The Unforgiven was my introduction to Metal and my gate to this wonder world. I still remember that day clearly, the winter of 1995, Alexandria, Egypt. I was over at my school friend's place, and he said he had this Metal mix tape. I've never heard anything Metal before. It was recorded on a TDK SA90 cassette and we listened to it on his Panasonic RX-CT980 XBS player. The Unforgiven was the first track on the cassette and my eyes were wide opened from the intro and the rest is history. It's one of my core memories.
The way it was recorded is really a big chunk of how interesting the album is. AJFA is also a big improvement from its predecessor. MOP and especially RTL are harsh on the hears - even if I enjoy them, I have a hard time listening to RTL from start to finish. KHA has a more punk feel to it, not so abrasive so it flows better.
@@pedroedsos There's no way you're being serious? AJFA a big improvement on MOP? MOP has probably the fourth best mix after Black Album, Load and Reload. MOP only struggles with slightly muddy low end; other than that it's great. It's tight and everything is cohesive. AJFA is tight, but my god the low end and top end is horrible. AJFA is incredibly harsh, even more so than RTL. And the low end on AJFA is horrendous. Lars' kick and the guitars blend together in a blob of bass that makes listening to more than two songs in a row an incredibly tiring experience. I get ear fatigue so fast from AJFA.
@@beirchyeah agreed, the AJFA mix is not good, but it’s saved by great writing and a powerful and aggressive performance. RTL & MOP are also not very similar as far as mix goes. James and Lars wanted no reverb on MOP, which results in a tighter sounding album. Neither RTL or MOP are brilliantly mixed, but the mix serves the songs well enough, and imo those are the two best-written albums in the Metallica canon, which obviously lifts the stature of the albums significantly.
Since you liked this so much, I hope you'll give Unforgiven II and Unforgiven III a listen at some point. Theyre both quite good as well. Also I'm sure you'll try the Symphony & Metallica offerings at some point. No Leaf Clover would be a really good offering as it was specifically written with the orchestra in mind.
You hear Rammstein (and you could hear any number of bands in this) because Metallica is the most influential heavy metal band of all time, and one of the most influential rock bands of all time. The band’s DNA is everywhere.
Hetfield's parents were Christian Scientists, this is his story, he had a miserable childhood. He's done a LOT of therapy since writing this, thankfully.
I never knew that! I actually don't anything of a personal nature about Metallica, or the meaning behind any of their songs. (I really am not one to seek out info on bands I love, but it's always interesting when I run across it.) Thanks for sharing that.
@@Tommy-he7dxThe cure pacifically is about his alcohol addiction. He indeed had a terrible childhood with his mom refusing to go to the hospital because of her beliefs and his father skipping out on the family. But he's stronger because of the stuff he's been through
Its a very, very important distinction. His childhood wasn't terrible because his parents were Christian Scientists, it was terrible because his parents were terrible people. Every faith can have terrible people twisting dogma to fit their own fractured world-view. Just look at the middle east for proof of that.
Incredible insight on first listen. I've heard this song hundreds of times but you explained why that guitar solo gets me....its because he is finally free.
Free _momentarily..._ Like getting lost in a daydream during the middle of some arduous task, but then being ripped from it and crashing right back to the monotony of soul crushing reality, just a moment later.
The entire S&M album/performance is amazing and the San Francisco Orchestra adds so much to every piece. If I had to recommend one Metallica song to listen to next it would probably have to be Bleeding Me from S&M, followed by Human or Devil's Dance.
I absolutely LOVE that you were so inspired as to play the harp along with this song. You integrated it so flawlessly, truly impressed. I mentioned Apocalyptica last video, you really should check them out. They are a string quartet that does heavy metal covers. Mostly Metallica.
I am also hoping she does Apocalyptica, maybe in one of her "Great Covers" specials (I think it was called). I hope she does Apocalyptica and doesn't instead get talked into the 2 Cellos guys (who I do not like).
