Metallica – Ride The Lightning
Review by: Blake Mossey
Review Score: 10
July 27th 1984 Metallica released their 2nd studio album Ride The Lightning. So next month will be the 40th anniversary of this album. 1984 had many classic metal albums.
1984 Metal Albums:
Iron Maiden – Powerslave
Dio – The Last In Line
Mercyful Fate – Don’t Break The Oath
Judas Priest – Defenders Of The Faith
Metal Church – Metal Church
Saxon – Crusader
and many more.
For me personally this is one of my favourite metal albums of all time and I would say my favourite thrash album of all time. Back in 1983, I was in my 2nd year of listening to metal music. Iron Maiden was my start and all those NWOBHM and one night listening to a Toronto, Canada rock station that played a hour of metal at midnight on Friday nights and the DJ played a new song by this band called Metallica and it was Hit The Lights and I was won over instantly. Got that as soon as I could and played it over and over and over as my favourite genre had just been created, thrash. So as soon as this album was released I was there.
Fight Fire With Fire – The acoustic guitar opening immediately signals a departure from the sheer speed of ‘Kill ‘Em All,’ transitioning into a thrash anthem about nuclear war after the intro. Metallica’s sound evolution owes much to bassist Cliff Burton’s music theory background. The concluding guitar solo crescendos into a nuclear explosion sound effect, setting a powerful tone for the album.
Ride The Lightning – One of the final songs to feature Dave Mustaine’s writing credits is the title track, which narrates the tale of an individual facing execution by electric chair for a crime they did not commit. The thunderous bass drum thump from Lars is a simple thing that always stood out to me. As the song progresses, it gains intensity and pace, culminating in a fiery solo from Hammett in the instrumental bridge.
For Whom The Bell Tolls – Remaining a staple in their live performances to this day, Burton sets the tone with his iconic bass riff that mimics an electric guitar. The song’s title is borrowed from Ernest Hemingway’s book of the same name. It’s a track that likely ranks high on many fans’ lists of favorite Metallica songs.
Fade To Black – Speaking of favourite Metallica songs this one ranks up there for me. Their first foray into ballad or semi ballad territory. And I suppose the first of many times Metallica sold out. A song about suicide and you can play this at my funeral and I will be happy. But dead. Of course the formula on this song would reappear on other later Metallica tracks like Welcome Home, One and others. This same structure has been emulated by numerous bands since. In live performances, this song resonates deeply with fans who have had personal experiences with suicide, either through their own struggles or those of someone they know.
Trapped Under Ice – Leading off side 2 with getting back to another fast thrash attack. This is another of my favourite tracks on the album. Story is of someone that wakes up trapped under ice and realizes that is how his life will end. “I don’t know how to live through this hell, woken up I am still locked in this shell” Kirk Hammett brought a riff over from his last band Exodus to use in this one.
Escape -I enjoy this song, though many do not, including the band. They’ve performed it live only once. It’s not as intense as the rest of the album, featuring slightly more melodic riffs and a softer edge. The record label advocated for it, seeking a non-ballad single. Despite its radio-friendly sound, metal wasn’t widely accepted on the airwaves in 1984.
Creeping Death – Another all-time favorite track of mine from Metallica. It’s the second single from the album and has become a staple in their live performances, much to the delight of fans, particularly during the “DIE DIE DIE DIE” part. Hammett incorporates a riff from his days with Exodus, contributing to its status as a thrash metal classic with an evil, heavy sound and a compelling title, inspired by the movie ‘The Ten Commandments.’ An absolute classic.
The Call of Ktulu – This will be the last Metallica song to feature any Mustaine writing credits. (unless he rejoins the band. haha) Another Metallica song inspired by a book. From horror writer HP. Lovecraft’s The Shadow Over Innsmouth. Of course Cliff Burtons hands are all over this one, not only introducing the rest of the band to the book but the 2 minute bass solo and the overall vibe and feel of this song.
Conclusion – Not to use the word classic to much, (too late) but this is highly regarded by many people as one of the best Metal albums of all time and thrash albums. It is my favourite Metallica album with Master being a close second. Now its time to Fade To Black.