#81 Master of Puppets

#81 - Master of Puppets
Metalica


Metallica has had many classic songs during their nearly 30 year reign as Heavy Metal Gods, but none more awesome than 1986's Master of Puppets.

MOP from the album also called Master of Puppets is hard hitting and intense. It is the prototype for late 80's speed metal but it still sounds fresh and relevant nearly a quarter century later.

The song starts with some grinding riffs by guitar virtuoso Kirk Hammett. That beginning is iconic, you know exactly what it is when you hear it in a movie (Old School) honestly it pumps me up when I hear it during the Nationwide car racing commercials on ESPN. It almost gets me to watch car racing. Almost.

I love the idea of the puppet master. A wicked Gephetto running things from behind a dark curtain. Though Lead singer James Hetfield says its about the grip drugs can have on you. I like to think its about "Wicked Gephetto."

This song was on the last album original bassist Cliff Burton played on before his tragic death while on tour in Europe. It was raw and brash. In the years since MOP Metallica has become more refined musically and commercially successful. But in the hearts and minds of metal fans MOP was Metallica's greatest achievement.