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. 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....
  2. 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.
  3. 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".
  4. MusicMaven
    Oct 7, 2008
    7
    It's a return to their hardcore, thrash-metal style, but without the superior songwriting of their 1980s albums. Several songs come close to matching those high standards, but the overly long album is burdened by too many rehashed riffs that they did better back in the day. The over-compressed mix doesn't help either. While it is their best since 1991, it is nowhere near their It's a return to their hardcore, thrash-metal style, but without the superior songwriting of their 1980s albums. Several songs come close to matching those high standards, but the overly long album is burdened by too many rehashed riffs that they did better back in the day. The over-compressed mix doesn't help either. While it is their best since 1991, it is nowhere near their best work overall.… Expand
  5. SimM.
    Oct 8, 2008
    7
    Metallica used to be my favorite band - when I heard this album was going to between MoP and Justice - I was out of mind excited. But unfortunately - I was very disappointed. Poor lyrics and solos for the sake of solos bring the album down. Not a single song would even make it as a filler song on Pre Black Album.
  6. CF
    Oct 11, 2008
    7
    The riffs remind me of Master of Puppets. Very good, but what happened to James voice? Either the recording sucks or his voice is shot. His voice sounded great until the load album, where he got a country twang. Then St Anger sounded like he was talking in a trash can. If his voice was better, I would have given it a 8. It would have only got a 10 if the songwriting was a bit better. The riffs remind me of Master of Puppets. Very good, but what happened to James voice? Either the recording sucks or his voice is shot. His voice sounded great until the load album, where he got a country twang. Then St Anger sounded like he was talking in a trash can. If his voice was better, I would have given it a 8. It would have only got a 10 if the songwriting was a bit better. Anyways, at least Metallica finally gets it...no goo album=no money. Make the next album with better song writing and a good voice we will have a 10.… Expand
  7. ChrisW.
    Sep 12, 2008
    7
    At least it's better than their last album.
  8. SimonG.
    Sep 15, 2008
    7
    So basically, according to most critics, in order to be good, Metallica have to redo the Black Album over and over. I don't understand this. They've been in the business for 30 years and they can't try anything new? U2 have never been blame for taking various avenues. Well, I guess it all comes down to personal tastes. I say this because I really enjoyed St-Anger. I taught So basically, according to most critics, in order to be good, Metallica have to redo the Black Album over and over. I don't understand this. They've been in the business for 30 years and they can't try anything new? U2 have never been blame for taking various avenues. Well, I guess it all comes down to personal tastes. I say this because I really enjoyed St-Anger. I taught it was a great album with a solid garage sound. The songs were memorable and well written. It seems like a lot of people have a grudge against Bob Rock. I don't. So I wasn't waiting for Metallica's come back, because to me they never left. Now to Death Magnetic, while it's a great album, I don't understand where Rick Ruben did so much better than Bob Rock. The sound is still solid and sound a lot more like a studio album. Not a bad thing. I just don't see yet how the songs differentiate from each other. So far it all sounds like a 60 minutes long song after a few listening, which wasn… Expand
  9. NeilS
    Sep 18, 2008
    7
    So it's finally here...the album meant to resurrect the career of (arguably) the world's most famous metal band. And the record succeeds in doing that - reminding us of the band's ability to create bone-crunching and mind-numbing heavy metal. But unlike their first few records, 'Death Magnetic' doesn't strike a chord with it's listeners. Don't know So it's finally here...the album meant to resurrect the career of (arguably) the world's most famous metal band. And the record succeeds in doing that - reminding us of the band's ability to create bone-crunching and mind-numbing heavy metal. But unlike their first few records, 'Death Magnetic' doesn't strike a chord with it's listeners. Don't know what I mean? Listen to some of their tracks like 'One', 'Nothing Else Matters' or even 'Call of Ktulu' (if you haven't a thousand times before). Surprisingly, 'Unforgiven III' is the only track that's reminiscent of their glorious past. I'll grant one thing though, 'Death Magnetic' makes us forget 'St. Anger', and that in itself is a great achievement for the band.… Expand
  10. DaveL.
    Sep 19, 2008
    7
    I can't see how so many people have rated this a 10, it's not bad, not bad at all considering there last effort, but its not Master of Puppets, Black, live pinge and purge type stuff, Makes me wonder what these people rate there older stuff then.. Its Good but just not that good, but still nice to hear a bit of the old Metallica in there, just not as much as an old Metallica fan I can't see how so many people have rated this a 10, it's not bad, not bad at all considering there last effort, but its not Master of Puppets, Black, live pinge and purge type stuff, Makes me wonder what these people rate there older stuff then.. Its Good but just not that good, but still nice to hear a bit of the old Metallica in there, just not as much as an old Metallica fan would like to hear.. Good effort guys, but some beery magic and a garage is deffently needed... Metal up ya ****.… Expand
  11. LouieF
    Sep 21, 2009
    7
    Reading some of the highest rating reviews and lowest, I can see where certain points from each are valid in my opinion. From the higher: Death Magnetic at times sounds like an evolution from the Black Album, with monster riffs and lyrics that are well thought out. The return of Kirks' solos are welcome in hindsight to St. Anger. From the lower: The vocals are vibrato ridden and a Reading some of the highest rating reviews and lowest, I can see where certain points from each are valid in my opinion. From the higher: Death Magnetic at times sounds like an evolution from the Black Album, with monster riffs and lyrics that are well thought out. The return of Kirks' solos are welcome in hindsight to St. Anger. From the lower: The vocals are vibrato ridden and a flashback to the Load/Reload era, something that I believe Death Magnetic was hoping to differentiate itself from. Many songs sound like a long jam session, for example "The Day That Never Comes". Last but not least the solos are not very Metallica-like in my opinion. They seem to challenge the riffs and might be thought of more as leads, and not enhance the music like the solos from previous albums (ex. Master Of Puppets). All in all a decent album worth a listen that tries to recapture all the heaviness, anger and musicianship of earlier Metallica albums, but falls slightly short of its mark.… Expand
  12. DanM.
    Sep 19, 2008
    7
    Their stongest album in years! But, if only they cared about quality control and caught the obvious song issues prior to mastering the CD they would do better. How many albums are they going to sell once people find out they are buying a very poor sound quality CD in 2008!
