Metallica

From the Source

A genuine work of genius, Metallica's Master Of Puppets is as close to a thrash metal holy grail as we're ever likely to hear. Beloved by fans and critics alike for its mix of ferocity and musicality on an epic scale, this 1986 release is hailed by many as the band's finest hour.

Never ones to shirk from life's darker corners, Metallica used their third album to tell tales of manipulation, most explicitly drug addiction in the title track, enforced confinement in 'Welcome Home (Sanitarium)' and the plight of those sent into battle in 'Disposable Heroes'. And while Master Of Puppets is memorable for the sheer scale, tightness and fury of its sound alone, the subtle yet powerful lyrics of these apocalyptic tracks sealed its iconic status.

A permanent fixture on many a critic's Best Albums list, it continues to blow listeners away 24 years after it first hit stores. Tragically, it was to prove Metallica's last album with bassist Cliff Burton who was killed in a coach crash that same year.