Warthur Showing an incredible degree of musical development over the comparatively simplistic Kill 'Em All, Ride the Lightning sees Metallica exorcise the ghost of Dave Mustaine from their sound and establish their own technically proficient brand of thrash. Not afraid to incorporate the occasional quiet, gentler moment into the music, as on Fade to Black, the album finds the band less interested in empty metal posturing as on its predecessor and filled with confidence. And they have plenty to be confident about, with all-time thrash classics like The Call of Ktulu, Creeping Death, and the title track under their belt. Simply put, this is essential metal.

Sheavy (original review from ProgArchives.com)

Just starting to Master. This album is much stronger than their debut by a long shot. the song writing has been stepped up a lot and the songs are over-all much more memorable. their is also a lot more Prog in this album than their debut, like the beginning of Fight Fir With Fire, with its nice acoustic guitar and what almost sounds like a organ, before it stops and a wall of guitar starts hammering you. one of the best moments in all metal history for me. there are still some weak tracks like, Escape, and Trapped Under ice, which I think is highly overrated. The rest of the songs show a much more mature band than their debut, with mostly good songs all around.

a great addition to any collection if you somehow have managed to live under a rock and do not have this album, or know much about it.

UMUR "Ride the Lightning" is the 2nd full-length studio album by US thrash metal act Metallica. The album was released in August 1984 by Elektra Records. After the success of their debut album "Kill ´em All (1983)" the band was expected to release something equally groundbreaking with their second album and "Ride the Lightning" is indeed a big step forward for Metallica in every possible way. Rather than staying in the US to record the album Metallica went to Denmark to record with prolific Danish producer Flemming Rasmussen (Blind Guardian, Morbid Angel among others) at the Sweet Silence studios on Amager (an island outside Copenhagen). Three singles were released with the album in "Fade to Black", "Creeping Death" and "For Whom the Bell Tolls". The album has at this moment in time sold more than 5 million copies in the US alone. It´s noteworthy that former guitarist Dave Mustaine (Megadeth) is credited for co-writing the two tracks "Ride the Lightning" and "The Call of Ktulu" which suggests that those songs (or parts of the songs) were written even before the release of "Kill ´em All" (apparently The Call of Ktulu was featured on an early demo called "When Hell Freezes Over").

The music on "Ride the Lightning" is a lot more sophisticated than the music on "Kill ´em All" and it´s a lot more varied too. The layered guitar work is impressive and innovative, the songs are cleverly composed with more than a few twists and turns and with an improved sound production too "Ride the Lightning" actually comes off as a rather mature effort by a band that were still very young. Regarding the sound production it´s very strong for the time. The production is way ahead of it´s time IMO and I can´t seem to recall any other thrash metal album from that early in the eighties which featured such a professional sound production.

The three songs chosen as singles "Fade to Black", "Creeping Death" and "For Whom the Bell Tolls" are all thrash metal classics in my book and as far as I recall they´ve played those three songs every time I´ve seen Metallica live. The rest of the songs are strong compositions too (even though I don´t appreciate the awful staccato vocal rythm in the verse of "Fight Fire with Fire") but I don´t count any of them as classics. The instrumental "The Call of Ktulu" starts the tradition of long instrumental songs on Metallica´s eighties albums.

The level of musicianship has increased greatly since the debut and Kirk Hammet´s guitar solos are more varied and melodic this time around which is a great treat IMO. James Hetfield´s voice still sounds a bit imature but there is a notable difference between his performance on this album and his performance on the debut. Overall the band´s performance is tight and powerful.

"Ride the Lightning" spawned what I think of as three thrash metal classics and greatly increased Metallica´s popularity. It´s considered a seminal thrash metal album by many and rightly so. I still think there are a couple of tracks that aren´t on par with the best material on the album. Tracks like "Fight Fire with Fire", "Trapped Under Ice" and "Escape" aren´t exactly classics in my book and my rating drops slightly because of those tracks. Still a 3.5 - 4 star rating is warranted.

