Some Kind of Monster

Recording information: HQ, San Rafael, CA (06/11/2003); Paris, France (06/11/2003).
Illustrator: Matt Mahurin.
Released in conjunction with the lauded 2004 documentary of the same name, SOME KIND OF MONSTER, like its film counterpart, features Metallica in raw and intense form. In addition to two versions of the pummeling title track (taken from ST. ANGER), this EP presents the long-running metal band performing at a 2003 concert in Paris, charging through six of their classic mid-'80s tunes.
Although frontman James Hetfield's voice has lost some of its signature snarl, the quartet still knows its way around some seriously fierce tunes, as evidenced by formidable renditions of "Damage Inc." and "Hit the Lights." While drummer Lars Ulrich and bassist Robert Trujillo throw down tight rhythms, the true highlight of this outing proves to be Kirk Hammett's blistering guitar solos, which proudly reveal that these elder statesmen still know how to rock.