Metallica are who they are for a reason and what the pulled out in the 80's and some of the 90's was spectacular. Those born after this time will never understand and have no right to comment really...
All the bands you now listen to would most likely not be who they are today without them. Thats the truth.
However, Metallica is a monster that can only be contained, not changed, even by its creators. It got too big for them to handle and they lost the plot.
It is common for musicians to out grow there idols so the fact Lars is not considered a great drummer today is no suprise, much like say Jimi Hendrix. To alot of people he sounds like an average guitar player but he influenced millions of new players, much like Lars.
Having said that.. Lars got to comfy and I guess stopped learning new skills as his drumming has declined both in the studio and live.
Has any one seen the live in Rome DVD? I had to turn it off halfway through Creeping Death (only about 20min in) as his drumming was SO BAD I just could not watch it! It pissed me off so bad...
RIP Metallica. I will never buy another CD of yours but thanks for the memories....