There's been an unusual trend in 2011 based around the idea of releasing previously unavailable material. Nile re-released their first demo and Hell completely re-recorded a collection of songs from the 80s for an overdue full-length while bands like Pentagram and Megadeth scanned their archives for a few forgotten tunes to add to their mostly new efforts.
In a way similar to Halcyon Way's IndoctriNation, Metallica has put out a digital EP consisting of a series of outtakes from 2008's Death Magnetic. This release combined with the band's recent 30th anniversary shows suggest that the band is trying to do some damage control in the wake of the ill-fated Lulu, but this isn't the first time Metallica has given its fans some rare material. And there's nothing to be cynical about if the music itself is good, right?
Suck On The Barrel, Suck On The Barrel
For the most part, it is pretty clear to see why these songs didn't make it onto Death Magnetic; they’re definitely not inadequate songs but rather cut from a different cloth. While that album leaned towards thrash metal, this EP is more hard rock dominated and features a more melodic presence.
But at the same time, there are still some elements of thrash on here. The introduction of the opening “Hate Train” and the verses on the closing “Rebel of Babylon” stand out in this regard though both songs are largely melodic as a whole. “Just A Bullet Away” also has a nice spring in its step though its bouncy riffs are more along the lines of Opeth’s “The Baying Of The Hounds” than anything particularly neck-breaking.
But going along with that, the EP is still identical to its parent in terms of production and band performance. The production has that dry tone, the vocals and guitars are solid, the bass gets a few spots to make itself known, and the drums may piss you off as much as ever. Of course, getting used to the production style and knowing how these songs were demos until recently can make a listener much more lenient.
When The Sun Goes Hellbound
But like the other Metallica albums that have recently come out, there are points where the songs feel like they are long and complex for the sake of being long and complex. Fortunately it’s not as grating as it was on St. Anger or Lulu but it does keep some songs from being as awesome as they could be.
This can best be seen in “Just A Bullet Away,” originally known by its working title of “Shine.” This is definitely the EP’s best song and has some great riffs, but it may have been better if the last three minutes or so were cut off. The melodic section does sound nice but it disrupts the flow after the song has come to what could’ve been a great ending.
But with that said, the songs on here are still pretty interesting and more satisfying than about half of what was on Death Magnetic. “Hate Train” is solid though its numerous tempo changes do take some getting used to, “Hell And Back” plays out like a more brooding version of “Cyanide,” and “Rebel Of Babylon” is made unique by its slow, foreboding opening and its jump onto fast, complex ground.
You Took Away Tomorrow
At this point, it’s quite hard to tell where Metallica will be going from here. They may have returned to their roots but Lulu’s jam-oriented sound and this EP’s hard rock leanings lead one to wonder just how comfortable they are with thrash metal. They’ll probably keep building on the heavier momentum but I honestly wouldn’t be that surprised if they went back to a sound similar to that of The Black Album or the Loads.
For what it’s worth, this EP is worth a download and absolutely mandatory of those who like its predecessor. Of course, I do wonder why “Vulturous” isn’t on here though; the recording I’ve heard is an awesome burst of Venom and Misfits worship. Think they’re saving it for next time?
Current Highlights:
- “Hate Train”
- “Just A Bullet Away”
Christopher Latta - I am the lead singer/bassist of Psychic Faith and the writer of many hard rock and heavy metal reviews
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