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S&M
Metal · 1999 · 21 tracks

S&M

A collision of thrash metal and the San Francisco Symphony. Cinematic brass and sweeping strings transform stadium anthems into gothic, widescreen epics.

November 22, 1999 · 666 Records (9)

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S&M is a monumental collision between the raw, percussive power of heavy metal and the sophisticated textures of a full symphony orchestra. It represents a rare moment where a band at the peak of their commercial powers chose to deconstruct their own legacy, inviting composer Michael Kamen to weave intricate woodwind, brass, and string arrangements into their most aggressive compositions. The result is a sound that feels both ancient and modern, turning mosh-pit staples into sweeping, cinematic narratives that possess a newfound emotional depth.

Tracklist · 21 Tracks
01
The Ecstasy of Gold
2:31
02
The Call of Ktulu
9:34
03
Master of Puppets
8:55
04
Of Wolf and Man
4:19
05
The Thing That Should Not Be
7:27
06
Fuel
4:36
07
The Memory Remains
4:42
08
No Leaf Clover
5:43
09
Hero of the Day
4:45
10
Devil’s Dance
5:26
11
Bleeding Me
9:02
12
Nothing Else Matters
6:48
13
Until It Sleeps
4:30
14
For Whom the Bell Tolls
4:52
15
−Human
4:20
16
Wherever I May Roam
7:01
17
Outlaw Torn
9:59
18
Sad but True
5:46
19
One
7:53
20
Enter Sandman
7:39
21
Battery
7:25
Moments Worth Listening For
The transition in 'The Call of Ktulu' where the brass section mirrors the descending guitar harmony.
The way 'No Leaf Clover' introduces a haunting oboe melody before the heavy distortion kicks in.
The moment in 'Master of Puppets' where the orchestra takes over the iconic mid-song breakdown.
The swelling cinematic climax of 'The Outlaw Torn' that stretches the original's bluesy grit into a grand finale.
Reviews

How does S&M sound next to the rest of Metallica's catalogue?

Cathedral+4.0σ

Cathedral saturates this record far more than the artist's norm.

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