In a recent interview with Classic Rock, Iron Maiden vocalist Bruce Dickinson hailed Metallica's 1991 self-titled album as one that essentially does everything right. Dickinson adds that the album pushed metal into the mainstream, and hails the band for "having the balls" to take such a daring detour with their sound.
"Ourselves, Judas Priest and Pantera all reached a crossroads where we had the chance to really step up to the next level," Dickinson said. "But none of us had the balls to do it. Metallica did, though. You have to give them huge credit for grabbing the opportunity when it came up, taking the risk and deservedly reaping the enormous rewards. You cannot underestimate their achievement with this album.
"It's one of those seminal albums that just gets it right. It's extremely well-produced, and every note on that album is totally under control. I admire how they did it, and what they did with the songs, and it was very effective: it undoubtedly did help push metal into the mainstream. I know it wasn't Mutt Lange who produced it, but Bob Rock had that similar thing where the producer was very much in control."
If you missed it, we recently published a handful of excellent Black Album covers, as well as a killer retrospective to celebrate the album's 30th birthday! Check 'em out here.
