Album released in 2003 was widely criticized for its approach to nu metal, cut guitar solos and crackling drum timbre
Although it sold 6 million copies worldwide, the band’s eighth studio album Metallica, St. Anger (2003), is one of the most criticized works of the band’s entire career. The approach to nu metal, the exclusion of guitar solos and the crackling tone of the drums Lars Ulrich yielded negative reviews from both fans and the specialized press.
But that doesn’t mean that everyone hates the album — or that it can’t undergo reevaluation over the years. In an interview with Metal Hammerthe bassist Robert Trujillo said that many fans seem to be reconsidering the group’s “cursed album”. It is worth remembering that the musician joined the band precisely during this period, although he did not participate in the recording of the material.

Trujillo addressed the issue by commenting on the inclusion of songs by St. Anger in the repertoire of recent shows, especially the current tour M72. He said:
“Most people I talk to have found a place in their hearts to St. Anger. What’s cool is including the music ‘Dirty Window’ on set. The way we play it now, I found my place in the songs we played and found a groove for those songs from St. Angeralmost as if we had changed their face.”
Even in his most recent visit to Brazil, the Metallica was able to perform the aforementioned song in one of the four cities where it played. The band played “Dirty Window” during a performance at the Morumbi stadium, in São Paulo, on May 10, 2022. However, other songs have not yet returned to the repertoires. The title track was last played live in 2019, while “Frantic” entered only three presentations in 2021. “All Within My Hands” It is usually played only on special occasions, such as acoustic events.
Metallica and the importance of St. Anger
Incredible as it may seem, the members of the Metallica understand St. Anger as a necessary piece to the band’s acclaimed run of activities. Several fans believe that the complete group James Hetfield (voice and guitar), Lars Ulrich (battery) and Kirk Hammett (guitar) found himself again after the criticized album, which makes sense.
Ulrichrecently declared (via Ultimate Guitar) that the successor of St. Anger, Death Magnetic (2008), it was only possible due to the “failure” of previous work.
“You cannot have Death Magnetic and the choices that were made on that album without St. Anger. So, everything is interconnected in a way that at some point makes the conversation useless. Everything is part of a bigger picture. And I think I’m pretty good at embracing the journey…”
In turn, Hammett pointed out that the Metallica It is differentiated precisely by its ups and downs.
“Even though we sometimes took risks and failed terribly from a commercial point of view, I think that creatively and artistically, they are successful works. And I talk specifically about Lulu (2011), the album we made with Lou Reedand also about St. Anger. These are really divisive albums, and you have two camps – people who like it and people who don’t. I think it’s important to have things like that in your career. Because you just don’t want the same thing. You want highs and lows; you want contrast. That’s what makes it interesting.”
Source: Rollingstone

Earl Johnson is a music writer at Gossipify, known for his in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the industry. A graduate of USC with a degree in Music, he brings years of experience and passion to his writing. He covers the latest releases and trends, always on the lookout for the next big thing in music.