The year 1983 saw Metallica release their first studio album Kill 'Em All. The album was a major revolution in the metal which brought thrash metal in to prominence, though the album wasn't received well commercially, it got a fair amount critical recognition. It inspired many bands and was a major influence on the thrash metal scene.
Drawing influence from NWOBHM bands, the album combined speedy riffs and fast drumming to come up with an amalgam of songs which were highly energetic and unheard of at those times.Though the band’s original line up consisted of James, Lars, Ron Mcgovney and Mustaine, Ron was fired due to lack of creative inputs from his side and was replaced by Ciff Burton. Mustaine was also fired due to substance abuse problems and was replaced by Exodus guitarist Kirk Hammett. Mustaine’s influence on the album is quite significant with contributions to some of the bigger songs of the album.
The album kicks off with Hit the lights. The song starts with a drum solo with focus on snares, followed by an explosive riff and a speedy solo, all in the first two minutes of the song. The lyrics are well written and deal with heavy metal lifestyle. The riff in the second half is quite similar to Queen’s Stone Cold Crazy which is followed by a gnarly solo nearly two minutes long. A very energetic track which sets up an energetic, raucous feel.
Next up is Four Horsemen, which originally written by Mustaine and named The Mechanix. The lyrics were rewritten by Hetfield, the tempo of the song decreased and a melodic solo by Hamett included. The lyrics of the song are derived from biblical references and deal with the end of the world (Apocalypse). The song begins with a powerful riff, a riff which reminds you of a horse's gallop which compliments the vocals well enough. The first chorus is followed by a slightly modified version of the opening riff with the drums muted for a bit only to begin again with a lightning fast tempo. The second stanza refers to the four horseman as Time, Famine, Pestilence and Death. The riff is followed by a solo, the first of the two in the song, which are highly melodic and provide a good contrast to the overall energy of the song. The second half of the song sees them play much faster and the song is ended with a trademark Hammett solo. Without a doubt the best track in the album.
Next up is Motorbreath, the fastest song in the album which also happens to be the shortest. The riff and vocals go hand in glove and the lyrics of the song subscribe to living life to the fullest and not compromising on anything, referring to the band’s life at the time. A good track on the whole.
Jump in the fire follows next. The song is slow and lethargic in comparison to the others. The riff is very distinct and has a unique sound. The lyrics are about how the Devil keeps an eye out for those performing crime, knowing very well they’ll land up in hell (Written in Satan's point of view). The song has two solos with the first one bearing a sound similar to the riff while the second solo is faster and more energetic.
Next up is Burton's masterpiece Pulling teeth, a bass solo which only his eccentricity can come up with. The first half of the solo begins slowly with more melody and clarity in the notes while the second half of the solo is performed at a much faster speed and is supported by Ulrich. Burton makes it sound very smooth and the flow is song is gradual which makes you wonder how it was done on a bass guitar.
Whiplash, the most energetic song of the album comes in at position 6. The song is about the sheer adrenaline rush you get while headbanging! It begins with slow drumming with the electric guitar buzzing in the background and it’s only after a minute or so that the brutal shredding actually starts. The chorus of the song - “adrenaline starts to flow...” has got one of their best. Instant concert hit. The solo sees the use of wah-wah pedal to a large extent.
Up next is Phantom Lord. The name of the song is derived from the name of Hetfield’s third band Phantom Lord. The song's lyrics are strange and talk about a mythical
battle between heavy metal beasts. The structure of the song bears a resemblance to Master of Puppets. There are two solos in the song with a melodic interlude with an acoustic background that serves as the bridge between the two solos. A song that has made its mark over Metallica fans over the years.
No remorse explodes in at the 8 position. The song consists of multiple guitar segments with riffs and solos welded together. The song loses track in the middle but catches up towards the end with some explosive riffing.
Seek and destroy, one of Metallica’s most famous songs follows. Its powered by a riff that is slow but somehow energetic. The song does set up the mood for a fight. Anger management music as I like to call it. The chorus of the song with backup from Burton sets up a charged, concert like atmosphere. The follow up to the second chorus sees them playing a riff that is faster and more thrashy which in turn is followed by three mini solos and a fourth slightly longer solo following which the song has one final chorus and a lengthy jam to finish off. This song competes with Four Horsemen for title of the best song of the album.
Metal militia the final track off the album. The lyrics of the song describes Metallica as a metal militia that is out to get the spirit of heavy metal to the masses across to the world. The song doesn’t have anything new to offer apart from an extremely fast and thrashy riff.
Overview:
The album set Metallica on the path to glory with critical acclaim and subsequent commercial recognition. Though the album with its fair share of glitches was not flawless it provided a whiff of fresh air to the Bay Area metal scene. One of the best underground albums of all time.
Track listing
# | Title | Writers | Length |
1 | Hit the lights | James Hetfield ,Lars Ulrich | 4:16 |
2 | The four horsemen | James Hetfield ,Lars Ulrich, Dave Mustaine | 7:11 |
3 | Motorbreath | James Hetfield | 3:08 |
4 | Jump in the fire | James Hetfield ,Lars Ulrich, Dave Mustaine | 4:39 |
5 | Pulling teeth | Cliff Burton | 4:14 |
6 | Whiplash | James Hetfield ,Lars Ulrich | 4:10 |
7 | Phantom lord | James Hetfield ,Lars Ulrich, Dave Mustaine | 4:57 |
8 | No remorse | James Hetfield ,Lars Ulrich | 6:26 |
9 | Seek and destroy | James Hetfield ,Lars Ulrich | 6:53 |
10 | Metal militlia | James Hetfield ,Lars Ulrich, Dave Mustaine | 5:10 |
Total Album Time : 51:13
Personnel
James Hetfield - Lead Vocals, Rhythm Guitar
Dave Mustaine - Lead Guitar
Kirk Hammett - Lead Guitar
Cliff Burton - Bass, Backing Vocals
Lars Ulrich - Drums, Percussion
Recorded : at Music America Studios, Rochester, New York, May 10–27, 1983
Supporting Tour : Kill 'Em All For One Tour
Metal Up Your Ass Album Cover :
Trivia :
The album featured the only two songs ever to be written by one band member of Metallica each.
Originally only 1500 copies were printed but now the album is a certified platinum.
Motörhead won their first grammy for a cover version of Whiplash.
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