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. DavidM.
    Sep 23, 2008
    8
    Best album from Metallica since the Black Album, however not near Masters of Puppets or even Ride the Lightning.
  2. BläP.
    Sep 25, 2008
    10
    This album is really good! Definately the best since the Black Album! Heavy riffs and lightningspeed solos mixed with the nice shimmery clean sound of James' guitar and his great singing. What more could you ask for!
  3. CoryM.
    Sep 26, 2008
    8
    I enjoyed this album very much. A welcome change back to the old thrash days, with very heavy riffs and great solos. This is what should have been after the Black Album, in my opinion.
  4. LuisA.
    Jan 15, 2009
    8
    Fair 8.3 (This Page doesn't accept decimals though). Though the first single of Death Magnetic, "The Day That Never Comes" is really overrated (and in my opinion the less god on the album), the rest of the album is great. Now we can't complain of lacking solos, because Kirk is back and reloaded. Lars drums are more tolerable (though still too loud for me), ROb's bass is Fair 8.3 (This Page doesn't accept decimals though). Though the first single of Death Magnetic, "The Day That Never Comes" is really overrated (and in my opinion the less god on the album), the rest of the album is great. Now we can't complain of lacking solos, because Kirk is back and reloaded. Lars drums are more tolerable (though still too loud for me), ROb's bass is really Rob's bass, and James voice, although it isn't the one we heard back on 'Justice', makes good use of his dual using (Raw & Melodical). Welcome Back (sort of) Metallica. Favorite Song: All Nightmare Long. Less Favorite Song: The Day that Never Comes.… Expand
  5. MikeM.
    Jan 27, 2009
    0
    This is terrible its a bunch of old men trying to go back to the old? It does not make sense they have made the same type music for decades with virtually no artistic push forward think about it. Though st anger was bad at least they tried something moderately different thats always good not this same old basic music with limited instruments that they have done since 83 and there are a This is terrible its a bunch of old men trying to go back to the old? It does not make sense they have made the same type music for decades with virtually no artistic push forward think about it. Though st anger was bad at least they tried something moderately different thats always good not this same old basic music with limited instruments that they have done since 83 and there are a million bands that sound just like them slayer, Megadeth.… Expand
  6. FinchFinch
    Jul 19, 2009
    8
    The sound quality was alright. The guitars have that classic Metallica "buzzsaw" sound. The drum are are too loud and Robert's bass is buried in the mix. Other than that the songs echo their earlier days. The heart and soul isn't all there, but all the tunes are tasteful and aggressive. The songs are a bit long... Every song on Death Magnetic could have benefited from being The sound quality was alright. The guitars have that classic Metallica "buzzsaw" sound. The drum are are too loud and Robert's bass is buried in the mix. Other than that the songs echo their earlier days. The heart and soul isn't all there, but all the tunes are tasteful and aggressive. The songs are a bit long... Every song on Death Magnetic could have benefited from being shortened. The music is intense and demands your attention... But even Metallica isn't awesome enough to keep my attention for over 70 minutes. Upon listening I have to break it up in blocks. However, it does lends itself well upon multiple listens.… Expand
  7. JamesW.
    Nov 15, 2008
    10
    This album is a constant play in my car. From the opening track to the final one, this is a return to the Metallica we grew to love in the 80's with a modern spin on it. This is the album that St. Anger should have been. Best album of 2008!
  8. RustyS.
    Nov 21, 2008
    9
    I'm not even a metal fan but this album was great. It's like St. Anger never even happened so if you aren't buying this just because of St. Anger, you should probably change your mind. This album obviously had a lot of time and thinking into it because some of the guitar material is just amazing.
  9. VenomG.
    Nov 23, 2008
    10
    After reviewing all Metallica history this album was a recall from what Metallica really is.
  10. 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.
  11. valkury
    Sep 22, 2010
    8
    AHHHHHHH. THE SOLOS, THEIR BACK. O now i can go back to loving this band again. Metallica is back and heavier than before. Going back to how they used to play in the mid 80s when they started, metallica's new album is jam packed with heavy riffs, awsome lyrics, and solos. SWEAT SWEAT AWSOME SOLOS.
  12. seifer
    Jul 2, 2012
    8
    Not their best, but still fantastic! As a musician, some of Metallica's music is a pleasure to play. e.g. That was just your life + The Unforgiven III.
  13. phavyarden
    Apr 12, 2011
    10
    Wonderful album.! Maybe one of the best metal albums of the decade. I never thought that Metallica will comeback this good! I hope they come to my country to listen this new master piece alive
  14. paco5005
    Sep 26, 2011
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. God, there's so much to write about this album. To me, it's the album that got me into metal. And made Metallica my 3rd favorite band. I think I'll go track by track, the ones that i like the most, and the ones that made my vote a 9 instead of a 10:
    1) That Was Just Your Life: Awesome song, pure fast, angry, awesome trash metal. A perfect start for a great album.
    2) The End Of The Line: Somehow, this track just doesn't fully convince me. I think it is because it could have been more.
    3) Broken, Beat & Scarred: A jewel in the album. This song doesn't get neither boring nor old. It's a modern version of Seek and Destroy: a catchy intro, several riffs that follow each other until it settles in one for the verse, an awesome yet simple chorus, a rampaging break that build into an amazing solo, another awesome chorus, and a great end riff. Simply mind-blowing.
