Metallica albums ranked

This list is based entirely on my personal opinion. This list will include Metallica's core studio albums only, so that means no [i]Garage Inc.[/i] or any of their collaborations.

[center][b]10. St. Anger[/b][/center]
Arguably the band's most infamous album and that's saying something because they have a few that could fit the bill. But not all of their more infamous albums feature a poorly-aged alt metal sound, a distinct lack of guitar solos and that dreaded trashcan sound of Lars Ulrich's snare drums... About the only good thing about [i]St. Anger[/i] is its title track, which I actually quite enjoy. The rest of the album, however, is just bad. Simply put. The late '90s and early 2000's were a low point for the group, for sure. But this record probably marks the band at their lowest.

[center][b]9. ReLoad[/b][/center]
While I don't think this album's predecessor [i]Load[/i] is as bad as everyone says, I am in full agreement when it comes to everyone talking about how bad [i]ReLoad[/i] is. I know these songs were in production around the same time as Load, but it feels like they put all the best songs on Load and then saved the weaker ones for [i]ReLoad.[/i] If that is indeed the case, they were better off just shelving the rest of the album so it could never be heard by anyone. No one would be missing much if it were. It does have a few songs that are okay, which is the only reason why I put it above St. Anger (a few decent songs are better than one) but overall, [i]ReLoad[/i] is a complete misfire. Pun intended.

[center][b]8. Load[/b][/center]
As mentioned in the last entry, I never thought this album was that bad. Sure it's no classic Metallica, but [i]Load[/i] really isn't that bad. I would go as far as to say it's underrated to some extent. It's by far Metallica's most musically diverse stand-alone album as they explore several different influences. People have always been quick to label them sell-outs for it. Say what you want about them being less heavy with this record, but the creativity put into it proves their artistic integrity was well-intact. [i]Load[/i] may not hold a candle to their heavier music, but it's still a decent album that deserves more appreciation.

[center][b]7. Hardwired... to Self-Destruct[/b][/center]
It took them long enough, but [i]Hardwired... to Self Destruct[/i] proved to be a solid follow-up to [i]Death Magnetic[/i] and yet another retribution after their widely panned Lou Reed collaboration [i]Lulu.[/i] Though it's not quite as fast or aggressive as the band's earlier works. On some tracks, it sounds like a heavier Black Album. Perhaps its slower pace is a sign of the years catching up to the band. Even so, at the same time, it's them proving that they still got it after all these years and don't show any signs of going back to their former infamy. While it is a strong album that deserves a full listening to, it's not the band's most memorable release. Nothing I can call a hit I find myself coming back to listen to. [i]Hardwired... to Self Destruct[/i] is [b]good,[/b] but doomed to live in the shadow of Metallica's [b]greats.[/b]

[center][b]6. Death Magnetic[/b][/center]
The much-needed return to form fans demanded for years. Metallica redeemed themselves greatly with [i]Death Magnetic[/i] after its two blunderous predecessors and they did it in the only way they possibly could: by returning to their thrash metal roots. It features some of the best songs the band had written in years, some of which wouldn't be out-of-place with their classics. One big criticism with the album was its production riddled with over-compression and loudness, but I don't think it's that big of a deal. Sure it's a little ridiculous, but I hardly find it being an issue for my ability to enjoy the music. Overall, [i]Death Magnetic[/i] is an excellent comeback that ought to take any fan partial to so-called "old Metallica" right back to the band's glory years.

[center][b]5. ...And Justice for All[/b][/center]
This album marked a turning point for Metallica, as it's the album credited for launching them to commercial success. Funnily enough considering it's also their most complex and inaccessible record. One could say [i]...And Justice for All[/i] was Metallica at their creative peak with their original thrash metal sound, taking it everywhere it can possibly go. In retrospect, it feels like something of a swan song before they would make a drastic shift in their musical direction. One major criticism with the album is its bass, which is almost completely inaudible throughout the record, which has made this otherwise brilliant album somewhat frustrating over the years. It's my least favorite of Metallica's earlier music, but I can perfectly understand why so many others put it higher on their list.

[center][b]4. Kill 'Em All[/b][/center]
The band's debut album immediately set them at the top of the thrash metal scene as the next big premiere metal act. They couldn't have got their point across any better than with [i]Kill 'Em All,[/i] which remains Metallica's fastest and heaviest record. It's hard to name another debut by a metal band that showcases the raw talent within its group so well. The debate as to where thrash metal truly began is an ongoing one, but [i]Kill 'Em All[/i] was undoubtedly the album that set the standards for thrash metal which inspired countless other bands. It's an important landmark for all heavy metal and one of Metallica's finest records.

[center][b]3. Metallica (The Black Album)[/b][/center]
The group's first album as a mainstream act, which marked a drastic shift in their sound as they moved completely away from thrash metal and adopted a more accessible sound. Metallica's self-titled album, commonly referred to as The Black Album, still divides their fanbase to this day. But regardless of what anyone says of it, there's no denying that this is an incredible record that carries many of the band's greatest and most popular hits. The first half of the album holds up better than the forgettable second half, but that doesn't stop it from being a classic. It's disappointing how quickly they would lose their momentum and enter a long decline in quality after this point, but at least they got off to a very strong start.

[center][b]2. Master of Puppets[/b][/center]
One of two masterpieces Metallica would grace us with. [i]Master of Puppets[/i] sees the band soaring gracefully at their peak. Kirk Hammett once said this record was the band finally learning how to work well together and I think that statement reflects the album's music very well. Each song is a display of the band's talent and skill done to perfection. It holds many of their most iconic tracks and is probably their most iconic album as well. [i]Master of Puppets[/i] isn't just an essential Metallica album, it's an essential for all heavy metal music. Now you might be thinking "If it's so great, why isn't it at number one?" Well, it's because Metallica just so happens to have another masterpiece that's slightly better.

[center][b]1. Ride the Lightning[/b][/center]
It's generally agreed upon by Metallica fans that this and [i]Master of Puppets[/i] are two of the band's best albums, but many are divided on which can hold the title of Metallica's best. You can bet that this fan is in favor of [i]Ride the Lightning.[/i] What makes it better than [i]Master of Puppets?[/i] Whereas its successor was a nonstop blast of the best thrash metal Metallica has ever dished out, [i]Ride the Lightning[/i] features a greater representation of what the band can do. It's still predominantly thrash metal but it also has more straightforward heavy metal and accessible, ballady numbers to create a perfect balance of aggression and melody. It sees a tremendous amount of progression from their debut as the band rapidly grew more mature and creative. [i]Ride the Lightning[/i] is the definitive Metallica album. It's hard to argue against those who prefer [i]Master of Puppets[/i] as, again, they are both masterpieces. But this one simply resonates with me more.

Feel free to share your thoughts below, be they in agreement or disagreement with this post.

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