Metallica's The Day That Never Comes Review
I have only heard the new Metallica song, The Day That Never Comes twice. If you missed it, you can find it here: http://www.metallica.com/
I have two initial thoughts. If I am going to take into account and compare the single to anything off St. Anger, it is miles above anything on St. Anger. But if I compare the song to something Metallica has done in the past, the new single is not in the same league.
Have you ever wondered what the song One might sound like with no balls? Take a listen to the new single. If One was the bad ass bully on the playground The Day That Never Comes would be the puny sidekick that hangs around the alpha bully so he doesn't get beat up. Think Bulk and Skull from the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers.
The production on the song sounds crystal clear and very polished. It is better produced than that turd St. Anger; thanks to Rick Rubin. But is great production what you look for in a Metallica album? Probably not. You would look for war or death themed lyrics, snarled singing from James, blistering solos from Kirk, and double bass drumming from Lars. Oh and a steady, but building bass line from (insert bassist of your choice).
The song starts out like Fade to Black and slowly builds over the entire seven minutes. Around the four minute mark the song has a great familiar chugging Metallica sound from the Load era.
The song kicks into a predictable guitar solo around the six minute mark with a lead in to the guitar solo that is very reminiscent to a teenage castrato singer's version of One.
The second solo is a little less predictable, but how many times can you run up and down the guitar scale without it sounding dull and familiar? Apparently, seven times for this song. (This is a rough count because I have only heard the song twice.)
James' voice sounds great on the song. But something is missing. It isn't the old Metallica they were playing up in the interviews. "Oh this is a return to Kill 'Em All or Master of Puppets" But considering the last record, the song is head and shoulders above St. Anger.
Is that good enough for Metallica fans? To just be better than St. Anger? Not for this Metallica fan, but I must remember this is just one song off an album that has ten. My hopes are still high the band will deliver with an overall record.
I have two initial thoughts. If I am going to take into account and compare the single to anything off St. Anger, it is miles above anything on St. Anger. But if I compare the song to something Metallica has done in the past, the new single is not in the same league.
Have you ever wondered what the song One might sound like with no balls? Take a listen to the new single. If One was the bad ass bully on the playground The Day That Never Comes would be the puny sidekick that hangs around the alpha bully so he doesn't get beat up. Think Bulk and Skull from the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers.
The production on the song sounds crystal clear and very polished. It is better produced than that turd St. Anger; thanks to Rick Rubin. But is great production what you look for in a Metallica album? Probably not. You would look for war or death themed lyrics, snarled singing from James, blistering solos from Kirk, and double bass drumming from Lars. Oh and a steady, but building bass line from (insert bassist of your choice).
The song starts out like Fade to Black and slowly builds over the entire seven minutes. Around the four minute mark the song has a great familiar chugging Metallica sound from the Load era.
The song kicks into a predictable guitar solo around the six minute mark with a lead in to the guitar solo that is very reminiscent to a teenage castrato singer's version of One.
The second solo is a little less predictable, but how many times can you run up and down the guitar scale without it sounding dull and familiar? Apparently, seven times for this song. (This is a rough count because I have only heard the song twice.)
James' voice sounds great on the song. But something is missing. It isn't the old Metallica they were playing up in the interviews. "Oh this is a return to Kill 'Em All or Master of Puppets" But considering the last record, the song is head and shoulders above St. Anger.
Is that good enough for Metallica fans? To just be better than St. Anger? Not for this Metallica fan, but I must remember this is just one song off an album that has ten. My hopes are still high the band will deliver with an overall record.
...
Dude, you obviously need to listen to it more.
Rick Rubin is a fuckin badass and has given Metallica their old sound back almost.
I also believe this album will be WAY BETTER than anything...ANYTHING...Bob Rock Produced. This includes the Black Album.
You hate me don't you?
I was having this discussion with Joe Wettner. I think anyone could have come in and produce Metallica.
All you have to do is say "Go back to being Metallica." Then remove the Bob Rock layer and Pro Tools. That is essentially what Rick Rubin did.
I will never deny the genius of Rick Rubin. His resume speaks for itself.
I just think the song is "So what?" But the clips of the other songs posted on Metallica.com are very promising. As I said at the end of the review, I am really excited for the album and hoping the songs on the album are better than the one they released.
No one hates around here. We are too small time to hate. This isn't that other website run by a Record Company.
Listen my metal brothers. When people say Metallica's back, where did they go? They've been right here. St. Anger was an exercise in therapy, and group survival and they did it with a bassist and sound for this album. Of it does'nt sound like Puppets or Kill'em All, It's not supposed to!!!! Why repeat yourself. They wanted something a little more solid and reminiscent of the albums that put them on the map, that's all. They're getting older and they still rock. Stop comparing the song to "One", "Fade to Black", it's in its own space. "The Day That Never Comes" is a great foundation for our ears to build a new relationship with this band and a new following of listeners lost. Peace and long live Metallica!!!
I am so glad someone else is on the same wavelength as me. I really enjoyed the new song and will forever be open to new sounds and components of old ones. I haven't even thought of straying away from Metallica, cause I need them as much as they need me. Your words ring clear and true, heres to a new chapter on this crazy ride in Tallica land.
lol fanboy
they were once great metal, and they became decent alternative... now they seem to be decent metal - and a notable step above anything in the past 15 years from them (notaably most of the bob rock era)... It may not be perfect, but its good enough for me to take an interest in the rest of the album... I think this is what should have followed the black album to keep the old fans happy... the new sound should have been a side project, with a different name altogether (see Green Day and Foxboro Hot Tubs for a good example of this). This is Metallica again, that other band was something different...
yeah of the last 15 years, the Bob Rock years were the weaker.. (he's been producin for 17 pal)
Heres an idea lets wait til the album is out and we can have a real listen through a better medium ie. Vinyl or a CD..
Great song! And correct Metallica NEVER went anywhere they've always and will continue to be the Kings...PS here's some proof....http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qVLd1YJWfsc
What Up!! I have to disagree with they praise on the production. Its not as bizzare as St Anger but its still strange. Yes everything is clear but the over all sound is very weak. It sounds like a high def version of something that could of been recorded in 1982.
Guitar tone is very thin, drums are not very well mixed. And whats up with the bass tone? I hate to be too critical but I am a musician and own a production company. When I play or record heavy music you want the product to reflect that.
As for the tune I didn't come away with anything from it. Lars is still a terrible drummer. They honestly would be better off with Tommy Lee that guy may not have chops but he can lay it in there and Lars can't seem to lay in the most basic grooves. (How bout that comment for some return hate) :)
People need to stop wishing for the return of Metallica 1988 that band is dead.