The Greatest Metal Album Of All Time?

To me, RTL and MoP are “twin siblings”. They both have that same Flemming Rasmussen trademark production and they both have the improved songwriting and Cliff Burton influence. I love Kill ‘Em All too! The first three albums are metal gold! But the compositions and melodies are so great on the last two albums with Cliff.

James B. wrote:

∆∆∆∆∆
Awesome insight, kind of odd that Metallica 's RTL had such a huge impact and it took quite awhile to get the album that came before it. For me, I consider RTL to be the hands greatest achievement.  Cliff's contributions in songwriting and more likely arrangement as well best out his limited contributions (on paper) on MOP. I think KEA is better than MOP.

You're right, it is odd about not getting "Kill 'Em All" until much later in 1987, but I ended up being the friend in the group which got that tape first (which still happened to be under Megaforce Records at the time) and subsequently introduced that to all my friends. I had a limited purchasing power back in those days and though I bought a few tapes here and there, I should have been buying more at a quicker rate. By late summer of '87, my father had moved our family to another state. I was crushed, as that move would sort of define me, sadly. Having to move right before my junior year in High School was not an easy transition, especially in the pre technology era. There were only so many letters my friends from back home in Indiana wanted to write. Sometimes they would be sent with a tape though. In fact, I remember my good friend Gregg Harris sending me a tape with Exodus "Pleasures of the Flesh" on one side and Autograph's "Sign In Please" on the other. Hilarious, since those two albums were so very different. When I went back to Indy to visit after being gone for two months (Oct '87), I also brought the "Kill 'Em All" tape with me. I was sort of King Shit after that visit! The day I bought that tape, I also bought my first Metallica shirt, which was "Metal Up Your Ass". Still have it and it's in pretty good condition.

∆∆∆∆∆
Sorry if I came across condescending about your experience. You were what 15 in 86?
I often forget age factors in when discussing similar events in individuals pasts. Thanks for sharing!

James B. wrote:

∆∆∆∆∆
Sorry if I came across condescending about your experience. You were what 15 in 86?
I often forget age factors in when discussing similar events in individuals pasts.  Thanks for sharing!

No worries, I didn't think you came off that way. I'm aware of your experience as a young kid living in So Cal, growing up in the scene. I've always loved your Randy Rhoads story, about being too young to stay in the establishment you had just played in and having to sit outside. Then Randy passes you and the exchange you had with him.

Anyways, yes, I was 15 in '86. I grew up in a home where there were no restraints on what music I wanted to listen to. Though I loved my father's music interests (Doo-Wop/R&B), he was absolutely no road map when it came to my musical beginnings. I had no older siblings and I literally leaned on friends to shape my musical direction. Those close friends I mentioned were instrumental and then believe it or not the Tennis team. We were a highly ranked team in the state of Indiana my Freshman and Sophomore year, somewhere tucked in or around that #8, #9 or #10 both years (pre-season). On road matches our tennis coach allowed us to take the boom box/ghetto blaster on the road and listen to tunes of our choice, while he drove our bus. To say that this was an enlightening experience from a musical direction, would be an understatement. I can't say our focus was always on the match, much of the time we were jamming out to various metal tunes and I was the guinea pig soaking up much of it.

Sky Valley of course. It's not an album, it's a journey. Listen without Distraction.

I'm "almost" inclined to utilize the "display this post" option?

After putting it off for a cornucopia of frivolity, my choice is...

"The Dungeons Are Calling" by Savatage

It has the doom of Sabbath in the riffs, some British vocal melody of 70's Priest, a unique and tasty lead player that can take off on a dime as needed, and all cemented in the twisted delivery of a one of a kind singer/songwriter.

I don't think Greatest = Favourite.

But here's my quick view of great records that I personally enjoy the most out of all: