I was 8 when this album came out. For those of us that had MTV, Enter Sandman was an introduction to something darker and heavier. Metallica became the standard for most non-metalheads, and opened the doors to explore. I don't think it was until Pantera's Vulgar Display of Power that I knew I was gonna be a full blown metalhead, but I wouldn't have gotten there without the Black Album.
Thanks for sharing! Yeah this album was fantastic, so glad I've finally checked it out. Metallica really did a fantastic job fusing the heavy side of their sound with a lot of melodicness. I'll have to give Vulgar Display Of Power a listen soon!
Yes, an epic album indeed! There's such a big, open sound to this record that I love. I'll have to get on a Pantera reaction soon, people keep suggesting them in the comments. I look forward to hearing their music!
@@mollyesanbornI recommend the far beyond driven album of pantera, it’s the heaviest album of any band to ever be #1 on billboard. No weak tracks on it too
Having worshipped this album for decades, it’s so cool to see someone’s reaction, takes me back to when I listened to the cassette over and over in my walkman 🎧
The album that seriously broke Metallica to the masses and were suddenly no longer a band that belonged to just the metal community..but the mainstream, BUT it's the rare instance where when this happens the band didnt sell out by making a watered down inferior album but made an amazing album full of brilliant varied songs throughout, it's undeniable just how great and strong this piece of work is. NO filler what-so-ever
No filler, I completely agree. This whole album is full of amazing songs. I'm curious now to see where they're going to go from here on out in their discography, if becoming more mainstream will change up their style a lot.
This is a classic album.. I don't care what the "Super fans" from the 80s that said it was awful an too commercial. This album got me into metallica then i went backwards in their discography
Also people hate on Lars an his drumming but he is the reason i started playing drums as a kid i ended up moving to guitar but Lars is a legend to me .
This was the first “new” Metallica for me after getting into them. I can’t say I’ve ever liked this one as much as their earlier albums (Justice is their GOAT, IMO), but it’s obvious it’s the main reason they’re still attracting all the attention they’ve gotten, while their contemporaries (however good) have never quite reached their level of success. They took a chance when it was safer to remain the same.
That's always been such a dumb argument. You have to think of this as Metallica concentrate as if they distilled everything down to be the most potent they can be.
There is something about the sound of the drums on this album that sound so incredible and unique. I would love to have been in the studio to see what way the recorded the drums on this album.
Yes the percussion really stood out to me as well! A lot of variety and changeups with the tone of it across the album. There's such a big, open sound that they managed to produce which is so impressive.
@@exploringwithasmr wow thanks definitely will I’ve watched some kind of monster and I hate st anger lol. Didn’t even know they made a documentary for the black album. Will definitely watch it.
As much as I love their earlier stuff, 'Master' and 'And Justice', this is my favorite album of theirs. Some felt they "sold out" with this one, but bands evolve and change, mature, sometimes mellow and sometimes experiment; sometimes a combo of all of those. Even if they did sell-out, one can't deny this is an amazing album.
This one was fantastic, I agree! Still not sure which album of theirs is my favorite so far, they all bring something special to the table. I thought that the black album really brought such an immense, almost dramatic quality to their music which sounds amazing.
@tijmen-vm9lq But you didn't say that. You said, "Just enjoy the music. If not, shut up." You only offered a binary choice. I countered you by offering a THIRD option -- actual criticism. I like how once I did, you finally designated that criticism was "fine". Learn something today, sparky??
Metallica is my all time favorite band ever. I've listened to them mature musically over the years. The peaked at the Black Album and set off to do what they love the most after, making music. The Load and Re-Load albums are excellent albums as well and I absolutely loved 72 Seasons.
It gets hated because a lot of people seem to forget that these people age. A thirty year old isn't going to make the same album they made at twenty. They get bored and want to branch out. Especially after losing Cliff and all the addictions. It's just natural.
@@bafumatit’s gets hated on because it’s their progression to rock instead of metal. It is nothing like their previous stuff. I remember first listening to it and thinking, ‘what is this crap?’
@@jasonturner2206 you hate it not because it's good or not. But because YOUR expectations weren't met. Try judging the world on what it is instead of what you want it to be.
It was a before and after in rock music, as well as a springboard in the industry and a message about the prejudices and discrimination of metal, making it seen as another genre and not as a trash genre. An album that, despite its creation in '91 and for its current 32 years, crossed borders worldwide, continues to be heard fresher and more recent than the rest of the albums after the black album. Not to mention the number of detractors and people resentful of the abrupt change that the band made after And Justice For All.
It’s interesting that you noted the vocal difference on The Unforgiven, the way it changes between hard and soft vocals. The usual template for Metal ballads is soft or melodic verses, and a heavier chorus. For The Unforgiven, they wanted to reverse it and do a ballad where the verses are heavy, then comes down and becomes softer for the chorus. This was a good review. People consider this as the album where Metallica sold out. And even more so on the next album which is Load. Keep in mind when you do that one, it’s going to be much different than the Metallica albums you’ve done up until this point.
I love your reaction, it was very detailed and I can tell you really put thought into it. This is my favorite album of all time next to …And Justice for All!!!
Love that you're continuing with Metallica! Excellent band with a fascinating career. I'd love to see you react to some of their more infamous and divisive albums!
Their most polished album. They spent months on that album. When I hear ‘Nothing Else Matters’ it reminded me of the power ballads in the early 90’s. They nailed it no doubt.
Yes! That track really does have a power ballad quality to it, again they did a fantastic job fusing the punchy rock side of their sound with a much softer, melodic one. Just a really great album from start to finish, glad I finally checked it out.
@tijmen-vm9lq almost every song from the Black Album is better than Load. Haven’t heard Reload yet. But I assume it’s the same bluesy hard rock. The biggest mystery is what happened to Kirk Hammett’s guitar playing? This guy used to be a shredder.
@tijmen-vm9lq I just don’t see it. And I am a southern rock fan. I think Metallica should’ve stayed with what they were best at. Playing Metal. I know Dimebag Darrell agreed with me. He loved the Black Album. But hated Load.
@@johnnelson3665Dude THEY ARE NOT TALKING ABOUT THE SONG QUALITY, oh my God. Are you even reading the comments that you're replying to?? They're saying Load & Reload have the best production/sound mixing/tone, etc.!!!!!!!! Not best lyrics/arrangement. Holy. Shit.
Thank you so much! Yeah this was a great way to start 2024 off, I can't wait to see what else I'm going to discover in 2024. And happy new year to you as well 🎉
Happy new year to you as well! Yeah this was such an amazing listen, I loved every second of this album. Each song stands out in its own way, they brought a ton of variety to the table.
There is a documentary about this album. There was a lot of tension between the band members and the producer during the making of. Good watch. Happy New Year Molly! 🎉
This album is in my top 10 albums of all time, everything about it is perfect imo, it was also the first metal album that I ever listened to at the age of 4 or 5.
Yeah this was a fantastic album to finally check out! Every song stands out and brings something fresh. That's awesome that you were introduced to it at such a young age, to have it through your childhood.
My appreciation for metal starts with this and my dad is a fan of Metallica especially "Enter Sandman". Hearing it again gives me back on my iPod memories.
A classic but very polarizing album. Some good tunes but it is quite different from what they were known for at the time. Always enjoy your takes on these albums! "My friend of Misery" is a go-to from time to time for me!
I loved this album when it released, but because of their change in direction to a more radio friendly rock style sound, came major popularity and a new legion of fans, the bandwagon became so overcrowded I stepped off...the new shift definitely paid off for them though, they're the biggest name in "metal", but I do wonder how they'd sound, or if they'd still be around if not for them taking that path..the albums that lead up to the "Black" album for me personally, were that line in the sand, and are the Metallica albums that resonate with me most..no shade on the albums which follow because I haven't heard them, but I'll be joining in on that journey as you get to them Molly, Happy New Year
The release of this album took Metallica from being the Worlds greatest underground band ever to become the Worlds greatest artists sending them to eternal stardom 🔥🔥🔥🤘🤘🤘
Such an amazing track, I love that intro! It's just so unique sounding. I'll definitely plan on doing more Metallica albums, and see where they take their sound from here.
Oh man you interrupted Korn for my video? I'll take that as a big compliment haha! Yeah this album was great, it's got such a big sound to it, very theatrical almost. Lots of fantastic tracks on it for sure. Happy new year to you as well, hope 2024 is awesome for you!
Yes, by all means, continue with Metallica and see how they grow musically. Seeing as how you did not live through all the "experience and drama and hype" and what's the word? "phenomenon" that was Metallica in the music world, you get to just listen to the music and base your opinions on that alone, and that's refreshing.
That's a really interesting point, yeah I would imagine living through the era when this album came out would highly influence one's opinion of it, just based on the music trends of the time. I'll definitely have to keep going with their discography and see where they go from here.
Metallica ‘91 was high water // the energy coming out of the 80s into the 90s was a palpable feeling thats instantly right here thumping your chest as soon as you hear that sandman riff - the truck from the music video instantly steamrolling through your head - great memories. Good review. Also if you have a moment - my short form microsongs have a unique feel if you have react 😮 ❤
I need you to do St. Anger. So many people hate that album but holy shit, its my favorite. lol. I'm a big punk and thrash fan though. I love watching your videos.
It's awesome to see another person who loves St. Anger too, that album is my therapy album when I need to release negative energy and anger. St. Anger gets soo much crap, some of which is understandable, but it's sad that people can't overlook the flaws and see the songs for what they are. I think if they cleaned up the production, changed the snare tone, and added solos, people would probably love that album. I will always consider St. Anger an unpolished gem, I think that's what it was intended to be.
One Metallica album you should definitely check out is a live album they released in 1999 called "S & M" It's Metallica doing a live perfomance with the San Francisco Symphony (Get it? "S &M" Symphony and Metallica),and the 2 go together beatifully! It's really really good ! Although you should probably listen to the albums "Load" and "Reload' first since several sonsg from those albums are featured on "S & M"
Another album discovered upon its release with the two Use Yours Illusion by Guns N' Roses and seen in show on August 8, 1992 at the Olympic Stadium in Montreal during the famous riot caused by Axl Rose what memories in this record wow, thank you miss and the black t-shirt looks great on you for listening to the Black album ;)
This was a fantastic album, such a great sound on this one and I love how Metallica really fused the melodic and heavy together so well with its sound.
Hey Molly Ioved the reaction! Oh and I also have a suggestion of you reacting a band named Loathe!!! They have 2 albums which are The Cold Sun and I Let It In And I Took Everything.
Thank you for watching! And I'm actually pretty familiar with Loathe, I LOVE their music. I've seen them live too and they are brilliant, such a great tone to their music. I did an album review a while back on the channel for I Let It In And It Took everything if you're interested in watching it :) th-cam.com/video/esc7FXMvGn8/w-d-xo.htmlsi=8YWoHMU2qXoZAXI4
My favorite metallica album is AJFA, but I think their top 2 albums are MoP and the black album. Those two albums are the most polished from front to back and they changed music forever.
I’ve never quite fully embraced this album, but I just favor their heavier efforts before and after the nineties stuff. But, the success of this album can’t be denied.
The idea for The Unforgiven was to do the opposite of a normal rock ballad where you have the soft verse & heavier chorus like their songs One or Sanitarium, so you have the heavier verse "New blood joins this earth..." then the lighter chorus "What I've felt, what I've known..." I'd say it worked out well. It's interesting at least.
Oh yeah now that you point it out, it is kinda doing the opposite of what a lot of tracks with the softer verse, punchier chorus do. I like that they changed it around like that, works fantastic on The Unforgiven.
