Metallica - The Videos 1989-2004

Eyeliner, feather boas, arty pretensions, thrash metal…

Metallica have always served their fanbase well with DVDs, from the ancient footage of Cliff ’Em All to the in-concert extravaganzas of Cunning Stunts and S&M. All of which makes this no-frills collection of promos rather disappointing, as it contains little in the way of extras and no incentive not to watch all 21 videos for free on YouTube. Then again, the chance to watch Metallica’s long and controversial career unfold in chronological order is welcome, even if (like most) you find their evolution from 80s extreme metal savants to half-hearted 90s alt.rockers depressing. 1989’s One is still exhilarating, while Sad But True, The Memory Remains and Frantic are high points, thanks to each video’s high concept and the fact that no one tried to make them act or wear make-up. There’s far too much of that going on in Until It Sleeps and all the other terrible wastes of video budget that have sent millions of fans away from Metallica and towards Slipknot and In Flames. The sensible money says that Metallica have only another album or two left in them before retirement calls, when you can expect an avalanche of DVD retrospectives. Until then, you might be better off saving your cash.

3 stars 3 stars 3 stars

Universal | 00602517144484

Reviewed by Joel McIver
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