Alright, this one might demand some explanation.

I have a general dislike of Metallica. I have not been quiet about this opinion. I have said often and loudly that they are one of the most overrated bands ever. People often will retort, “the first four records though,” to which I usually respond, “first three, and even then.”

And yeah, there were plenty of better metal bands around the time that deserved the success Metallica got (Iron Maiden, Slayer, Death, to name a few).

But overrated doesn’t necessarily mean bad.

As much contrarian edgelordiness as there might be in my public smear campaign against Metallica, I can deny neither the quality of the music on this disc nor the importance Master of Puppets had in popularizing extreme metal. While Metallica have become pretty middle of the road radio rock (or has the road caught up with them?) it can’t be overstated how big a deal it was that this record broke the Billboard Top 40.

And it’s easy to see why. Some of their heaviest riffs are on this disc, but they further expand on the full-throttle thrash of their earlier albums with a greater spectrum of tempos and dynamics, stellar production, and songwriting that isn’t afraid to employ a little pop sensibility. I know some metalheads might bristle at that last bit, but you don’t take an eight-and-a-half minute single to the Top 40 without making it catchy.

And while Metallica isn’t known for their lyrical prowess, there’s a surprising depth here. Behind the lightning fast riffs, exaggerated imagery, and Cthulhu references, James Hetfield talks about the horrors of drug addiction, abuses faced by the mentally ill, corrupt religious leaders, and one of the most blistering anti-war songs of all time. “Damage Inc.” even levels its sites at the tyranny of corporate capitalism (“when did Metallica go woke?” I hear someone’s drunk uncle ask).

That lyricism wouldn’t mean as much if the musicianship wasn’t stellar. And barring Lars, everyone is in peak form here.the epic instrumental “Orion” is worth the cost of the disc on its own.

So yeah. This record is great. It’s massively important. It might even rule. But will I soften my stance on Metallica being overrated?

Ehhh…probably not.