Metallica’s Ride The Lightning, unleashed upon the world on July 27, 1984, stands as a monumental album in the history of heavy metal. Released by Elektra Records, this record wasn’t just a follow-up to their debut Kill ‘Em All; it was a significant leap forward, showcasing a band rapidly evolving and solidifying their place in the burgeoning thrash metal scene. For many, Ride The Lightning remains the quintessential Metallica experience, a perfect storm of aggression, melody, and lyrical depth.
Metallica in 1984: Forging a New Path
Back in 1984, Metallica was far from the global phenomenon they are today. While they were gaining traction in the underground metal scene with Kill ‘Em All, mainstream recognition was still on the horizon. Unlike many bands chasing MTV airplay, Metallica remained fiercely independent, famously eschewing music videos at this stage of their career. This commitment to their artistic vision and raw musical power resonated deeply with fans who were seeking something heavier and more authentic than the prevailing trends. Ride The Lightning was the sound of a band hungry to push boundaries, to explore darker themes, and to refine their songwriting craft.
Track-by-Track Exploration of Ride The Lightning Songs
Ride The Lightning is an album best experienced as a whole, but each song is a distinct gem contributing to the overall brilliance. Let’s delve into each track and explore what makes them so enduring.
Fight Fire With Fire
Opening with deceptively delicate acoustic guitars, “Fight Fire With Fire” explodes into a furious thrash assault. This track serves as an immediate statement of intent, showcasing Metallica’s raw energy and speed. Lyrically, it tackles the grim topic of nuclear war, a prevalent fear during the Cold War era. While the original reviewer considered it “basic thrash,” its intensity and thematic weight make it a powerful album opener and a classic example of early thrash metal’s aggression.
Ride The Lightning
The title track, “Ride The Lightning,” shifts gears slightly, introducing a more melodic and structurally complex approach. The song explores the chilling perspective of a person facing execution by electric chair. Its dynamic shifts, from brooding verses to a galloping chorus, and Kirk Hammett’s searing guitar solo, exemplify the album’s progression beyond the pure aggression of their debut. “Ride The Lightning” is a masterclass in thrash songwriting, blending speed and technicality with a narrative punch.
For Whom The Bells Toll
“For Whom The Bells Toll” is arguably one of Metallica’s most iconic songs, instantly recognizable by its powerful, bell-tolling intro, masterminded by Cliff Burton. Inspired by Ernest Hemingway’s novel of the same name, the song vividly portrays the horrors of war. Its mid-tempo groove, punctuated by heavy riffs and James Hetfield’s commanding vocals, creates an anthemic feel. “For Whom The Bells Toll” is a staple of Metallica’s live performances and a testament to their ability to craft enduring metal anthems.
Fade To Black
“Fade To Black” marked a significant departure for Metallica, introducing a deeply emotional and introspective ballad. Beginning with clean, melancholic guitar passages, the song gradually builds in intensity, culminating in a powerful, heavy climax. Lyrically, “Fade To Black” delves into themes of despair and suicidal thoughts, a bold move for a metal band at the time. Its vulnerability and emotional honesty resonated with listeners, showcasing Metallica’s range and willingness to tackle sensitive subjects. Despite its ballad status, the song retains a heaviness that feels distinctly Metallica.
Trapped Under Ice
“Trapped Under Ice” injects a shot of adrenaline back into the album with its relentless pace and furious energy. Inspired by a near-death experience of being trapped under ice, the song is a high-octane thrash workout. The track is notable for its intricate guitar work and blistering solos, highlighting Kirk Hammett’s technical prowess. As the original reviewer noted, the guitar solos throughout “Trapped Under Ice” are a standout feature, contributing to its enduring appeal.
Escape
“Escape” is often cited as the album’s weakest track, and even Metallica themselves have expressed reservations about it. Originally intended for a different band, the song feels somewhat out of place on Ride The Lightning due to its more conventional song structure and less distinctive riffs. While not a bad song by any means, “Escape” doesn’t quite reach the same heights as the rest of the album and is rarely, if ever, performed live.
Creeping Death
“Creeping Death” is a crowd-pleasing anthem and another live staple for Metallica. Inspired by the biblical story of the ten plagues of Egypt, particularly the death of the firstborn, the song is a powerful and dramatic piece of storytelling. Its iconic “Die! Die! Die!” chant in the bridge is a guaranteed singalong moment at Metallica concerts. “Creeping Death” perfectly encapsulates the band’s ability to blend historical narratives with aggressive, memorable metal.
The Call of Ktulu
Closing the album is the instrumental epic “The Call of Ktulu,” a sprawling and atmospheric piece inspired by the H.P. Lovecraft story “The Call of Cthulhu.” This track showcases Metallica’s musical ambition and willingness to experiment beyond typical song structures. Its intricate arrangements, dynamic shifts, and classical influences, particularly in its harmonies and pacing, demonstrate a maturity and depth rarely found in thrash metal at the time. “The Call of Ktulu” is a testament to Metallica’s musicianship and their desire to push the boundaries of heavy metal.
Legacy and Impact of Ride The Lightning
Ride The Lightning is more than just a collection of songs; it’s a landmark album that solidified Metallica’s position as leaders of the thrash metal movement and influenced countless bands that followed. The album’s maturity, both musically and lyrically, was a significant step up from Kill ‘Em All, demonstrating a band rapidly evolving and refining their sound.
Cliff Burton’s contributions to Ride The Lightning cannot be overstated. His bass playing is inventive and melodic, adding depth and complexity to the songs. As noted in the original review, Burton co-wrote six of the eight tracks, highlighting his crucial role in shaping the album’s direction. His musical ideas and classical influences were integral to the album’s groundbreaking sound.
Kirk Hammett’s guitar work on Ride The Lightning is also exceptional. His solos are both technically impressive and emotionally charged, adding another layer of depth to the music. While often overlooked in discussions of guitar heroes, Hammett’s contributions to this album are undeniable, showcasing his ability to shred and craft memorable melodic lines.
The production of Ride The Lightning, handled by Metallica with Flemming Rasmussen and Mark Whitaker, is also noteworthy. It achieves a heavy and consistent sound throughout the album, perfectly capturing the band’s raw power and dynamic range.
In conclusion, Ride The Lightning remains a cornerstone of heavy metal and a testament to Metallica’s enduring artistry. Its blend of aggression, melody, and lyrical depth continues to resonate with fans decades after its release. From the furious opener “Fight Fire With Fire” to the epic closer “The Call of Ktulu,” every song on Ride The Lightning contributes to its status as a true thrash metal masterpiece.
