I was expecting you to just be complaining the whole vid but I was pleasantly surprised. Not sure if i agree with all of your points but others I do. I liked most of the record surprisngly, as I wasn't really into the first S&M (though I haven't listened to it in a hot minute). I wasn't huge on this albums versions of Sandman or One. But honestly loved the newer cuts like All Within My Hands, Unforgiven 3, The Day that Never Comes etc. I also was hearing bass fairly well so im not sure if maybe what your were listening through has a lack of bass response (or maybe my headphones have a huge boost idk), and I thought James sounded decent to good through the album. He actually has some grit in his voice again unlike how he was a number of years back. All in all id give it a 3.5 or a 4 out of 5. Now if you'll excuse me I need to go listen to this version of Call of Ktulu again. And then give S&M 1 a listen
totally disagree with you in most of your points but it is interesting to hear other opinions. Shame that this didn't do it for you. Personally I enjoyed it thoroughly.
S & M was performed and recorded at The Berkeley Community Theatre. There is a huge difference between that an an arena; hence, the arrangements were somewhat better (as would be expected). But, the energy at the Chase Center was off the charts-which was priceless!
As someone in recovery (not a deliberate plug but my channel is heavy with addiction & mental health content), I thank you for addressing James’ recent relapse with compassion. Nothing sends an addict back to their old habits faster than being shamed, especially by people we trust. I haven’t even met you yet, and I trust you, Robert. You’re an “old soul,” with empathy to spare. And for the record, your occasional on-camera imbibing is fine with me; if it was triggering, I would do what other grown adults do, and watch another channel. Peace & horns up!
I absolutely love the first S&M album. Songs like The Call of Ktulu and For Whom The Bell Tolls are epic already, but on S&M they took already classic songs and made them even better with an orchestra. For Whom The Bell Tolls, the intro is just epic mixed with the orchestra. Songs like The Call of Ktulu originally had classical influences with the dynamics throughout and this just made it even more epic and fuller sounding. When I saw the first S&M2 videos pop up on RUclips, I was pumped, James looked like he was having so much more fun, again the intro of For Whom The Bell Tolls where James fist bumps one of the orchestra members. But then I got the album and I was disappointed, I didn't feel the same energy. Maybe S&M2 is more rawer sounding, I couldn't hear the orchestra as loudly on S&M2, Lars is more sloppy with lots of unnecessary fills, and I miss Jason Newsted who I feel was just better suited to Metallica live as well as providing backing vocals. Sure, it was nice to hear them reinvent some of their newer songs off St Anger and Death Magnetic. S&M also introduced No Leaf Clover, which to this day is one of my favourite Metallica songs ever. There were no original songs on S&M2. As a live experience, watching the RUclips video, then S&M2 is impressive and obviously Metallica has still got it as a live band. As an album, S&M for me is far better and remains one of my favourite albums, not just by Metallica, but one of my favourite albums of all time. If S&M2 had a better mix then maybe I would love it more, as it stands, it doesn't get me going like S&M still does. I would really love to see a band like Iron Maiden play with a symphony orchestra some time too.
I'm shocked how much I agree with you on this one. Figured from your like to dislike ratio, this whole review was gonna be just you shitting on the band the whole time, I was pleasantly surprised. I'm biased, admittedly. S&M was my introduction to Metallica. I gobbled up all their records up to that point and have been a diehard fan of theirs ever since. This album is not very good. The new arrangements, excepting maybe Day that Never Comes and Halo on Fire, are not good. I thought the new symphonic arrangement for Puppets was really weak, especially compared to the original. James sounds objectively bad on a lot of this performance, as does Lars. At least James had an excuse that he'd relapsed (and he's looking a lot better lately, which is awesome). So yeah, great review. Consider me subscribed.
