METALLICA: THROUGH THE NEVER - Original Motion Picture Soundtrack (2013)

This reviewer did not attend the Metallica concert held earlier in August, but he sure heard rave reviews about it. And he is taking a big risk by stating that he is no fan of Metallica, or any rock and roll band for that matter. Either he is not cool enough for this genre (check with your friends, anyone who adores Metallica is cool – on social media at least), or he just doesn’t appreciate good music. So why is he reviewing this concert movie soundtrack? Well, maybe, just maybe – it’s a good thing to hear things from another perspective.

The double disc set contains 16 live recordings from Metallica’s career, and is a companion soundtrack to the 3D movie directed by Nimrod Antal. There are 101 minutes of solid music spread over the two CDs, and from someone who has never been a huge fan of loud music, the listening experience is anything but serene.

Disc One kicks off with famed composer Ennio Morricone’s “The Ecstasy of Gold”, a familiar tune from the classic Sergio Leone film The Good, the Bad and the Ugly. It sets the mood for the tracks to come, which includes “Creeping Death”, “For Whom The Bell Tolls”, “Fuel” and “Ride The Lightning”. Fans of the band consisting of members James Hetfield, Lars Ulrich, Kirk Hammett and Robert Trujillo should identify with these tunes.

There are moments between tracks where you’d hear the members addressing the crowd, and as with any other concerts, you’ll hear cheers and screams, just that you are in the comfort of wherever you are.

Disc One continues with “One”, “The Memory Remains” and “Wherever I May Roam”, while Disc Two sustains the streak with “Cyanide”, “And Justice For All” and “Master of Puppets” amongst others. The second disc concludes with “Orion”, which was played in the film’s end credits in an empty arena, accentuating the band’s influence and impact in the music industry.

Listening to these songs on CD will never be the same as rocking out live with Metallica, but as a piece of memorabilia to the film (especially if you have seen it), this soundtrack is a must own. 

ALBUM RATING:

Recommended Track: Disc Two (8) Orion

Review by John Li