This is the album that got me in to Metallica. It came out when I was in High School. Sure I heard earlier songs, but never a complete album. After this, I went backwards all the way to Kill them all. Such a journey.
Love your reactions and breakdowns. The next few albums take a bit of a turn towards heavy alternatives, some even say a bit country. Personally I feel more blusy, but will be Interesting to see your take! Happy new year, keep em coming!
Bob Rock pulled the best out of them as the producer. I highly recommend the making of documentary. "I wouldn't ask you to do a drumroll if your arm fell off" is the best line in the doc.😂
Im not sure if anybody said that already, but the deep low voice on Of wolf and man was Jason Newsted, the Metallica bassist back then. He used to do a lot of backing vocals at his time in Metallica, even sometimes singing the whole verses or even songs during live shows. He is actually a really good singer, after he left Metallica having the conflict with them he joined Voivod for few years and then started solo project where he not only plays bass but he is also the lead vocalist. Definitely worth checking out his music, especially after learning about Metallica "lore" and the dynamics in the band throughout the years
I really want to see your reactions to Load/Reload albuns. They are very diferent from their regular sound, but just amazing. But the most fun is going to be St.Anger lol.
What a classic album! My personal favorites are "The Unforgiven", and "Nothing Else Matters". You should check out some cover songs that were released on an album called "The Blacklist". Two great ones are "Nothing Else Matters" by a band called The HU. They are a Mongolian metal band. They have a very unique sound. The other is "Nothing Else Matters" by Chris Stapleton.
Yeah this whole album is stacked with amazing songs! So hard to pick a favorite. And thanks for the suggestions, I'll have to give those covers you mention a listen.
Back when this album came out, we used the enter sandman song. Played it during the call outs of my high school teams starting lineups for each game. Was so epic!
YES, what a way to start 2024 with a REACTION by Molly Sanborn. To some, this is the LAST GOOD album, others, the 1st bad album. this release has so much history, the Classic albums doco is a great watch, especially for this classic. I ( and am sure many) cannot wait to see your reaction to Load, Reload and ....... ST ANGER. To know how you feel about those, will be worth the wait, Happy New Year Molly.
Thanks so much for watching, and happy new year to you as well! This record was a fantastic listen, I loved the fusion of heavy with melodic that Metallica really embraced on this one. Can't wait to hear where they go in their discography from here.
Great reaction! this was my first album i got on tape when i was a kid! can you also do some reactions to The Doors albums that would be great thanks again!
Please check out Trivium’s discography. Albums like Ascendancy, Shogun, In Waves, The Sin and the Sentence, and In the Court of the Dragon will blow you away
Excelente manera de comenzar este 2024, mi favorito por mucho de ellos. Se que tu español es bueno, conforme a un comentario que lei mas abajo. Enorme abrazo Molly Sanborn y mucho exito para tu canal y como una vez lo exprese gracias por existir. Algunas sugerencias de Albumes que me gustaria verte reaccionar. Coal Chamber- Selftitled Drowning Pool - Sinner Godsmack - Awake Mushroomhead - XX Static X - Machine Aborted - Strychnine213 Carcass - Heartwork Arch Enemy - Doomsday Machine Deicide - The Stench of Redemption Brutal Truth - Evolution Through Revolution Solo por mencionar algunos 😅
So yes, You definitely need to continue on with the rest of their discography. What you have before you is two albums that were written and recorded at the same time. You have so many styles of music put into these albums. They are very experimental on these albums so don’t expect anything you’ve heard from the last 5.
Great album. Ride The Lightning will probably always be my favorite from Metallica but this album is great. I think there are some good deep cuts on here too like Holier Than Thou and Of Wolf And Man.
Something nobody ever talks about is the track layout. To me it seems thought out and on purpose. 3 songs of heaviness, then a soft track. Then, another 3 of heaviness and another soft track. Then, yet another 3 songs of heaviness ending with the fastest, most in your face, aggressive track in the album. Like you said...going out with a bang.
The album is probably their most successful as far as sales. It was selling well even while some of their subsequent albums came out. There's no denying that it was what made them household names. I guess the problem I have with the album is how different they sounded compared to previous albums. There were only a few callbacks to their thrashier past but even then, the intensity was severely lessened. Also, they pretty much said that they wanted to slow down the tempo and make an album that was more for the masses, rather than just an album for Metallica fans. They even hired producer Bob Rock, who was known for working with more commercial hard rock bands like Bon Jovi and Motley Crue, which were part of a scene that they previously despised. For me, the tracks that are listenable are outweighed by the ones that I never want to hear again or could do without. The trend of them going more melodic and less heavy continued with Load and Reload. Since you enjoyed this album, you may enjoy those ones as well. There's nothing wrong with liking this albums or other ones in their catalog. By the same token, there's nothing wrong with being a fan of theirs from the 80's and being disappointed in this album and others.
Yeah, a definite softer album compared to their first four. I love how they still fuse on a lot of that sludgy quality to their sound, it creates a really cool dynamic between the melodic and heavy. I'm definitely looking forward to hearing what they'll do on Load and Reload.
I'm going to make a reaction suggestion that might seem odd to anyone else watching but I've been listening to the two most recent Sylosis albums Cycle of Suffering and A Sign Of Things To Come and they remind me so much of The Black Album, especially the latter of the two. It's a band that started off as thrash with a clear influence from bands like Metallica and other 80s thrash bands but they have more recently added more groove and beefier production just like Metallica started shifting towards with this album. Actually I wanted to recommend those two albums before but now seems like a good time to do it since you have just heard this one and it's fresh in your memory. I think you would hear the influence though Sylosis definitely adds their level of intensity to it. I gotta say though. Considering The Black Album came out in 91 and they had much less to work with in terms of technology compared to what a band like Sylosis has access to, it's incredible how well it holds up over 30 years later. I hold The Black Album as the gold standard for production. No wonder it took them so long and so much money to record it. They really fine tuned everything to have as much power while still have have so much clarity. Also saw you talking about Pantera below and Sylosis is definitely using a lot influence from those guys too.
