful producer's work. Some parts of the songs sound either like a weak recording of a gig or a demo. But on the other hand, the songs are well made - the solos (though a bit overwahed), vocals (though a bit autotuned), and riffs are brilliant. It's definitely stronger than "Hardwired".
  3. Xathiahs
    Jan 21, 2022
    4
    In my opinion marks the start of the decline of the band. Very boring and common riffs, uninspired lyrics and playing. One of the worst product of the band.
  4. Codeling
    Aug 7, 2021
    9
    Fantastic album. All songs are great.
    Best songs: The Day That Never Comes, All Nightmare Long
    Worst songs: -
  5. Kadirov
    Jul 5, 2019
    9
    Best metallica album
    I don't get those ducklings who like Master of Puppets. MoP is a boring non-listenable crap that only excited people because it is somewhat technical. But you know what is more technical? Musical school's 4th grade gammas.
    DM has the biggest amount of hits, and has a great energy, That was just your life, cyanide, unforgiven 3, the day that never comes, suicidie    Best metallica album
    I don't get those ducklings who like Master of Puppets. MoP is a boring non-listenable crap that only excited people because it is somewhat technical. But you know what is more technical? Musical school's 4th grade gammas.
    DM has the biggest amount of hits, and has a great energy,
    That was just your life, cyanide, unforgiven 3, the day that never comes, suicidie and redemption. Strong drive songs ,and one of the best of their ballads.
    **** will disagree but they are not adequate.    … Expand
  6. LoletinAlexis
    Jun 5, 2019
    6
    Death Magnetic is the expected return of the Metallica of always: the Thrasher Metallica.
    Death Magnetic works well. However, the duration of it and some uninspired songs thanks to a insufficient James Hetfield and a tasteless guitar make this album a right return that could be better.
  7. Rfsnes
    May 22, 2019
    9
    A great comeback and return from the bad album St. Anger.
    Many good tracks, and they went back to their original sounds.
  8. ULTRASURMADRID
    Jan 4, 2018
    10
    Another Masterpiece of Metallica!!! There is no other band close to them in music. A song from this album is more than groups like GnR, Slayer, Queens of the **** age...
  9. BigJ69
    Jan 3, 2017
    9
    Songs are a little derivative of one another. Amazing return after St.Anger. I enjoyed a few of the songs on St.Anger but Metallica went back to the formulaic thrash metal that made the band great. Even though they're alot older now the classic Metallica fades through in Death Magnetic. Some of the songs like Cyanide are great workout music.
  10. dmac80
    Nov 21, 2016
    6
    When this was released it was an 8 for me, especially following St Anger which was terrible....... I would say now 8 years on and in the wake of their newest album its more like a 6.5 or maybe 7.....It just isn't that memorable or compelling to put in. The songs are long and aren't near as catchy as their current release Hardwired...To Self Destruct.

    Highlights are The Day that Never    When this was released it was an 8 for me, especially following St Anger which was terrible....... I would say now 8 years on and in the wake of their newest album its more like a 6.5 or maybe 7.....It just isn't that memorable or compelling to put in. The songs are long and aren't near as catchy as their current release Hardwired...To Self Destruct.

    Highlights are The Day that Never Comes, All Nightmare Long and Unforgiven III.    … Expand
  11. MentalMetalGuy
    Nov 11, 2016
    4
    This album is a disappointment in Metallica's somewhat polarising discography. It is forgetable when compared to the universally acclaimed Master of Puppets and Ride The Lightning, and the legendarily bad St.Anger, this one is just a bit...lame.

    None of the songs really stick with you, and it feels like the album drags on for its fairly long runtime. All of the songs are long, and    This album is a disappointment in Metallica's somewhat polarising discography. It is forgetable when compared to the universally acclaimed Master of Puppets and Ride The Lightning, and the legendarily bad St.Anger, this one is just a bit...lame.

