Some kind of monster?

Oh yes, but not just any kind, this is of the fiercest and most aggressive species, a kind that keeps haunting you when bitten once, like a werewolf, the feeling just never leaves you again and what a lucky situation to find yourself in.

Since every song is of extreme importance to this release, I will try to make the points about them I think in the best way will illuminate why this to me is such a amazing album and milestone in the history of Heavy Metal.

The relaxing acoustic beginning of Battery is only a neat trick. Before you know it hard drums set in and a riff that splits the ground hits right on, this ranks without any doubt among the best songs ever. The level of raw power is amazing and the variation in the drumming is no less than astonishing. If I'm feeling frustrated, this one works perfectly in getting something out my system.

Master Of Puppets is another immortal Metal creation. 8 ½ minutes put together in the most remarkable way. Let me just name some of its incredible highlights:

• Of course the beginning, monster riffs that is more than legendary.
• The raw vocal's from James, it is very apparent that he had developed a more mature and stronger voice through the years since their debut.
• The well-written lyric dealing with the evils of control and lack of self-determination.
• The melodic mid-section with great lead parts and a great tight bass approach.
• Its complex nature with many changes towards the end.
• Its powerful and extremely driving chorus.

The Thing That Should Not Be explores a dark mysterious lyric and musically we are dealing with some really heavy stuff. I simply love the way the bass creates a soothing gloomy atmosphere and the build-up to the thundering guitar riff also rules big time. A slow track packed with groove and an eerie atmosphere.

Welcome Home (Sanitarium) gives the album a welcomed breather, at least as long as it lasts.
The depressing story unfolding is delivered with great empathy and the sanitarium scenario just melts perfectly together with the dark mood in the beginning of the track, where acoustic guitar work of world-class and James' powerful vocals filled with angry emotion and frustration is presented.
Kirk delivers some unbelievable melodic lead stuff and the huge chorus is working in fantastic hymn-like style. And of course the raw up-tempo shift in the middle of the song must also be mentioned, as well as the song's last minute of powerful drumming.
I could go on with these brilliant parts and in every song if I had to, but you probably know them well so I'll try to restrain myself.

Eight minutes packed with raw, fast and unbound force, yes I'm talking about Disposable Heroes, a song that (like the rest) never ceases to amaze me. The intense flow that each of the songs different passages create is just spectacular and extremely well laid-out, spiced with mega tight guitar riffs and fantastic vocals.

Leper Messiah has a cool raw and tight rhythm-section with an impressive groove.
The only real critical remark I have with this album is found in this song and the source of lesser concern is the chorus that I find a bit too simple to be great, anyway this is nothing that in anyway alters my impression of a magnificent track and album.
The fast ending part kicks major ass and once again the verbal aspect is excellent throughout the track, the critical lyric about abusing religion is sung with just the right hard and angry vibe.

Cliff Burton (R.I.P.) puts out an astonishing achievement on this album; his bass glows with power and raw energy but also has some great melodic passages, like in the long atmospheric instrumental Orion. Again a cut with lots of change in structure, but not just any kind of change, these twist and turns are intelligent and innovative, when listening to it I kind of wander off in my mind and just let the great relaxing feeling take over and fill me with a nice reassuring mood, fuck it's almost therapeutic :).

Even tough the first section of Damage, INC also has a distant and calm profile this gets seriously smashed to the ground as the tempo explodes. Following in the same aggressive and intense vein as Battery, one album containing two songs of this fantastic style and immense quality is a real treat.
The solo is one of Kirks best, speed and technicality in grand combination, the drums are pounding like unlimited thunder and the bass lays a foundation of unbreakable solidity.

All four members display musical skill at the absolute highest level. Lars Ulrich has his very own tight and extremely detailed style and the guitars are seriously smoking with intensity and glowing with thrilling solos and huge riffs. It's just so apparent in every song that these guys created magic with this one.

Lyrically the album takes a critical stand about authority, war and religion, this works well in connection with the aggressive and angry profile found in the music and vocals. On another level Damage, INC can be interpreted in an "I'm doing things my own way" and "don't take any crap from anyone" way.
The overall quality of the words written is very high and many passages have some great lines that flow in an interesting and suitable direction.

