On the fourth of May, 1996 Metallica finally unleashed their first album in five years. While it may have been a departure of their original sound, the album was a strong one. The riffs were killer, the grooves were infectious and the production was raw and energized. Most of the songs take a mid-tempo and melodic journey which many original fans took issue with. That along with the decision to cut their hair made ‘Load’ the most controversial Metallica album to date. They didn’t feel like Metallica was their band anymore. The reality though, is that Metallica were taking a direction that all of their big four brothers took. In the mid to late nineties, thrash metal wasn’t as commercially viable as it was in the previous decade. Many members of Anthrax had short hair for over five years by 1996 and no one questioned their metal credentials. In fact, Anthrax started the big four push towards mid-tempo, melodic metal with their 1992 classic ‘Sounds of White Noise’. Did anyone take an issue with it? No! Actually, they were praised for their direction and replacement of singer Joey Belladonna with John Bush. However, despite similarities, Metallica is not Anthrax. Metallica reached a level of success that none of their peers thought possible. On that level of commercial success, there are many people who listen with their eyes. They like whats popular or what’s in fashion and Metallica were a part of that world with their success. The result? Change = major controversy. Fortunately, the people that listen with their eyes are a minority in heavy metal. ‘Load’ debuted at number 1 in 1996, a feat no tradition or thrash metal or hard rock band can claim in the late 90’s. Deservingly so. The album is a near perfect journey of hard rock and heavy metal. From the aggressive ‘Aint My Bitch’ to the grooves of ‘Cure’ and ‘2X4’, ‘Load’ keeps the listener guessing as to what comes next. The album delivers on all fronts. ‘King Nothing’ is still a fan favorite that’s used in set lists. ‘Hero of the Day’ is a terrific ballad that see the band experimenting with traditional classic rock sounds mixed with Metallica thrash. To all those who say that this is not a Metallica album, I urge you, go back and give it another listen. Don’t limit yourself because the band changed their clothes and hair styles. Use you ears and you’ll find that this is a classic Metallica album that ranks among some of the best hard rock and heavy metal albums.
