Kill 'Em All
by Metallica

This is easily my favorite album from the band, probably because it sounds the least like what Metallica would become later. The drums aren’t pushed as aggressively up front, the bass actually plays interesting lines instead of just doubling the guitar’s power-chord roots, and there’s a real punk edge running through a bunch of the tracks. The production captures the band’s raw energy in a way that makes this album way more fun to listen to than their later records.

The first two tracks are the standout cuts for me, which makes the album start incredibly strong. It’s not the most original sound in the world (you can hear the Black Sabbath influence pretty clearly) but it’s done well, and the energy is undeniable. It just works.

And sure, I know most fans of the band tend to prefer the next three albums, and I get why. Those albums define the sound Metallica is truly known for, and that sound is very much its own thing. But for someone like me, who doesn’t particularly love that signature style, this album is way more enjoyable.

My favorite record. There is not one dull moment on this album, and every song is fantastic. It's fast, it's heavy, and it's catchy.

100/100; 5 Stars.

From Strangel 04/09/2023 03:22 | #295888

Raw as all hell ?

This album is incredibly strong for a debut. Lyrics aren't as great as on later records, but it is compensated with raw, almost punk attitude of this album. On songs like The Four Horsemen, Jump In The Fire, Seek & Destroy you can easily see their potential.

Amazing for a debut, but Metallica would go on to produce much better material.

An essential album, this is where it all started, both for Metallica and for thrash metal. Their next albums showed that there was room for improvement, especially when it comes to lyrics, the vocals are also questionable. On the other hand, the speed, power, energy and aggression here are second to none(Ride the Lightning comes close though). Overall, 70/100.

One of the best debuts ever. 'Four Horsemen' being great trash prog. 'Jump in the Fire' a brilliant basic metal riff that you can't help but not play air guitar to. Newcomers who overtook all others in the shortest ever period and completely left them in there wake.

From UofTBlues 12/22/2019 00:18 | #245877

Greatest debut thrash metal album. My favorite Metallica release.

From jeremy9 10/28/2019 13:11 | #244202

A timeless album

Solid debut for Metallica. They would do much better in the next 8 years, however.