But then the tone changes, the title track is slower (compared to the opener of course) but still radiates strength, yet there is more detail in the songwriting, following a classic composing style it manages to be precise and engaging in all its fragments from the chorus to the solo through all the riffs. And even with all this being true there are several aspects I can't stand about this album that have to do from a musical and personal point of view, how nostalgia affects classic albums like this one and how historical perspective also matters when it comes to pointing out certain facts.Īnd speaking about nostalgia, it had been easily seven or eight years since the last time I had listened to this album and when I did it again quite recently I was amazed by the fact that I remembered the first three tracks perfectly, and I think that speaks volumes about how powerful and impactful the first steps of this album are, 'Fight Fire with Fire' is a sample of the band's speed metal side and works both as an opener that engages the audience and as a continuation of the band's sound, I feel this song is a similar and improved version of 'Whiplash'. At 47 minutes, it is Metallica’s shortest studio album.With the passage of time Ride the Lightning has acquired new perspectives and it doesn't sound too crazy to point it out as the best album made by Metallica, and the truth is that it doesn't lack arguments for it, this album has a stellar song writing and shows an evolution in Metallica's sound with respect to their debut album that would fit much more with what they were about to show in the years to come, also the influence this album has had on the development of extreme metal is unquestionable, one can play through Bathory's discography while finding totally identical segments of this album in their music to give an illustration of his influence. It is the last album to feature songwriting contributions from former lead guitarist Dave Mustaine, and the first to feature contributions from his replacement, Kirk Hammett. The overall recording costs were paid by Metallica’s European label Music for Nations because Megaforce was unable to cover it. Instead of relying heavily on fast tempos as on its debut Kill ‘Em All, Metallica broadened its approach by employing acoustic guitars, extended instrumentals, and more complex harmonies. This was partly because bassist Cliff Burton introduced the basics of music theory to the rest of the band and had more input in the songwriting. Although rooted in the thrash metal genre, the album showcased the band’s musical growth and lyrical sophistication. The title was taken from a passage in Stephen King’s novel The Stand. The artwork, based on a concept by the band, depicts an electric chair being struck by lightning flowing from the band logo.

The album was recorded in three weeks with producer Flemming Rasmussen at the Sweet Silence Studios in Copenhagen, Denmark. Ride the Lightning is the second studio album by American heavy metal band Metallica, released on July 27, 1984, by the independent record label Megaforce Records.

Metallica ride the lightning recorded