Thrashcast Episode 48: Metallica's "Master Of Puppets" from 1986
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Thrashcast is the place to find riveting discussions on classic thrash albums, news and reviews. Your hosts are three thrash loving maniacs who grew up during the golden age of the genre. Kenneth, Billy and Jim will get together weekly to bring you a deep dive on some of your favourite thrash records.
Show Notes:
Episode Forty-Eight: This week we discuss a seminal thrash classic with Metallica's Master Of Puppets. This is the third release from the band and was released March 3rd, 1986 on Elektra Records. The album is considered a step-up in terms of the complexity with the song writing and dynamic arrangements. It peaked at number 29 on the Billboard 200 and received wide critical acclaim from fans and critics.
Master of Puppets is widely considered one of the greatest and influential record of all time. It was certifed six times platinum and became the first metal album to be picked by the Library of Congress for preservationin the National Recording Registry. The album was recorded at Sweet Silence studios in Copenhagen, Denmark and was originally meant to be produced by Geddy Lee of Rush fame, however he wasn't able to work out a schedule with the band. They decided to go with Flemming Rassmusen instead.
This album was the final work for bassist Cliff Burton who died on a bus crash while touring in Europe. The band went on to bring in Jason Newsted as the new bassist who joined them on the later half of the Damage Inc touring cycle. The majority of the songs delivered multi-layered song writing with complexity and technical dexterity. Many themes such as control and abuse of power are found on the songs, in addition to lyrics that discussed alienation, oppression and the feeling powerlessness. The album is considered a masterpiece.
Fun Facts: The album artwork was designed by Metallica and Peter Mensch. Artist Don Brautigam was brought in to paint the cover and depicted the inconic image of white crosses in a cemetary and flanked by orange war infused sky.
Kenneth Gallant, HMS
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