Interesting you mention Sylosis, I actually just listened to them for the first time last month, someone suggested I check out their 2023 album A Sign of Things To Come. I really enjoyed it, didn't quite make my top 10 albums of the year list but it was close! I still haven't checked out any of their earlier music though, I will definitely have to do that. And I completely agree about the Black album sounding really good considering its release date, the production is definitely top tier.
Avenged Sevenfold made an album inspired by this exact one from metallica, it's black too and called "Hail to the king "(2013), i really recommend you checking it since it is so controversial, some love it others say it's a metallica rip off, i personally love it
Oh that's really cool! I didn't realize that Hail To The King was inspired so heavily by this one. It's on my list to check out for sure, now I'm glad I've heard the Metallica album before I get to it in my Avenged Sevenfold reactions.
I was 8 when this album came out. For those of us that had MTV, Enter Sandman was an introduction to something darker and heavier. Metallica became the standard for most non-metalheads, and opened the doors to explore. I don't think it was until Pantera's Vulgar Display of Power that I knew I was gonna be a full blown metalhead, but I wouldn't have gotten there without the Black Album.
Thanks for sharing! Yeah this album was fantastic, so glad I've finally checked it out. Metallica really did a fantastic job fusing the heavy side of their sound with a lot of melodicness. I'll have to give Vulgar Display Of Power a listen soon!
@@mollyesanborn oh that album is a torchbearer for heaviness
Sounds very similar to my own experience.
@@mollyesanbornDude Pantera is amazing. You won’t regret it
@@mollyesanbornvulgar display of power changed the metal genre and catapulted Pantera into the music spotlight of the 90’s
The biggest Metallica album by far. This is what made Metallica into the beast they are today. Classic album. Also, a Pantera listen would be good.
Yes, an epic album indeed! There's such a big, open sound to this record that I love. I'll have to get on a Pantera reaction soon, people keep suggesting them in the comments. I look forward to hearing their music!
@@mollyesanbornI recommend the far beyond driven album of pantera, it’s the heaviest album of any band to ever be #1 on billboard. No weak tracks on it too
@@HeavyMetalForLifeIOWA is still the heaviest in my opinion to hit #1 on billboard
@@damewanpli2152 Go listen to Slaughtered by Pantera
@@HeavyMetalForLife go listen to Heretic anthem by Slipknot
Having worshipped this album for decades, it’s so cool to see someone’s reaction, takes me back to when I listened to the cassette over and over in my walkman 🎧
My mom still has it on Cassette and every time I drive her truck I pop it in because she doesn't have Aux/CD so it's always great haha.
Glad you enjoyed the reaction, thanks for watching! The Black album was such a great listen, so many amazing tracks on this record.
The album that seriously broke Metallica to the masses and were suddenly no longer a band that belonged to just the metal community..but the mainstream, BUT it's the rare instance where when this happens the band didnt sell out by making a watered down inferior album but made an amazing album full of brilliant varied songs throughout, it's undeniable just how great and strong this piece of work is. NO filler what-so-ever
Every song slaps
that's exactly what happened but ok
No filler, I completely agree. This whole album is full of amazing songs. I'm curious now to see where they're going to go from here on out in their discography, if becoming more mainstream will change up their style a lot.
@@mollyesanborn I would recommend not reading reviews or anything on the next 2-4 albums just so you get the full experience
A year and a half in the life of Metallica is a great documentation of the making of this album that should be checked out.
Thanks for bringing it to my attention, I'll have to give it a watch when I get the chance!
I had it on VHS.
This is a classic album.. I don't care what the "Super fans" from the 80s that said it was awful an too commercial. This album got me into metallica then i went backwards in their discography
Also people hate on Lars an his drumming but he is the reason i started playing drums as a kid i ended up moving to guitar but Lars is a legend to me .
yes it is. But it is the last one.
This was the first “new” Metallica for me after getting into them. I can’t say I’ve ever liked this one as much as their earlier albums (Justice is their GOAT, IMO), but it’s obvious it’s the main reason they’re still attracting all the attention they’ve gotten, while their contemporaries (however good) have never quite reached their level of success.
They took a chance when it was safer to remain the same.
That's EXACTLY what happened to me too.
That's always been such a dumb argument. You have to think of this as Metallica concentrate as if they distilled everything down to be the most potent they can be.
There is something about the sound of the drums on this album that sound so incredible and unique. I would love to have been in the studio to see what way the recorded the drums on this album.
Yes the percussion really stood out to me as well! A lot of variety and changeups with the tone of it across the album. There's such a big, open sound that they managed to produce which is so impressive.
Theres a pretty in depth documentary about the making of the album. You should watch it. A lot about how they recorded the drums.
@@exploringwithasmr wow thanks definitely will I’ve watched some kind of monster and I hate st anger lol. Didn’t even know they made a documentary for the black album. Will definitely watch it.
@@MrOasis316 I believe it's called A Year And A Half In The Life Of Metallica. There's two parts.
@@exploringwithasmr cheers 👋
By far their slickest album, the sound is unreal. Bob Rock crushed it with the production.
Production is on point, I completely agree!
Bob Rock Producing w/ Randy Staub Engineering! Randy is a legend himself.
Best they ever sound in my opinion
As much as I love their earlier stuff, 'Master' and 'And Justice', this is my favorite album of theirs. Some felt they "sold out" with this one, but bands evolve and change, mature, sometimes mellow and sometimes experiment; sometimes a combo of all of those. Even if they did sell-out, one can't deny this is an amazing album.