When turning to the production evaluation I really have nothing critical to remark, taking into account the year of making Master Of Puppets has a raw, powerful and intense sound that balances the music perfectly.

If I should pick out one album that best combines aggressiveness with great musical skill and well-composed tracks this would be the one, it's simply a timeless classic in all aspects.
Eight songs that all work geniusly in their own respect and with their own qualities and styles making this a highly varied and forever grandiose achievement.

Written by Tommy
Wednesday, August 21, 2002
Show all reviews by Tommy

Ratings

Tommy: 10/10

Members: 10/10 - Average of 2 ratings.



Member ratings

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notrap Rating: 10/10 No review was posted

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Comment by Siggi (Anonymous) - Tuesday, March 12, 2002

Best Album Ever!

Comment by Rory (Anonymous) - Thursday, January 23, 2003

F--K yeah!!

Comment by eddie (Anonymous) - Monday, February 3, 2003

Their best album !! This is the MAGNUM OPUS for this type of genre of metal. definitely 10/10.

Comment by Luke (Anonymous) - Wednesday, December 3, 2003

Brutal.

Comment by Tamir (Anonymous) - Tuesday, August 12, 2003

Amazing album!!! 10/10 So hard to choose the best metal album ever between this and And Justice...

Comment by Peter (Anonymous) - Wednesday, August 20, 2003

The second best metallica album. RTL is the best. Masters of... 8 out of 10.

Comment by Master (Anonymous) - Sunday, August 31, 2003

10 all the way.. "..Fuck it all and fuckin no regrets!" Damage Inc.

Comment by kris s (Anonymous) - Friday, September 26, 2003

surely a classic 9/10

Comment by Bumble (Anonymous) - Thursday, November 6, 2003

Nice album for sure, second best in history, RTL nr 1 for sure though. Btw nice Review Tommy.

Comment by Vassilis (Anonymous) - Monday, November 17, 2003

Metallica's most mature album. The most complete Heavy Metal album in the history.

Comment by Sean (Anonymous) - Saturday, November 22, 2003

Un-explainable and definitely a work of art for metallica is the most talented band writing the most technical, difficult music known to man kind!!! Rock on Metallica even though St. Anger sucks ass!!!!!!!

Comment by Rune (Anonymous) - Sunday, November 23, 2003

You can only agree with this review! This album has got to be the greatest in the history of metal! It just gets better every time you hear it!

Comment by Luke (Anonymous) - Sunday, November 23, 2003

Best album ever? BEST ALBUM EVER!

Comment by Ruler (Anonymous) - Sunday, December 7, 2003

Metallica's finest

Comment by hnky (Anonymous) - Tuesday, December 23, 2003

simply the best metal album ever released Rating: 11/11

Comment by Kill Em' All (Anonymous) - Friday, December 26, 2003

Hell yea I lovethis album! 10/10!

Comment by Angel Of Death (Anonymous) - Wednesday, January 7, 2004

Here I think most of you got it right.Hell it was my first ever MetallicA album(talk of luck)and I just couldn't believe my ears(still can't).Some people say Reign In Blood is the best metal album ever,here i have to disagree,Master Of Puppets is the greatest Metal achievement ever(Its only drawback is that it does not contain as many songs as we would like!!).It also showed that Cliff Burton (RIP) is one of the greatest bassists ever.11/10

Comment by CHRIS (Anonymous) - Saturday, January 24, 2004

MASTER OF PUPPETS RULES!!!!!!

Comment by Alex (Anonymous) - Monday, January 26, 2004

Def. best Album on the face of the planet 87/10!!!

Comment by wilfredo diaz (Anonymous) - Monday, February 9, 2004

COMPLETE MASTERPIECE FUCKING METAL ALL THE WAY!!!!!! IT ROCKS!!!!!!!!!!!! 10/10

Comment by Warlord (Anonymous) - Tuesday, February 10, 2004

Great review! The album is nothing but a masterpiece. Metallica´s best up to date and maybe the best metal album ever. 10/10

Comment by Dhritiman Sarma (Anonymous) - Tuesday, March 9, 2004

mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm one of my favorite metal albums my favs in this album are battery welcome home orion disposable heroes damage inc master of puppets unless u listen to orion , u can't realise metallica's talent, 'n it's better than call of ktulu the 1st part starts with rock 'n disco mix 'n after that the 2nd solo with classical riff a nice instrumental an indication to s & m project of late 1990s buy this album if u wanna contact me m4metal@yahoo.com

Comment by brian aka battery (Anonymous) - Saturday, March 13, 2004

what u mean 10/10?it should rather be 20/10

Comment by Harvester Of Sorrow (Anonymous) - Monday, March 15, 2004

This album will kick your ass. Best Thrash album...hell,best album ever.

Comment by hoagie (Anonymous) - Saturday, April 17, 2004

Metallica is just another thrash band. Slayer Show no Mercy and hell awaits are true metal and thrash. Im sick of these homos trying to mix metal and feelings like oh im so angry! gr! fk metallica. mAster of puppets? have you ever wondered how corny that is. metallica are just poser thrashers who cant hack it so they sing about like being upset or somthing. fk that. thats classic rock. give me metal.

Comment by David (Anonymous) - Saturday, May 22, 2004

First Metallica CD I got and probaly the best 10/10

Comment by gamer4282 (Anonymous) - Wednesday, May 26, 2004

Slayer sucks Metallica is the one and only true Metal Band. Put Metallica in a contest with any other so called Metal bands and Metallica will win Haqnds down. their power speed and soul can and will destroy all!! I give this album a 10/10

Comment by Rasmussen (Anonymous) - Sunday, May 30, 2004

Slayer: L-O-L.

Comment by Jonathan (Anonymous) - Monday, May 31, 2004

Beautiful Music=Metallica

Comment by Jonathan (Anonymous) - Monday, May 31, 2004

I agree with gamer4282

Comment by Pat (Anonymous) - Sunday, June 13, 2004

Not too enthousiastic about this one. Most of the songs are too simplistic, and the fact that they're still long doesn't help. I'd give Battery, Master Of Puppets, and Welcome Home a listen, the rest I get tired of too quickly. Overall, a 7 in my book. Everything went downhill after Kill Em All and Ride The Lightning.

Comment by Pat (Anonymous) - Sunday, June 13, 2004

Another thing... if you think Metallica's the only true metal band, you've been living under a rock bud. Exploring music is my hobby, this band is overrated.

Comment by Louie Villadolid (Anonymous) - Sunday, June 20, 2004

VERY TRUE!!! this album totally is a heavy metal masterpiece. In fact its the best heavy matal album ever as rated in may magazines and polls. Every track is a masterpiece and a brilliant composition. Metallica truly is the best metal band that ever existed.

Comment by Lemet (Anonymous) - Friday, July 2, 2004

The best of the best, simple, no more questions or comments The Master of Puppets is the Grandiose material made by gods.

Comment by Pat (Anonymous) - Friday, August 27, 2004

It's the best rated, since it's the only metal band that EVERYONE knows about. How can you guys overlook Kill 'Em All? This calls for another review.

Comment by Sean Demura (Anonymous) - Sunday, September 5, 2004

Damage, Inc. has to be their best work I've ever heard, BUT ITS TOO SHORT! That song is so intense and in your face. :-D 10/10

Comment by Ba*D (Anonymous) - Sunday, September 26, 2004

this is not my favorite metallica album although it contains one of their best song(MOP) on this album i like: Master of puppets,orion,Battery and sanitarium. i would say that ride the lighning is a better album becose there are only 2 songs i don love (Escape and trapped under ice) but dont get me wrong i love this album:) kill em all was not better than this album, Kirk had played for 2 weeks for the band when they recorded kill em all, if was full of speedy not so melodic mustaine like solos, if ure into the kill em all songs u should check out /-\NT][RA>< they have 10 albums that sound just the same i would mop 9/10 btw its not like i dont like the rest of the songs i just dont think they are as god as many on the trax on rtl.

Comment by nacho (Anonymous) - Wednesday, September 29, 2004

best metallica album ever!!

Comment by Pat (Anonymous) - Sunday, October 31, 2004

Best my ass. Quality over production. Go for all.

Comment by Pat (Anonymous) - Sunday, October 31, 2004

*justice

Comment by Mike (Anonymous) - Saturday, January 1, 2005

This album has it all for any person that get's into any type of metal!...It's a true 10/10

Comment by Dhritiman Sarma (Anonymous) - Sunday, January 2, 2005

metallica better release their gretest hits album . i like metallica of 1980s . that was real metal . but post black album is depressing for metal fan like me . that's why , metallica should release their gr8st hits album in 2 parts as followas : metallica , 1983 -1988 1. hit the lights 2.the 4 horsemen 3.motorbreath 4.metal militia 5.fight fire wid fire 6.ride the lightning 7.battery 8.orion 9.one 10.disposable heroes 11.sanitarium 12.master of puppets metallica gretest hits , vol. 2 1.enter sandman 2.the unforgiven 3.nothing else matters 4. sad but true 5.ain't my bitch 6. no leaf cover 7.i disappear 8. fuel 9.memory remains 10.the unforgiven2 11.some kinda monster 12. st. anger i'm sure , these 2 pieces will be blockbuster hit. dear hetfield , hammett , ulrich ......r u listening. the last thing , u metallica better go back to the root of early 1980s . new metallica sux , really. old metallica is gold, really.

Comment by anti metallicaca (Anonymous) - Thursday, February 17, 2005

alcoholica sucks shit, they are just a bunch of maiden/ megadeth ripoff artists with thier little bitch faggot drummer, and thier ted nugget wannabee singer, and thier tonedeaf hamlet guitar jackass and no stable bass player because they are too busy screwing them over as much as they screw over mustaine.

Comment by Guy (Anonymous) - Wednesday, February 23, 2005

You dumbass how can metallica be a megadeth rip off when megadeth formed after kill 'em all when dave mustaine was kicked out of metallica and decided to create a band, so he was inspired by his previous band to create music like it, not the other way round and metallica are completely different genre of metall to maiden so i sugest you get your facts right before you decide to disgrace the name of metallica with the shit you just said, metallica are the greatest band of all time and allways will be and for all those of you that hate nu-metallica well all i can say is give it a go, beacuse i really used to hate the nu-metallica stuff to, but i gave load a try and quite liked it after listening to the whole album, S&M is an amazing album and Garage inc is fucking good too, so dont take ther piss out of the nu stuff till you've truly listened to it, RIP Cliff

Comment by Josue (Anonymous) - Saturday, April 2, 2005

Yeah, probably my favourite album, (hmmm... maybe 2nd to Pantera's Vulgar Display of Power). Kirk Hammett inspired my to learn soloing on guitar, he kicks so much ass, you know a guitarist is good when he can send a chill down your spine with a solo.

Comment by Kasper (Anonymous) - Saturday, April 9, 2005

Anyone ever heard a better album? I didn't....11/10 :)

Comment by Metallica is god (Anonymous) - Wednesday, April 20, 2005

DUDE YOU ARE A MOTHER FUCKING RETARDED ASSHOLE. u SHOULD BE DROPPED NAKED 5 FEET ONTO A BURNING METAL SPIKE. BURN IN HELL MOTHA FUCKA!!!!!!

Comment by metallica is god (Anonymous) - Wednesday, April 20, 2005

sorry. i would like to retract my comment. i thought you were somone else who said metallica is posers.

Comment by wrathchild (Anonymous) - Friday, May 6, 2005

liking this album alot, metallica at their very best, hey tommy did you guys ever do a review of Ride the Lightning? that for me is the ultimate metallica album, anyone else agree with me on that one?

Comment by Steen (Staff) - Friday, May 6, 2005

View Profile Comments: 518 I agree! Ride the Lightning is my favorite Metallica album as well. Completely brilliant from start to end. Posted by Steen (Staff) Friday, May 6, 2005

Comment by Tommy (Member) - Saturday, May 7, 2005

View Profile Comments: 74 Ratings: 31 Hey there Wrathchild. I'm waiting for Steen to do that review ;) My favourite Metallica albums are Master Of Puppets, .And Justice For All and Metallica. Ride The Lightening is also a fantastic album, very varied. Tommy RevelationZ Magazine Posted by Tommy Saturday, May 7, 2005

Comment by Wrathchild (Anonymous) - Sunday, May 8, 2005

Ah ok then, well it sounds like Steen likes Ride the Lightning so I can guess what the review would say. By the way is Ulrick a fan of Metallica cause it seems he can't get enough of Iron Maiden (rightly so) P.S Yeah ...And Justice for All is one of my fav's.

