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 & Catalognr: Vertigo |
| Album Packaging:Double LP Gatefold/FOC (Fold Open Cover) Album 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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Complete Track Listing of: "St Anger" |
The Songs/tracks on "St Anger" are
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Album Cover Photo Gallery 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
This release on "Blackened Records" label, is the 2018 audiophile re-issue of ""...And Justice for All" the first album released by Metallica after the death of Cliff Burton. It is also the first album with Jason Newsted on Bass guitar.
- ..And Justice For All (Blackened Records) - ..And Justice for All (1988, Netherlands)
Creeping Death by the American Thrash Metal band "Metallica" is a 12" EP Vinyl record from 1984. Un-official versions from France (with different labels) have been released in the colors: Blue, Green, Red, White and Yellow Vinyl.
- Creeping Death Blue Vinyl (1984, France) - Creeping Death Green Vinyl (1984, France) - Creeping Death Red Vinyl (1984, France) - Creeping Death White Vinyl (1984, France) - Creeping Death Yellow Vinyl (1984, France)
This is the audiophile re-release of "Death Magnetic" the 2009 album released by the American Thrash Metal band "Metallica". This re-release comes in a gatefold album cover and two audiophile quality 180grams records.
Death Magnetic ( Blackened Records ) 12" Vinyl LP
Issued as a limited edition 12" vinyl LP, "Hamburg Colorline 12 May 2009" has become a coveted collector's item. Its raw, unfiltered energy transports listeners back to the heart of that explosive concert.
Hamburg Colorline 12" Vinyl LP
"Hardwired to Self Destruct" is the 2016 double album released by the American Speed / Thrash Metal band "Metallica". It was released 8 years after their previous album "Death Magnetic"
Hardwired to Self Destruct 12" Vinyl LP
The A-side explodes with the relentless energy of "Harvester of Sorrow." This track, a centerpiece of their landmark album "...And Justice For All," exemplifies Metallica's progressive thrash metal sound.
Harvester of Sorrow 12" Vinyl Single
"Jump in the Fire" is a single derived from Metallica's debut studio album, "Kill 'em All", released in 1983.
- Jump in the Fire (1983, England) - Jump in the Fire (1983, Holland)
The cover art for "Jump In The Fire" is as iconic as the track itself. Created by artist Les Edwards, the image features a demon-like creature surrounded by flames, inviting the listener to literally "jump in the fire."
Jump in the Fire 12" Shaped Picture Disc
"Kill 'Em All" showcases the raw talent and relentless musicianship of the band's original lineup: James Hetfield on vocals and rhythm guitar, Lars Ulrich on drums, Dave Mustaine on lead guitar, and Cliff Burton on bass.
- Kill 'Em All ( Blackened Records ) - Kill 'em All 2LP (1983, England) - Kill 'Em All (1983, France) - Kill 'Em All (1983, Holland) - Kill 'Em All (1983, UK)
Before the polished production of "Kill 'Em All," Metallica's sound was a volatile beast, unleashed in the cramped confines of a garage. "The Legendary Garage Tapes" serve as a time capsule, showcasing the thrash metal titans
Legendary Garage Tapes 12" Vinyl LP
This 500-copy limited edition is a treasure trove for devotees of Metallica's raw, uncompromising roots. The setlist reads like a greatest hits collection of their early years.
Live at the Playhouse Theatre 12" Vinyl LP
Metallica's "Load" is a sonic journey capturing the band's evolution. Released in 1996, the controversial album's vinyl edition enriches the listening experience, offering warmth and authenticity.
METALLICA - Load ( 2LP Blackened Records ) - Load (1996,E/M Ventures Elektra )
Metallica's 1986 album "Master of Puppets" stands as a towering achievement in heavy metal history. Its complex compositions, blistering aggression, and socially conscious themes cemented the band's reputation as leaders
- Master of Puppets (1986, England) - Master of Puppets 2LP DMM audiophile (England)
The METALLICA "Master of Puppets" 12" Vinyl Picture Disc, a 1986 UK 1st ISSUE with no barcode, is a rare gem for collectors. This limited edition features unique artwork on the vinyl picture disc, adding to its allure.
Master of Puppets 12" Vinyl Picture Disc
This the high-end audiophile release pressed on two 12" vinyl records each on 180 gram vinyl of the self-titled Metallica album and because of the black front and back cover, it is also known as "The Black Album".
METALLICA - Self-Titled The Black Album 12" Vinyl LP
Recorded at the Kopi Arena, this album transports listeners back in time to a pivotal moment in Metallica's career. The band was riding high on the success of their album *Death Magnetic*
Oberhausen Kopi Arena 12" Vinyl LP
Metallica's "Ride the Lightning" 12" Vinyl LP is a collector's gem. This iconic album marked a turning point in metal history, blending thrash metal and intricate compositions.
- Ride The Lightning (1984, England). - Ride the Lightning (Roadrunner, 1984, Holland) - Ride The Lightning (Vertigo, 1984, Netherlands) - Ride The Lightning (Blackened Records, 2006)
This is METALLICA's ninth album, recorded live with the San Francisco Symphony on April 21-22 of 1999. The set list contains songs from Ride the Lightning through ReLoad, as well as two new songs: "- Human" and "No Leaf Clover".
S&M 12" Vinyl LP
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 network
St. Anger 12" Vinyl LP
Following the tragic death of bassist Cliff Burton in 1986, Metallica found themselves with a significant void to fill. With Newsted taking over bass duties, the band opted to record Garage Days
- The 5.98 EP Garage Days Re-Revisited (1987, Holland) - The 5.98 Garage Days Re-Revisited (1987, UK)
This limited edition album "Until It Sleeps" is the first single and the fourth song from Metallica's 1996 album Load. This version is pressed on Red Vinyl and comes in a transparent sleeve.
Until It Sleeps Red Vinyl (1996) 12" Vinyl LP