Metallica's eighth studio album starts with the sound of a beating heart. That is probably intended for anyone who doubts whether there is still life in the group. Death Magnetic is the follow-up to the disappointing St. Anger (2003) and the band seems to be drawing a big line under the recent changeable past. Death Magnetic harks back to the sound of albums like Master Of Puppets and And Justice
… For All in a way. So back to the golden eighties, in which the band became famous. Death Magnetic offers ten long epic songs built around strong riffs and beautiful doubled solos. A plus is that James Hetfield's vocals have improved since then and new bassist Robert Trujillo is also an asset, despite his mainly serving role. By taking a look at their past, Metallica is taking a big step towards a golden future. (PdK)more