This one was fantastic, I agree! Still not sure which album of theirs is my favorite so far, they all bring something special to the table. I thought that the black album really brought such an immense, almost dramatic quality to their music which sounds amazing.
@tijmen-vm9lq Lol. Wait -- so no one is allowed to criticize music, ever? You either have to enjoy it or "shut up"??? According to you...
@tijmen-vm9lq But you didn't say that. You said, "Just enjoy the music. If not, shut up."
You only offered a binary choice. I countered you by offering a THIRD option -- actual criticism.
I like how once I did, you finally designated that criticism was "fine".
Learn something today, sparky??
Metallica is my all time favorite band ever. I've listened to them mature musically over the years. The peaked at the Black Album and set off to do what they love the most after, making music. The Load and Re-Load albums are excellent albums as well and I absolutely loved 72 Seasons.
One of the best albums ever. Wherever I may roam is my number 1 gym song
Yeah that track is fantastic, although this whole record is loaded with standout tracks. Such a great album!
Exit 2023. Enter 2024. Off to another year of metal!
Haha. Happy new year Molly.
I'm very much looking forward to all of the new music that 2024 will introduce me to... thanks for following along! :)
A record that gets weirdly hated on. There are some absolute bangers on this record. The god that failed is one of their most underrated songs.
It gets hated because a lot of people seem to forget that these people age. A thirty year old isn't going to make the same album they made at twenty. They get bored and want to branch out. Especially after losing Cliff and all the addictions. It's just natural.
@@bafumat exactly
@@bafumatit’s gets hated on because it’s their progression to rock instead of metal. It is nothing like their previous stuff.
I remember first listening to it and thinking, ‘what is this crap?’
@@jasonturner2206 you hate it not because it's good or not. But because YOUR expectations weren't met. Try judging the world on what it is instead of what you want it to be.
... and yet it's better than any of their follow-ups
The most genuine, informative, and well-structured reaction channel
Thank you so much! That is much appreciated, I'm glad you're enjoying the videos ❤️
This album is Kirk Hammet at his best because Bob Rock made him do his solos over and over again until they were great.
James still had the best solo on this album on Nothing Else Matters. The Unforgiven is close though.
@@fatidicusaeternus6498The struggle within solo is great tho
@@fatidicusaeternus6498 my fave solos from the album are wherever i may roam and holier
It was a before and after in rock music, as well as a springboard in the industry and a message about the prejudices and discrimination of metal, making it seen as another genre and not as a trash genre. An album that, despite its creation in '91 and for its current 32 years, crossed borders worldwide, continues to be heard fresher and more recent than the rest of the albums after the black album. Not to mention the number of detractors and people resentful of the abrupt change that the band made after And Justice For All.
It’s interesting that you noted the vocal difference on The Unforgiven, the way it changes between hard and soft vocals. The usual template for Metal ballads is soft or melodic verses, and a heavier chorus. For The Unforgiven, they wanted to reverse it and do a ballad where the verses are heavy, then comes down and becomes softer for the chorus.
This was a good review. People consider this as the album where Metallica sold out. And even more so on the next album which is Load. Keep in mind when you do that one, it’s going to be much different than the Metallica albums you’ve done up until this point.
@@trulyunoriginal I agree. Load is actually my 2nd favorite Metallica album
I love your reaction, it was very detailed and I can tell you really put thought into it. This is my favorite album of all time next to …And Justice for All!!!
Thanks so much! Glad you enjoyed the reaction :)
Love that you're continuing with Metallica! Excellent band with a fascinating career. I'd love to see you react to some of their more infamous and divisive albums!
Absolutely, I'm loving their music so far! I'll definitely plan on continuing with their albums.
Their most polished album. They spent months on that album. When I hear ‘Nothing Else Matters’ it reminded me of the power ballads in the early 90’s. They nailed it no doubt.
Yes! That track really does have a power ballad quality to it, again they did a fantastic job fusing the punchy rock side of their sound with a much softer, melodic one. Just a really great album from start to finish, glad I finally checked it out.
@tijmen-vm9lq almost every song from the Black Album is better than Load. Haven’t heard Reload yet. But I assume it’s the same bluesy hard rock. The biggest mystery is what happened to Kirk Hammett’s guitar playing? This guy used to be a shredder.
@tijmen-vm9lq I just don’t see it. And I am a southern rock fan. I think Metallica should’ve stayed with what they were best at. Playing Metal. I know Dimebag Darrell agreed with me. He loved the Black Album. But hated Load.
@@johnnelson3665Dude THEY ARE NOT TALKING ABOUT THE SONG QUALITY, oh my God. Are you even reading the comments that you're replying to?? They're saying Load & Reload have the best production/sound mixing/tone, etc.!!!!!!!! Not best lyrics/arrangement.
Holy. Shit.
@@ghostofyourmom the band spend almost a year in the studio for the black album. There is nothing better than the black album.
First reaction of 2024 starting off with a banger for sure! Happy new year Molly, keep up the killer content!! 🔥
Thank you so much! Yeah this was a great way to start 2024 off, I can't wait to see what else I'm going to discover in 2024. And happy new year to you as well 🎉
You've got a great ear and give remarkable interpretation in context Molly. I appreciate the genuine reaction. ❤
Thank you so much! Glad you enjoyed the reaction :)
Yes Molly continue! This is amazing!
I'll definitely plan on doing more Metallica albums! Can't wait to hear where they're going to go from here.
One of the best and most important Metal albums ever, so many good songs, happpy new year!
Happy new year to you as well! Yeah this was such an amazing listen, I loved every second of this album. Each song stands out in its own way, they brought a ton of variety to the table.
You need to react to all the Metallica albums now!! 🤘🔥🎶
There is a documentary about this album. There was a lot of tension between the band members and the producer during the making of. Good watch. Happy New Year Molly! 🎉
I'll have to give it a watch, thanks for letting me know! And happy new year to you as well :)
This is a great review. The looks you give the camera had me in stitches!
