Thunderous and imposing, heavy metal is enjoying a resurgence of late (at least partly thanks to the popularity of games like
Guitar Hero). Metallica was there at the beginning of metal's move into pop culture, and, with this album, the band has gone back to its intense roots, embracing extended guitar-fueled riffs and the dark, brooding images of their past. "The Day That Never Comes" is similar in theme to "Unforgiven," and "All Nightmare Long" has the same terror-inspiring imagery as "Enter Sandman."
But this time around, the band is a lot louder, with powerful guitars charging through every track. James Hetfield's vocals are also more aggressive and muscular than recent albums -- almost harmonic screaming, if you will. Even the once-melodic "Unforgiven" is given a super-charged reinvention in its third interpretation.