Metallica is awesome at writing and composing beautiful melodies and harmonies while making them heavy-metal. It's not just fast drumming and distorted guitarr soundwall. I think this is what made them the absolute most loved metalband ever....
Your theory about the solo rings true to my soul. I've never thought about it like that in the 30 years I've loved this song. It elevates the song a poetic level higher and takes it an emotional level deeper. It's all the more tragic, seeing this quick glimpse of beautiful light wasted in a moment too late. I love it. Thank you for this.
I agree. After hundreds of times hearing this song, I never thought of the solo (my favorite Kirk has ever done) in that way. Open mind for a different view .
@@mikehup2383 In the documentary "A Year and a Half in the Life of Metallica", which chronicles the making of the black album, it's shown that Kirk worked extremely hard on this solo, playing it over and over until it was perfect. I think at the time, he considered it the best solo he ever wrote. I'm inclined to agree.
I love your review of this Amy! Your completely starting to get what metallica is all about...emotions,feelings,grit,aggression,light,dark...all rolled into one.ive been a metallica fan since the late 80s and iam so happy your exploring their music more!
The greatest thing about this song is that you can clearly hear all the notes/chords, even with the distortion...no frequencies cancel others out. This is the musical genius of Bob Rock. You can clearly and cleanly hear the Am Em Dsus4 D Am verse progression, and it's just so good. :)
Your reaction took me back to your interview/discussion with Elizabeth of the Charismatic Voice. I've watch each of you from your first few reactions (impressed by you taking the Leap into listening to Metal). Elizabeth once said, after listening to quite a bit of Metal, "I didn't realize these are such accomplished musicians, producing complex arrangements". Your reaction, and mentioning JH's use of his voice as an instrument.... I remember from your first reaction, your body language sometimes said (and I believe you also said), 'What in the Heck am I doing, listening to this stuff?" ...and to see you now enjoying the quality of this genre and the creations and talents of these musicians. A real joy to watch!
This was a great reaction, Amy! I love this song, I love Metallica from 90s and I adore Rammstein. 🥰 And btw, you have just made me understand my obsession with vocals a little better. So, thank you, Amy! You are the best! 🖤
Dear Amy, when you uttered the words "clear distortion" I knew one thing: your journey to "the dark side" is complete. That's a very fine distinction!!!
Never forget that many of Metallica's best/most popular songs, also have versions they performed with The San Francisco Symphony. Sometimes these are superior to the original, The Day That Never Comes for example from the S&M2 performance. The first S&M concert featured some incredible arrangements for some of Cliff's songs, like The Thing That Should Not Be and Call of Kthulu. They did not perform this song at either concert, but they did play one of the sequels to this track on S&M 2, The Unforgiven III. All the arrangements for the first concert, as well as the additional symphony parts, were written by Michael Kamen. He also conducted. You'd probably know him best as the guy who dropped the cool "string" arpeggio part into Comfortably Numb and absolutely transformed the song. He also arranged orchestra parts for almost all the Pink Floyd albums.. post Atom Hear Mother. 🤘🧙♂🤘
I really liked that you enjoyed this so much you grab the harp and play along. I bet you never thought you would "love" a Metallica song or any heavy metal/hard rock song when you contemplated this journey. Seeing it happen is awesome. So many think this type of music is just noise. Glad you can appreciate it.
I am happy Amy that you found a Metallica song you really like (actually love; according to your own words😉). "The Unforgiven" is a great song and is also one of my favorite Metallica songs. Great observations throughout, particularly on Hetfield's voice, and on the guitar solo and how it represents his spirit soaring freely amidst the oppressiveness he feels. Also enjoyed your thoughts on the power of the drums. Great observation also on this piece expressing tenderness within the heaviness, which blend together beautifully. I loved your harp play along. It fits nicely under your fingers during the chorus. Great reaction!