Stooge Ride the Lightning is one of those metal albums that in most circles is an undisputed classic. It’s undoubtedly a classic album, but there are a few factors that keep me from branding Metallica’s second album as an essential release.

The quality of the material on this album takes a bit of a dive towards the middle of the album, with the songs that I would consider as subpar being “Trapped Under Ice” and “Escape”. “Trapped Under Ice” is a rather thrashy tune that should please all simply wishing to bang their head at break-neck speed, but structurally this song always felt a bit jagged and rough around the edges. Not a terrible track by any means though. “Escape” is a rather odd track. The verse and chorus don’t sound like a match to me. This track was definitely not suited for the band’s style at that point. That being said, the intro riff is rather cool, and reminds me of Mercyful Fate.

As for the rest of the album? You won’t hear many complaints from me, other than the fact the instrumental “The Call of Ktulu” drags a bit towards the end, but is otherwise a fine composition. “Fight Fire With Fire” and the title track kick off the proceedings in glorious, thrashing fashion. The next two songs have deservedly become Metallica classics. “For Whom The Bell Tolls” is a testament to the power of a simplistic, spacious song, with an emphasis on heaviness and atmosphere over speed. “Fade to Black” was a departure from anything the band was known for at the time, but proved to be rather successful. Many thrash bands from this point onward would look here as inspiration on how to write a successful metal ballad. The album spawns a third classic track with “Creeping Death”, which contains some of the bands best riffing ever. The chorus is highly enjoyable as well, and the song always works well when performed live.

Ride the Lightning is a great album that I’d easily recommend.

bonnek If Metallica's debut had revealed only little of the direction Metallica was heading for, their sophomore effort leaves little room for doubt. Their intensity and harshness were maintained, but the band had become much more versatile in ways to express it.

The speedy opener Fight Fire with Fire stays true to the debuts method: loud, aggressive, fast, vicious and uncompromising. It's one of their best songs in this style, but Metallica's qualities lay in another direction. Where Megadeth and Slayer proved to be better contenders for speed and evil, Metallica had the knack to write big dramatic epics. They were not only authentic enough for thrash fans but also sufficiently catchy, musical and accessible to attract people from outside the inner circles of the metal underground.

Metallica learned an important lesson in the year since their debut. Metal isn’t just about aggression and speed but also about power and heaviness. Ride The Lightening achieves this by varying the edgy riffing with slower drum rhythms. For Whom The Bell Tolls goes even a step further and comes close to epic doom metal. Tony Iommi must have been proud hearing this one.

Fade To Black introduces acoustic guitars and quality balladry in the verses. A thundering chorus and great harmonic leads make it into another metal classic. Trapped Under Ice returns to the speed idiom of the first album. Escape is the odd one out on this album, it’s a catchy and almost anthemic hard rock tune with a great 70’s vibe despite the thrashy riffing.

If the previous onslaught of elevated metal wasn’t enough, Creeping Death adds another classic to the list. The album ends with the instrumental Call of Ktulu, a definite progressive moment. This isn’t just a succession of metal riffs or a jam with guitar solos. It’s a carefully crafted epic monster that goes through a number of developing themes with a distinct proggy feel. It won’t beat Rush’s Villa Strangiato for me but it has a similar feel.

The big arenas that Maiden was filling back then were lurking at Metallica’s horizon. Coming from the same year as Maiden’s Powerslave, I would have a hard time picking a 1984 metal favorite, but this is sure my Metallica fovorite.

poslednijat_colobar A Thrash Metal Classic

With Ride the Lightning begins the best period in Metallica's history, which will last about two more studio albums. It's amazing how a band can mature so much only for a year. It's necessary a lot of talent to do such an achievement. After the debut album, which I consider as amateurish, Ride the Lightning can satisfy much more the musical fan. All songs are much better than on Kill 'Em All. The production and musicianship are of high quality. The genre is much more polished and pure thrash metal. The album consists of some classic Metallica's songs, including my favourite - The Call of Ktulu . The album contains a lot of progressive themes, that make big influence on future arising progressive metal genre. Surely above 4 stars, rounded up to 4,5 stars!

