Lars Ulrich

Week 47: Linkin Park- From Zero

~ honestopinions19 ~ Leave a comment

When I was in college, back in the early-2000s, people listened to Linkin Park a lot: them and Papa Roach. I didn’t get into the band until the 2010s and could appreciate the late Chester Bennington’s vocal range. I was young and naïve, so I saw him as “The singer who screams down the microphone”. When I listened to the band properly, I grew to appreciate their lyrics and, as mentioned, Chester’s singing. As we all know, Chester passed on over seven years ago. Whether you believe in the narrative or conspiracy theories is another thing. I have more than shared my opinion on Chester’s passing among friends and social media. I will leave my opinions aside for the review. The band has had various guest vocalists since his passing while they have performed and finally settled on former Dead Sara vocalist Emily Armstrong, who has proved a hit with the fans during the live shows. She joins with co-vocalist/rapper Mike Shinoda and new drummer Colin Brittain. Although Emily proved to be a hit when the band performed live, the reaction to her taking Chester’s place was mixed. I believe his estate was none too pleased with this decision. I wasn’t sure at first because this is like Metallica without James Hetfield or Lars Ulrich. It usually ends in a disaster because it isn’t the same without the heartbeat. I can understand people’s reservations about Emily becoming a full member, but to me, she reminds me of a female version of Chester.

I hope she is given time to grow. She is a fantastic vocalist, but it is hard to see past Chester’s legacy. Should the band have packed up and started a new project? Hmmm…I don’t know. It probably would have been a better idea, but the band’s decision to carry on is one that we, as fans and critics, should understand and respect. It’s not an easy path, but it’s one they’ve chosen to take.

What I’ve noticed about “From Zero’ is, well, nothing. This sounds like the Linkin Park we all know and love. The only difference is a female taking over vocal duties. It hasn’t tread any new ground, but is now really the time to be experimental? I’d say no. They need to stick to a tried and tested formula while they make this transition. And it’s crucial for us, the fans, to be a part of this journey. It also needs to be this way to see how people react to hearing the first album without Chester. Unfortunately, this record will always be based on what it was then and what it is now.

My highlights were ‘IGYEIH’, ‘Over Each Other’, and ‘Good Things Go’. Emily especially stands out with her angst-ridden vocals. As for the rest, my concentration wavered, and I felt they lacked that energy I usually see from the band. The majority of the tracks are too short. They don’t get a chance to get going before they are over. This album might be ideal for those with a short attention span, but I personally prefer a record that keeps my interest with longer, more elaborate songs, with at least 4-5 verses.

I wanted to like this album, and I have listened to it a few times, but I can’t get into it. Yes, it treads familiar ground, but the tracks are far too short, as mentioned. I don’t want to hear songs that are ideal for TikTok. I prefer longer songs that have more substance.

I’m afraid I will have to give “From Zero’ a low mark. It just doesn’t do it for me and has nothing to do with Emily. I thought she was excellent. Despite that, those who review it will all be guilty of measuring it against the former guise of the band, and I am no different. It isn’t fair, but you can’t help doing it. As mentioned earlier, when a band loses such a key member, it seldom feels the same or works out. Queen probably being the only exception. I hope the band continue as Linkin Park regardless and gives everyone time to transition. Their live shows have been amazing with Emily, so I am sure this will work out. You can’t really measure them on this record. Let them be more experimental on what follows. Then, we will know if the legacy remains intact, and I believe they have the potential to do so. And on a final note, why was the album so short? It lasted almost 32 minutes. They might as well have released this over 4 EPs.

Song recommendations: ‘IGYEIH’, ‘Over Each Other’, ‘Good Things Go’

5/10

Week 16: Metallica- 72 Seasons

~ honestopinions19 ~ Leave a comment

It was through watching Beavis and Butt-head and seeing Beavis wear the tee shirt I became intrigued as to who Metallica was. I have since fallen in love with ‘Nothing Else Matters’, ‘Mama Said’, ‘Enter Sandman’, ‘Seek n Destroy’ and ‘Sad but True’. I have also watched several documentaries about the production of “Master of Puppets”( their best album, in my opinion.), and Monster, which follows them during the highs and lows. A lot of arguments between the figureheads leading vocalist/rhythm guitarist James Hetfield and drummer Lars Ulrich (You know? He was once a vast talent in junior Tennis? Mixing it with the likes of Boris Becker. His dad was also a professional.). Quite a few of the documentaries put Lars in a bad light. He constantly shows up several hours after the band has commenced recording. I still think he is one of the best drummers alive, so he more than makes up for it. Anyway, the band sell out arenas and stadiums everywhere they go. They are also the main headliners at the creme de la creme of festivals. They have garnered many friendships with musicians across all genres. Even though Noel Gallagher doesn’t like their music, the band get on with him. Lars happened to do the lighting for Oasis on the “Definitely Maybe” American leg in 1995. Well, there is no better way to pay homage to this fucking fantastic band than to do a track-by-track review. I will also do a summary because, despite the fact I may wax lyrical on the tracks, the listen was wholly different in total.