    None of the songs really stick with you, and it feels like the album drags on for its fairly long runtime. All of the songs are long, and although they display some technical complexity in the structure, they don't really have any emotion or edge implemented in them. They feel lifeless, and not at all memorable.

    This album is not an essential component in the Metallica discography, which is to be expected, as Metallica (and other ageing metal acts) are well past their prime.

    For me this album does not ruin, but certainly tarnishes Metallica's immense reputation, and simply going back to their "thrash roots" is not enough to compose genuine and interesting songs. Lets hope with their next album they can leave a bigger impression than simply 'okay'...    … Expand
  12. DevinEYounanian
    Aug 21, 2016
    8
    Solid album! Really solid, especially after the disaster of St. Anger. Glad they went to their roots here. Not as good as their older stuff, but still very good and enjoyable.
  13. Danm95VFF
    May 11, 2016
    6
    It's decent. It's a serviceable thrash album with some very promising moments here and there, but they don't sound particularly as angry as they should (at least St. Anger has that over this album), the production is pretty off-putting and a lot of the songs feel like they plod on for 7-8 minutes just because they can; if Metallica trimmed the fat and told their producers to stop focusingIt's decent. It's a serviceable thrash album with some very promising moments here and there, but they don't sound particularly as angry as they should (at least St. Anger has that over this album), the production is pretty off-putting and a lot of the songs feel like they plod on for 7-8 minutes just because they can; if Metallica trimmed the fat and told their producers to stop focusing on loudness for loudness' sake this could have been at least a 7.… Expand
  14. m0t0rbr3ath
    Feb 28, 2016
    9
    First of all, after St. Anger you probably haven't expected anything good from Metallica. But they changed the producer and came back to their roots. Ok, this isn't second Master of Puppets. However, the riffs are so powerful and memorable that you just can't stop headbanging! At least five songs out of ten are awesome. You may not like the overall sound of the CD, though. It's tooFirst of all, after St. Anger you probably haven't expected anything good from Metallica. But they changed the producer and came back to their roots. Ok, this isn't second Master of Puppets. However, the riffs are so powerful and memorable that you just can't stop headbanging! At least five songs out of ten are awesome. You may not like the overall sound of the CD, though. It's too compressed. Also, too much wah-wah on this album. But it's an amazing record anyway!… Expand
  15. Xevon
    Feb 12, 2016
    6
    The problem with Death Magnetic is that while it's a return to form for Metallica and easily a better album than St. Anger, it comes across as feeling extremely contrived. Pieces of entirely different songs are stitched together in a failed attempt to make them one cohesive effort, uninspired lyrics about entirely trivial and unrelated subject matters are sung over the top of riffs ofThe problem with Death Magnetic is that while it's a return to form for Metallica and easily a better album than St. Anger, it comes across as feeling extremely contrived. Pieces of entirely different songs are stitched together in a failed attempt to make them one cohesive effort, uninspired lyrics about entirely trivial and unrelated subject matters are sung over the top of riffs of varying quality and songs borrow heavily from their early efforts in order to emulate past successes (EG: The Unforgiven III, a song that has very little to do with previous entries in the Unforgiven tale and even lacks the word 'Unforgiven' in its lyrics, The Day That Never Comes, an attempt to emulate Fade to Black or My Apocalypse, a poor mans Dyer's Eve). Even St. Anger, an album considered (accurately) by most to be worse than Death Magnetic didn't borrow nearly as much or feel nearly as contrived. It's not to say Death Magnetic is a bad album however, but