Japanese only SHM pressing. The SHM-CD [Super High Material CD] format features enhanced audio quality through the use of a special polycarbonate plastic. Using a process developed by JVC and Universal Music Japan discovered through the joint companies' research into LCD display manufacturing SHM-CDs feature improved transparency on the data side of the disc allowing for more accurate reading of CD data by the CD player laser head. SHM-CD format CDs are fully compatible with standard CD players. Universal. 2009.
Called "the Black Album" by many (due to its monochrome cover), Metallica marks the group's entrance into the mainstream, with shorter songs, simpler song structures, and slower tempos overall. That said, this is an excellent album, featuring some of the best songwriting Metallica has ever done. "Enter Sandman," "Wherever I May Roam," and "God That Failed," despite being slower and more groove-oriented than the band's earlier work, feature the same heavy riffs and heavier rhythms that have always been a feature of Metallica's music. The band goes introspective with "Unforgiven," and proves that they can write a ballad with "Nothing Else Matters," which succeeds better than one might expect. Overall, this is a high-energy album despite its laid-back approach, and is in many ways superior to the previous . . . And Justice for All, which was weakened by overly complicated song structures and mediocre production. -- Genevieve Williams
Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 4.0 / 5.0
People hate it just because it's overrated:
I truly feel that their first four albums are their best and will never be topped. Just because Metallica changed their style doesn't make this album bad. If any other band would've made this album, everyone would've loved it. There is no denying that musically, this is their best album. I'm not sure how that makes them mainstream sellouts in any way. People hate this album just because it's overrated and it sold the most out of any other Metallica album. I'll admit, it's overrated in the sense that it's... more info
Favorite 'Tally:
This is still my favorite 'Tally album.
I can't stand all the "oh they sold out" blah blah blah.
They made a great album - get over it!
I wish they'd go back in this direction.
Bad:
My record skips on every song and it is not because of my record player. The people who cut this new version did not do a good job. It is brand new, but comes warped. Better off to buy an original off of ebay and pay the extra $$$$. I do not recommend this to anyone.
DVD-Audio Review -- A Must-Have:
Pros: It's Metallica -- IN SURROUND SOUND! Cons: No extras, unless you count an ad for one of their DVDs. The Bottom Line: If you are a Metallica fan, and you own a player compatible with DVD-Audio, GO BUY THIS! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Original 02/04/05 review:
Metallica has been quite busy over the past decade releasing a lot of studio albums, a few live albums, several concert DVDs and now a DVD -Audio. The first album... more info
