by Erik Batkiewicz
It’s been more than 40 years since Metallica released their sophomore album Ride the Lightning, a follow-up to their successful debut album, 1983’s Kill ‘em All. This album was a massive step forward in their sound as thrash metal artists, with more intricate solos, verses, and lyrics. Co-founders James Hetfield and Lars Ulrich knew if they wanted to improve from their debut record, a change of scenery for Ride the Lighting was needed. From February to March of 1984, Metallica recorded the LP at Sweet Silence Studio in Copenhagen, Denmark with producer Flemming Rasmussen. Although they were only in the studio for about two months, the band had most of the material for the album written, dating back to recordings in 1982.
When first getting into the band at 12 years old, I was exposed to Metallica’s “Through the Never” movie/concert hybrid. The first song from the live setlist was “Creeping Death,” the 7th track on Ride the Lighting. From the first listen, I was instantly hooked on the band and that specific record; from the main riff that sends us into the verse and the famous bridge riff in the middle section of the song. If you’re not familiar with the song, the slow-tempo riff is paired with backing lyrics that repeatedly say “Die, Die, Die.” If you’re a fan of any metal, how could you not enjoy that part of the song?
“Creeping Death” will always be my first love from Metallica, even though there are seven other songs that you can make an argument for being better. The most popular song based on total streams, “For Whom the Bell Tolls,” can make the most compelling case. The song opens with a bass lead written by the late Cliff Burton, setting the tone for a fantastic, heavy song. It was catchy and sluggish, a different avenue Metallica went down at the time. Another that was controversial for the time was “Fade to Black.” This song was the first ballad the band had ever written and was shunned by the underground “metal elitists.” Some fans didn’t enjoy the song because it wasn’t metal, and they “went soft.” “Fade to Black” is one of the most beautiful and extensive songs I’ve ever heard. James Hetfield paints a picture of a person struggling with depression and dives into their deepest issues.
What’s mind-boggling to me is that the band members were 19 and 20 years old when they released the album. It’s so impressive how young they were to produce such a complex and intriguing album. The song can connect with anyone from a musical or lyrical standpoint. Since it’s a ballad, intensity builds toward the middle part of the song and shows serious metal elements musically.
While these songs are some of the most influential to the band’s transformational success, some other songs are worth noting. If you want an ultimate thrash metal song and you’re into the more intense side of metal, I recommend listening to the opening track, “Fight Fire with Fire.” If you enjoy intricate guitars and drums, I suggest listening to the title track, “Ride the Lighting.”
This album holds a special place in my heart and I’ll always value the greatness of the work Metallica put together in 1984. Below is my full ranking of Ride the Lighting, which accounts for all aspects of songwriting, lyrics, and musicianship.
My ranking of Ride the Lighting:
“Creeping Death”
“Fade to Black”
“Ride the Lighting”
“Fight Fire with Fire”
“For Whom the Bell Tolls”
“The Call of Ktulu”
“Trapped Under Ice”
“Escape”