Comment by Luke (Anonymous) - Monday, May 16, 2005

Yep, the best heavy metal album in the history of music.

Comment by RIP (Anonymous) - Thursday, June 2, 2005

Rust in Peace is better

Comment by Shane Lombardo (Anonymous) - Thursday, June 2, 2005

Dave Mustaine is better Megadeth destroys gaytallica

Comment by JUMBLEE (Anonymous) - Monday, June 13, 2005

KICKS ASS! 10/10

Comment by Master Of Puppets (Anonymous) - Saturday, June 18, 2005

Do I really need to explain myself? 10/10

Comment by TASOS GR. (Anonymous) - Friday, July 15, 2005

If anyone asks me what's the best metal albym ever, well ,i couldn't answer.Every album from all the GODLIKE bands are unique.Reing In Blood,The Number Of The Beast,Night Of The Stormrider,Blizzard Of Ozz,Black Albym,Cowboys From Hell etc.But,on the other hand,the UNBELIEVABLE-EXTRAORDINARY!!! melody of MASTER OF PUPPETS and especially the lyrics-came from our hard reality-gave,gives and will always give something to believe in and rely on,real MUSIC...And Justice For All

Comment by John (Anonymous) - Wednesday, July 20, 2005

Boy, you're just ****ing hardcore aren't you? Gimme a break.

Comment by Chris Murray/age 10 (Anonymous) - Tuesday, October 11, 2005

My favorite F---king cd ever

Comment by guitarman02 (Anonymous) - Wednesday, December 7, 2005

definetly best thrash album ever

Comment by Jyo (Anonymous) - Monday, April 17, 2006

Freaking awesome album!!!

Comment by Rob (Anonymous) - Monday, April 17, 2006

If you don't rate this LP a 10 then you might not know metal. Let's face it everything ever said about this album is nothing short of awe.Unless you are a total dumbass and want to argue for the fuckin sake of arguing then you know that MOP is what metal was meant to be.Don't believe me or just wanna cut to the chase then just listen to the first and last songs on this fucker and tell me where I can find something better.I'll be waiting but I am afraid that will be forever. 20 years after it's release and it still has never been approached in greatness by Metallica or any other metal band. Without a doubt a must own LP and every listener can remember the first time they were assaluted by this masterpiece. The importance of this LP and the landmark in metal can't be disputed or underscored enough.In my opinion the greatest LP ever relaesed in metal and you would also have to rank it right up there with any music effort by and band. Thanks Metallica for my favorite LP EVER!

Comment by TASOS GR. (Anonymous) - Thursday, April 20, 2006

It seems that i'm not understood.MOP f***s every other album!!!!its the f***ing best ever album!!!!melody,lyrics,speed,anger,technical playing in every instument!this album grows generations.metallica wont be better from now on cuz they created MASTER OF PUPPETS!they cant be better.a lot of bands have incredibly great albums but...they are not METALLICAAAAAAAAAAAAA.GOD wanted a band and HE created METALLICA to make THIS MASTER PIECE!and so they made it.i dont care for u gyuz 'n your comments,i know one thing M E T A L L I C A ruled,rules and will alwyas f***ing rule as long this earth exists!!!!!!!!!!!!

Comment by JLoomis (Anonymous) - Friday, July 21, 2006

This is one fucking great album. The pure agression and raw violence makes your head bang like if there was no tomorrow!

Comment by ISAAC BURTON (Anonymous) - Wednesday, September 20, 2006

MASTER OF PUPPETS . MAN ONLY ..... THE BEST ALBUM FOR ME AT THIS DAY ... CLIIFF WE NEVER FORGET YOU DUDE isueek@hotmail.com

Comment by ISAAC BURTON (Anonymous) - Wednesday, September 20, 2006

shan lombardo cliff's fuck your mother ,,, anal sex

Comment by GodofThunder476 (Anonymous) - Wednesday, January 17, 2007

Okay all u Metallica Haters out there listen up.....U NEEEEEEED TO SHOOT UR SELF. MEgadeath has NOTHING on metallica. Dave wishes he was as good as KIrk...KIRK is the god of guitar.....beside stevie ray(R.I.P)....MOP is the best album of all time, i dont care who u are. If u disagree u can go FUCK urself. MEgadeath SUCKS BALLZZZZZZZZ. METALLICA are the gods of MEtal and Exodus is Prince. Listen to Damage inc then listen to peace sells.. KIRK KICKS DAVES ASSSSSSSS HARD. CLIFF may u rest in peace and i hope u are thrashing in heaven.