Truthfully I think a lot of fans are just upset because I dared to criticize the BIGGEST rock/metal band in the world. And, I get it. In high school I probably would've reacted the same way. Whatever, to each their own. Happy you got something out of the video man, cheers! \m/
I've yet to hear the album, but simply based on your thoughts, I felt the same way about the original S&M - it was wildly inconsistent, with some songs sounding absolutely brilliant (No Leaf Clover, The Memory Remains, or The Call of Cthulhu) & others that totally fell on their face (Master of Puppets, Fuel, or Battery). As a (former) Metallica super-fan, I can't say I have any desire to listen to this record. - Ben
Sounds like you'd DEFINITELY dislike "S&M2" then, because the original "S&M" is easily the better of the two. Oh well. At least we still have the first few albums eh?
@@themetalmeltdownofficial For sure! And I agree with you about "Justice"; that album is an absolute masterpiece, despite the missing bass frequencies. Thankfully some awesome fans created a series of "...And Justice for Jason" recordings. - Ben
One of my primary gripes is they repeated way too many songs, particularly for the insane price tag. I don't begrudge a pain charging a premium for a top notch product, and they put together a nice package...... that I refused to buy(but my sons bought it as a gift for me). This would have been the first Metallica album I didn't buy. They should have released a more basic vinyl package for 30-40 bucks, rather than a minimum of 65 bucks. ESPECIALLY when maybe half the songs were repeated from the first. Orion should have replaced Ktulu(and I prefer Ktulu). So many repeats should have been dumped. And while I think Confusion is OK, it wasn't worthy of this project.
I’ll say that I enjoyed s&m2 more than the first. I just really enjoyed hearing the songs more, mainly Anesthesia, Moth Into Flame, All Within My Hands, Halo On Fire, and especially the Unforgiven 3. I will say though, Lars’ drumming was terrible on this album. I like the first S&M drumming, it sounds more original to the studio albums
They should have just kept snm alone. The first one was a masterpiece. Snm 2 cant replicate what the original album did. The crowd, the timing, the invention.
@@themetalmeltdownofficial i thin Metallivca for most of them is really a JOB known as opposed to the fun they had the first 20 years. which is understandable. they order now. values change, etc.
When you were describing the individual members, what did you mean when you said Kirk is just doing whatever he s been doing for the past 30 some years? Do you not think he is a good guitar player?
No not at all, he's a great guitar player. Definitely better than me at least lol. But let's be honest, he has become very predictable as a guitar player. (lets put it this way: there's a reason why people make memes about his excessive use of the wah pedal)
I may agree with some points raised in this video but find it frankly ignorant to complain about inclusion of classical pieces in particular of the ecstasy of gold which is the staple of Metallica's shows and to miss opportunity to play it with real orchestra is criminal. Either you completely unaware of what s and m is (it's a live concert not a start to end studio produced album) or just shitting on Metallica for hype.
Well said man, I can guarantee you he didn't even listen to all of S&M2 just picked songs to listen too that he think would have sucked and then decide to bash Metallica, like he should have listened to the whole album for at least two or three days before he decided to make this video, can't always criticize something after only one listen trust me I know
I like S&M, but S&M2 felt... meeh. Not because I hate the band. Metallica is my fave band. The feeling is the same I had for Hardwired, an average album (with one great song, Spit out the Bone). For me, Death Magnetic was better. Also, I like the Load (a very good Rock album) better than any album they released since it. I've been having a hard time watching Metallica's live performances in the last years. James at least gives me some hope, but his voice, probably affected by alcohol, was painful in S&M2. Kirk is just a mess and Lars... well, it's Lars being Lars.
Metallica I will always love and respect. They get a pass with their 80s and 90s material Everything from Kill Em All to Reload I think is really good. But since St. Anger......... is has not been that great (Except Hardwired that is ok) this was disappointing especially since S&M 1 is awesome 4.5/10. When it comes to consistency in the Big 4 I do Believe Slayer Anthrax, and Megadeth are way more Consistent than Metallica post Reload Era.
Of all of those bands, I'd say Anthrax are the most consistent. I'd even argue "For All Kings" is on par with "Among The Living" and "State Of Euphoria" honestly.
