Metallica studio albums ranked from worst to best

As a long-time fan of heavy metal music and having grown up during the golden era of this genre, I can confidently say that Metallica has left an indelible mark on the world of rock music. Their albums have not only shaped my musical taste but also influenced countless other bands that followed in their footsteps.

Established more than four decades back in Los Angeles, California, Metallica stands out as a seminal metal band, leaving an indelible mark on the music industry. With sales exceeding 125 million albums worldwide, they’ve captivated countless audiences across thousands of performances, garnered nine Grammy Awards, and earned their place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Starting from 2003, the group has included James Hetfield, Lars Ulrich, Kirk Hammett, and Robert Trujillo. Previously, Jason Newsted, Dave Mustaine, Cliff Burton, and Ron McGovney left significant marks on the band during their respective tenures.

As a diehard fan, I’ve journeyed through the epic saga that is Metallica’s music collection, from the thunderous “Ride the Lightning” to the timeless “72 Seasons”. In this article, we dive deep into their discography and rank each one of their 11 full-length studio albums. This list spans generations of metalheads like me!

Ranking every Metallica studio album from worst to best

No. 11 – St Anger (2003)

Metallica opted for a fresh approach in creating their eighth studio album, St Anger, which came out in 2003. This album was produced amidst the band’s personal struggles, and it truly demonstrates those feelings in an intense manner. Fans were given a glimpse into a previously unknown side of the band as they abandoned their ’80s and ’90s thrash metal and hard rock style for an alternative metal record with no guitar solos and a gritty production quality.

The final product left longtime supporters dissatisfied, yearning for a reversion to their traditional style. However, some songs such as the title track, “Some Kind of Monster”, and “All Within My Hands” have held up well over time. Unfortunately, the overall album doesn’t deliver, causing it to come in last place.

No. 10 – Load (1996)

Just coming down from the high of our record-breaking self-titled album, Metallica, I felt it was time to shake things up. Five years later in ’96, we dropped a new album called Load that explored genres like hard rock, southern rock, and blues. The response was mixed; fans were torn about our fresh look and sound, which was quite the departure from what they knew us for.

Tracks like “Hero of the Day”, “Bleeding Me”, and “The Outlaw Torn” are standout numbers on the live album titled “S&M“, with “King Nothing” and “Mama Said” also making significant contributions. Notably, “Mama Said” attracted a large number of southern rock and country enthusiasts to the band’s fanbase. While “Load” is not a poor album by any stretch, it fails to match the greatness of the records that established the thrash metal genre’s pioneers.

No. 9 – ReLoad (1997)

Approximately one year following the debut of “Load,” Metallica delivered the remaining tracks from those sessions, as well as some freshly recorded tunes, under the title “ReLoad.” The band persisted with their experimentation, with songs like “Fuel”, “Prince Charming”, and “Attitude” showcasing a hard-hitting hard rock groove that was absent in its forerunner.

Key tracks on the record are “Fuel”, “The Unforgiven II”, and “The Memory Remains”. Notably, “The Memory Remains” marked the Metallica’s first collaboration with a guest vocalist, featuring Marianne Faithfull contributing to the song’s interlude.

No. 8 – Hardwired…to Self Destruct (2016)

Resuming the intensity from Death Magnetic, Hardwired offers a compilation of fast-paced thrash songs that die-hard fans will appreciate. From the get-go, the lead single “Hardwired” is a fierce, high-octane stadium anthem, ranking among their strongest opening tracks in recent memory.

Simultaneously, they pay tribute to their ’90s roots by playing catchy hard rock tracks like “Now That We’re Dead” and “Murder One.” The blend of thrash metal and hard rock makes for an inviting listening atmosphere.

No. 7- 72 Seasons (2023)

In a lengthy 77-minute span, the album “72 Seasons” demands a good deal of listener’s patience, but it proves to be time very well spent. The track “Lux Aeterna” harks back to an era that would harmonize nicely with the Kill ‘Em All record, given this album was unveiled four decades subsequent to the debut album’s initial release. Lyrically, the album packs a punch, as James Hetfield delivers powerfully on the first 18 years of your life (symbolized by “72 Seasons“) that significantly shape who you are today.

Apart from its powerful lyrics and captivating vocals, the album “72 Seasons” boasts numerous catchy guitar riffs and harmonies that genuinely reflect the band’s passion rather than a group going through the motions, which can often happen after four decades in the music industry.

On their album closer “Inamorata”, the band gave it their all, making it their longest original track yet – clocking in at over 11 minutes. Remarkably, despite its length, the song never feels drawn out and serves as a fitting conclusion to this recent compilation of Metallica’s powerful hits throughout their illustrious career.