Haha, thank you! Glad you enjoyed it.
This album is in my top 10 albums of all time, everything about it is perfect imo, it was also the first metal album that I ever listened to at the age of 4 or 5.
Yeah this was a fantastic album to finally check out! Every song stands out and brings something fresh. That's awesome that you were introduced to it at such a young age, to have it through your childhood.
My appreciation for metal starts with this and my dad is a fan of Metallica especially "Enter Sandman". Hearing it again gives me back on my iPod memories.
Thank you for saying Wherever I May Roam is your favorite, it's so good!!
Yes such a fantastic song!
My favorite track on this album is 'The God That Failed.' Very meaningful lyrics for James and the bass and Kirk's solo is fantastic.
...yet he eventually went with that deity
I love this album! Never got sick of the hits! Also happy new year 2024!
Great album, so glad I finally checked it out! And happy new year to you as well :)
A classic but very polarizing album. Some good tunes but it is quite different from what they were known for at the time. Always enjoy your takes on these albums! "My friend of Misery" is a go-to from time to time for me!
I loved this album when it released, but because of their change in direction to a more radio friendly rock style sound, came major popularity and a new legion of fans, the bandwagon became so overcrowded I stepped off...the new shift definitely paid off for them though, they're the biggest name in "metal", but I do wonder how they'd sound, or if they'd still be around if not for them taking that path..the albums that lead up to the "Black" album for me personally, were that line in the sand, and are the Metallica albums that resonate with me most..no shade on the albums which follow because I haven't heard them, but I'll be joining in on that journey as you get to them Molly, Happy New Year
The release of this album took Metallica from being the Worlds greatest underground band ever to become the Worlds greatest artists sending them to eternal stardom 🔥🔥🔥🤘🤘🤘
Happy New Year, Molly! Looking forward to your 2024 content. 👍💯🎆
Thank you so much! Happy new year to you as well, thanks for following the channel :)
Wherever i may roam is my favorite Song on this Album, too.
Please continue ❤
Such an amazing track, I love that intro! It's just so unique sounding. I'll definitely plan on doing more Metallica albums, and see where they take their sound from here.
I stopped mid-Korn song for this omg I'm so excited. The Unforgiven and Nothing Else Matters are golden 🤘🤘
Oh happy new year btw!!
Oh man you interrupted Korn for my video? I'll take that as a big compliment haha! Yeah this album was great, it's got such a big sound to it, very theatrical almost. Lots of fantastic tracks on it for sure. Happy new year to you as well, hope 2024 is awesome for you!
Yes, by all means, continue with Metallica and see how they grow musically. Seeing as how you did not live through all the "experience and drama and hype" and what's the word? "phenomenon" that was Metallica in the music world, you get to just listen to the music and base your opinions on that alone, and that's refreshing.
That's a really interesting point, yeah I would imagine living through the era when this album came out would highly influence one's opinion of it, just based on the music trends of the time. I'll definitely have to keep going with their discography and see where they go from here.
Happy new year & thanks for covering all these great bands!
Thanks so much for watching! Happy new year to you as well :)
Metallica ‘91 was high water // the energy coming out of the 80s into the 90s was a palpable feeling thats instantly right here thumping your chest as soon as you hear that sandman riff - the truck from the music video instantly steamrolling through your head - great memories. Good review.
Also if you have a moment - my short form microsongs have a unique feel if you have react 😮 ❤
I need you to do St. Anger. So many people hate that album but holy shit, its my favorite. lol. I'm a big punk and thrash fan though. I love watching your videos.
She reacting to St Anger would be very interesting to watch!
It's awesome to see another person who loves St. Anger too, that album is my therapy album when I need to release negative energy and anger. St. Anger gets soo much crap, some of which is understandable, but it's sad that people can't overlook the flaws and see the songs for what they are.
I think if they cleaned up the production, changed the snare tone, and added solos, people would probably love that album. I will always consider St. Anger an unpolished gem, I think that's what it was intended to be.
I'll definitely have to check it out! Can't wait to hear it.
I can’t get past the trash cans on St Anger and as someone who has recorded music before, I can’t past the audio clipping on Death Magnetic.
One Metallica album you should definitely check out is a live album they released in 1999 called "S & M" It's Metallica doing a live perfomance with the San Francisco Symphony (Get it? "S &M" Symphony and Metallica),and the 2 go together beatifully! It's really really good ! Although you should probably listen to the albums "Load" and "Reload' first since several sonsg from those albums are featured on "S & M"
Thank you for letting me know! I'd love to check that out at some point, I'm sure that their live stuff is amazing.
Hey thanks for the video, love this album! especially the unforgiven. can't remember if you've done ride the lightning but i also love that one too.
nvmd you have already 😄
Yeah Ride The Lightning is fantastic too! I really can't decide which of their albums I've enjoyed the most so far, they've all been so good.
Such a perfect album! Every song an absolute banger!
Great reaction. Yes, definitely check out more metallica. At some point u should check out the new one called 72 seasons.
Another album discovered upon its release with the two Use Yours Illusion by Guns N' Roses and seen in show on August 8, 1992 at the Olympic Stadium in Montreal during the famous riot caused by Axl Rose what memories in this record wow, thank you miss and the black t-shirt looks great on you for listening to the Black album ;)
Legendary album and their best ever
This was a fantastic album, such a great sound on this one and I love how Metallica really fused the melodic and heavy together so well with its sound.
do you forget that master of puppets exists
8:00 minutes in, ahhhh she said it ❤😂
Great job as always with your reaction and analysis
Hahaha! Glad you enjoyed the video :)
love your channel, thanks!
Thank you for watching! :)
Hey Molly Ioved the reaction! Oh and I also have a suggestion of you reacting a band named Loathe!!! They have 2 albums which are The Cold Sun and I Let It In And I Took Everything.