  13. WeaselSlayer
    Nov 2, 2011
    7
    The album is impressive, I must say. I'm a huge Metallica fan and my "fandom" had been fading, but for awhile they brought me back with Death Magnetic. However, I must say the songs lost their luster after a good amount of listens and it turned into an album that I can really only listen to while driving or occupying myself with other things. It's just not an album I can sit and listen to,The album is impressive, I must say. I'm a huge Metallica fan and my "fandom" had been fading, but for awhile they brought me back with Death Magnetic. However, I must say the songs lost their luster after a good amount of listens and it turned into an album that I can really only listen to while driving or occupying myself with other things. It's just not an album I can sit and listen to, much like Kill 'Em All. It's a good, fun album, though, and it has me very interested to see what Metallica comes up with next.… Expand
  14. 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.
  15. 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.
  16. MickT.
    Sep 25, 2008
    6
    It's alright. Better than Load and so forth. Another band destroyed by overexposure. Metallica eponymous was their swan song. What happened to the winding mystery. To much straight ahead, not enough story. I by chance listened to #9, the suicide instrumental and I hoped the rest would be better. It wasn't. Dumbed down Metallica.
  17. tankJ.
    Jan 16, 2009
    6
    Two great songs. The rest sounds like the same stuff you have already heard from Metallica.
  18. SkylerR.
    Sep 16, 2008
    6
    It was definitely better than St.Anger it could have been a hell of a lot better. I don't think they are using Lars to his full potential. All in all its a decent album not great but it didn't suck
  19. Ikarus14
    May 10, 2011
    6
    While the album certainly has its moments, it's hardly the return to glory form that I was expecting. Worth listening to but it's mostly just a collection of recycled material.
  20. 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
  21. 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
  22. 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
  23. 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.
  24. 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
  25. JoshH
    Oct 15, 2009
    5
    It still is the best album they've done for about twenty years, but God that's not a difficult thing to achieve. This album does nothing for the imagination though, it's just plain same old Metallica. Nothing special really.
  26. AshP.
    Sep 13, 2008
    5
    Sounds like a remake of load till you get to all nightmare long,then you feel like your back to the master of puppets days but only for a brief second,get out of the studio go back to the garage drink some piss and go back to where it all started,and we might have some hope of getting the seek and destroy days back.
  27. Phil_Chatzikos
    Jan 7, 2012
    5
    just a mediocre album with no "personality".of course, it's better than st.anger.but if we want to be honest with yourselves, we have to admit that the album was pretty boring. this is not an essential album for a metal fan, but a hardcore metallica fan may find it terrific. it has some songs with powerful solos and riffs, but there is not a really great song in the album. anyway, it's thejust a mediocre album with no "personality".of course, it's better than st.anger.but if we want to be honest with yourselves, we have to admit that the album was pretty boring. this is not an essential album for a metal fan, but a hardcore metallica fan may find it terrific. it has some songs with powerful solos and riffs, but there is not a really great song in the album. anyway, it's the best album that the band released since 1991. hopefully, their next album will be better. (i do not consider lulu a metallica album)… Expand
  28. BigD
    Sep 18, 2008
    4
    I don't have much to say just that since cliff died metallica have never been the same, never will be and never can be. He made the band, made so many of the riffs and since dieing they've lost it. O well least the first 4 albums are good. R.I.P Cliff.
  29. YitbosG
    Sep 17, 2008
    4
    I just feel that after the past album debacles that Metallica has tried to recreate Master of Puppets. The problem is the songs, lyrics and riffs are just not as good. Where is the political angst and anger at society? I see a band more worried about their inner feelings of growing old and feeling irrelevant in the music world. This has been a fatal flaw for many bands and usually I just feel that after the past album debacles that Metallica has tried to recreate Master of Puppets. The problem is the songs, lyrics and riffs are just not as good. Where is the political angst and anger at society? I see a band more worried about their inner feelings of growing old and feeling irrelevant in the music world. This has been a fatal flaw for many bands and usually provides the proverbial nail in the coffin for bands, ironic given the album cover. I… Expand
  30. jimmyw.
    Sep 19, 2008
    4
    what a load of dung. bang bang bang scream... wow, we know ye can play heavy stuff but what about some music. why all the noise. his voice just becomes anoying, when it used to sound powerfull. i think they are listening to there fans too much instead of doing there own thing,they should go with there age and play some slow songs.until it sleeps,nothing else...why didnt they have the real what a load of dung. bang bang bang scream... wow, we know ye can play heavy stuff but what about some music. why all the noise. his voice just becomes anoying, when it used to sound powerfull. i think they are listening to there fans too much instead of doing there own thing,they should go with there age and play some slow songs.until it sleeps,nothing else...why didnt they have the real intro for unforgiven3.… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

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

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
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.
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  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.
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