Most fans agree that Metallica’s first three albums—Kill ‘Em All, Ride the Lightning, and Master of Puppets—are thrash metal masterpieces. Their 1988 album, …And Justice for All is up for debate. The first album since the tragic loss of bassist Cliff Burton and the introduction of Jason Newstead is loved by many. However, some fans say the band died with Burton. However, there is little debate about the band’s output in the ‘90s.
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Put kindly, many fans see the trio of albums Metallica released in the ‘90s as a low point for the band. Some were still on board after the release of their 1991 self-titled album (The Black Album). However, when Load dropped in 1996 very few held out hope for Bay Area thrashers. The next year brought Reload, causing more fans to check out.
In Defense of Metallica’s ‘90s Albums
Metallica’s sound changed drastically in the ‘90s. There’s debating that. In fact, some would say that they sounded like a totally different band by the time they released Load in ’96. Those are fair criticisms. However, that doesn’t mean those albums don’t contain great songs. After all, they’re not St. Anger.
Here are four songs that prove Metallica was still making good music in the ‘90s.
1. “Wherever I May Roam” from Metallica
“Wherever I May Roam” is an easy standout from Metallica’s self-titled album. The song features a sitar backed by a 12-string bass in the intro followed by one of the band’s most memorable riffs of the decade.
Lyrically, “Wherever I May Roam” is a classic road song. It’s about trading the comfort and stability of a normal life for the freedom and excitement of constantly traveling. The band knew plenty about traveling the world by the time The Black Album dropped in 1991.
2. “King Nothing” from Load
Load saw the band stepping further away from their thrash roots. With their 1996 release, the band changed more than their sound. They cut their hair, put on makeup, and changed their logo. To say that it was a shock to longtime fans would be an understatement. However, tracks like “King Nothing” save it from being as bad as some say it is.
Lyrically, “King Nothing” is about people who are greedy and out only to serve their petty interests. Lyrics like Just want one thing, just to play the king / But the castle’s crumbled and you’re left with just a name drive the point home.
3. “Fixxxer” from Reload
Reload saw Metallica moving further away from their roots. While no one would call this a thrash record, it makes for a top-notch alternative rock release. “Fixxxer” is a great example of their flirtation with the prevailing style of the decade.
“Fixxxer” features some of James Hetfield’s most interesting songwriting. He has never talked about the inspiration for the song or what it means. However, many believe that the song is about trying to heal from childhood trauma.
4. “Low Man’s Lyric” from Reload
“Low Man’s Lyric” is another standout cut from Reload. Written from the perspective of a homeless addict, it’s one of the most emotionally heavy tracks on the album.
The song’s protagonist is writing to a loved one in what some listeners believe is a suicide note. However, it’s not explicitly stated. However, the hopelessness of the song’s subject is palpable. The lyrics touch on self-deception, relapsing after periods of sobriety, and the prevailing need for forgiveness after a life seemingly wasted.
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