No. 6 – Death Magnetic (2008)

Following the letdown of St Anger, Metallica made a genuine comeback to their classic style in 2008 with the debut of Death Magnetic. The lead track, “The Day That Never Comes,” shares resemblances with “Fade to Black” and “One” because of its song structure that gradually intensifies into an energetic rock ballad. Although the production by Rick Rubin is somewhat lackluster, the content harks back to the band’s thrash roots, making it their strongest album in the 21st Century.

No. 5 – Metallica (1991)

1991 saw a significant shift in Metallica’s musical approach as they ventured away from their traditional thrash metal genre towards a more commercially accessible form of heavy metal on their self-titled album. This change was marked by slower rhythms and a smoother, more polished sound. Tracks like “Enter Sandman”, “Nothing Else Matters”, and “Sad But True” helped Metallica gain mainstream popularity with their radio-friendly tunes.

Instead of intending to create long pieces, the band aimed at recording concise, condensed songs after their extensive compositions on “And Justice For All“. This shift resulted in a magnificent work that significantly broadened the metal genre’s recognition and acceptance in mainstream media.

Initially, followers of the band were hesitant about the new release due to their familiarity with the group’s fiery musical approach. However, as time passed, this album has matured elegantly and has earned its place among the best-selling albums ever, which is entirely justifiable.

No. 4 – Kill ‘Em All (1983)

Metallica significantly transformed the metal genre by releasing their first album, “Kill ‘Em All,” in July 1983. This album, arguably one of the heaviest and fastest ever made, is raw, intense, and served as a powerful benchmark for their subsequent work.

The recording skillfully merged punk rock and speed metal styles, creating a path that influenced numerous bands including Slayer, Megadeth, Anthrax, Slipknot, Avenged Sevenfold, Trivium, and many more who have continued to shape the metal music genre throughout history.

No. 3 – …And Justice for All (1988)

In the wake of Cliff Burton’s tragic demise, the album And Justice For All showcases a sound that leans heavily on guitar, with the melodies of James Hetfield and Kirk Hammett taking center stage. However, over time, this record has faced criticism due to minimal bass presence from Jason Newsted, as his playing is barely audible in many parts.

Key tracks on the record are the emotional anthem “One”, the intense “Blackened”, and fan favorite “Dyers Eve”, which is frequently played during concerts. The album “Justice For All” saw the group delving into longer, intricate compositions, resulting in a massive triumph.

No. 2 – Master of Puppets (1986)

In 2015, the Library of Congress chose to preserve “Master of Puppets” as the first metal album in the National Recording Registry, acknowledging its cultural, historical, or aesthetic significance. This description hardly scratches the surface of Metallica’s third album, which was released a mere three years after their debut.

The album “Master of Puppets” showcases some of Metallica’s most intense and swift compositions to date. It blends aspects from both “Ride the Lightning” and “Kill ‘Em All,” resulting in a blend of intricate rhythms and melodies, coupled with compelling narratives. The record delves into themes such as war, oppression, and isolation.

The main song exemplifies Metallica at their peak, featuring dynamic tempo shifts and blistering solos that leave you craving for more. This type of music pervades the album, demonstrating the band’s development and versatility in full force. In conclusion, you’re treated to 54 minutes and 52 seconds of unadulterated heavy metal mastery.

No. 1 – Ride the Lightning (1984)

Ride the Lightning expands significantly on the acclaim of the band’s initial album, Kill ‘Em All. This record showcases a broader range, incorporating intricate harmonies, acoustic guitar elements, and profound, impactful lyrics that surpass its forerunner in depth. Notable tracks like “For Whom the Bell Tolls”, “Creeping Death”, and “Fight Fire With Fire” from Ride the Lightning burst into action immediately, cementing their status as thrash metal classics.

The band reveals a more delicate aspect through the power ballad “Fade to Black” and the instrumental track “Call of Ktulu,” which significantly shaped some of their subsequent works. These compositions can be traced in tracks like “One,” “To Live Is To Die,” and “The Day That Never Comes,” showcasing their lasting impact on the band’s music.

The album Ride the Lightning boasts no poor tracks, an unusual feat in music, particularly for a group still on their second album. Even its least impressive song, “Escape”, would have been a standout hit if another band had released it during that era.

In essence, “Ride the Lightning” showcases Metallica at the pinnacle of their abilities, solidifying their status as an enduring force within the music industry and laying the foundation for a remarkable, ongoing career that continues to flourish up until 2024.

2024-08-21 14:31