DN> Everyone is slamming Load.. and the hard-core Metallica fans even slam
 DN> the black album.. I think it's pretty dumb.  Metallica has to evolve,
 DN> just like any band, and to chastise them for trying to do so indicates
 DN> a lack of compassion and understanding.
 DN> Besides, some of the songs on Load kick ass..  (It Ain't my Bitch,
 DN> King Nothin, 2X4, Until it Sleeps..) seems all anyone looks at is "mama
 DN> said" 
Most fans of metal seem to have tunnel vision.  They tend to think that a 
song must have heavy shredding riffs with "killer" fast leads.  By the end of
the 80s and earlier 90s everything started to become generic - same old thing
time and time again without any major changes.  Variety (along with 
experimentation) is the spice of life as the saying goes.
Some people call Metallica "sell outs" but I would have to disagree.  They 
re
simply evolving and changing the definition of Metal.  And it seems that 
etal
has lost its meaning - now the catagory is too broad.  Bands that put out 
heavy metal albums in the past are far from that label now.  Metallica and
now Megadeth (with Cryptic Writings) sound unlike anything they previously
were.
Load is definitely a great albums.  I have only one peeves about it:  Lar's
overuse of the 'splash' symbal on a couple of songs.  But thats about it.
Hetfield was, (I dont know if you know this or not), really into country 
usic
at the time Load was being conceived.  He had to write something that 
reflexed this:  Mama Said.  Not my favourite song in the world, but if you're
into country then maybe..
... Catch the Blue Wave!
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