it's a Frankenstein of different pieces of their past smashed together into a acceptable package and released as an album. Apart from a spare few moments, nothing on Death Magnetic feels like a product of any real inspiration or even a song its creators wanted to make - it felt like a product of the bands obligation to create an album intended to counteract the blacklash of St. Anger and nothing more. Worse yet, an already questionable effort is marred by easily some of the worst production heard by man. Never mind albums like Californication, Rick Rubin has truly achieved his worst with Death Magnetic with a team of flat, dry sounding guitars, excessively compressed drums, vocal capture that fails to capture all of the subtle mids and bass of James Hetfields voice instead leaving you with dry sounding treble reminiscent of scrubbing your ears with sandpaper. To top it all off, the mix is so bad it will almost literally make your ears bleed - the version of Death Magnetic released to ear features not only the very worst production and mixing Metallica has ever pressed to disc, but an auditory nightmare that takes it's place among the very worst sounding albums ever made! The album lacks any dynamics whatsoever with the entire mix being stonewalled into oblivion and them amplified to the level of clipping so bad that even the average joe who doesn't know what clipping is can complain about it. Worse yet, the album sounds like it was recorded in a foam vacuum chamber with absolutely none of the natural reverb and warmth that made albums like 'The Black Album' sound so rich and heavy. So, with everything said so far, you're expecting this to be an overly negative review, right? Wrong. Despite doing so much so poorly, Death Magnetic is far from a terrible album. Infact, given the age and experience of the band, as well as the quality of their previous release, Death Magnetic is a remarkably solid effort. Most of the songs on the album (Excluding 'Cyanide' and 'My Apocalypse', two songs to poor for the album and that should have been replaced with 'Hate Train' and 'Rebel of Babylon' from the Beyond Magnetic EP) are genuinely good songs, and while the production and mixing brings the album down considerably, Death Magnetic is still worth a listen. It's far from the worst thing Metallica has ever created (That honor would go to 2011's 'LuLu') and while it's of lesser quality (in just about every way) than their often loathed Load and ReLoad albums, for the 80's Metallica purist who'd accept no less than 'The Black Album' in terms of heaviness, Death Magnetic is an album aimed straight at you - give it a listen, you'll probably love it.… Expand
  16. Hank_Shrader
    Jan 12, 2016
    3
    Death Magnetic by Metallica. A german review.
    Wurde St. Anger von Medien und Anhängern zerrissen, sollte der eigentliche Tiefpunkt noch kommen. DEATH MAGNETIC. Ein Album mit einem Sound, so schlecht, dass einem das Ohr blutet.
    Zudem sind die Lyrics teilweise so schlecht wie in der über 30 jährigen Bandgeschichte nicht. Ein Beispiel hierfür ist der Song Cyanide. Der einzige Lichtblick auf    Death Magnetic by Metallica. A german review.
    Wurde St. Anger von Medien und Anhängern zerrissen, sollte der eigentliche Tiefpunkt noch kommen. DEATH MAGNETIC. Ein Album mit einem Sound, so schlecht, dass einem das Ohr blutet.
    Zudem sind die Lyrics teilweise so schlecht wie in der über 30 jährigen Bandgeschichte nicht. Ein Beispiel hierfür ist der Song Cyanide. Der einzige Lichtblick auf dem Album trägt den Namen Suicide & Redemption. Ein reines Instrumentalstück á la Orion. Insgesamt eine ganz ganz schwache Leistung: 3/10    … Expand
  17. Thenewone
    Dec 30, 2015
    8
    78 Reviews Hasty or just the reviser is very idiot... All nightmare long, The day that never comes, The judas kiss and the amazing instrumental Suicide & redemption is masterpieces of the new Metallica....
  18. Monkeywash
    Nov 16, 2014
    7
    Metallica tries to re-create 80's magic and succeeds to some extent. Death Magnetic is a solid album but if you are a lifelong Metallica fan like myself it will be hard not to hear the materials as a musical mid-life crisis.
