Metallica Review

Overall Rating

This was the S&M concert played on 21st May 1999 at the Berkley Community Theatre with the San Franciso Symphony. An unbelievable concert captured on cd and dvd. However they could not capture the true atmosphere of being there live, which was amazing to say the least.

The song line up was frustrating. After hearing all songs blend spectacularly I was questioning why not play Sanitarium, The Unforgiven, Orion or Fade To Black? These songs would have been amazing and could have replaced the average Load/ReLoad songs.

Apart from the song line up this was a truly remarkable concert. I was skeptical to begin with, but appreciated Metallica's willingness to try new things. It paid off. The song list was:
1. The Ecstacy Of Gold (2:30) - The orchestra played the usual Metallica concert intro piece live which was significantly better than the tape version. 5/5
2. The Call Of Ktulu (9:34) - What can be said? This song was just so good. So much better than the original, rightly winning a grammy for best rock instrumental in 2000. 5/5
3. Master Of Puppets (8:54) - This song roared straight into it. Amazing. The symphony boosted the already incredible song, made evident in the middle instrumental part. 5/5
4. Of Wolf And Man (4:18) - The symphony added an eerie atmosphere to this song. It sounded great. 5/5
5. The Thing That Should Not Be (7:21) - As with all the songs, this was boosted significantly from the orchestra. Skipped the 2nd verse. 4/5
6. Fuel (4:35) - Infinitely improved from the orchestra with a nice car sounding intro. Good rendition. 4/5
7. The Memory Remains (4:41) - Actually listenable now. I can say that I enjoyed this version. 4/5
8. No Leaf Clover (5:43) - This was the highlight for me. When it started I had no idea what was going on and I realised "new song!". Was unbelievable live. The best song ever by Metallica. 5/5
9. Hero Of The Day (4:46) - Seemed so flat after No Leaf Clover, but still better than on Load. 4/5
10. Devil's Dance (5:26) - I was pissed off when they played ANOTHER ReLoad song, but sounded not bad. 4/5
11. Bleeding Me (9:01) - Another highlight. Close 2nd to No Leaf Clover. So much passion and emotion, supported beautifully by the symphony. Spectacular. 5/5
15 minute intermission.
12. Nothing Else Matters (6:47) - Good song to commence again with. The emotion and melody came to life. 5/5
13. Until It Sleeps (4:29) - Sounded much better than the original, but not up to the standards of the greats around it. 4/5
14. For Whom The Bell Tolls (4:52) - YES! This song rocked the theatre and was incredible. Was spectacular with the symphonic support. Another highlight. 5/5
15. -Human (4:19) - The 2nd new song, was solid but not as good as No Leaf Clover. Not bad though. 4/5
16. Wherever I May Roam (7:01) - Wow. This was amazing. Benefitted so much from the orchestra. 5/5
17. The Outlaw Torn (9:58) - Another song sounding vastly improved by the symphony. Some fat guy from the crowd did a stage dive and almost landed on me! Phew, close call. 5/5
18. Sad But True (5:46) - When James said "I'm gonna play something heavy now", I was expecting a Kill song, but was not disappointed with this one. Much better than the original. 5/5
19. One (7:53) - Words cannot express how good this was. Created incredible atmosphere. Best rendition ever! 5/5
20. Enter Sandman (7:39) - This one rocked the whole theatre out and we all got into it. Sounded so great with the symphony, great atmosphere. 5/5
21. Battery (7:24) - The long wait between songs was worth it. Spectacular intro and great ending. 5/5
It is impossible to describe the greatness of this concert. You truly had to be there, as it was a once in a lifetime experience. The atmosphere cannot be captured on cd or dvd, and so you guys will miss out. But the music can still be enjoyed. Best Metallica concert ever. 10/10