    4) The Day That Never Comes: this is a modern mix between Sanitarium and One for me. With a suitable intro, a calm and emotional verse that builds up onto the desperation of the chorus. And then, the break. And the rage starts up with the whole riffing that begins at 5:01 and ends the song. It communicates everything it should make you feel with very simple lyrics and great riffs that speak for themselves.
    7) The Unforgiven III: really disappointing. I was hoping for an epic sequel to the lame second part of this "story" if you will. Not bad, but not good either.
    8) The Judas Kiss: Awesome, this song would have as equally rocking without the lyrics. A metal masterpiece.
    9) Suicide & Redemption: WOW, just, WOW. Nothing to say here, every riff repetition is in the exact place and it is played the exact number of times. It cannot get better. The top of the album.
    10) My Apocalypse: Pure, ravaging trash metal.

    Well, that was my opinion. I know people will hate me for not saying anything about All Nightmare Long, but i didn't like nor care about that song much. Don't misunderstand me, i like it, but any other song that isn't from Load, Reload nor St. Anger (with the exception of St. Anger and Frantic) could have filled it's spot.    … Expand
  15. coldron1
    Nov 2, 2011
    10
    I would consider this the best album i have ever heard and what Metallica have made. they have definitely redeemed themselves on this one. One of the first albums I've heard where i have enjoyed listening to every single song on the album and repeatedly listened to again and again. it's 2011 i bought it in 2008 i still listen now 10/10
  16. 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
  17. Mithaq_Jalali
    Nov 9, 2011
    10
    one of the best albums for metallica, the unforgiven III gave the album some nice memories and its nice, 10 great heavy songs, cyanide came out really heavy and great, Thank you Metallica.
  18. helloworld1066
    Nov 23, 2011
    9
    To anyone who claims this album is bad then quite simply you are wrong, though i would say more insane. This is metallica doing what they do best. Blasting out fantastic metal tunes. That of course is given the exception of the unforgiven 3, which is garbage, the first two were a lot better.
  19. ryallen
    Dec 26, 2011
    8
    Every song has enough redeeming qualities for you to want to listen to it again, and that's at the very least. Songs like ''All Nightmare Long" and "The Judas Kiss" are reminiscent of older classics, and the whole album is a fortunate departure from anything on "St. Anger". Old and new fans alike will love this album undoubtedly, apart from the occasional but slightly damaging distortionEvery song has enough redeeming qualities for you to want to listen to it again, and that's at the very least. Songs like ''All Nightmare Long" and "The Judas Kiss" are reminiscent of older classics, and the whole album is a fortunate departure from anything on "St. Anger". Old and new fans alike will love this album undoubtedly, apart from the occasional but slightly damaging distortion found during louder sections. The album itself is very loud, and that's the reason why some sections are distorted - the production was meant to be as loud as as compressed as possible. Great album, gonna be tough to follow up, which apparently Metallica is doing in 2012. The "Beyond Magnetic" EP is also fantastic, and its a real shame that those songs couldn't be on the original album.… Expand
  20. 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
  21. metall94
    Jan 20, 2012
    8
    Old Metallica, Old Metallica, Old Metallica, Old Metallica. I really wish Metallica would have made and continued to make Kill Em All and/or Ride the Lightning again and again and again, forever and ever. I wish music and musicians would never change so I can imagine its 1984 for the rest of my life. So my mind never changes, my mind never opens, I never experience anything new. If youOld Metallica, Old Metallica, Old Metallica, Old Metallica. I really wish Metallica would have made and continued to make Kill Em All and/or Ride the Lightning again and again and again, forever and ever. I wish music and musicians would never change so I can imagine its 1984 for the rest of my life. So my mind never changes, my mind never opens, I never experience anything new. If you thought you would hear Kill Em All when you played Death Magnetic, St. Anger, ReLoad, Load, or the Black Album, boy were you surprised. I have never had that experience. Here's my secret, I READ THE LABEL. I expect to hear Ride the Lightning when I play ride the Lightning not when I play Death Magnetic. Death Magnetic sounds like Death Magnetic. Crazy concept, I know. They've already made Master of Puppets. Play it when you want to hear it. They are not going to make it again. Get over it.… Expand
  22. Santi_RHCP
    Mar 16, 2012
    9
    Metallica are finally back with the style we all loved since the beginning. Im really looking forward to see what they can do in their next disc (im not considering Lulu, obviously)
  23. Muhittin
    Aug 20, 2012
    8
    It is not perfect. But it is a turn towards the right direction. Imagine a car going off road since 1991 and with each year it comes closer to the cliff. This album saves the car and puts it in the right road. It is not the best car but it is still working at least.
  24. 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!
  25. SlasherV
    Oct 27, 2012
    8
    This is a huge comeback from Metallica after St.Anger. It's their best album in years and Die Hard Metallica Fans should be happy with this album and so should casual fans. As a Metallica Fan i am Satisfied with what came out and am hoping they keep with this style with their next release
  26. 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
  27. 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.
  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. 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.
  30. 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...
  31. 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
  32. 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
  33. 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
  34. 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.
  35. 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.
  36. 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
  37. 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.
  38. 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....
  39. 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
  40. 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
  41. 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.
  42. 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
  43. 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.
  44. 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.
  45. 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.
  46. 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
  47. Codeling
    Aug 7, 2021
    9
    Fantastic album. All songs are great.
    Best songs: The Day That Never Comes, All Nightmare Long
    Worst songs: -
  48. 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".
  49. 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.
  50. 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
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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.
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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.
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  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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