The Angry Scotsman An album of progression for Metallica, this was a step from the pure thrash of Kill Em All and one towards more complex and composed music. It is still thrashy, and can be much thrashier than Kill Em All! Unlike KEA which can get a bit dull with it simple open E string tremolo picking, and power choards, Ride the Lightning is a bit more complex with its riffing which is not only nice, but makes it more intense. Of course there is Lars' simple, (though effective enough) drumming, Cliff's bass playing which can be good but honestly mirrors the guitar really, (I noticed he often played the role of musician and not virtuoso) and James' scruffy vocals.

Fight Fire With Fire. Starts off differently from KEA but throws us into some intense thrash. Good riffing, and Kirk's decent but unspectacular solos. Vocals can be a tad annoying at times.

Ride the Lightning. A good mid tempo song, at least for a while. Song has some decent variation.

For Whom the Bell Tolls. A slower song, this is one of those really good Metallica songs that does not get too much talk. Not the most technical/complex but it is very well constructed. More musical and well composed then technical and mind blowing. Really good.

Fade to Black. My favorite song on the album. More than that, it is my favorite Metallica song. Yes. Take For Whom the Bell Tolls, but make it better. A slow, more ballady song that is wonderfully built. The flow is great. One of those songs where if I just lay back and absorb it, really gives me a chill. A beautiful heavy metal ballad, but not like those cheesy crap hair metal ones. Metallica's finest point.

Trapped Under Ice. Of course we have to have a good juxtaposition and go right into thrash after that. Metallica's album layout, (though not a big deal really) can be a bit bland and predictable. I mean 4th song ballad? Look out for that in the future... Anyway, this is a good thrashy song, filled with solos and a nice middle section to mix it up. Good, but honestly not anything special.

Escape. The worst song on the album. It's not that bad, but its certainly not real good. Simple, real simple song. A bit boring.

Creeping Death. Luckily, we rebound here. Good song layout with some pretty good riffing, some variation, well composed and some interesting music.

The Call of Ktulu. The last Mustaine song written, (at least in terms of making it onto albums) should be no surprise this song is quite complex and progressive. This 9 minute instrumental has some great dual guitar work, lots of clean guitar, long mellow (and fairly minimal) sections and has a real progression to it. No section A, B, A, B, C here. This song really feels like it moves. A challenging song, very well done!

This is very good album. It can be more intense then KEA ever was, it can be beautiful. This album was a step in the right direction for Metallica. A thrashy, complex, and well composed album. Trapped Under Ice and Escape are weak songs, and I usually don't bother to listen. Some parts can drag a bit. Standout tracks: For Whom the Bell Tolls, Call of Ktulu, and their Magnus Opus, Fade to Black.

Four and a Half Stars

Conor Fynes 'Ride The Lightning' - Metallica (7/10)

Regardless of it's chronological significance as a turning point in the crossover between progressive and metal music, 'Ride The Lightning' represents a turn for Metallica to a more intelligent, complex form of music. While I have never truly considered myself wto be a fan of Metallica and their music, this is an album I can appreciate. It's probably not as enjoyable for me as it is for those who actively enjoy Metallica, but I can definately see the talent this band has.

But why not a masterpiece? First of all, this album lacks the sheer enjoyment and emotional factors that a 5 star rating would warrant. One of the main problems I've had with Metallica is their lack of emotional content. Hammett's soloing style can get annoying, seeing as it's more or less lackluster blues-influenced shredding. Talented, but hollow.

Also, some of the songwriting could have been much better with a little bit of touching up. For example, the chorus of 'Fight Fire With Fire' can get exasperating, and (arguably) the most progressive song on the album; the Lovecraft inspired 'Call of Ktulu' passes me as being a tad repetitive, especially for a song that clocks in at almost 9 minutes long.

