Not that my opinion matters, I have this to say. I am embarrassed to say this, but I did not get into Metallica until the black album, and looking back that was probably one of the worst metal albums ever. O.K., before anyone lashs out at me, hear me out. It was too popular and to many "hooks" in the songs. That is the album that would start there "sell out" phase. Look at the last two albums they put out. Total shit. I got hooked on them for that album, and wish now I had never heard it. There old stuff is so what Metal is all about and I really think few bands stay true to that. I love Megadeth but feel the same way about them. "Countdown" was the start of it all. Mustaine has been Quoted to say he knows they sold out and that he is happy because they were selling lots of albums. Metallica the same thing. They were both good bands in there time, but got away from where they started. Anthrax even has gotten away a little bit but not to the point they have. I wish I could go back in time and be around when all these band swere just getting started because I am sure it was just a good fucking time. All this new Thrash metal coming out, and it all being just Brutal.