S&M2 [Live]
by Metallica
Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 8 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 8
  3. Negative: 0 out of 8
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  1. Kerrang!
    Aug 27, 2020
    100
    No mere nostalgia trip, S&M2 stands as a tribute both to Metallica’s growing confidence as players and composers, and an absolute vindication of their decision to revisit one of their most inspired creative outings. Within our world, they remain utterly fearless and inarguably peerless.
  2. Classic Rock Magazine
    Aug 27, 2020
    90
    S&M2 is a success on the grandest of scales. [Sep 2020, p.84]
  3. Consequence
    Aug 28, 2020
    83
    Overall, everything is brighter here versus the original S&M. It’s a celebration of Metallica, their fans, and their music. Let this version of S&M2 be the one that’s remembered.
  5. Mojo
    Aug 27, 2020
    80
    Though the battering ram thrust of Sad But True takes some beating, other highlights are James Hetfield solo with orchestra on The Unforgiven III, and on (Anesthesia) Pulling Teeth, SFS principal bassist Scott Pingel paying tribute to Metallica's Cliff Burton, who died in 1986 aged 24. [Oct 2020, p.86]
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  6. Slant Magazine
    Sep 3, 2020
    70
    Burton was a classical music aficionado, and was said to have introduced elements like harmony and sophistication into Metallica’s early no-frills thrash. S&M2 puts that influence on full display.
  7. AllMusic
    Aug 28, 2020
    70
    What makes S&M2 so absorbing and entertaining is how all the musicians involved embrace both the ridiculousness and seriousness of their endeavor, creating a glorious overblown noise impressive in its ambition, heft and unspoken absurdity.
  8. Clash Music
    Aug 27, 2020
    70
    Overall, 'S&M2' is a worthy successor to its predecessor, but not without its faults. ... From the outset, it’s clear the recording is sharper and punchier than its 20-year-old counterpart, but with a far less forgiving mix. While before the orchestra and band blended into one digestible wall of noise, at times, it sounds like instruments are competing for room this time around.
  9. Pitchfork
    Sep 1, 2020
    52
    The album suffers from the same primary problem that plagued the original S&M: Metallica’s best songs, intricate and ambitious though they may be, are not actually well suited for the additional orchestrating they get here, precisely because they are plenty symphonic already.

Awards & Rankings

78
#78 Most Discussed Album of 2020

User Reviews

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User Score
6.1

Generally favorable reviews- based on 61 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 37 out of 61
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 61
  3. Negative: 22 out of 61
  1. Brandabar
    Aug 28, 2020
    10
    Trolls lowering the ratings. LISTEN TO IT. This is--somehow--even better than the first S&M! Songs you were meh on sound tuned up and roar!Trolls lowering the ratings. LISTEN TO IT. This is--somehow--even better than the first S&M! Songs you were meh on sound tuned up and roar! Spectacular and as good as Metallica's very best!… Full Review »
  2. irv_
    Aug 28, 2020
    10
    Perfect show!!!!!!!!!! Metallica did a great job!!! Amazing sound!! Metallica one of the best band ever!!!
  3. cwatz
    Aug 30, 2020
    10
    Absolutely incredible. One could nitpick what was chosen to be amplified or quieted for songs in the mixing (certain parts of the orchestraAbsolutely incredible. One could nitpick what was chosen to be amplified or quieted for songs in the mixing (certain parts of the orchestra often take a backseat or are muted for bits), but pushing that aside, the album you actually get lives up in every way to the first S&M and is a classic needed in any fans library.

    I won't be listening to anything else for quite a while, that much is certain.    … Full Review »
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