by Ian Valdez

Released in the spring of 1986, metal band Metallica released their third studio album Master of Puppets, it was an instant hit and broke records without a big studio label, Metallica would then go on tour around the U.S. and then to Japan. 

The title track of the album, Master of Puppets, is arguably one of the most influential metal songs to have ever been released, its fast paced, well written, heavy sound connected very well with metal heads around the world. Rhythm guitarist James Hetfield dubbed three guitar tracks to create a large, tight sounding tone that is very pleasing to listen to. With fast parts the middle of the song is complemented very well by a clean, melodic part that is very pleasing to listen to. 

The lyrics of Master of Puppets are dark, mainly about drug abuse and not having control of your own mind. It circles around their ex band member, Dave Mustaine, who they kicked out of the band for his excessive use of drugs that was inhibiting the band’s relationships and image. Like many of Metallica’s songs, they bring a lot of light on what it can be like for a person to be under the control of drugs, and to be a puppet of drugs due to addiction. 

Metallica was a great instrumental band, was very heavy, and sounded great. But many people look past the meaning of their songs, and how in depth they can be towards real world problems. In their younger days especially they can be seen as rambunctious, and out of control. But when breaking down the lyrics they go in deep detail about world issues. They do more than just put words together, they tell a story, about victims and their tragedies