While Metallica Killed ‘Em All with their first album, they were determined to Ride The Lightning on the second; a record that has not only stood the test of time but remains one of the greatest thrash metal albums ever recorded. Released in 1984, Ride The Lightning would go on to sell over 5 million copies and become beloved amongst fans; myself included!
Ride The Lightning has always been one of my favourite Metallica albums and in the 90s the 1996 reissue on Vertigo/Mercury - Cat: 838 140-2 CD went everywhere with me as I was fortunate enough to own a portable CD player. Just as vinyl fans talk about the playback ritual, I can assure you, dear reader, the memories I have of swapping Metallica CDs on the bus, on a train, or before leaving for the next destination are incredible as the CD would snap onto the spindle and spin with the authority that only Metallica could demand. I used to even carry additional AA batteries with me as silence was more deafening than Metallica rearranging my brain.
Unfortunately, I don’t own the CD anymore as it ended up being sold on eBay after ripping the album to the MP3 format. Such a stupid decision, but we all make mistakes! Hence, when I got back into collecting music, following an exodus that lasted too many years, I was determined to pick up a copy of all my beloved Metallica records and with my Project Debut Carbon turntable at the ready, I immediately picked up the Blackened Recordings 2014 vinyl reissues but was immediately disappointed. While the thrash elements come through loud and clear, and everything is where it should be in the mix, this vinyl reissue has a concealed sound that results in a more restricted soundstage lacking in depth and character. Perhaps the best way to explain it is the speakers don’t disappear and the sense of being in the studio with the band is gone as you’re not enveloped in sound. Unfortunately, it doesn’t get any better when listening via headphones.
Now, as fans would know, Ride The Lightning was remastered in 2016 and while I’ve considered picking up another copy, from that particular re-issue series, I remain cautious having been disappointed before. That said, I’ve been blown away by the TIDAL Master 24/96 kHz edition as it simply sounds right. The soundstage is massive and the depth across all aspects of the recording is there to be experienced. Plus, it plays LOUD, but without the expected distortion or fatigue one may associate with hotly mastered recordings.
The Apple Digital Master counterpart, while identical in tonality, lacks a sense of drive and sounds a little veiled for my liking; a shame considering most of Apple Music’s Apple Digital Masters are fantastic for lossy-based recordings. However, in this case, having compared the two, the differences are too vast to ignore and subsequently, I’d have to say that the TIDAL Master is the best I’ve ever heard Ride the Lightning sound and when streaming music can sound this good, it makes me question if I should spend more money for another vinyl copy that may, or may not, be it’s equal or up to my expectations.
Fight Fire With Fire is a killer intro. That acoustic-styled introduction never gets old and as it builds to the crescendo, you know you’re in for a treat. This is thrash metal 101 and I don’t know about you, but I love it.
Ride The Lightning flows beautifully from the explosion that closed Fight Fire With Fire. That guitar riff is absolutely amazing. Get your air guitars out, ladies and gentlemen, for you will need them. That mid-song shift is off-the-charts and while the vinyl record doesn’t present the drum tracking well, the TIDAL Master stream sure does and the depth is mesmerising. Metallica’s music doesn’t get much better than this and the final elements of the song are so good that there are no words to adequately describe the experience for you really need to experience it for yourself.
For Whom The Bell Tolls is EPIC!
Fade To Black has an interesting country twang to it, that is before the electric guitar riff takes the song to a completely different level. Although, as long-time listeners of this album would note, the song returns to the semi-acoustic element throughout. It’s a masterful composition and Fade To Black is one song, on Ride The Lightning, that truly showcases the dexterity of not only Metallica’s musicality but Hetfield’s vocal capabilities.
Trapped Under Ice is a killer tune that doesn’t let up for the entire 4-minute runtime. Although, I’ve always felt the mix is a little off. I’d likely boost the bass and drum elements by a couple of decibels if given the chance.
Escape is a song that some may class as a B-Side, but when you’ve got songs such as Ride The Lightning, For Whom The Bell Tolls, and Fade To Black on the same record, one or two tracks have to take a backseat. Without those aforementioned tracks, however, this would be a AAA song and I thoroughly enjoy it. The siren towards the end of the song is a nice touch!
Creeping Death is fantastic and constantly evolving. Every element is perfect and it’s one of the best songs on the album.
The Call Of Ktulu is pure gold and is one of the greatest songs Metallica, or anyone, has ever recorded. I love it, but the best rendition I’ve ever heard is the live performance from their legendary S & M concert. Nevertheless, it always compels me to listen to the album again.
Overall, Ride The Lightning remains one of the greatest thrash metal records ever recorded and is a worthy addition to any thrash metal music-lover’s collection.