Comment by Nathan Lynch (Anonymous) - Friday, April 27, 2007

Can I just mention a fact to the people calling down the metal giants called Metallica. Metallica have sold over 60 million albums worldwide (not including January 2003 onwards by the way). More than most bands or artists could ever dream of. Hoagie..... Slayer are a great thrash band, theres no denying it... but Metallica are far better than Slayer. And for slagging off the songwriting... have you ever written a song about your feelings?? Is extremely hard to do it without going over the top...

Comment by Alex (Anonymous) - Sunday, July 15, 2007

simply the best album in metal history.

Comment by ripper (Anonymous) - Wednesday, August 1, 2007

best album EVER!!!... james and lars sucks... i hate them.. but a love metallica!!! master of puppets es el mejor disco de la historia!

Comment by ripper (Anonymous) - Wednesday, August 1, 2007

megadeth got teh second best album rust in peace... master is better, but that is couse tallica had cliff, james and lars... megadeth just dave... i really don´t care about the whole james-lars-dave love triangle... the 2 bands are great, so, why we care about the guys? a care about the bands, the music, not the members... if metallica goes farther is couse they don´t talk about politics like anthrax and megadeth. so they where in every radio station... that is so bad? the easy road, the hard road... the worst thing of metallica is how they see thay fans... that is he real problem... but still been the greatest metal band ever! (not the best)

Comment by ThraX (Member) - Friday, August 3, 2007

View Profile Comments: 135 Ratings: 0 Ripper your review is very strange to me!...Megadeth didn't just have Dave , they also had Marty Friedman (one of the worlds greatest guitar players ever) & Nick Menza on drums (Whom I personally like better than Lars Ulrich....although I think Lars is a great drummer!!!)....."Master Of Puppets" & Megadeth's "Rust In Peace" I give both albums 10/10 , they are both flawless , with excellent musicianship and great lyrical content!!!! Posted by ThraX Friday, August 3, 2007

Comment by udy (Member) - Friday, March 28, 2008

View Profile Comments: 1 Ratings: 0 Yes, great. At least Kirk shows us how can play trash without mercy. Posted by udy Friday, March 28, 2008

Comment by notrap (Member) - Wednesday, September 24, 2008

View Profile Comments: 55 Ratings: 66 It´s not difficult to rate Master of Puppets. We're talking about a rock masterpiece. Only few bands achieved to release such a good record. It's difficult to make an outstanding release..But do that in the right time...In the right place...With the right people.....Well that's only for few. This Album will be remembered as one of the most important rock/metal Statements of all time. In the same level as: 1970 Black Sabbath's Black Sabbath ...The beginning 1972 Deep Purple's Machine Head ...Just listen Highway Star..I Believe Steve Harris and Bruce put this one in their top 5.. 1976 Priest's Sad Wings of Destiny ..It's not a music masterpiece..But surely a masterpiece of its time. The beginning of NWOBH 1980 Maiden's Iron Maiden ...Everybody who were into Metal heard this one over and over again..Just ask Hetfield, Mustaine, Geoff Tate, Alex Skolnick, Kerry King, Scott Ian, Kay Hansen & all the 80's icons. It´s not Maiden's best, but probably the most important. Master is a definitely a 10/10 Posted by notrap Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Comment by bogdan (Member) - Wednesday, September 1, 2010

View Profile Comments: 1 Ratings: 5 BEST MUSIC EVER RECORDED. Posted by bogdan Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Review by bogdan (Member) - Wednesday, September 1, 2010

View Profile Comments: 1 Ratings: 5 BEST MUSIC EVER HEARD ON THE FACE OF THE PLANET. Rating: 10/10 Posted by bogdan Wednesday, September 1, 2010