The Metal Meltdown For all Kings is definitely my favorite Big 4 Album in the 2010s (Sorry Dystopia you are a very very close 2nd) It is really between Anthrax, and Megadeth for me being the most consistently good.
I think I gave "Hardwired... To Self-Destruct" a 3.5/5 when it came out, so I'll defend that. The rest? Eh. And frankly, even "Hardwired" has its fair share of issues...
Death Magnetic is awesome. Loud, but awesome. Also, as I've "grown up". I've learned to understand and love both load and reload. Maybe 1 day you both with learn to appreciate good music. *Shrugs shoulders*
Honestly. Bits and pieces here and there have been interesting, I'll even admit to owning "Hardwired... To Self-Destruct" on vinyl, but most of it has ranged from mediocre to outright embarrassing. At least we still have those early BANGERS.
@@spencer4359 Of all the post-"Black Album" records, its probably their strongest. "Spit Out The Bone" and the title track in partcular are actually quite ragin'. It is however a bloated and occassionally awkward record, so patience is a must lol.
Sadly, I nearly completed a long review, when the video ended and I lost my comment. I’ll keep it short. You weren’t there for the event. I, along with fans waving flags from more than 30 countries, were. The energy was off the charts, which is what defines a live performance. The recordings were waaaay overproduced. The arrangements, by design, were obviously intended to incorporate the symphony and to accommodate an arena setting, which doesn’t have the greatest acoustics. The performance wasn’t perfect, but these guys are considerably older now and might have lost just a little-which is part of the aging process. So, the recording fell short due to commercialization. Objectively speaking, it deserves a 3.5 out of 5 when you take all things into account and incorporate the first hand experience of seeing the live performance. Be careful when you lend your opinion to others who are more knowledgeable on any subject matter. It will make you look foolish. Finally, jealous much?
"as is tradition now with Metallica, Bass is completely, COMPLETELY removed from the sound..." Bro, have an option, that's fine, like or hate.. But no bass? Either you have a problem with your speakers or you have a problem with your speakers, or maybe your ears/perception? I mean, real talk... Bass never sounded this full and full-front as it has in the last couple of records. Forget records, go listen to their recent live performances even prior to S&M2! I'm a huge Metallica fan, but have zero problems agreeing to true criticism, but that's not what I'm hearing here, honestly it just sounds like hate just for the sake of hate... I, too, disagree with almost literally every point you raised here. One more thing, calling this a 'Symphony Metal' IMO is wrong, this is a heavy metal album/band with a Symphony background... Symphony metal is written from the ground-up for/by the Symphony, where it is a vital part of the composition, and without it the music would basically be incomplete... In here, that's obviously not the case.
This is an ABSOLUTELY AMAZING show and album!!!! The Tallica boys kick ass again!!!
My biggest problem is that they didn't change the setlist that much
loved the first s & m
I was expecting you to just be complaining the whole vid but I was pleasantly surprised.
Not sure if i agree with all of your points but others I do. I liked most of the record surprisngly, as I wasn't really into the first S&M (though I haven't listened to it in a hot minute).
I wasn't huge on this albums versions of Sandman or One. But honestly loved the newer cuts like All Within My Hands, Unforgiven 3, The Day that Never Comes etc.
I also was hearing bass fairly well so im not sure if maybe what your were listening through has a lack of bass response (or maybe my headphones have a huge boost idk), and I thought James sounded decent to good through the album. He actually has some grit in his voice again unlike how he was a number of years back.
All in all id give it a 3.5 or a 4 out of 5. Now if you'll excuse me I need to go listen to this version of Call of Ktulu again. And then give S&M 1 a listen
totally disagree with you in most of your points but it is interesting to hear other opinions. Shame that this didn't do it for you. Personally I enjoyed it thoroughly.
I do think the mix/arrangements in s&m1 are a bit better, but I genuinely really enjoyed everything...
S & M was performed and recorded at The Berkeley Community Theatre. There is a huge difference between that an an arena; hence, the arrangements were somewhat better (as would be expected).
But, the energy at the Chase Center was off the charts-which was priceless!