My main problem with Metallica has always been James Hetfield's irritating holler... However, in 'Ride The Lightning,' his voice works, at least for the majority of the album. There's nothing special about his shouting style, but at least for this release, it doesn't necessarily detract from anything.

Then there are songs like 'Fade To Black,' which really stand out as being epic, even brilliant. There's alot of references to the works of horror author H.P Lovecraft in 'Ride The Lightning' which I found contributed to my appreciation of the content (Lovecraft being one of my favourite authors.) In this way, the topical content generally passed me as being rather progressive in nature, and intriguing.

Overall, it's more of an album for fans of metal. If I was rating this album solely on metal merit, I would be more willing to give it a five-star rating. However, from a progressive standpoint, 'Ride The Lightning' remains very significant, but just not mind-blowing or enjoyable enough to warrant a perfect rating.

AtomicCrimsonRush I played this to death when I first got hold of it in 1984. It still retains it's power to pummel the senses.

I heard the opening track on a radio metal show, 'Fight Fire With Fire' and was mesmirised by the sheer ferocity of the breakneck riffs. The way it begins with an acoustic intro has become a standard trademark for metal albums. The lyrics were simple 'the ending is near, bursting with fear, we all shall die.' Obviously bleak but it was all tongue in cheek really. Optimism where needed and just the correct dosage of pessimism as Metallica spit out at social injustice and the fact that Armageddon is nearing - the end of the world was a popular theme that became part of metal mythology.

'Ride the Lightning' continues the theme of death from a more localised point of view. A man sentenced to the chair screams out at his injustice at being killed for his crimes. Or is it a dream? Metallica are never really clear on this but the point is this is a headbanger's dream. Brutal, simple riffs put to a complex arrangement of light and dark textures.

'For Whom the Bell Tolls' is the sleeper on the album that quickly became a crawl metal classic - a fan favourite that translated brilliantly to live shows. The riffs are easy but the way they are arranged gives the track a masterful sense of doom, complete with clanging bells and fuzzed bass notes.

'Fade to Black' is a 7 minute track that begins quietly and emotively sang and switches time signatures to a massive finale with crunching guitars and screaming solos. The 80s had never encountered anything like it. Even the critics had to sit up and take notice.

'Trapped Under Ice' is one of the lesser known Metallica tracks, rarely played live - it is as straight forward as it gets - just played fast, with nasty lyrics of entrapment and fear, a common theme, and when it ends you know you have another head banger.

'Escape' is another track that feels more throwaway but it is still better than anything on 'St Anger'.

'Creeping Death' is absolutely brilliant with searing lead breaks and a complex metrical pattern that shifts in many directions. The content focuses on the pharaoh of the Bible who said he would not let Moses' people go and therefore was plagued by locusts and firestorms until the final culmination of the creeping death - the angel of death that takes the souls of the firstborn sons, including the pharaohs. An excellent lyric performed with relish from Hetfield backs up the tantalising relentless riffs. It is the best track on the album and I live the ending with all the variations of the main motif that sound fresh and as exciting even after the 50th listen.

'The Call of Ktulu' is a 9 minute instrumental that is as good as 'Orion' in content and structure. It moves in many different directions and works beautifully live with a symphony orchestra as on 'S & M'. I once did not even listen to this very much, but now I realise it is the proggiest track on the album and not really for metal heads. It was a brave move for Metallica to include it but it stands the test of time as being one of the best of prog metal.

I can only conclude by stating that this second album is one that any metal band at the time would have died for. It put the name of Metallica on the lips of all metalheads, and it paved the way for the piece de resistance with 'Masters of Puppets'.

Stephen Bridging the rawness of "Kill Em All" and the maturity level of "Master of Puppets", this second release by Metallica is simply a metal perfection. It seems that they evolve to a better phase after the debut, but what makes this record glows is on the "Creeping Death" track alone. Written by the whole band after inspired by the God's plague on the Egyptians from the movie "The Ten Commandments" and the book of Exodus, this song is a mandatory part on each of their gig setlist and became my all-time fave Metallica track. From the ruthless roar of "Slaves, hebrews born to serve" to the slaughtering chops of "Die by my hand!", "Creeping Death" unleashed a fearsome slash of classic Metallica wrapped in a grandiose composition.

