Metallica releases Master of Puppets
Master of Puppets is the third album by American heavy metal band Metallica.
The album was released on March 3, 1986 through Elektra Records. Master of Puppets marks the last recording by bassist Cliff Burton, who died in a bus accident while on tour to promote the album. After debating whether to break up, or to move on with a new bass player, Metallica decided to hire a new bassist, Jason Newsted, who would stay with the band until 2001.
“One of the defining albums of thrash metal, Master of Puppets is arguably Metallica's best album (as well as their last with bassist Cliff Burton). Focusing on the concept of power and abuses thereof, this is a collection of complex, intelligent music, played at about a hundred miles an hour. Not that these are short songs; this eight-song album clocks in at over an hour, which makes it all the more impressive that not one moment on this recording is boring. In tackling various approaches to their subject, Metallica is insightful lyrically as well as musically: "Welcome Home (Sanitarium)" is from the point of view of an institutionalized inmate and "Disposable Heroes" is the perspective of a soldier. If all you've heard of Metallica is what's been on the radio recently, check this one out. You're in for a surprise.”
— Genevieve Williams