Thank you for watching! And I'm actually pretty familiar with Loathe, I LOVE their music. I've seen them live too and they are brilliant, such a great tone to their music. I did an album review a while back on the channel for I Let It In And It Took everything if you're interested in watching it :)
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My favorite metallica album is AJFA, but I think their top 2 albums are MoP and the black album. Those two albums are the most polished from front to back and they changed music forever.
This album was my gateway into way heavier music.
I’ve never quite fully embraced this album, but I just favor their heavier efforts before and after the nineties stuff. But, the success of this album can’t be denied.
When this album dropped, I went to Houston TX to see them, and Wherever I May Roam sounds even better live, my favorite from this album
Ooh yeah I'd love to hear that track live, must be incredible!
First Metallica I heard and will forever be my fave.
The idea for The Unforgiven was to do the opposite of a normal rock ballad where you have the soft verse & heavier chorus like their songs One or Sanitarium, so you have the heavier verse "New blood joins this earth..." then the lighter chorus "What I've felt, what I've known..."
I'd say it worked out well. It's interesting at least.
Oh yeah now that you point it out, it is kinda doing the opposite of what a lot of tracks with the softer verse, punchier chorus do. I like that they changed it around like that, works fantastic on The Unforgiven.
Great sound, from the greatest Band ever🎉
This is the album that got me in to Metallica. It came out when I was in High School. Sure I heard earlier songs, but never a complete album. After this, I went backwards all the way to Kill them all. Such a journey.
Love your reactions and breakdowns. The next few albums take a bit of a turn towards heavy alternatives, some even say a bit country. Personally I feel more blusy, but will be Interesting to see your take! Happy new year, keep em coming!
Thanks for watching! I'll definitely have to continue on with Metallica and see what I'll think of the remaining albums.
There's not a bad song in this album. They really nailed it.
I agree, no filler at all. Every track brings something unique to this record.
Haha good timing, happy new year
Happy 2024! Can't wait to discover more awesome music this year 🎉
The thumbnail tho 🤣 happy new years Molly!
Haha, yeah it cracked me up too! Happy new year to you as well, hope 2024 is a great year for you.
Bob Rock pulled the best out of them as the producer. I highly recommend the making of documentary. "I wouldn't ask you to do a drumroll if your arm fell off" is the best line in the doc.😂
Please do Load and Reload!! I think they are hella underrated and would love to hear your thoughts
I'll definitely plan on doing reactions for both, can't wait to hear them!
Im not sure if anybody said that already, but the deep low voice on Of wolf and man was Jason Newsted, the Metallica bassist back then. He used to do a lot of backing vocals at his time in Metallica, even sometimes singing the whole verses or even songs during live shows. He is actually a really good singer, after he left Metallica having the conflict with them he joined Voivod for few years and then started solo project where he not only plays bass but he is also the lead vocalist. Definitely worth checking out his music, especially after learning about Metallica "lore" and the dynamics in the band throughout the years
Oh thanks for letting me know! His voice really adds such a cool element to the track, it works great.
I'll add that you hear Newstead on a few other tracks as well. His voice definitely has an uniquely deep punch to it.
I really want to see your reactions to Load/Reload albuns. They are very diferent from their regular sound, but just amazing. But the most fun is going to be St.Anger lol.
I'll absolutely have to check all three out, can't wait to hear more from Metallica!
drink every time she says bring the energy
oof that would not be good 😂
Of Wolf and Man... yes, you did hear another vocal there from Jason Newstead (bassist).
IMHO every song is a banger, such a legendary album
What a classic album! My personal favorites are "The Unforgiven", and "Nothing Else Matters". You should check out some cover songs that were released on an album called "The Blacklist". Two great ones are "Nothing Else Matters" by a band called The HU. They are a Mongolian metal band. They have a very unique sound. The other is "Nothing Else Matters" by Chris Stapleton.
Yeah this whole album is stacked with amazing songs! So hard to pick a favorite. And thanks for the suggestions, I'll have to give those covers you mention a listen.
Nothing Else Matters was covered by Miley Cyrus. Who TF is "Chris Stapleton"?? Did you make that name up?
Back when this album came out, we used the enter sandman song. Played it during the call outs of my high school teams starting lineups for each game. Was so epic!
YES, what a way to start 2024 with a REACTION by Molly Sanborn. To some, this is the LAST GOOD album, others, the 1st bad album. this release has so much history, the Classic albums doco is a great watch, especially for this classic. I ( and am sure many) cannot wait to see your reaction to Load, Reload and ....... ST ANGER. To know how you feel about those, will be worth the wait, Happy New Year Molly.
Thanks so much for watching, and happy new year to you as well! This record was a fantastic listen, I loved the fusion of heavy with melodic that Metallica really embraced on this one. Can't wait to hear where they go in their discography from here.
Happy New Year!!
Thank you, happy new year to you as well! 🎉
I love this album, it's one of the few that I like every song on!
Amazing album
Hey Molly, great video, great album. Cant wait for you to check out Death Magnetic and Hardwired. Keep it up!
Thanks so much! I'm very much looking forward to continuing on with metallica's discography and see where they take their music from here.
It will be great!
This one came out my Junior year in high school. I remember slow dancing to 'Nothing Else Matters' at school dances lol
Great reaction! this was my first album i got on tape when i was a kid! can you also do some reactions to The Doors albums that would be great thanks again!
16:43 the person your hearing is most likely Jason Newsted the bassist. He was known for his backing vocals when he was in Metallica
Thanks for letting me know!
Please continue with Metallica albums! I would love your reaction to the next album, Load, as well as their latest: 72 Seasons.
