The above sentiment rang true for me back in the
early through the late 80's. The band: Metallica, just blew me
away. Songs like "Metal Militia", "Seek and Destroy", then
"Creeping Death", "For Whom the Bell Tolls", and the list goes
on.
The mighty voice of Metallica, James Hetfield, proclaimed that Metallica
didn't give a fuck whether or not anyone liked them, they were going
to play the music that they enjoyed playing, dress like they wanted
to, and be the heaviest thrash metal band in the world.
I was fucking rabid!
They stood for everything that I held true in my own life:
Individuality, anger towards the "system", and most of all, the most brutal fucking music
on the planet! Along with the brutality, their intellect and ability to write such intense
lyrics was a welcome change. The music industry was full of "pussy bands" like Motley Crue,
Ratt, Whitesnake, and their ilk.
MTV was playing Duran Duran videos and, (my God!), Flock of Seaguls! (I'm getting nauseous just
remembering)
Anyway, Metallica saved all of metal mankind from pink scarves, make-up, and poofy hair. They came out
and kicked ass!
Live shows were the best. I saw them live numerous times and moshed like a motherfucker!
"Actin' like a maniac....WHIPLASH!"
Then, after the tragic death of one of the greatest bass players ever, things began to go downhill.
An album was released called "And Justice for All". Don't get me wrong, there are some killer
tunes on this one, but it contained a (GASP!), ballad! (Yes Gary, a ballad!)
The song "One" became (DOUBLE GASP), radio accessable. A video for the song became a mainstay
on the MTV.
I overlooked it with hope beyond hope that it was just a cruel joke. Alas, I was to find that
I was wrong...
I'm going to refrain from getting too deep into the critical analysis of this band, knowing that
there are a few who will read this that have been led astray, in fact brainwashed by Lars, into
believing that Metallica still rules. But I must unleash a bit of venom for my own well-being,
so fuck you...Here it comes!
Although Metallica had become HUGE, someone must have decided that more money could
be gained if they could continue to woo a zombified FM radio audience. A string of
putrid "pop" metal ensued, leaving their roots and their hardcore Metallica fans in
the dust. The culprit behind the sell-out is Lars Ulrich who has become the
"spokesman" for the band and apparently the creative force behind the greed and
pussified, watered-down musical diarhea.
They have written some very lame material in the past few years
which has propelled them to the heights of fame and fortune.
The dribble that is now Metallica is filled with cliche' phrases, warm tender
moments of vile mellowness, and even a symphony orchestra backed release
that has managed to re-do some of the band's early material,
making it near impossible to stomach.
It is my firm belief that James Hetfield and Kirk Hammett have little to do with
the direction that Metallica has taken and Jason Newstead is just a mindless follower
of the madness which is Lars.
(If you're out there Lars, I'd love to meet with you in a back alley so that I could
give you the thorough ass-kicking that you deserve.)
You have managed to take something beautiful and turn it into a weak, sickening, piece of
maggot infested shit.
I could continue, (and may do so later), but I'd like to go now and take some
Pepto. Just the thought process in which I have followed to write these words of
disappointment and welling hatred has caused me some discomfort.
Gary, you and your buddies came along a bit too late to understand completely
the whole atmosphere and mindset in which I'm coming from, and for that, I forgive you.
But watch...Metallica will eventually do something that even you cannot abide.
This guy, R.I.P., would have beat the crap out of Lars if he had lived. He would have never stood for what has been done.
CLIFF RULED!