  19. harry939
    May 17, 2014
    10
    For those who think that the "old metallica has gone". shut the f**k up! How can you expect a band to give the same kind of music, year after year, without taking any chances? Death Magnetic is a tight slap to everyone who thinks Metallica has gone to **** As for those so called "die hard" fans, if you listen closely to the songs of this album, you'l be reminded of their old classics, likeFor those who think that the "old metallica has gone". shut the f**k up! How can you expect a band to give the same kind of music, year after year, without taking any chances? Death Magnetic is a tight slap to everyone who thinks Metallica has gone to **** As for those so called "die hard" fans, if you listen closely to the songs of this album, you'l be reminded of their old classics, like Mastyer Of Puppets, Battery and many more. Amazing solos, riffs and some great singing throughout the album makes this one of the best by Metallica, of not "THE BEST".… Expand
  20. theDcaptain115
    Apr 6, 2014
    8
    I thought this was great comback for metallica since it really wasn't hard to top lulu and saint anger because that bar was set sooooooo low. Anyway, it was worth a listen with a lot of catchy songs to the album. I recommend listening to it all the way through and then you'll catch the true power and metal that the band earns its name with. Some may say it's overproduced and that they wentI thought this was great comback for metallica since it really wasn't hard to top lulu and saint anger because that bar was set sooooooo low. Anyway, it was worth a listen with a lot of catchy songs to the album. I recommend listening to it all the way through and then you'll catch the true power and metal that the band earns its name with. Some may say it's overproduced and that they went overboard with the quality because of how bad it was in the past but it is still good.… Expand
  21. godwinkent888
    Mar 27, 2014
    7
    This is amazing. Metallica still hasn't lost its flair after some disappointments. I love how they returned to their old style of music but they added a little bit of a modern twist to it.
  22. wheels_of_fire
    Feb 8, 2014
    8
    Finally, we can see some thrash in this album, after 27 YEARS!! This unfortunate fact makes this album amazing. Of course, we can't see the same success as the first four albums but at last listening some thrash from Metallica makes me happy. You should listen this album Metallica fans. My final score is 8 out of 10.
  23. Metalheader9700
    Jan 6, 2014
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Really Underrated album, People seriously need to stop comparing it to their earlier albums, and/or give it an actual FAIR CHANCE. Kirk is back to playing some kick ass solos. James' singing still isn't as good as it used to be but its tolerable, Lars' drumming is great, and Rob is the new badass on the bass guitar. The production could be better sure, but other than that I really love this album. The guitar riffs are awesome, the lyrics are really well thought out and its just pure Metal!… Expand
  24. Aquazi
    Oct 9, 2013
    9
    I consider Death Magnetic to be truly one of the best Metallica's album overall and shows that Metallica are still a band able to rock very hard. Too bad they do not have the same production quality in the last 10 years as Lulu or St. Anger.
  25. FilFestuccia
    Sep 6, 2013
    4
    Death Magnetic is a way for Metallica to appease fans, and it turns out that as long as you say "old skool" fans will buy it. This is not the Metallica of old, but the Metallica of today: a bunch of middle-aged rich american men who try to sound like a lame 80s metal ripoff. Trujillo plays bass guitar for the first time in a Metallica record, but he is a fish out of water, completely takenDeath Magnetic is a way for Metallica to appease fans, and it turns out that as long as you say "old skool" fans will buy it. This is not the Metallica of old, but the Metallica of today: a bunch of middle-aged rich american men who try to sound like a lame 80s metal ripoff. Trujillo plays bass guitar for the first time in a Metallica record, but he is a fish out of water, completely taken out of his comfort zone. The production is plain horrible, with little dynamics involved and some crappy choices (like the sound of Ulrich's drums).… Expand
  26. Avaliante
    May 30, 2013
    4
    Únicas Boas De Death Magnetic.
    1-The Day That Never Comes
    2-The Unforgiven III
    3-All Nightmare Long
    4-Broken,Beat & Scarred
    Com 10 Faixas E 4 Músicas Boas Nota 4.
