Metallica's ...And Justice For All has been marred with controversy since its release in 1988. While I wouldn’t experience the album until I became captivated by Metallica, following their Self-Titled (Black Album) and Load-era releases, I found an instant liking for the raw production of …And Justice For All.
Yes, there are those who dislike the album, often due to the minuscule bass element with the new bassist, at the time, Jason Newsted following Cliff Burton's death. However, while I acknowledge the bass is lacking, I look at the album from a different perspective whereby one could suggest the lack of bass emphasis was a fitting tribute to Burton. Subsequently, I don't subscribe to the ...And Justice For Jason memes. While anything is possible, I’ll be content if the mix is never altered as it wouldn't be the same album. There is an undeniable sonic signature to …And Justice For All, similar to the rawness of St. Anger, that I admire. Change the mix and you risk changing the magic that is ...And Justice For All.
That said, with the recent Deluxe Edition reissues, …And Justice For All has never sounded so good. While this review includes aspects of the 2014 Blackened Recordings Vinyl Reissue (BLCKND007-1), this particular release should be avoided at all costs. Yes, Stephen Gorman's artwork is exquisite on the larger canvas. Although, the green lettering hasn't aged well in my opinion and always reminds me of Mötley Crüe’s Dr. Feelgood cover art as the green tonality is so similar. While I’d love to say the artwork has been faithfully reproduced, the liner notes in this pressing are available as an extra slip-in sheet, versus being used as vinyl inner sleeves. Instead, we get the most god-awful rice paper sleeves that scuff the vinyl. Sandpaper may have been kinder! Seriously, I know these sleeves are cheap to produce, but if you release a premium product, commanding a premium price, you would be best advised to invest a little more in the manufacturing. Perhaps most disappointing is that this is released on the artists' own record label. Metallica has full control over Blackened Recordings, so this cheapness amazes me and is an insult to fans.
Another change that defies explanation is the removal of the album artwork from the centre of the records. We now get a black background with green text. While it doesn't look bad, it doesn't look nearly as good as early pressings in my opinion. Nevertheless, it is all about the music, so let’s discuss that aspect.
This particular vinyl re-issue is a sonic nightmare and is adequate at best. The surface noise is distracting and the overall sound signature is flat. Like really flat. Flat as a tack with little to no dynamic prowess to speak of. Yes, it is mastered quietly, thereby encouraging you to turn the volume up, but it doesn’t help. Now, you might be saying that this is a byproduct of Newsted’s limited bass tracking being heard in the mix. I’d have to disagree as the TIDAL Master 24/96 kHz edition blows my mind…literally! I’ve honestly never heard the album sound so good. There is an Apple Digital Master equivalent, but as close as it comes to the TIDAL Master, it falls short in dynamics and ultimate drive. When listening to the TIDAL Master edition, you’ll likely forget the lack of bass as this edition will reverberate through your soul. While I was considering picking up the 2018 vinyl reissue, when music sounds this good streamed, one has to question what the end goal is. It’s a case of once bitten, twice shy.
Blackened is symphonic metal heaven, as much of Metallica's music is. It’s heavy, raw, and distorted to hell and back, but turn that volume to 11 as it’s the best way to enjoy this exceptional album starter.
...And Justice For All has a gorgeous acoustic introduction before the metal elements take control. Such a wonderful composition! Despite its length, I’ve never felt the song is self-indulgent and every note is thoroughly appreciated. Plus, Hammett’s guitar solo is what air guitar dreams are made of.
Eye Of The Beholder has a slow burn, to begin with, but once the volume hits its peak, and that riff kicks in, it's fantastic. Well, that is until Hetfield starts singing. I’ve always had a love/hate relationship with the vocal presentation on this song and its overly processed nature. That said, the rhythmic chorus is thoroughly addictive and it’s the perfect attitude-fuelled song to listen to when you're angry.
One is exceptional!
The Shortest Straw is the perfect song, with the perfect tempo, to follow on from One. It’s head-banging gold. You have to love that chorus, one of Hetfield’s best in my opinion.
Harvester Of Sorrow has a killer rhythm, but I have always felt the introduction for the song is just too long. As the first single off the album, it was an interesting choice, especially considering the intro wasn't edited. While I love this song, it simply isn’t single material in my opinion.
The Frayed Ends Of Sanity is demonic. I love it!
To Live Is To Die, again, has that gorgeous acoustic element to it. Part of me just wants it to continue every time I listen to the song, but as a fan of Metallica's epic instrumental tracks, I know only too well that they must come to an end.
Dyers Eve is my song. I live for it. It identifies me. It may not be the strongest song on the album, but just as it is a homage to Hetfield's parents, so too is it to mine. There is literally no other song, by any artist, in any genre, that I identify with more. Dyers Eve is textbook thrash metal and while I may have a biased viewpoint, I think it’s fair to declare this as one of Metallica’s best songs and one of their last true thrash masterpieces.
Overall, there isn't a bad song to be found on ...And Justice For All. If you can get past the bass controversy, you're going to find an album that is arguably more riff-driven than any other in history.