Christopher S Greer
Optimism One
English 101
29 January 2009
All Time Classic Albums: Metallica’s Load
One of the most overlooked records in heavy metal music is Metallica’s sixth full length
album Load released in 1996 after a long pause from worldwide touring, and the multi
platinum success of 1991’s self-titled “Black” album, the boys were back with a new look and
sound and a lot of hardcore and faithful fans began to say, they had sold out. Giving up
their roots of long hair and alcohol fueled music, the new sound seemed like light rock when
compared to earlier achievements such as their debut effort Kill Em’ All or 1986’s metal opus
Master of Puppets. Not the case to a long time dedicated fan like myself.
I see Load as one of Metallica’s greatest alums of all times. Not only for the bands
dedication to writing complex structured songs with classic metal overtones, but it can also be
classified as a rock album too. A melting pot of great songs that is truly unique in head banging
fashion, from metal, and rock, to country inspired songs Load has been one of my all times
favorite album for quite some time now. Why do I think it should be considered a classic?
I’d just like to say “because I do” but not without good argument of course. Though I am having
a hard time trying to compare the whole album to a particular artist, each and every one of
Metallica’s albums are indeed different, but they all sound original.
Being considered contributors to the New Wave of British Heavy Metal, with bands like
Judas Priest and Iron Maiden, Metallica formed in Los Angeles in 1981, and were exclusively
influenced by British heavy metal through drummer Lars Ulrich’s collection of UK metal albums.
As I sit and listen to Load there is a lot of American artists influence in each and every one
of their songs. The first track, Ain’t My Bitch opens a classic rock...