The Official Metallica Thread (blues, bass, instrumental, punk, rock)

[Seltzer]

Originally Posted by QueenNothing

Wow, more people supporting Metallica. Thats what I like to see. I'm am completely stoked for the new album due out this year. And I'll be ready to hit the pit as soon as they start the U.S. tour. Most people say, "Metallica died out a long time ago, they were only popular in the 80's..blah, blah, blah.." Well if you liked them then, why not like them now? Metallica is a great band, their vocals, instrementals, everything about them rock. James is an amazing singer, robert is a kick ass bassist, lars rocks out with the drums, and kirk is the negotiator of the group...All I have to say is Metallica hasn't died out yet. Show some support!

Lars is a ****ty drummer. Hammett is average for the most part.

James nowadays is an average singer, he had a good thrash voice back in the day. He's a great rhythm guitarist.

While Rob Trujillo is an insane bassist, he hasn't exactly written any Metallica basslines yet. And I'm not sure whether he will be given enough space or creative license to reach his potential.

[TheBig3]

Did you just say kirk is the negotiator? You know he's the most talented member of the group right?

Kirk Hammett is one of the most underrated guitarists in the history of music. And I think its not so unfair because Metallica doesn't spread its sound out a lot, but I mean, you're talking about a man who gave harmony to a thrash group.

[Seltzer]

Originally Posted by TheBig3KilledMyRainDog

Did you just say kirk is the negotiator? You know he's the most talented member of the group right?

Kirk Hammett is one of the most underrated guitarists in the history of music. And I think its not so unfair because Metallica doesn't spread its sound out a lot, but I mean, you're talking about a man who gave harmony to a thrash group.

Are you sure it's Hammett who gave harmony to Metallica - I doubt it? Got any examples/evidence, because he didn't actually write that much in Metallica until later days.

[Blain]

I wouldn't really call Lars a sh*t drummer.

[Seltzer]

Originally Posted by Blainka

I wouldn't really call Lars a sh*t drummer.

Mediocre at best. His playing is pretty bland and cliched, and lacks feel. Back in the day his playing didn't really sound uninspired but it does now. He doesn't have much technical skill and is sloppy live. Drum sound has been horrible as of late too.

I'm really interested to see what Trujillo from now on Metallica. He's a very skilled bassist.

[TheBig3]

Originally Posted by Seltzer

Are you sure it's Hammett who gave harmony to Metallica - I doubt it? Got any examples/evidence, because he didn't actually write that much in Metallica until later days.

Examples? How about he created all of his own solos, which not only gave metallica the counterpuntal interplay responsible for giving metal a shot of classical, but he also brought a strong sense of harmony on any track that would allow for it.

The lack of respect for Kirk is largely due to ignorance, deafness, a lack of ever hearing metallica or all three. I know its the bag for metal "fans" these days to trash metallica because they decided to sing, but it doesn't mean you can just make things up.

As for lars, he does what he needs to. You can't have an act full of superstars without sounding like Phish or moe. I think something you guys (meaning metal fans) forget is that some people like a base to work off of, and lars certainly provides that, with I'd say largely decent results. Not many bands are stadium worthy, Metallica certainly is.

And because of the amazing ridiculousness of this thread, I'll finish with

[Seltzer]

Originally Posted by TheBig3KilledMyRainDog

Examples? How about he created all of his own solos, which not only gave metallica the counterpuntal interplay responsible for giving metal a shot of classical, but he also brought a strong sense of harmony on any track that would allow for it.

They had harmony before Kirk - after all Cliff Burton was a great bassist. And Kirk definitely didn't write all of his own solos - Hammett had no part at all in the acoustic intros to Battery and Fight Fire With Fire, in Nothing Else Matters, One, or in the instrumentals Orion and Call of Ktulu. Hammett didn't write that much on AJFA or S/T - he definitely doesn't write all of his solos. Just have a look at the credits for each album to see this.

And even when Hammett does write his solos, they tend to be nothing special. E.g. the same pattern played and moved up the fretboard fret by fret, then wah wah pedal added far too often. That is a typical Hammett solo and it gets repetitive. Of course, there are exceptions.

But by the time you take away the parts which were written by Hetfield/Burton/Mustaine, and you take away the average solos, there's really not that much left.

Metallica wasn't the first bringer of classical to metal - don't forget about guitarists like Malmsteen, Ritchie Blackmore and Randy Rhoads.

The lack of respect for Kirk is largely due to ignorance, deafness, a lack of ever hearing metallica or all three. I know its the bag for metal "fans" these days to trash metallica because they decided to sing, but it doesn't mean you can just make things up.

Whether metal fans will admit it or not, a huge majority have listened to most of Metallica's discography. Show me where I'm making things up...

As for lars, he does what he needs to. You can't have an act full of superstars without sounding like Phish or moe. I think something you guys (meaning metal fans) forget is that some people like a base to work off of, and lars certainly provides that, with I'd say largely decent results. Not many bands are stadium worthy, Metallica certainly is.

And because of the amazing ridiculousness of this thread, I'll finish with

Well you can say that any rhythm musician does what he/she needs to - it doesn't stop them from being mediocre.

[QueenNothing]

I agree, Kirk Hammet is underated. He deserves more spotlight. But, him not caring about his ego like Lars...doesn't want to be in the spotlight. Thats just the kind of guy he is. As for Lars, he is the most egotystical out of the goup. He isn't the best drummer, but yet hes not terrible. I can't talk too much crap, because he can do a hell of a lot better than I could, and many of you...

[TheBig3]

Just so we're clear here Seltzer, I'm not getting in a month long subjective battle. Its clear that the one member of Metallica that has branched out more than anyone else is Kirk. I'm aware classical influences were strongly exhibited prior to him, but you are forgetting that Metallica are essentially the Bob Dylan, the Mozart, and the Groucho Marx of metal. Since AJFO, all metal acts pass through Metallica one way or another.

And as far as the "average solos" and "not much left" is concerned, he was the first guitarist inducted in the Guitar World hall of fame as voted on by its readers. You can say thats worth nothing all you want, but they had the option to pick anyone alive or dead (hendrix, page, clapton) and they chose him. This isn't a populist mainstream magazine, its catered to people who play guitar, giving them more than a mild knowledge of the subject.

So lets see, thats me and at least roughly 4000 voting readers against...you. You show me where any of your facts are backed up. To quote the Supplicants, "here the people rule". Well my friend, the people have spoken.

[ROEDHOUSE]

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