Wow, I never expected that Amy would react on James and Metallica like this! This is song is so multilayered and it is also very personal for James, it is also a story about his relationship with his parents who never accepted his choices in life, and it is also very heavily influenced by film music by Ennio Morricone, in masterful production of Bob Rock. Metallica was and is one of the best thing that happened in not only Metal music, then in music at all, their ability's to embrace and create works that are coming from different places and genres, but to sound unison, like one and unique band, group of musician inside genre itself and to influence so many groups and artists is one of a kind. James singing do sound like an instrument, to be specific an rock instrument, little bit more Punk rock, then classical Metal, and his lyrics are always, if in not personal, than as honest about subject as they can be, they are singed. yelled, roared, screamed, talked, caring the message, same as the emotion. I am glad that Amy had bravery and persistence to get to this part of her exploration of rock music, that she now can recognize and analyze so masterfully songs like this, and groups like Metallica. Keep on good work Amy, kiss the little one, greetings to Vlad!
I've been watching your channel for a while now (mainly just listening while working) and I truly appreciate the depth and honesty in you reviews of each song you present to us. As a bilingual (English/Spanish) I am deeply curious and woul die to watch/listen to you review some Spanish speaking rock bands (latin and european). The arrangements those bands have done, and their vocalists are out-of-this-world, truly. Some bands, off the top of my head, you could review are: Rata Blanca Mago de Oz War Cry Avalanch Heroes del Silencio Saratoga Obus Dunedain Agora And there are many, many more. Kudos on your hard work posting these videos. Cheers!
She will never do those bands, unfortunately. Inside Brazil, Brazilian people almost don't hear non-brazilian music: they're so self-sufficient, they don't need it. I guess, that's one of the main reasons why so many English speaking language music reviewers don't "fall" outside their bellies. That's sad. The system perpetuates itself. They're the ones who are less rich, by doing that. Saludos desde Portugal, Hermano. 😊
"The old man then prepares to die regretfully. That old man here is me." For those who have battled the disease of unforgiveness for too long, this song has been therapeutic in gaining perspective and letting things go.
I blasted that song on my walkman all the time when it was new. It, and the whole of the Back Album, set me on my path to explore metal throughout the 90's and 2000's
Hetfield’s second greatest song, after MOP. Edit: I’m referring specifically to the powerful, deeply personal lyrics. However, The Unforgiven is hands down James’s best vocal performance.
The Metallica documentary "A Year and a Half in the Life of Metallica" details the recording of this album. They have a section about the guitar solo for this song that is pretty awesome. Kirk was "tested" by Bob Rock and other band members, and then Kirk delivered! I figured you'd love this song, as most of the world did when it came out. There are some others with the same caliber that I listed in a "song wish" list on my comment for your Master of Puppets reaction. Hopefully you get to them sooner than later. Lastly, I just wanted to say that your reaction to this song is amazing! Great job on articulating the dynamics and layers of the music and vocals!
I've been watching you since the start and Metallica since 1984. This may be the most excited I have seen you for a metal piece. I have to say, it is an absolute delight to see your entire brain involved in this one. You noticed things that I have always known but you put them in a context I wasn't thinking of. This is now my favorite of your " reaction " videos so I hope you follow through with your idea of adding harp to the piece at some point. The Harp Twin ladies have covered this is my memory's correct but I doubt there are many more harp covers. Hundreds of other covers of this song have been made and I listen to them all with glee. It is somehow justifying to me to hear so many covers of something that I knew was great in 1991. In 1991, as a young man, I walked 3 miles to a record store at 4 AM so I could get in line to buy this album. I still have it, albeit scratched to the point of being useless. For teenaged/early 20s men of the time, this was a very relatable album. I could go on forever about my love for Metallica but you are slowly but surely figuring out why I liked it back then and why I like it even more now. Keep on rockin and THANK YOU and your team, for your great videos.
With the Black album, Metallica angered many fans who thought they sold out because Pryor to this album Metallica received zero radio play,and upon it's release it got played on every rock station in the country.The album was a fairly stark shift in style and I think you would like most of this album.
