Metallica--Some Kind of Monster
A live EP/promotional tool for the new documentary.
Packaging--
The good:
The cover has a screaming, winged creature with the band and EP's name. Very dark color scheme, I personally like it.
The bad:
No booklet...just the one sheet that has the cover on one side, and recording info on the other. This is an EP so you can't expect much I suppose, but some live photos would've been nice.
The music:
The good:
Well, for starters, the remix of the song "Some Kind Of Monster" is far better than the album version. I think it may have to do with the fact that the drums are bit more buried (thus moving the snare drum "ping" into the background). Personally, the drum sound on St. Anger don't bother me as much as some, but having the sound less pronounced helps.
The remix also helps in a huge sense. It's four minutes long compared to eight. I believe it was Ian Robinson who said it sounds like buried in St. Anger is a very good 45 minute album...he's right. I actually enjoyed the short version.
The live songs are executed reasonably well. I seriously think Hetfield's voice takes away from the energy, but what can you do? The recording is crisp, all the instruments are audible, solos are forward in the mix, no real complaints. Some of the performances sound a bit sloppy, but this is what gives live songs character. The band isn't always going to be 100% tight and when I get a live record that is, I'm suspicious.
The bad--
Maybe it's age, maybe it's being tired from playing the same songs over and over again, but the live energy, especially in Hetfield's voice is lacking. He sounds tired. He also sounds like he's just not trying. These are aggressive songs, so hearing them just cleanly sung sounds weak. I realize he's getting older and after touring for 20 years you can't use the same bark, which is a shame.
Recap�
Not all that necessary, but if you're a fan it's a nice thing to have. If this was a full length live album I definitely would not have bought it, but a low priced live EP with 6 old songs works for me, and I'm guessing that's the strategy.
Review by Chris