20 seconds in and I can already tell YOU LOVED IT. 10/10. Haha
If you've seen the Sirius interviews, James looks much better than in s&m2 , he's lost weight, he looks healthier etc
Good for him! Hope he keeps himself on track.
As someone in recovery (not a deliberate plug but my channel is heavy with addiction & mental health content), I thank you for addressing James’ recent relapse with compassion. Nothing sends an addict back to their old habits faster than being shamed, especially by people we trust. I haven’t even met you yet, and I trust you, Robert. You’re an “old soul,” with empathy to spare. And for the record, your occasional on-camera imbibing is fine with me; if it was triggering, I would do what other grown adults do, and watch another channel. Peace & horns up!
\m/
I absolutely love the first S&M album. Songs like The Call of Ktulu and For Whom The Bell Tolls are epic already, but on S&M they took already classic songs and made them even better with an orchestra. For Whom The Bell Tolls, the intro is just epic mixed with the orchestra. Songs like The Call of Ktulu originally had classical influences with the dynamics throughout and this just made it even more epic and fuller sounding.
When I saw the first S&M2 videos pop up on RUclips, I was pumped, James looked like he was having so much more fun, again the intro of For Whom The Bell Tolls where James fist bumps one of the orchestra members. But then I got the album and I was disappointed, I didn't feel the same energy. Maybe S&M2 is more rawer sounding, I couldn't hear the orchestra as loudly on S&M2, Lars is more sloppy with lots of unnecessary fills, and I miss Jason Newsted who I feel was just better suited to Metallica live as well as providing backing vocals. Sure, it was nice to hear them reinvent some of their newer songs off St Anger and Death Magnetic. S&M also introduced No Leaf Clover, which to this day is one of my favourite Metallica songs ever. There were no original songs on S&M2.
As a live experience, watching the RUclips video, then S&M2 is impressive and obviously Metallica has still got it as a live band. As an album, S&M for me is far better and remains one of my favourite albums, not just by Metallica, but one of my favourite albums of all time. If S&M2 had a better mix then maybe I would love it more, as it stands, it doesn't get me going like S&M still does. I would really love to see a band like Iron Maiden play with a symphony orchestra some time too.
I'm shocked how much I agree with you on this one. Figured from your like to dislike ratio, this whole review was gonna be just you shitting on the band the whole time, I was pleasantly surprised.
I'm biased, admittedly. S&M was my introduction to Metallica. I gobbled up all their records up to that point and have been a diehard fan of theirs ever since. This album is not very good.
The new arrangements, excepting maybe Day that Never Comes and Halo on Fire, are not good. I thought the new symphonic arrangement for Puppets was really weak, especially compared to the original. James sounds objectively bad on a lot of this performance, as does Lars. At least James had an excuse that he'd relapsed (and he's looking a lot better lately, which is awesome).
So yeah, great review. Consider me subscribed.
Truthfully I think a lot of fans are just upset because I dared to criticize the BIGGEST rock/metal band in the world. And, I get it. In high school I probably would've reacted the same way. Whatever, to each their own. Happy you got something out of the video man, cheers! \m/
I've yet to hear the album, but simply based on your thoughts, I felt the same way about the original S&M - it was wildly inconsistent, with some songs sounding absolutely brilliant (No Leaf Clover, The Memory Remains, or The Call of Cthulhu) & others that totally fell on their face (Master of Puppets, Fuel, or Battery). As a (former) Metallica super-fan, I can't say I have any desire to listen to this record. - Ben
Sounds like you'd DEFINITELY dislike "S&M2" then, because the original "S&M" is easily the better of the two. Oh well. At least we still have the first few albums eh?
@@themetalmeltdownofficial For sure! And I agree with you about "Justice"; that album is an absolute masterpiece, despite the missing bass frequencies. Thankfully some awesome fans created a series of "...And Justice for Jason" recordings. - Ben
Stay with your crappy metal core BS. Tone deaf loves more tone deaf... Honestly, go be trolls somewhere else.
