When Metallica released Death Magnetic in 2008, they had some extra material that wouldn't fit on the studio album. That material would sit idle for quite some time, but in December of 2011, Metallica and Warner Brothers Records would release the EP Beyond Magnetic to bring that material to light.
The release would coincide with the band's 30th anniversary concerts, with the band announcing one of the songs on each of four successive nights on stage. Beyond Magnetic was released first in digital download format on iTunes on December 13. It wasn't until January 31, 2012 that fans were able to buy the album on CD in records stores.
Beyond Magnetic features rough mixes of "Hate Train", "Just a Bullet Away", "Hell and Back", and "Rebel of Babylon". The four tracks combine the instrumental sound of their earlier years with the more commercial sound that they would take on in the 1990's.
"Hate Train" will probably be the only radio single that you will hear from the EP. It has a good mix of that trademark early Metallica thrash sound with the more commercial-friendly lyrics and riffs of the black album, Load, and ReLoad. It is currently receiving limited radio airplay, though not more than request plays here in Central Iowa. You can check the song out in the video box to the left.
"Just a Bullet Away" is more of an old-school Metallica tune: rapid-fire growling vocals, repetitive riffs ending in crunchy power chords. This manic suicidal anthem is catchy and will be popular with the purists, though the commercial era fans will probably be split.
"Hell and Back" and "Rebel of Babylon" are more artsy concept numbers. They are all-over-the-place new school Metallica songs, and most likely the songs that both new school and old school Metallica fans will agree to dislike. The lyrics really don't make much sense, and the instrumentation is a little too schizophrenic to seem cohesive. There is a reason that these two songs didn't make the cut for Death Magnetic.
Overall, Metallica fans old and new will find something to like about this EP; they always do. Strong first day sales are an indication that the band's fans have no qualms about paying $5 for 2 quality songs.
Beyond Magnetic is available at Central Iowa Best Buy stores, Target and Super Target stores, FYE locations, and Walmart and Super Walmart stores, as well as Zzz Records.
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