Master of Puppets [Remastered & Expanded Edition]
by Metallica
Metascore
95

Universal acclaim - based on 8 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 8
  3. Negative: 0 out of 8
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  1. Austin Chronicle
    Dec 7, 2017
    100
    Master of Puppets realized the band's greatest strengths, coalescing hardcore punk with progressive metal.
  2. Kerrang!
    Dec 5, 2017
    100
    From the embryonic ideas to the songs' live debuts, it's the ultimate insight into the birth of a world-conquering classic. [11 Nov 2017, p.52]
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  3. Classic Rock Magazine
    Dec 5, 2017
    100
    This is a brilliant time-stamp of a band on the cusp of greatness. In this all-encompassing collection, Metallica have actually managed to improve on perfection.
  5. Pitchfork
    Dec 5, 2017
    100
    The numerous early takes and rough demos have a diehard appeal (there’s a reason Metallica has a dedicated archivist on their payroll), though the live recordings present a band going through its most monumental transition punctuated by monumental tragedy. Recording a masterpiece was the easy part. Genius does not appear out of thin air and Puppets was a culmination of Metallica’s influences and forward direction, so yes, it will give you a more rounded sense of how a masterwork came to be.
  6. The Wire
    Dec 19, 2017
    90
    This ludicrously exhaustive deluxe edition includes hour after hour of live takes, demos and interviews. Fascinating, but none of it overshadows the original album. [Dec 2017, p.70]
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  7. Mojo
    Dec 5, 2017
    80
    It's more of what we know, which should suit Metallica heads just fine. [Dec 2017, p.105]
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  8. Q Magazine
    Dec 5, 2017
    80
    A new rock force was born. [Jan 2018, p.117]
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  9. Uncut
    Dec 5, 2017
    80
    Thirty years later, the heaviness of these songs has intensified rather than abated. [Dec 2017, p.40][Album: 9/10, Extras: 7/10]
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User Reviews

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User Score
9.2

Universal acclaim- based on 152 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 142 out of 152
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 152
  3. Negative: 6 out of 152
  1. MrCell
    Mar 26, 2021
    10
    I like every song on this album and I am always going back and listening to it for inspiration
  2. taylorswiftstan
    Mar 19, 2021
    10
    More than a masterpiece.

    Pick era and (probably) the best album of Metallica. Awesome riffs, great vocals and lyrics. Magnificent    More than a masterpiece.

    Pick era and (probably) the best album of Metallica.
    Awesome riffs, great vocals and lyrics.
    Magnificent production.
    Zero skip, no bad songs. Just real music and art.
    Legendary record.    … Full Review »
  3. Gamesearcher1
    Aug 29, 2019
    10
    After being recommended this by one of my friends, I was not disappointed at all. Every element comes together to form what is easily the bestAfter being recommended this by one of my friends, I was not disappointed at all. Every element comes together to form what is easily the best Metal album.
    The vocals are amazing and James manages some incredible performances ("Disposable Heroes") on the album. The instruments don't disappoint either, though. From the iconic riffs of "Master of Puppets" and "Orion" to the flawless solo of "The Thing That Should Not Be", to the drum fills lining most songs, there is so much to love on the album.
    One surprising thing about this album is how much it's willing to bring down the tempo and deliver something slower, yet just as amazing, and they do it incredibly gracefully. They also manage to make three songs over eight minutes long and keep them fresh even on your tenth listen, which is extraordinary.
    The lyrics were something that also surprised me, and the topics of everything from drug abuse, to war, to HP. Lovecraft banter, are dealt with far better than what most metal bands do.
    The album does falter a bit at the ending, though. "Orion", while an amazing song, with some kick-ass melodies, does suffer a bit from being the second-longest track on the entire album. "Damage Inc." is another great song, and I think the last ten seconds closes off the album perfectly, just isn't as good as the first six tracks.
    The riffs, the drumming, the solos, the vocals, the lyrics and the songs themselves combine to make one of metal's, and music's, best works. A must-listen.
    Favourites: Master of Puppets, Welcome Home (Sanitarium), Disposable Heroes
    Least Favourites: Damage Inc. (A great song still).    … Full Review »
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