@@CBenz313 Bruh why are you even still here if all you're going to do is bitch? We disagree, pull up your big boy pants and deal with it.
@@CBenz313 Music is art, and therefore it is totally subjective to the audience. We aren't trolls. If you don't like what we have to say, move along.
One of my primary gripes is they repeated way too many songs, particularly for the insane price tag.
I don't begrudge a pain charging a premium for a top notch product, and they put together a nice package...... that I refused to buy(but my sons bought it as a gift for me). This would have been the first Metallica album I didn't buy.
They should have released a more basic vinyl package for 30-40 bucks, rather than a minimum of 65 bucks. ESPECIALLY when maybe half the songs were repeated from the first.
Orion should have replaced Ktulu(and I prefer Ktulu). So many repeats should have been dumped. And while I think Confusion is OK, it wasn't worthy of this project.
I’ll say that I enjoyed s&m2 more than the first. I just really enjoyed hearing the songs more, mainly Anesthesia, Moth Into Flame, All Within My Hands, Halo On Fire, and especially the Unforgiven 3. I will say though, Lars’ drumming was terrible on this album. I like the first S&M drumming, it sounds more original to the studio albums
Cool review for a cool album.
They should have just kept snm alone. The first one was a masterpiece. Snm 2 cant replicate what the original album did. The crowd, the timing, the invention.
I think this S/M2 was done during Hetfield's bout of alcoholism prior to gong to rehab
I believe it was as well, a shame. Hoping he's at least healthy now!
@@themetalmeltdownofficial i thin Metallivca for most of them is really a JOB known as opposed to the fun they had the first 20 years.
which is understandable. they order now. values change, etc.
Haters gonna hate
Ikr he's such a meanie face
When you were describing the individual members, what did you mean when you said Kirk is just doing whatever he s been doing for the past 30 some years? Do you not think he is a good guitar player?
No not at all, he's a great guitar player. Definitely better than me at least lol. But let's be honest, he has become very predictable as a guitar player. (lets put it this way: there's a reason why people make memes about his excessive use of the wah pedal)
I actually enjoyed this live album! 5/5
wasn't as good as the 1st one. I felt the sound wasn't there. Lars 's drumming was pedestrian.
“Your killing me James” 😆
I may agree with some points raised in this video but find it frankly ignorant to complain about inclusion of classical pieces in particular of the ecstasy of gold which is the staple of Metallica's shows and to miss opportunity to play it with real orchestra is criminal. Either you completely unaware of what s and m is (it's a live concert not a start to end studio produced album) or just shitting on Metallica for hype.
Well said man, I can guarantee you he didn't even listen to all of S&M2 just picked songs to listen too that he think would have sucked and then decide to bash Metallica, like he should have listened to the whole album for at least two or three days before he decided to make this video, can't always criticize something after only one listen trust me I know
I hope you're not willing to bet on that, cause you'd lose a lot of cash on that "guarantee".
I could not disagree more with almost everything you said here.
Same here
He is mean >:(
seems like a "contract fulfillment"
first one is far better the live album of this i can take or leave.
I like S&M, but S&M2 felt... meeh. Not because I hate the band. Metallica is my fave band. The feeling is the same I had for Hardwired, an average album (with one great song, Spit out the Bone). For me, Death Magnetic was better. Also, I like the Load (a very good Rock album) better than any album they released since it. I've been having a hard time watching Metallica's live performances in the last years. James at least gives me some hope, but his voice, probably affected by alcohol, was painful in S&M2. Kirk is just a mess and Lars... well, it's Lars being Lars.
Metallica I will always love and respect. They get a pass with their 80s and 90s material Everything from Kill Em All to Reload I think is really good. But since St. Anger......... is has not been that great (Except Hardwired that is ok) this was disappointing especially since S&M 1 is awesome 4.5/10. When it comes to consistency in the Big 4 I do Believe Slayer Anthrax, and Megadeth are way more Consistent than Metallica post Reload Era.