@@Fang70 How so? Metal thrived in early 90's and it was actually the most expansive period in it's history. In NOLA you had the sludge metal scene with bands like IHATEGOD, Crowbar Soylent Green. In Sweden you had the Gothenburg Sound with bands like Dark Tranquility, At The Gates, Soil work In-flames. In Tampa Bay had the Death Metal scene. In Norway you had Black Metal and during the early 90's in that's when you really started to see crossover and fusion metal.
I was a pre-teen at the time, and I thought they were acting like children with their little temper tantrums (same with Load and Reload). I'm now 44 and I still believe that. The older you get and the more you learn about the world, the more you realize that most of the time, "selling out" isn't a real thing.
Glad you instantly loved this one, I think what amazes me watching reactions and comments to Metallica songs is how almost every one of their varied catalogue of songs has such a big fan base with people saying XYZ is their favourite. There's obviously a number of more famous Metallica pieces which are universally loved, but out of 100+ songs there just aren't many songs that alot of people don't like, which is more than impressive.
Never was much of a Metallica fan but this song holds a special place in my life. The first time I heard and saw this song was on a video jukebox at the AAFES at Sand Hill on ft Benning Ga when I was in basic training. It fit well with the overwhelming experience I was in and my life up to that point.
This was the 1st of a trio of songs. Each different in theme. I can't wait to see your analysis of Unforgiven 2 & 3. Combined they tell a great story. Individually awesome songs.
You should check out Apocalyptica. They're a Cello band from Helsinki who started their career transcribing Metallica's music to Cello. Their first album was all Metallica songs, but they then started to compose their own songs. After numerous albums they just released Metallica covers Volume 2. They did a cover of One, for the second time, but this time James Hetfield does a spoken word narration of One's lyrics over the music.
I really enjoy and appreciate you sharing your reactions along with your musical knowledge. Have you ever thought about starting a second channel to introduce us to the world of classical music?
The way they incorporate their type of scales is very distinctive. You can hear 1 of their riffs, and you know that's a signature Metallica sound...which is pleasant because of the symmetry and balance. Their riffs are heavy, loud, fast, yet clean, and always on time with the drums. These attributes set them apart from other metal bands.
“I dub thee unforgiven” is the full-power reassertion of his individuality. “I”. “Dub” here elevates his voice from irrelevant to authoritative. “Unforgiven” describes both a continuous focus on and inner deep rage from/for the object of his statement: “them”. Hetfield and especially Ulrich think sociologically, so “they” are assumed to mean the major institutions of socialization. In order of raw power over the content of the language/culture we’re fed: economic, religious, family, political, peers, education. But for each individual their is 1 or 2 individual others who are the original source of the rage.
Great analysis, this is one of my favorites songs of metallica, others song with the same vibe is "Nothing Else Matters", "No Leaf Clover" and in general the trilogy of "The Unforgiven", there are too other songs really interesting in Load Album and Reload Album
Ok, Rammstein and Metallica are two different styles, but I can imagine how this and a song like "Sonne" somewhat compare. I thought it was a bassoon at the start, but I looked it up and it's a french horn. FYI The Unforgiven is actually a trilogy, you should listen to Unforgiven II and Unforgiven III too (they are on different albums !)... I remember buying the Apocalyptica album when I heard it when it came out, hearing it in the pub I always went. I didn't even finish my beer, I just stood up and went to the record store to buy the album hahaha, such a brilliant cover album. Thanks for sharing, I really love your reaction to metal, as it is such a rich music genre... thanks for approaching it without judgement and an open heart... greetings from an old school metalhead from Holland !
It touches on the pain that many of us carry around. (It doesn't ever leave entirely.) The "black album" was very popular when it came out even to non-Metallica fans. The metal fans had to make room at their concerts. Many long-time fans didn't like the softer approach at first.
It’s honestly never been a favorite of mine, but it’s anything but a bad album. I don’t blame them for going in a new direction, but I still favor their previous albums. Its success speaks for itself.
