The 10 most underrated Metallica songs
Let's face it, anyone with a mild interest of music (or who buys their clothes from the H&M band range to appear edgy) would recognise the distinct, genre-defining name of Metallica. Whether it's hearing the band's most renowned tracks in the mainstream in passing or knowing their extensive catalogue inside out, there's something about the band that is truly captivating even this far into their career.
For four decades now, the Bay Area titans have garnered millions of fans across the globes with many more millions of album sales and streams to boot, but even in that timespan, the odd hidden gem would slip by the casual listener who wouldn't play their albums in their entirety. After much deliberation I was able to sieve through my list of Metallica's lesser known songs, yet tracks that would go toe to toe with the best of their catalogue. Here are my personal 10 most underrated Metallica songs.
Damage, Inc.
Hailing from Metallica's career heightening record, Master of Puppets, Damage, Inc. takes its proud position in closing the eight song album with the most intensity possible. The track opens with tranquil bass swells, played by the late bassist Cliff Burton, which immediately leaves the listener in anticipation for what's to come. The sudden march of all the band's instruments playing with synchronicity takes the song on a completely different turn. All hell unleashes when Metallica display their natural grasp of thrash metal, a genre which they helped pioneer. The five minute track is as epic as any other on the album, but none match the rip-roaring pace that Damage, Inc. possesses. The song features Metallica's first expletive in their catalogue which emphasises the angst throughout the track and is an early demonstration of their true capabilities.
Sweet Amber
What is generally regarded as Metallica's worst album is 2003's St. Anger. The main reason the album was critically panned was due to the four piece's ambitious change in musical direction, on top of the tumultuous goings on behind the scenes including a stint in rehab for frontman James Hetfield and former bass player Jason Newsted leaving the band. However, it is said that St. Anger is often overlooked and once you get past the tinnitus inducing snare drum and the omission of guitar solos from Kirk Hammett it is clear to see why. There are some great foundations laid for some epic songs and Sweet Amber is one example. Infectious riffs and head bopping rhythms combine with close to the bone lyrics about temptation and the dangers it possesses to make a standout track from a low point in Metallica's career.
That Was Just Your Life
The opener of all openers, That Was Just Your Life is the first song taken from Metallica's ninth studio album, Death Magnetic. The album itself is extremely underrated in the band's arsenal, with many citing the song lengths, the repetition of riffs and the questionable production as reasons for Death Magnetic not reaching the heights it was destined for. With those qualms aside, there are some diamonds which glimmer within the album's ten songs and That Was Just Your Life is often the most overlooked. The song begins with a thunderous heartbeat provided by the drums and an eerie guitar line building suspense with each repetition. An iconic down-picked riff from the rhythm guitar kicks into gear with the rest of the band accompanying whilst going into overdrive. Rapid fire snarling from Hetfield during the verses and thrash-like moments in the chorus particularly displays the heaviness which many Metallica fans had felt was missing from the band for years before Death Magnetic was released. Catchy song from start to end and features key elements from Metallica's career which have been encapsulated into this one epic track.
-Human
This song is a deep cut in the Metallica discography. -Human made its debut to our ears in 1999 when it was specifically written and released as part of Metallica's S&M album when they performed with the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra. -Human displays Metallica's gift for writing stomping, mid-pace anthems and this particular one is filled with eerie suspense and crushing vocal lines. Once you hear Hetfield bellow "You've got to breathe man, breathe." it will be circling around in your head all day. The orchestral accompaniment adds an extra depth to -Human and caters to Metallica's needs throughout the song.
To Live Is To Die
Never have I heard so much emotion in an instrumental track. Hailing in at almost 10 minutes, Metallica went to the depths of the earth to write such a captivating masterpiece. To Live Is To Die is taken from Metallica's fourth album, …And Justice For All, which is often regarded as their more progressive effort. The song is an ode to Cliff Burton, who tragically passed away a year before the release of AJFA. The blend of powerful guitar tones and drumming which forces the listener to head bang, gelled with reflective moments of musical genius, fronted by clean guitar melodies makes for a beautifully dark track. To Live Is To Die effortlessly weaves between heavy and soft moments and the band is at one with each other throughout.
Here Comes Revenge
Whilst it may be too soon to call this track a hidden gem, it certainly wasn't the most talked about song when it was featured on 2016's Hardwired To Self Destruct. Metallica pulled a leaf from their sinister side in the making of Here Comes Revenge. The track opens with a simple repeating riff alongside some guitar wails which almost emulate the howl of a wolf. The riff proceeds in progression and the band unleash the catchiest of all melodies before the song strips down to distorted drums and an ominous vocal line during the verse. The song then switches between the engrossing verses featuring lines such as "I return this nightmare, I will find you" to the more upbeat roar of "You ask forgiveness, I give you sweet revenge." to make for an unforgettable blend. Kirk Hammett's elaborate guitar solo is a personal standout moment. Here Comes Revenge was a regular staple during the band's Hardwired tour and it's evident to see why fans adored its performances.
My Friend of Misery
It may seem strange that there's an entry for an underrated song on Metallica's most popular album, but My Friend of Misery does not get the love it deserves. Taken from 1991's self-titled Metallica or "The Black Album" as it's more commonly known, My Friend of Misery is a six minute odyssey which explores pessimism and the weight of the world being on your shoulders. It is one of only three songs featuring a writing credit from former bass player Jason Newsted and his display throughout the song contributes to the reason it is so powerful. The bass lines throughout the track, particularly in the intro are intoxicating and add a dimension to Metallica's usual expected sound. My Friend of Misery takes a refreshing change of pace from the giant anthems throughout "The Black Album" and it allows the band to mellow out and show their experimental side, which results in a complete payoff. The Egyptian-esque sound of Kirk Hammett's guitar solo makes for one of his best yet.
Where The Wild Things Are
The mid-nineties isn't regarded as a highlight of Metallica's career. They released albums Load and Reload in 1996 and 1997 respectively and it was the first glimpses of Metallica toning down their heavy side and focusing on other elements such as blues and even country. This change in direction was much to the dismay of die-hard metal fans who only wanted the band to sound as heavy as they did in the '80s. It's not all doom and gloom as this era birthed some of Metallica's most creative songs. Where The Wild Things Are, from Reload, could be seen as the quartet's most underrated track as it is one of two songs on this list which has never been played live. As suggested by the title, the song's theme shares a tentative link with a 1963 book of the same name and some of the lyrics can support this theory. "So wake up sleepy one ……You're where the wild things are" depict the journey of a boy entering a dream world where he is amongst wild creatures. Musically the track is fluid in its transition between a hypnotic verse and a marching rhythm echoed by the lyrics "Toy soldiers off to war". Whilst Where The Wild Things Are may overstay its welcome slightly with its sub-seven minute length, it is still incredibly captivating and one of Metallica's under-appreciated works of art.
Fixxxer
Another cult classic, also taken from Reload and has also never been performed live. Fixxxer hits like a sledgehammer when the opening riff starts which alleviates any fear that the song isn't a heavy one. The use of off-kilter vocal harmonies provide the cutting edge which is uncommon in most other Metallica classics. Hammett's use of effect laden slide guitar emphasises his ingenious to flip a song on its head. Structurally, Fixxxer is impressive with its ability to leave open space effectively and to let the ambience resonate.
Let us know your most underrated Metallica songs in the comments!
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