Listening to Metallica's new three CD behemoth just now and - say what you will about them - two seconds into the album and just with Lars' drumming you know it's them!
I'm no Metallica diehard (I buy their albums pretty much like I would buy the new U2 or Kings of Leon release - you gotta know what's on it) and the attraction of their early speed metal stuff escaped me because I don't like music that is faster than, essentially, Highway Star.
But all that said, from what I've heard so far (5th or 6th track), Metallica fans won't be disappointed, within their confined approach it is relatively varied. And I never really noticed this before, but for a Yank outfit (well, 3/4 Yank at least) they are pleasantly Led Zep-influence free. Instead you hear chugging rhythm guitars and lead breaks a là Blackmore and of course the Sabbath ingredient. And - I've said this before - when I hear Hetfield (his voice, his phrasing), I forever see Eric Bloom of BÖC.
Oh, and that clicky bass drum sound of Lars is just hilarious! Proof how if you're a zillionaire they'll let you get away with anything in the studio, you can grab them by the presence fader!!!
Hey, even a ballad of sorts ... And no one obviously told Hammett that multi-voiced guitar melodies aren't that en vogue anymore, Judas Priest'ish twin leads frequent the songs.