[casinoboneerer]

Well that's the problem. Everyone tries to compare it with albums they released 20 years ago. If you want to listen to old Metallica, go and listen to their old albums! There's no point in them churing out the same stuff 100x just with slightly different riffs, it gets old.

Once you get over the fact that their new material is actually different, and start to listen to it with an open mind, you will find that although it sounds different, it is just as good as any other songs they have ever released.

This is what I don't understand; why exactly have they changed? Same drums, same vocals, throw in some root base notes, guitars tuned down a couple of steps. St Anger was a concious step back to the past after actually progressing over a period of time. Now they sound like a parody of themselves and a ridiculous one at that.

[BruceQW]

Tool is not a mediocre band by any means. They have been around for quite some time and have a humongous fan base. You should never put Tool in the same category as Slipknot or Disturbed because they are totally different than those two bands.

[masterboyz]

This is what I don't understand; why exactly have they changed? Same drums, same vocals, throw in some root base notes, guitars tuned down a couple of steps. St Anger was a concious step back to the past after actually progressing over a period of time. Now they sound like a parody of themselves and a ridiculous one at that.

Well seeing they're still the same band, how else do you expect them to change?

It's not a step back, they've never done anything remotely like that before, it's more of a step sideways and forward at the same time. They are doing something new, something that they felt was right for them at the time. They don't write music to please their fans, or to make big sales. They write music from thier heart, for themselves.

Sure, they could have come up with something like MoP or RtL all over again. They're not stupid, they know thrashy riffs and fast solos are what people are expecting, and are what will make them tons of money, but what's the point if it's not the music they want to write?

You obviously don't like the album, hence you think it's a step back, but those who honestly like the album, myself included, will think it's actually a step forward.

[wantedLOX]

Well that's the problem. Everyone tries to compare it with albums they released 20 years ago. If you want to listen to old Metallica, go and listen to their old albums! There's no point in them churing out the same stuff 100x just with slightly different riffs, it gets old.

Once you get over the fact that their new material is actually different, and start to listen to it with an open mind, you will find that although it sounds different, it is just as good as any other songs they have ever released.

The trouble is, that will always happen with any band that releases good albums early in their career. I'm all for evolving your sound and style, but will it be remembered like the old stuff will? Not many bands can bring out consistently outstanding material. I'm sure Metallica won't release Master of Puppets 2, and I'm not sure they should try, but they are way overdue in releasing another defining album.

[DumnEuronoumn]

system of a down..eh...not sure why but im not much for the lyrics/voice of the vocalist...

also some other great tunes...I ove OZZY

try Ozzy - Bark at the moon
or black sabbath - voodoo, crazy train

his newer stuff sucks tho...

metallica..i dont know they are to metal for me

anybody like guns and roses? cant get that damn welcome to the jungle song out of my head

[eFDMBwKH]

Don't like disturbed (never have, its just bad)

Slipknots 2nd cd was good, went downhill from there (didn't like mate feel kill repeat much)

Tool, is talented, and i don't mind it but don't listen to it much myself.

System of a down's first cd was pure genius! loved it. All down hill from there (to poppy after that)

Want something different? http://www.myspace.com/tubring

They have been around forever and keep getting bigger and better.

[XarokLasa]

Well that's the problem. Everyone tries to compare it with albums they released 20 years ago. If you want to listen to old Metallica, go and listen to their old albums! There's no point in them churing out the same stuff 100x just with slightly different riffs, it gets old.

Once you get over the fact that their new material is actually different, and start to listen to it with an open mind, you will find that although it sounds different, it is just as good as any other songs they have ever released.

Because its awful, they took a style which was flawless and changed it into a pile of crap with hillybilly vocals.

And they did evolve their sound... master of puppets and and justice for all has two distinct sounds to them.

Anyways Strapping Young Lad > *

[masterboyz]

but they are way overdue in releasing another defining album.

Just wait till you hear the new album due for release at the end of the year! [yes]

anybody like guns and roses? cant get that damn welcome to the jungle song out of my head

Yeah baby, Nightrain, Don't Damn Me, killer riffs!

[offemyJuccete]

system of a down..eh...not sure why but im not much for the lyrics/voice of the vocalist...

Serj's lyrics and style is what makes the band so great but everyones entitled to their own opinion.
i cant remember which song i was listening to on toxicity the other day but i tried singing along and thought to myself how the fk does he sing that fast and so clearly

[casinoboneerer]

Well seeing they're still the same band, how else do you expect them to change?

It's not a step back, they've never done anything remotely like that before, it's more of a step sideways and forward at the same time. They are doing something new, something that they felt was right for them at the time. They don't write music to please their fans, or to make big sales. They write music from thier heart, for themselves.

Sure, they could have come up with something like MoP or RtL all over again. They're not stupid, they know thrashy riffs and fast solos are what people are expecting, and are what will make them tons of money, but what's the point if it's not the music they want to write?

You obviously don't like the album, hence you think it's a step back, but those who honestly like the album, myself included, will think it's actually a step forward.

