Bounding back after a long absence are Metallica, the epitomy of metal music for even the most ardent non-metal fan. And in a rock arena now dominated by modern acts like Linkin Park, an all-systems-go effort was needed to regenerate the band’s classic glory.
This they have achieved on St Anger(Universal). It’s a powerful rehash of the early Metallica sound, the barnstorming rock that made them rulers of the roost — very little of the stripped-down radio sound of Load surfaces here. And yes, it’s an angry album, its lengthy tracks slathered with difficult emotions.
Opener Frantic, with its machine-gun rhythms and James Hetfield growling ‘my lifestyle determines my deathstyle” is like war set to music; ‘I’m madly in anger with you” declares the title track; Shoot Me Again is all about betrayal and a ‘bullet in my back”; an unhealthy relationship comes to light on Sweet Amber — ‘using what I want to get what you want”. And these unpleasant words are not out of place — the music on St Anger is monstrous, with killer riffs (like the opening of the title track and the headbanging blast of My World), energetic guitar crescendos (Shoot Me Again) and furious drums in ample supply.
Hetfield’s gravelly voice has evolved over the years; his vocals are often ominous (but bland at times, like on Invisible Kid), meshing well with the music’s dark energy.
St Anger is solid and sturdy, if bombastic; there is no doubt Metallica are back in business. (And don’t forget to check out the included DVD with live performances of the complete album.)
Blank and Jones: Relax (Gallo)
“The chill-out sensation”, proclaims the sticker on the CD cover of this usually dependable German DJ/producer duo’s latest release. And with tracks guest-starring the Pet Shop Boys and Sarah McLachlan, among others, one looks forward to a pleasant ambient experience. Instead, it’s a lifeless, monotonous and wholly uninspiring cash-in on the growing ambient market. Disappointing. — Riaan Wolmarans
Laura Pausini: From the Inside (Atlantic)
Pausini’s first album is not exactly ground-breaking stuff — another mass-produced product of ‘the decade of the producer”. None the less, if Celine Dion and Shania Twain are your cup of tea, this should be right up your alley. Pausini combines the vocal range of the former with the country-pop sound of the latter to create a unique sound that sounds a bit like both, but not quite enough like either. Still, with tracks like Surrender and Every Day is a Monday, I found it hard at times to believe that I was not listening to the new Celine Dion. With the right kind of promotion it is bound to do well. — Charles Kleynhans.
Various: Derek the Bandit’s World of Dance Volume 4 (Virgin)
Twenty bubblegum house tracks that can barely be described as the ‘world” of dance. Some tracks are fun by themselves, but the whole leaves one cold. — RW
Various: Needle Damage (Gallo)
Mixed skilfully by local boy Speedy, here’s a party-on mix of energetic house, kicking off with a tad too much floaty female vocals on the first half, but then jamming along nicely on the second with tracks by DJ Scott Project, Skydiver and The Raiders. — RW
Various: Now That’s What I Call Music 34 (Universal)
The latest in this series of top-40-on-CD releases. No surprises here. — RW