Of all of those bands, I'd say Anthrax are the most consistent. I'd even argue "For All Kings" is on par with "Among The Living" and "State Of Euphoria" honestly.
The Metal Meltdown For all Kings is definitely my favorite Big 4 Album in the 2010s (Sorry Dystopia you are a very very close 2nd) It is really between Anthrax, and Megadeth for me being the most consistently good.
I just associate everything Metallica puts out as subpar. They haven't put out a good album since I've been born, and I was born in the 90s
I think I gave "Hardwired... To Self-Destruct" a 3.5/5 when it came out, so I'll defend that. The rest? Eh. And frankly, even "Hardwired" has its fair share of issues...
Can we count their "Ronnie Rising" medley as a very short EP? 'Cause that was honestly great.
Death Magnetic is awesome. Loud, but awesome. Also, as I've "grown up". I've learned to understand and love both load and reload. Maybe 1 day you both with learn to appreciate good music. *Shrugs shoulders*
At least Metallica are consistent. Everything since Load has been disappointing.
Honestly. Bits and pieces here and there have been interesting, I'll even admit to owning "Hardwired... To Self-Destruct" on vinyl, but most of it has ranged from mediocre to outright embarrassing. At least we still have those early BANGERS.
The Metal Meltdown is hardwire actually good? I never listened to it....I know its cliche but I completely lost interest after and justice
@@spencer4359 Of all the post-"Black Album" records, its probably their strongest. "Spit Out The Bone" and the title track in partcular are actually quite ragin'. It is however a bloated and occassionally awkward record, so patience is a must lol.
The Metal Meltdown ok ill check out those tracks!
A lot of people forgot the existance of Death Magnetic.
Sadly, I nearly completed a long review, when the video ended and I lost my comment.
I’ll keep it short.
You weren’t there for the event. I, along with fans waving flags from more than 30 countries, were. The energy was off the charts, which is what defines a live performance.
The recordings were waaaay overproduced. The arrangements, by design, were obviously intended to incorporate the symphony and to accommodate an arena setting, which doesn’t have the greatest acoustics. The performance wasn’t perfect, but these guys are considerably older now and might have lost just a little-which is part of the aging process.
So, the recording fell short due to commercialization. Objectively speaking, it deserves a 3.5 out of 5 when you take all things into account and incorporate the first hand experience of seeing the live performance.
Be careful when you lend your opinion to others who are more knowledgeable on any subject matter. It will make you look foolish.
Finally, jealous much?
Metallica are like a box of chocolates, When you bite into em you never know what you are going to get! Smh !
It was an easy money grab.
No reason for the album to have been made.
It's Metallica at their worst.
Sad.
ok but why
Blah blah blah
Wah wah wah
@@themetalmeltdownofficial lol
Stop deleting my comments!!!! >:(
If you can't see your comments, they were probably removed by RUclips or labeled spam, because I haven't deleted anything.
@@themetalmeltdownofficial meanie
"as is tradition now with Metallica, Bass is completely, COMPLETELY removed from the sound..."
Bro, have an option, that's fine, like or hate.. But no bass?
Either you have a problem with your speakers or you have a problem with your speakers, or maybe your ears/perception? I mean, real talk... Bass never sounded this full and full-front as it has in the last couple of records. Forget records, go listen to their recent live performances even prior to S&M2!
I'm a huge Metallica fan, but have zero problems agreeing to true criticism, but that's not what I'm hearing here, honestly it just sounds like hate just for the sake of hate... I, too, disagree with almost literally every point you raised here.
One more thing, calling this a 'Symphony Metal' IMO is wrong, this is a heavy metal album/band with a Symphony background... Symphony metal is written from the ground-up for/by the Symphony, where it is a vital part of the composition, and without it the music would basically be incomplete... In here, that's obviously not the case.
You don’t know the importance of classical music
Dude, EVERYONE knows the importance of classical music, that hardly means I'm obligated to love a Metallica concert album. Chill.
It was a mediocre album at best yet again. Far from their early prime.
I have always hated Metallica. That is all.
Said by a dude in front of a monitor.