Thank you for such a great review about this beautiful song Amy and I hope you join the band soon we're looking forward to seeing you tour with them in 2025 👏
You explain things so well and vocalize elements in these songs that I may not have even considered, being a fan, or was there in the back of my head but had not verbalized in my mind. This is a fun channel but also one where I learn. BTW, its not all agreement all the time, but I understand what you mean and sometimes I have changed my mind, like Megadeth (though still think theyre great overall) but sometimes I keep my point of view, like the Sex Pistols.
I would say this track is probably the most easy on the ear track from Metallica for people who appreciate great music Metallica black album is a great way for tuning your ear so you can appreciate their discography. Thank you for the excellent review of this track ! ✌️
This album is one of culprits who melted the feet in my Realistic reciever and blew my 125 watt speakers. A great cd for sure. Seen many times and never had a bad set. thanks Amy
Hetfields voice is very adaptable and underappreciated in music especially when you look at the riffs he can be playing at the same time as singing the way he does
A few things: This was Unforgiven, a few albums later they did Unforgiven II, and then ended the "trilogy " with Unforgiven III. Your interpretation of the first one seemed interesting because I was of the thought he was telling his dad he, the dad, was being dubbed unforgiven. Because of how, James got treated by him. But kind of through the trilogy, the "who" who is unforgiven changes. Kind of like James was working through the issues he had with his dad over the three songs. Next, since you are into classical music, I think you should check out the songs that appeared over their two S&M albums where they played with the San Francisco Orchestra. Lastly, TBA, had two slow songs on it, this and Nothing Else Matters. Both really stood out and opposed to most of Metallica 's work till this album. They caught flak for this album being "commercial " but it's really a tour de force of change but keeping the Metallica essence still in it. One of my top albums of all time.
Fascinating analysis/reaction. I found it particularly interesting, because I was requesting recommendations for metal online recently. I said I mainly like music that has some prettiness. I didn't know how to explain it. I knew people may think I meant something really "melodic" and/or with clear, sweet vocals, or that symphonic metal stuff. But that's not it. I said I didn't know how to explain it, but I gave this example: "Metallica is pretty. AC/DC is not." And I didn't just mean Metallica's signature melodic intros. Black Sabbath is pretty. Some Marilyn Manson is pretty, some isn't. Static-X is not pretty (though I still like a few of their songs). This video here helped me at least frame what I mean by "prettiness" a little more in my mind, though I still would not be able to articulate it well. REALLY interesting analysis. Thanks to Amy and Vlad!
One thing I this is important to know about the bands progression this album really divided their core fans. Most fans came around to it later on, but it was a real shock at the time..When I heard it in 91' I remember looking at my friend and laughing when I heard the lyric "whoaoo whoa"
A beautiful reaction, so wonderfully true. This song is autobiographical, sung mainly to Hetfield's mother who was so committed to the faith of her church that she refused treatment and died of cancer when James was about 16. His Father passed away long ago. That's why it's a delicate "unforgiven" because it's an allusion to how his mother limited his world through her faith and premature death.
One thing you may or may not know is original bassist cliff burton is the one who helped introduce classical music and harmony to the band, he had studied music theory and was really into bach. They would later go onto do S&M and S&M 2 with san francisco symphony orchestra. Cliff burton has some bass solos on YT that are also worth a listen by themselves
To go get some glimpses through all phases of Metallica, I would recommend these songs: Whiplash, For Whom the Bell Tolls, Welcome Home (Sanitarium), Harvester of Sorrow, Holier Than Thou, Bleeding Me, Low Man's Lyric, Stone Cold Crazy [Queen cover song], Minus Human, Sweet Amber, The Unforgiven III, Spit Out the Bone, Remember Tomorrow [Iron Maiden cover song], If Darkness Had a Son.
One of my favourite song from Metallica. Amy, you need to check out more songs from The Doors, i know you already did 2 or 3, but there are still so many great tracks to discover. LA Woman, The Spy, The Unknown Soldier, 5 to 1, Peace Frog and the list goes on.
To this day, the mix on this album is considered THE gold standard. It is widely considered one of the best mixes of all time. For a word for "dirty distortion", the term "sludge" would be apt.
