St. Anger is the eighth studio album by American heavy metal band Metallica, released on 5 June 2003. The album was originally to be released on June 10, 2003, but because of fears of extended music piracy over filesharing networks, St. Anger was released five days earlier.
Metallica's 2003 release "St. Anger" arrived as a sonic shockwave, dividing fans and critics alike. Gone were the polished production and intricate solos of their past work, replaced by a raw, visceral assault on the senses. This 12" vinyl release, especially the 200-gram pressing, offers a tangible experience of the album's untamed energy.
Departure and Turmoil
The creation of "St. Anger" was riddled with personal struggles. James Hetfield's battle with addiction, the departure of long-time bassist Jason Newsted, and the band's near-implosion all colored the album's genesis. This turmoil fueled a sonic shift, with Metallica abandoning their signature thrash metal complexity in favor of a stripped-down, almost primal intensity.
The Sound: Unapologetically Aggressive
"St. Anger" is a sonic assault. Lars Ulrich's controversial, unpolished snare drum sound dominates the mix, while Hetfield's vocals are a mix snarling shouts and introspective growls. Kirk Hammett's guitar work is bluesier, foregoing traditional solos for more dissonant, rhythmic aggression.
While some songs retain hints of Metallica's past ("Frantic"), others ("Invisible Kid") delve into extended, almost improvisational explorations, showcasing a band shedding its established skin.
The Lyrics: Wrestling With Demons
"St. Anger"'s lyrical themes mirror the album's turbulent creation. Hetfield channels his inner demons, addressing addiction, anger, and the search for meaning amidst chaos. The lyrics are raw, often jarring in their honesty, reflecting the band's personal battles as much as their musical reinvention.
Critical Reception: A Polarizing Force
"St. Anger" met with a mixed reception upon release. Some hailed its raw power and emotional honesty, while others decried the lack of traditional Metallica elements and the production choices. The debate was heated, making the album one of the most polarizing in the band's discography.
Metallica fans were treated to an unexpected surprise in 2003 when the band's highly anticipated album "St. Anger" hit store shelves five days ahead of its planned release date. This unusual move wasn't some marketing stunt; it was a calculated defense strategy against the threat of online piracy.
The early 2000s were a turbulent time for the music industry. The rise of file-sharing services like Napster allowed music to spread virally across the internet, often without compensation for artists. Metallica, having been at the forefront of the legal battle against Napster, was particularly wary of their new material potentially leaking onto these platforms.
As the release date for "St. Anger" approached, concerns grew that the album could surface online prematurely. Leaks would not only damage potential sales but also present the music in an unfinished or unmastered state, robbing fans of the optimal listening experience.
To get ahead of the curve, Metallica and Elektra Records made the bold decision to push the release of "St. Anger" forward by five days. This caught potential leakers off-guard, giving fans a chance to buy the album officially before pirated copies flooded file-sharing sites.
While the strategy might seem like a relic of a bygone era, the early release of "St. Anger" serves as a reminder of the music industry's struggle with digital distribution in its early days. It also demonstrates the lengths to which an iconic band was willing to go to protect its creative work.
Music Genre: Power Thrash Metal |
Album Production Information: The album: "St Anger" was produced by: Bob Rock and MetallicaBob Rock is a renowned music producer and sound engineer hailing from Winnipeg, Canada. Born on 19 April 1954, Rock's passion for music began at a young age, and he developed a strong interest in rock and heavy metal genres. Over the years, he has made an indelible mark on the music industry, working with numerous iconic bands and shaping the sound of some of the most influential albums in rock history. Rock's career took off in the 1980s when he started collaborating with various artists and bands. His reputation as a skilled producer and engineer quickly grew, and he became known for his ability to capture the raw energy and power of heavy metal music. One of his earliest notable collaborations was with the Swiss hard rock band Krokus, for whom he produced their successful album "Headhunter" in 1983. However, it was his work with the legendary band Metallica that truly catapulted Rock to international fame. In the early 1990s, Rock collaborated with Metallica as the producer on their self-titled fifth studio album, commonly known as "The Black Album". Released in 1991, the album was a massive success, selling millions of copies worldwide and propelling Metallica to new heights of mainstream popularity. Rock's production on the album was praised for its polished yet heavy sound, and it remains one of the best-selling rock albums of all time. Following the success of "The Black Album", Rock continued to work with Metallica on their subsequent albums, including "Load" (1996) and "Reload" (1997). His collaboration with the band played a significant role in shaping their evolving sound and experimenting with new musical directions. Rock's ability to adapt to different artistic visions while maintaining a high level of production quality became one of his trademarks. In addition to his work with Metallica, Rock has produced and engineered albums for several other major heavy metal bands. He worked with Mötley Crüe on their highly successful album " Dr. Feelgood " (1989), which showcased his knack for capturing the band's sleazy and aggressive sound. Rock also collaborated with Aerosmith on their comeback album "Permanent Vacation" (1987), which marked a resurgence in the band's popularity and featured several hit singles. Throughout his career, Bob Rock has been recognized with numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to the music industry. He has received Grammy Awards for his work with Metallica and has been inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame. Rock's talent and expertise as a producer and engineer have made him one of the most sought-after figures in the industry, and he continues to work with a diverse range of artists and bands, leaving his mark on the music world with every project he takes on. Bob Rock's passion for music, his innate understanding of rock and heavy metal, and his unwavering commitment to delivering top-notch production quality have cemented his status as one of the most influential music producers and sound engineers of his time. His contributions to the genre have left an indelible impact and have shaped the sound of countless iconic albums, making him a true legend in the world of rock music. |
Record Label Information: Vertigo |
| Album Packaging:Double LP Gatefold (FOC) cover design with artwork / photos on the inside cover pages. |
Media Format:
200 Grams Vinyl |
Year & Country: 2003 Made in USA |
Band Members and Musicians on: Metallica St Anger |
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Track Listing of: "St Anger" |
The Songs/tracks on "St Anger" are
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Album cover photos of : Metallica St Anger |
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| Back Cover Photo of "St Anger" Album |
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| Photo of thr Metallica band-members on the Inner Cover of "St Anger" Album |
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| Photo of "St Anger" Album's Inner Cover |
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Close-up Photo of "St Anger" Record Label
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This section shows the complete Metallica discography ordered by album-title. Several titles are International and have been listed with the country of release