I've got radically different views on Metallica's musical ethics, seems to me that they thrive and totally rely on trends...anyway..

http://myspace.com/thedearhunter

Try this band if you want something a bit different.

[wantedLOX]

This is what I don't understand; why exactly have they changed? Same drums, same vocals, throw in some root base notes, guitars tuned down a couple of steps. St Anger was a concious step back to the past after actually progressing over a period of time. Now they sound like a parody of themselves and a ridiculous one at that.

Not sure what you mean there.

Lars can't drum like he used to - it's much more simplified nowadays, plus he can't do double-kicks properly anymore - not that he was paticularly good at it in the first place. Hetfield's vocal style is utterly different - it's more of a croon now rather than the screamy, shouty style in their early works. Not to mention that they never tuned down guitars before the Load era, bar on a couple of songs such "The Thing That Should Not Be" where they dropped to D. Pretty much everything else was in standard E. Oh, and there ain't many thrash riffs nowadays.

[casinoboneerer]

Not sure what you mean there.

Lars can't drum like he used to - it's much more simplified nowadays, plus he can't do double-kicks properly anymore - not that he was paticularly good at it in the first place. Hetfield's vocal style is utterly different - it's more of a croon now rather than the screamy, shouty style in their early works. Not to mention that they never tuned down guitars before the Load era, bar on a couple of songs such "The Thing That Should Not Be" where they dropped to D. Pretty much everything else was in standard E. Oh, and there ain't many thrash riffs nowadays.

A Thrash metal riff is more of an idiom than anything because every one uses the phrase but it doesn't actually mean much; it's essentially another word for a fast riff - the riff in frantic isn't fast?

With the tuning I'm essentially saying that they're still playing the same riffs, albeit in a different tuning. Metallica evolved in the 90's and then regressed back and now are essentially a bunch of old men desperately trying to regain their metal legend status by proclaiming that they sound like Meshuggah.

I can't believe i'm actually debating Metallica - if you can't find anything better than St Anger to listen to you should start bloody looking harder!

[masterboyz]

Not sure what you mean there.

Lars can't drum like he used to - it's much more simplified nowadays, plus he can't do double-kicks properly anymore - not that he was paticularly good at it in the first place. Hetfield's vocal style is utterly different - it's more of a croon now rather than the screamy, shouty style in their early works. Not to mention that they never tuned down guitars before the Load era, bar on a couple of songs such "The Thing That Should Not Be" where they dropped to D. Pretty much everything else was in standard E. Oh, and there ain't many thrash riffs nowadays.

Well they're getting older, it's to be expected .

He tends to sing softer live to save his voice, as would you knowing how many concerts/tours they do. He blew out his vocal cords during the Black album tours and they're only now getting back on form, so I guess he's just being careful. His voice is still great in the records though.

Tuning down the guitars I have no complaints about - they're trying to get a heavier sound.

As for following trends, sure, they like to sound up to date. You'd be stupid not to (just look at Megadeath). But that doesn't mean they're copying the style of anyone else. I don't know any other band out there that has the unique "Metallica sound".

[wantedLOX]

A Thrash metal riff is more of an idiom than anything because every one uses the phrase but it doesn't actually mean much; it's essentially another word for a fast riff - the riff in frantic isn't fast?

With the tuning I'm essentially saying that they're still playing the same riffs, albeit in a different tuning. Metallica evolved in the 90's and then regressed back and now are essentially a bunch of old men desperately trying to regain their metal legend status by proclaiming that they sound like Meshuggah.

I can't believe i'm actually debating Metallica - if you can't find anything better than St Anger to listen to you should start bloody looking harder!

Thrash riffs are merely one form of fast riffing. Stylistically, there are a few thrash riffs on St. Anger, including Frantic, but there's probably a greater range of styles on it than there is on Ride the Lightning for example.

Sorry misunderstood your first comment on downtuning. Not sure they've ever proclaimed they sound like Meshuggah, though!

Why do you think I can't find anything better than St. Anger? As I said before, I like bits of it, but don't judge my musical tastes on one average album I happened to comment on.

[longrema]

I'm debating whether to go out tomorrow or stay in and have fun with this thread.

[Numbiydq]

I like Disturbed and Tool, but I don't care much for Slipknot. I actually have tickets to the Tool concert here in Greenville on June 5th, can't wait!

[wantedLOX]

I'm debating whether to go out tomorrow or stay in and have fun with this thread.

Go out. We know this thread will be beneath you elitist types.

[longrema]

Go out. We know this thread will be beneath you elitist types.

Hehe...very funny.

Anyway I'll check back later.

Music isn't just what you hear and how it sounds to you, it's so much more than that.

[wantedLOX]

Hehe...very funny.

Anyway I'll check back later.

Music isn't just what you hear and how it sounds to you, it's so much more than that.

Thanks.

[hrotedk]

Spineshank, Mushroomhead, Mudvayne on my list.

dont know if in same cat, but Dragonforce is awesome too.