Definitely would follow this one with Nothing Else Matters from Metallica. Hetfield wrote that song for his girlfriend. Excellent video and breakdown of the song too!
James has always worked on his vocals. They have made every album as a different sound from their others from vocals to instrumentation. Each album has its own sound. Metallica and Pantera are really their own genres. They're rule breakers.
Fun side note: Many years ago I took a photography course at a local community college. First day in class the first thing the instructor does is have us watch the music video to this song to illustrate the effect of light and shadow in photography, and the importantance of composition of the photo.
Imagine hearing when it first came out....during 90s they(heavy meyal). was experimenting with classical music and they were exploring the dark aide of things. Along comes the black album and puts it all into one
Rammstein vs Metallica hmmm… I consider both to be “Artists and great bands. I’d have to say Rammstein are probably a bit more artistic but both have made a huge impact in the music industry. 😊. I don’t know if you’ve heard Apocalyptica? They are a cello quartet who cover a lot of Metallica and other popular music. I would suggest their cover of Rammstein’s “Seemann” featuring Nina Hagen (born in East Germany and an Icon in Germany period). As with one of your other Rammstein reactions, it definitely wouldn’t hurt to react with the official video. ❤😊
Metallica and Rammstein are two of my favorite bands. You'll find a lot of overlap between them, even though they're both distinctly different. But as for the voice being an instrument, Matt Bellamy from Muse takes that spot for me. His voice literally sounds like a guitar in some of their tracks and can replicate it live. I hope you check Muse out at some point as well -- I think they're more reminiscent of Queen than Metallica or Rammstein -- but I'm always VERY happy to see more Metallica and/or Rammstein. I'm glad you're enjoying them.
The Unforgiven was my introduction to Metal and my gate to this wonder world. I still remember that day clearly, the winter of 1995, Alexandria, Egypt. I was over at my school friend's place, and he said he had this Metal mix tape. I've never heard anything Metal before. It was recorded on a TDK SA90 cassette and we listened to it on his Panasonic RX-CT980 XBS player. The Unforgiven was the first track on the cassette and my eyes were wide opened from the intro and the rest is history. It's one of my core memories.
"The clarity and distinctiveness of each instrument".
Take a bow, Bob Rock.
This may be the best produced metal album of all time.
Yeah Black album is recorded and mixed incredibly well.
The way it was recorded is really a big chunk of how interesting the album is.
AJFA is also a big improvement from its predecessor.
MOP and especially RTL are harsh on the hears - even if I enjoy them, I have a hard time listening to RTL from start to finish.
KHA has a more punk feel to it, not so abrasive so it flows better.
@@pedroedsos There's no way you're being serious? AJFA a big improvement on MOP? MOP has probably the fourth best mix after Black Album, Load and Reload. MOP only struggles with slightly muddy low end; other than that it's great. It's tight and everything is cohesive.
AJFA is tight, but my god the low end and top end is horrible. AJFA is incredibly harsh, even more so than RTL. And the low end on AJFA is horrendous. Lars' kick and the guitars blend together in a blob of bass that makes listening to more than two songs in a row an incredibly tiring experience. I get ear fatigue so fast from AJFA.
@@beirchyeah agreed, the AJFA mix is not good, but it’s saved by great writing and a powerful and aggressive performance.
RTL & MOP are also not very similar as far as mix goes. James and Lars wanted no reverb on MOP, which results in a tighter sounding album.
Neither RTL or MOP are brilliantly mixed, but the mix serves the songs well enough, and imo those are the two best-written albums in the Metallica canon, which obviously lifts the stature of the albums significantly.
When a piece of music inspires you to pick up your instrument immediately and play. Truly a joyful reaction.
Since you liked this so much, I hope you'll give Unforgiven II and Unforgiven III a listen at some point. Theyre both quite good as well.
Also I'm sure you'll try the Symphony & Metallica offerings at some point. No Leaf Clover would be a really good offering as it was specifically written with the orchestra in mind.
2 and 3 are horrible, this one has aged like milk. Now 2 and 3 don’t allow me to like this one.
