Thats right Gorey. To answer Southy's original question (I just realised I never answered the question, and we all just started talking about who is better
), I think Metallica were a
hell of alot braver doing what they did. How many bands have made an experimental album, which is what Risk is? Lots, thats how many. Metallica attempted to re-invent themselves, which takes alot more balls IMO. They never tried to write their transition off as a 'phase' or 'experiment' or anything like that, just a natural progression. I agree with Gore, they knew the sort of reaction they might face, and now they know how people feel about it, but they don't care, which I admire.
As for when Metallica 'sold out', I think the black album is much more of a sellout than anything else they have done, much more than Load/Re-Load. Not to say which is the better of the albums or anything, as Troops said, appealing to the mainstream isn't always a bad thing if its done properly.
Regardless of who was better in the 90s, I think Metallica were the braver of the two, and I like every album both of the bands have ever put their name to.