  27. WillyHaze
    May 17, 2013
    1
    Really enjoyed this album when it first came out. Seen them live in Boston around the same time and the guys put on a great show. But upon returning to magnetic, recently, I am feeling more and more like this may be an extremely over-rated pile of Clearly thrown together to combat the festering image of st. Anger, it's overall feel is very generic and if it wasn't Metallica that put thisReally enjoyed this album when it first came out. Seen them live in Boston around the same time and the guys put on a great show. But upon returning to magnetic, recently, I am feeling more and more like this may be an extremely over-rated pile of Clearly thrown together to combat the festering image of st. Anger, it's overall feel is very generic and if it wasn't Metallica that put this out it wouldn't be in anyone's collection. Even the load sessions had more depth than this.… Expand
  28. HiddenGhul
    Apr 25, 2013
    8
    Sadly I never thought that a Metallica would make another metal album like their earlier works but I'm glad to say the St Anger days are hopefully behind us, this album is great and very metal!
  29. forestville
    Mar 31, 2013
    9
    Finally, after 12 years of failure, Metallica returns with more power and proves once again that his music is legendary. From the ugly work "Load" hopes were lost for this epic metal band, but this album closed many mouths to Metallica gave up for lost. Indeed, were close to the edge, but this return is a demonstration that he had, retained, and that only the larger ones are able to beFinally, after 12 years of failure, Metallica returns with more power and proves once again that his music is legendary. From the ugly work "Load" hopes were lost for this epic metal band, but this album closed many mouths to Metallica gave up for lost. Indeed, were close to the edge, but this return is a demonstration that he had, retained, and that only the larger ones are able to be reborn as a phoenix to sign one of the best albums of 2008 and of the decade 10 songs in total, long, thick at times, as in And Justice for All" but fast as in the first three discs, no ballads hesitant and without experiments that are not theirs. My favorite song is "All Nightmare Long" (7:57), intense from start to finish and with a chorus of flag to let us throat. "The Day That Never Comes" and have heard, as the you listening again and again shows you that "One" does not take too much advantage. Maybe this reliving their sound, but this work is not worth the ten, because as a man named Dani Alvarez, deserve a minimum punishment for making us wait so long to taste happiness again, plus there are many bands that have earned these years be appreciated as this band. Not exceeding, but there is always an opportunity for everyone. In conclusion this work relives this band after 12 years of failure, it is strongly recommended disc for fans and for the first time in many years, music lovers. Obviously, one of the best albums of the decade 2000. NOTICE: If you happen to see my review of the album "Shogun" by Trivium, I said that work was becoming comparable with Metallica but because sound the same. People often confused with that, but said that because the work of Trivium was becoming as big as Metallica work, ie they were having approaching greatness with Metallica. Many people used to say that Trivium, was the new Metallica. But "Shogun" shows that Trivium Metallica is totally independent and is one of the few bands in my opinion, they have come to be comparable with legendary bands such as Metallica. Even Trivium Metallica fails, but Shogun proved that at any time, we will give a surprise to overtake Metallica. I hope that day arrives, but in the meantime, enjoy "Death Magnetic" and "Shogun", especially Shogun, because honestly, exceeds that of Metallica, but Metallica still enjoyed, is very good… Expand
  30. ricco94
    Mar 8, 2013
    8
    Finally they're back! For real. Nothing to do with St. Anger. This is their best in the last 15 years. Sometimes it's too violent and a bit boring, but the most of the songs are really good. Welcome back!
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Awards & Rankings

2
#2 Most Discussed Album of 2008
15
#15 Most Shared Album of 2008

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 27 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 22 out of 27
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 27
  3. Negative: 0 out of 27
  1. Entertainment Weekly
    83
    Sometimes the album's mini-epics come off as we've still got it! stunts. But when it's working, the effect is like ceding your senses to a particularly well-engineered roller coaster in the dark.
    Read full review
  2. Pitchfork
    49
    The best ones spit in the face of death; this album instead finds aging men trying to reclaim their youth.
    Read full review
  3. Rolling Stone
    80
    The musicianship feels thrillingly live throughout, and nimble new bassist Robert Trujillo helps, even though he's mostly heard as a distant, ominous rumble.
    Read full review
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