Metallica, the inventors of modern heavy metal, have recently released a monument to their visual achievements - a DVD safely titled "The Videos, 1989-2004."
While devout metal heads are not granted any new material, they will be pleased to find that rock's harvesters of sorrow have compiled all their music video efforts into one easy-to-use disc chock full of videos and even bonus footage.
"The Videos" was released Dec. 5, even though it has only been 11 months since Metallica had released their film/documentary "Some Kind of Monster." Regardless of the overindulgence, Metallica made a quick turn around to seize the attention of fans once more.
The compilation of music videos actually doesn't relate much to Metallica's recent film, but it seems these days that they can't do any wrong. With the release of "St. Anger," these disposable heroes may have lost a slew of hardcore fans, but have managed to grab the attention of many new, younger fans.
As the title wittingly declares, the DVD contains every rockin' Metallica video made since 1989. It starts with the high school senior jock anthem "One," a video in the style of elegant film noir that depicts the depression of war with the image of a soldier without arms and legs being pumped to life by machines.
The next video gem catapulted Metallica into the mega mainstream rock legacy that has dominated airwaves for the past decade and a half. "Enter Sandman" is also filmed in mostly black and white and includes wildly flailing hair, semi-trucks smashing through stuff and the illusion of falling from a rooftop.
But rock's leper messiahs won't just leave fans hanging on previous releases; they also included a few bonuses. There is the "2 of One" footage that includes an interview with Lars Ulrich, Metallica's drummer. The interview takes place in a hotel room right around the release of "...And Justice for All" which includes entertaining outtakes, also in black and white.
The wide use of black and white filming is a direct reflection of the darkness that Metallica had entered with the death of original bassist Cliff Burton.
Metallica includes a second, extended version of "One" as well. There is also a theatrical version of "The Unforgiven" and Metallica's film/documentary trailer for "Some Kind of Monster."
Although fans won't find much new on the DVD, it is a much awaited bonus to those who have horded their bulky compilation of VHS recordings from MTV.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