Another bright spotlight of the album is "For Whom The Bell Tolls" and "Fade To Black". "Bell" started with Burton's savvy slapping and a gigantic gong, the song quickly burst into an electrifying doom-ambient rhythm. "Fade" is a beautiful gem with a sorrowful acoustical intro that gives me goose bumps at times. This is probably their first attempt of creating a ballad and the song flows smoothly before erupted with an explosive Hammet solos which cited as one of the best metal solos of all time.

"Fight Fire with Fire" and "Trapped Under Ice" seems like a contrast yin-yang title but both of them possessed the same typical demonic thrash riffage. While "Call of Ktulu" is probably my least favorite track of the album, actually nothing bad about it at all, it's just an instrumental track that I listen occasionally depends on my mood. Hard to say anything bad about "Ride The Lightning" except this, together with "Puppets", is definitely the peak moment of Metallica.

criticdrummer94 With Metallica's second album, I love how nice and mellow it starts on Fight Fire with Fire before it just kicks in and really destroys. Metallica really improved not just in sound but musicianship, songwriting and arranging on this one. The songs are 5x better than the previous which were pretty good too. They really gelled as a band at this time and really showed. This is probably my 2nd favorite Metallica album and for good reason. They really proved they could truly play and not just thrash all the time but could also have melody and slow down every once in a while. Overall, this is a phenomenal album and recommend this one as your start into Metallica. 5 stars. Highlights: Fight Fire with Fire, Ride the Lighting, For Whom the Bell Tolls, Fade to Black, Trapped Under Ice, Creeping Death and The Call of Ktulu

friso Metallica - Ride the Lightning (1984)

This thrash-metal album is perhaps my favorite of the genre. The sound of the band is amazing and the song-writing had become way more innovative and even melodic than on the debut. The albums has some metal-classics like For Whom the Bell Tolls, Fade to Black, Creeping Death and of course Metallica's first progressive metal epic The Call of Ktulu.

The rock'n roll and punk influences of the debut were excluded and a modern thrash metal sound saw the daylight on this album. Fight Fire with Fire is even pointed at as the beginning of the speed-metal genre. The musicianship is very strong, but the main ingredient of this album is still the memorable song-writing for me. Songs like For Whom the Bell Tolls and Fade to Black are very sticky and have an emotional impact. Another favorable element of the album is the fact it doesn't have a weak track.

Conclusion. A great thrash-metal album with some amazing song-writing and musicianship. The impact of tracks like Fade to Black and The Call of the Ktulu make this a special record within the genre. A very innovative and important record for the genre, but it also influenced the progressive metal quite a lot. Four and a halve stars.

Valarius It's hard to believe how much Metallica's music had matured within a year of their debut album ‘Kill 'Em All’. With plenty of clean guitar melodies and guitar harmonies, this is a band that has grown tighter and stronger as time went by.

James Hetfield seems to be more confident as a singer here, and the band all-round seem a lot more comfortable with where they are headed musically. The lyrics are better thought out and the song- writing as a whole is a lot more complex and established than what we heard on their previous album.

Though some of these songs are instant classics such as ‘For Whom the Bell Tolls’, ‘Fade to Black’, ‘Creeping Death’ and ‘The Call of Ktulu’, there is a problem with tracks five and six. Though not terribly bad songs, they have a horrible smell of filler lingering around them. A fact shown true by the band themselves, who never play them live. And let's be honest here, is there anyone who can actually claim that their favourite Metallica song is ‘Trapped Under Ice’?!

As with Kill 'Em All, these songs do not take away any momentum of the album. The album flows smoothly all the way untill the last melodies of ‘The Call of Ktulu’. One of the biggest Heavy Metal albums of all time, there’s enough diversity here that non-Metal fans may even like what they hear.