Metallicas Ride The Lightning Essay Example

Metallica can be considered as one of the greatest speed metal bands ever and its development has been much talked about over the decades. Probably the album that defined their status as the kings of speed metal was ‘Ride the Lightning’ which was released exactly thirty years ago in 1984.
The eight songs have all become classics in their own rights and treat several themes, such as the Exodus of the Israelites from Egypt (Creeping Death), electrocution in an electric chair (Ride the Lightning) and a horror story by H P Lovecraft, that master of brooding and terrible tales (The Call of Ktulu). There is also a reference to Ernest Hemingway’s famous novel, ‘For Whom the Bell Tolls’ that makes up the third track of the album.
Although speed metal cannot really be defined as a subculture, ‘Ride the Lightning’ definitely changed the way through which we observed the prism of heavy metal. Other more popular and commercial groups such as Iron Maiden and Black Sabbath used conventional guitar riffs and drum patterns but Metallica took these one step further in ‘Ride the Lightning’. The classic ballad, ‘Fade to Black’ is an uplifting and emotional track that also has a sense of foreboding to it.
‘Ride the Lightning’ is certainly a seminal album in the speed metal canon. Its original issue on the now defunct label Music for Nations is viewed as highly collectible and the recording in Copenhagen retains a clear and highly professional edge. It can be compared to other seminal albums such as Beatles’ ‘Revolver’ and Black Sabbath’s ‘Volume 4’ for cult status.