Please check out Trivium’s discography. Albums like Ascendancy, Shogun, In Waves, The Sin and the Sentence, and In the Court of the Dragon will blow you away
I remember the noticeable sound development in the song structures and production sound😊
I never thought I would enjoy watching someone listen to a Metallica album so much 🩷
Haha thanks! Glad you enjoyed my reaction to this awesome album :)
As both a metal enthusiast and an engineering student, the production of this album is absolutely impressive to me.
Excelente manera de comenzar este 2024, mi favorito por mucho de ellos. Se que tu español es bueno, conforme a un comentario que lei mas abajo. Enorme abrazo Molly Sanborn y mucho exito para tu canal y como una vez lo exprese gracias por existir. Algunas sugerencias de Albumes que me gustaria verte reaccionar.
Coal Chamber- Selftitled
Drowning Pool - Sinner
Godsmack - Awake
Mushroomhead - XX
Static X - Machine
Aborted - Strychnine213
Carcass - Heartwork
Arch Enemy - Doomsday Machine
Deicide - The Stench of Redemption
Brutal Truth - Evolution Through Revolution
Solo por mencionar algunos 😅
Muchas gracias por las sugerencias. Me alegra que te guste el canal :)
Highly recommend “Houdini” by the Melvins…Kurdt Cobain loved these guys
Noted, I'll make sure it's on my list!
So yes, You definitely need to continue on with the rest of their discography. What you have before you is two albums that were written and recorded at the same time. You have so many styles of music put into these albums. They are very experimental on these albums so don’t expect anything you’ve heard from the last 5.
Way to start off the New Year with the Metallica black album. This album is another one of the main 5 albums I enjoy.
Yeah this was such a great album to start the year off with! So glad I've finally given it a listen.
@@mollyesanborn Chelsea Wolf's new album drops February 9th, thoughts?
Jason Newsted(bassist)does backing vocals
Omfg THE BLACK ALBUM..❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥
My favourite song from Black Album: Through the Never
Great track, I love that one as well.
@@MUSiC-world-20986 I love it too, but ironically it's my least favourite on the album.
@@gabrielpaiva9070 it's okay
Great album. Ride The Lightning will probably always be my favorite from Metallica but this album is great. I think there are some good deep cuts on here too like Holier Than Thou and Of Wolf And Man.
Something nobody ever talks about is the track layout. To me it seems thought out and on purpose. 3 songs of heaviness, then a soft track. Then, another 3 of heaviness and another soft track. Then, yet another 3 songs of heaviness ending with the fastest, most in your face, aggressive track in the album. Like you said...going out with a bang.
That's Lars. Nothing happens in Metallica without his input and deliberation - absolutely no way the running order was thrown together on a whim.
@@trulyunoriginal
Facts
I was about to write "I found the one person on the planet that hasn't heard Nothing Else Matters before" but then you actually addressed it haha.
"Don't Tread on Me" is my favorite Metallica tune. Just rocks.
Great choice! So much energy to that one.
The album is probably their most successful as far as sales. It was selling well even while some of their subsequent albums came out. There's no denying that it was what made them household names.
I guess the problem I have with the album is how different they sounded compared to previous albums. There were only a few callbacks to their thrashier past but even then, the intensity was severely lessened. Also, they pretty much said that they wanted to slow down the tempo and make an album that was more for the masses, rather than just an album for Metallica fans. They even hired producer Bob Rock, who was known for working with more commercial hard rock bands like Bon Jovi and Motley Crue, which were part of a scene that they previously despised.
For me, the tracks that are listenable are outweighed by the ones that I never want to hear again or could do without. The trend of them going more melodic and less heavy continued with Load and Reload. Since you enjoyed this album, you may enjoy those ones as well. There's nothing wrong with liking this albums or other ones in their catalog. By the same token, there's nothing wrong with being a fan of theirs from the 80's and being disappointed in this album and others.
Yeah, a definite softer album compared to their first four. I love how they still fuse on a lot of that sludgy quality to their sound, it creates a really cool dynamic between the melodic and heavy. I'm definitely looking forward to hearing what they'll do on Load and Reload.
I'd like to see you do two more MetallicA albums, but that's about it.
This particular album was my first introduction to heavy metal.
I'm going to make a reaction suggestion that might seem odd to anyone else watching but I've been listening to the two most recent Sylosis albums Cycle of Suffering and A Sign Of Things To Come and they remind me so much of The Black Album, especially the latter of the two. It's a band that started off as thrash with a clear influence from bands like Metallica and other 80s thrash bands but they have more recently added more groove and beefier production just like Metallica started shifting towards with this album.
Actually I wanted to recommend those two albums before but now seems like a good time to do it since you have just heard this one and it's fresh in your memory. I think you would hear the influence though Sylosis definitely adds their level of intensity to it.
I gotta say though. Considering The Black Album came out in 91 and they had much less to work with in terms of technology compared to what a band like Sylosis has access to, it's incredible how well it holds up over 30 years later. I hold The Black Album as the gold standard for production. No wonder it took them so long and so much money to record it. They really fine tuned everything to have as much power while still have have so much clarity.
Also saw you talking about Pantera below and Sylosis is definitely using a lot influence from those guys too.
Interesting you mention Sylosis, I actually just listened to them for the first time last month, someone suggested I check out their 2023 album A Sign of Things To Come. I really enjoyed it, didn't quite make my top 10 albums of the year list but it was close! I still haven't checked out any of their earlier music though, I will definitely have to do that. And I completely agree about the Black album sounding really good considering its release date, the production is definitely top tier.
Avenged Sevenfold made an album inspired by this exact one from metallica, it's black too and called "Hail to the king "(2013), i really recommend you checking it since it is so controversial, some love it others say it's a metallica rip off, i personally love it
Oh that's really cool! I didn't realize that Hail To The King was inspired so heavily by this one. It's on my list to check out for sure, now I'm glad I've heard the Metallica album before I get to it in my Avenged Sevenfold reactions.
My mom used to play Nothing Else Matters as a lullaby for me when I was a baby.