No Leaf Clover is a good call ... it's the only one I really like because as you said it's written specifically for the orchestra.
@juanfelipemv Agree on III ... woof ... II isn't nearly as good as I, but I still kinda like it
I think you’ll enjoy II and III if you enjoyed Unforgiven I.
Yes No Leaf Clover is awesome.
You hear Rammstein (and you could hear any number of bands in this) because Metallica is the most influential heavy metal band of all time, and one of the most influential rock bands of all time. The band’s DNA is everywhere.
Hetfield's parents were Christian Scientists, this is his story, he had a miserable childhood. He's done a LOT of therapy since writing this, thankfully.
That, and also “The God that Failed” from the same album.
@@StryderK And "The Cure" off the next album....He had a tough upbringing for sure.
I never knew that! I actually don't anything of a personal nature about Metallica, or the meaning behind any of their songs. (I really am not one to seek out info on bands I love, but it's always interesting when I run across it.) Thanks for sharing that.
@@Tommy-he7dxThe cure pacifically is about his alcohol addiction. He indeed had a terrible childhood with his mom refusing to go to the hospital because of her beliefs and his father skipping out on the family. But he's stronger because of the stuff he's been through
Its a very, very important distinction. His childhood wasn't terrible because his parents were Christian Scientists, it was terrible because his parents were terrible people. Every faith can have terrible people twisting dogma to fit their own fractured world-view. Just look at the middle east for proof of that.
Incredible insight on first listen. I've heard this song hundreds of times but you explained why that guitar solo gets me....its because he is finally free.
Free _momentarily..._
Like getting lost in a daydream during the middle of some arduous task, but then being ripped from it and crashing right back to the monotony of soul crushing reality, just a moment later.
The entire S&M album/performance is amazing and the San Francisco Orchestra adds so much to every piece. If I had to recommend one Metallica song to listen to next it would probably have to be Bleeding Me from S&M, followed by Human or Devil's Dance.
S & M 1 or 2? 'For Whom the Bell Tolls' is one of my favorites.
@ S&M 1. I didn’t love the second. Bell is excellent as well. It was really hard to narrow it down to just a few.
@@timfrank1262 I agree, the 2nd one wasn't as good. Still not terrible tho
I absolutely LOVE that you were so inspired as to play the harp along with this song. You integrated it so flawlessly, truly impressed. I mentioned Apocalyptica last video, you really should check them out. They are a string quartet that does heavy metal covers. Mostly Metallica.
I am also hoping she does Apocalyptica, maybe in one of her "Great Covers" specials (I think it was called). I hope she does Apocalyptica and doesn't instead get talked into the 2 Cellos guys (who I do not like).
Metallica is awesome at writing and composing beautiful melodies and harmonies while making them heavy-metal.
It's not just fast drumming and distorted guitarr soundwall.
I think this is what made them the absolute most loved metalband ever....
Your theory about the solo rings true to my soul. I've never thought about it like that in the 30 years I've loved this song. It elevates the song a poetic level higher and takes it an emotional level deeper. It's all the more tragic, seeing this quick glimpse of beautiful light wasted in a moment too late. I love it. Thank you for this.
I agree. After hundreds of times hearing this song, I never thought of the solo (my favorite Kirk has ever done) in that way. Open mind for a different view .
@@mikehup2383 In the documentary "A Year and a Half in the Life of Metallica", which chronicles the making of the black album, it's shown that Kirk worked extremely hard on this solo, playing it over and over until it was perfect. I think at the time, he considered it the best solo he ever wrote. I'm inclined to agree.
Very well said. 🤘✊️
You could say that about a lot of songs. Shine on you crazy diamond is top of the list..
I love your review of this Amy! Your completely starting to get what metallica is all about...emotions,feelings,grit,aggression,light,dark...all rolled into one.ive been a metallica fan since the late 80s and iam so happy your exploring their music more!
Great reaction, you nailed the message here. These guys are great musicians, this song, to me, fits your harp beautifully.
at the beginning it was pure Morricone
When did he invent ami chord? You're sick.
