In 2003, Metallica released their 8th full-length studio album, St. Anger. With its tinny production, absence of their signature guitar solos and serious shortage of good songwriting and songs, it was a major disappointment. The only positives I could take from St. Anger were that it was meaner and more aggressive than their previous two albums, Load and Reload, and I loved the opening track “Frantic.”
As a long-time fan, I wondered how they could screw up their five-years-in-the-making comeback so severely. The answers came in 2004, when they released the warts-and-all documentary, Some Kind of Monster. With unprecedented access and candor, the completely dysfunctional institution of Metallica was revealed for the world to see. Personal problems led to zapped creativity and there was nothing their long-time producer Bob Rock could do to keep them on track. In fact, Rock’s suggestions (and you can’t blame the guy for being a little confused) clearly made the band worse.
Well, it’s recently been announced on metallica.com that Bob Rock will definitely not be producing the next Metallica album. Rick Rubin and the band will begin recording on March 12th. Of course, Rick Rubin is the genius behind so many amazing recordings from the last two decades – from Run DMC, The Beastie Boys and LL Cool J to Slayer, Danzig and System of A Down. To me, though, his greatest achievement was helming the #1 album of the 90s, Red Hot Chili Peppers Blood Sugar Sex Magik, and subsequently supervising their graceful evolution over the next 15 years.
Rick Rubin’s track record is near flawless, but he is capable of a stinker here and there. Ever hear The (International) Noise Conspiracy’s Armed Love? It’s nearly unfathomable he was the man responsible for that slick, soulless mess.
Usually, though, Rubin is a magic man. What he did for the Dixie Chicks on last year’s Taking the Long Way is pretty special. For a group who had lost their core fan base, country radio listeners, he added rock and pop elements to reach a wider audience while keeping them country at the same time. Resurrecting Metallica’s sound after years of mediocrity should be quite a challenge. Here’s hoping Mr. Rubin can dazzle us once again.
This is Awesome NEWS!
I can’t wait. With Metal’s recent renaissance, it’ll only be fitting for the kings to take back their crown.
If anyone can help revive Metallica from their musical deathbed, it’s definitely Rick Rubin. Very few producers possess the elusive combination of street-cred and commercial success that is Rubin’s modus operandi. However, many feel — and rightfully so — that Metallica just doesn’t have “IT” anymore. They have become so creatively estranged from the mindset of their glory days that it is very unlikely they will ever redeem themselves artistically in the eyes of the metal masses.
Like it or not, they just aren’t the same Metallica that gave us “Master of Puppets” and “…and justice for all.” Following the “Black Album”, their music has become increasingly weak and contrived.If Metallica can learn to be honest with themselves, and their fans, they just might be able to create something that’s fresh and exciting to listeners. The album doesn’t necessarily have to be a Metal Monster, as long as it’s pure and natural, fans will notice and the healing process can begin.
However, another “Load” just may be the final nail in their career’s proverbial coffin. And while Metallica’s place in musical history has long been secured, their days of major new releases could easily fade to black.
Agreed. If Rubin can’t save Metallica (and I’m skeptical if he can…because of Metallica, not because of Rubin) then they should just retire from making new music.