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Rating: For me, Metallica is the greatest metal band of all time. Having said that, I don't want my review to seem like a sickly-sweet praise of the band, but I tell you this to convey my state of mind before watching this live performance.
For some time now, I've been a bit "disappointed" with their latest albums; whenever anyone thinks of 'tallica, they subconsciously think of the band's first four works, so whether it's the shift to hard-rock sounds, changes in lineup, the band doesn't seem the same anymore. When I purchased St. Anger, I didn't hope for an impossible return to their origins, even though I wouldn't have minded, but rather for a great album that would erase all those uncertainties and disappointments of recent times. When I put it into my dear-old-good stereo, the new album whispered a new low blow: despite 4 years since "Garage Inc.," it's almost as if it was composed prematurely, few ideas, few noteworthy tracks, and it all highlighted a desire for return, but still immature and in my opinion unnecessary (even the bass parts were recorded by Bob Rock...). It wasn't legitimate, but as a Metallica fan, I saw it as a betrayal, as if a little part of me was melancholically disappearing, thus creating a natural distancing, but the hope in me, deep down, never died. Robert Trujillo: I listened to some of his CDs with the Suicidal Tendencies or Ozzy Osbourne band, and I was immediately impressed both as a musician and for his playing style. When I found out he was the new bassist of "the four horsemen," curiosity drove me to get new live performances to answer one question: is the band definitively dead, or do they still have something to say?
Despite the short time available, Robert settled into the group, which he used to see performing as headliners at his concerts with S.T., right away, and this was very comforting. One day, I was informed about the band's performance at the Rock am Ring 2006 in Germany: I had to get it at all costs. If I have to tell you what I think about the concert, I'll tell you right away that it is stunning, perhaps one of the best ever of "the four horsemen." The band is in shape, bonded even in the smallest things; Hetfield hasn't lost his charisma as a historic frontman, his voice is still gritty, and never misses a beat with his "damned" guitars; Lars is still himself, it's as if he gets better with time, with his usual "manias" for being the lead and his usual drink (but what is it?); K. Hammett, standing ovation, truly spectacular moments when he launches with his wonderful solos, and it is pure joy to hear them after St. Anger...; finally, Rob Trujillo, makes no mistakes, the very aggressive sound of his bass is an enjoyable-new characteristic of Metallica, very different from Newsted, and for his way of playing, even though with different technique, he recalls the great Burton. A breathtaking setlist! Everything, and I mean everything, Master of Puppets, even pieces like Orion (performed live only a few times) and finally the entire "Master of Puppets." Obviously, the start was marked by the beautiful "The Ecstasy of Gold," which later gives way to "Creeping Death" (what a start!); "Fuel" (even more engaging live); "Wherever I May Roam"; then "For Whom The Bell Tolls," preceded by a great introduction by Rob accompanied by Lars, perhaps one of the most engaging pieces of the lot, ending with a spine-tingling solo by Hammett; the wonderful "Fade to Black" and then a pause... inevitable, I would say.
Worth noting is the fact that while the four were pausing, the audience was urging them to return with a coordinated hand clap, and they obliged: from afar you hear an intro: "Battery"! Without a moment's pause, they shoot "Master Of Puppets," and it's delirium, with the audience ready to shout the entire song's lyrics; as the album order wants, it moves to "The Thing That Should Not Be," to complete the opening trilogy; we reach the moving "Welcome Home," sung almost angrily by James, almost as if wanting to destroy the band's sufferings over the years. "Disposable Heroes"; "Leper Messiah"; then once again a beautiful, almost melancholic, introduction by Rob to the very fierce "Orion," one of my favorites, with the blasted Trujillo taking the spotlight, delivering solos with precision and mastery; to complete the album, we move on to "Damage Inc." After a second pause, they continue with "Sad but True," the sweet "Nothing Else Matters," and then... fireworks simulating the violence of war, precede "One," spine chilling... then "Enter Sandman," and more fireworks, to the delight of the audience. The band pretends the show is over, but the present metalheads are not yet satisfied: and here comes "Last Caress" and finally "Seek & Destroy," the band's anthem. And it's truly over after 2 hours and 15 minutes of concert!
As said before, this live show signals the great form of the band, and I believe it's a good sign as they're on the verge of releasing a new album... and their fans, myself included, hope for their rebirth.
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