72 Seasons:

One thing guaranteed with the band’s records is that you will get candid emotion throughout. The band do not hide behind a mask. The title for the title track is from a book James Hetfield read about from infancy to becoming 18, which equates to seeing 72 seasons in your lifetime. The book focuses on as you evolve, you find your identity and form your own opinions across a range of subjects rather than letting others choose your choices. This song is the audio version of it, albeit over heavy metal. Lead guitarist Kirk Hammett shines through, with James providing the emotional vocal delivery.

Shadows Follow:

Very similar to the subject at hand, but you can hear the tempo abating. It explores James’ time during rehab and how even stars like him are flawed, just like all of us are. The title is apt because even though we may fend off our demons, their shadows lurk, waiting to strike. According to bassist Rob Trujillo, this song has a Black Sabbath feel. I hear a typical Metallica song with a softer tempo.

Screaming Suicide:

This is the second single off the album and a powerful one. Although James may be talking about his experience in rehab, I also felt he was acting as a psychologist. What do I mean? He tells us all to show our vulnerability and confess that sometimes we have dark thoughts. As the song reaches the outro, James reminds us to keep moving despite those thoughts and that by doing this, we will win the war against the demons. As you may have noticed, this record focuses on James’ vocal delivery/songwriting and Kirk’s sublime axemanship. Usually, a lot of Metallica’s albums focus on Lars. However, he and Rob are ensuring the ship remains on course. Quite unusual not to see Lars featured as a figurehead on the record. Well, it is to me, anyway.

Sleepwalk My Life Away:

Kirk brings the bluesy feel to this with bombastic solos, which we have become accustomed to with him. Again, the track is focused on the songwriting.

You Must Burn!:

This is my favourite off the record, and Kirk’s axemanship blows you away. Looking at the lyrics and hearing the snarling vocals by James, you might think this track is quite sinister, but in a way, it isn’t. Yes, it has all of the aforementioned, but the more profound message is one of hope; Basically, it’s saying, “Fuck all the shit that makes you suffer. Enjoy yourself, and don’t let it get to you”. The production depicts that too. The track is downtempo before bursting into life with Kirk’s axemanship. Almost like from the deepest depths before seeing the light appearing on the horizon.

Lux Æterna:

Surprisingly, the shortest track on the album weighs in at 3:46. The leading single harks back to the band’s earlier days and is sure to be a hit with the fans on the “72 Seasons” tour, which is currently in progress. Talking to Metallica fans, when I mentioned that it was incredibly short for them, the fans were impressed with it. 

Crown of barbed Wire:

Lars gets the spotlight finally, this time with Kirk complimenting him. This reminded me of when the band used to jam out and form a song from it. Something that gets lost when you hit the studio, rather than jamming out during rehearsals. It makes it organic.

Chasing Light:

This has the classic Metallica sound. A track that gets your body moving rhythmically throughout and heading to be a crowd favourite on tour. Again, Kirk’s axemanship is glistening. If it isn’t James, then it is Kirk. 

If Darkness Had a Son:

Not a song for the faint-hearted. This one plays with your emotions and makes you feel uncomfortable. The track focuses on giving into ‘temptation’ (Well, from what James bellows out.)and knowing that the consequences could see your friendships dwindle, and how ‘temptation’ can cause harm to yourself. Another solid vocal performance by James, and of course, Kirk hitting with the solos.

Too Far Gone?:

James taps into his darkest emotions and how those demons play on his mind as he tries to find his soul. He explores how making mistakes that leave full of regret, and that is evident in the outro, ‘Too far gone, never too far gone, I’m too far gone to save, I can make it through the day, make it through the day, just for today’. As you can see, despite James expressing that he is damaged, he is optimistic he can survive another day. This would be a heavy listen if it were for something other than Kirk. Some may not like James talking candidly, but I like the idea of him sharing all this because it might make the toughest of their fans realise that we can be flawed and human. Many Metallica fans I have encountered seem to have a tough exterior, and we do not get to see the other side. The only human, so to speak, fans I know are the more casual ones like myself, who couldn’t give a flying fuck what makes a Metallica fan.

Room of Mirrors:

Another track for the excellence of Kirk Hammett. 

Inamorata:

Someone informed me that is the longest track they have ever made. The track weighs in at 11:10 when I mainly see their live shows; it is short, considering how long the instrumentation and solos go on during the live performances. This time, the whole band takes turns to show off—a pretty fitting way to end the record. 

Overall:

Last time, I reviewed Boygenius, and you may have concluded that the album was great, judging by the track-by-track review. However, I did say that that wasn’t the case regarding the record being relatively “tame” from what the band describe themselves as. Okay, I enjoyed “72 Seasons”, but it appeared chart-friendly and easier on the ear. Something I never associate with Metallica. They are always raw rather than polished. This record is more for the commercial side of music. Despite the heavy topics, listening to some of their previous albums this is much easier. A steady album that is polished. Too polished for Metallica. 

Song recommendations: ‘You Must Burn!’, ‘Chasing Light’, ’72 Seasons’

8/10