Especially since every concert, Metallica is introduced to “ecstasy of gold” by Morricone.
Absolutely
It's a sample from "The Extacy of Gold" I think, but in reverse.
Thank you. The beginning of this song makes me feel like I just stumbled into the middle of The Good, The Bad and The Ugly.
Never thought I’d ever see Elizabeth jamming with Metallica!
You mean Amy
Yikes
Lyrically James underrated.
yeah, hard to touch Metallica lyrically. Very hard to find someone on that level.
The greatest thing about this song is that you can clearly hear all the notes/chords, even with the distortion...no frequencies cancel others out. This is the musical genius of Bob Rock. You can clearly and cleanly hear the Am Em Dsus4 D Am verse progression, and it's just so good. :)
Your reaction took me back to your interview/discussion with Elizabeth of the Charismatic Voice. I've watch each of you from your first few reactions (impressed by you taking the Leap into listening to Metal). Elizabeth once said, after listening to quite a bit of Metal, "I didn't realize these are such accomplished musicians, producing complex arrangements". Your reaction, and mentioning JH's use of his voice as an instrument.... I remember from your first reaction, your body language sometimes said (and I believe you also said), 'What in the Heck am I doing, listening to this stuff?" ...and to see you now enjoying the quality of this genre and the creations and talents of these musicians. A real joy to watch!
Need to do the trilogy of the unforgiven.
This was a great reaction, Amy! I love this song, I love Metallica from 90s and I adore Rammstein. 🥰
And btw, you have just made me understand my obsession with vocals a little better.
So, thank you, Amy! You are the best! 🖤
Dear Amy, when you uttered the words "clear distortion" I knew one thing: your journey to "the dark side" is complete. That's a very fine distinction!!!
Never forget that many of Metallica's best/most popular songs, also have versions they performed with The San Francisco Symphony. Sometimes these are superior to the original, The Day That Never Comes for example from the S&M2 performance. The first S&M concert featured some incredible arrangements for some of Cliff's songs, like The Thing That Should Not Be and Call of Kthulu.
They did not perform this song at either concert, but they did play one of the sequels to this track on S&M 2, The Unforgiven III.
All the arrangements for the first concert, as well as the additional symphony parts, were written by Michael Kamen. He also conducted. You'd probably know him best as the guy who dropped the cool "string" arpeggio part into Comfortably Numb and absolutely transformed the song. He also arranged orchestra parts for almost all the Pink Floyd albums.. post Atom Hear Mother.
🤘🧙♂🤘
I really liked that you enjoyed this so much you grab the harp and play along. I bet you never thought you would "love" a Metallica song or any heavy metal/hard rock song when you contemplated this journey. Seeing it happen is awesome. So many think this type of music is just noise. Glad you can appreciate it.
I am happy Amy that you found a Metallica song you really like (actually love; according to your own words😉). "The Unforgiven" is a great song and is also one of my favorite Metallica songs. Great observations throughout, particularly on Hetfield's voice, and on the guitar solo and how it represents his spirit soaring freely amidst the oppressiveness he feels. Also enjoyed your thoughts on the power of the drums. Great observation also on this piece expressing tenderness within the heaviness, which blend together beautifully. I loved your harp play along. It fits nicely under your fingers during the chorus. Great reaction!
Fade to Black, plz! - one of the best of their earlier stuff... Very dark and "depressive", even suicidal, but still - love it!
Quite probably my favourite song by this great band. So emotional.
This song still gives me goosebumps after all these years. One of my favorite guitar solos of all time.
Hetfield is the ultimate Melody Maker of Metal
I am a sucker for melody. Call me shallow, but a good melody will pretty much guarantee that I will like a song, regardless of genre.
Wow, I never expected that Amy would react on James and Metallica like this!
This is song is so multilayered and it is also very personal for James, it is also a story about his relationship with his parents who never accepted his choices in life, and it is also very heavily influenced by film music by Ennio Morricone, in masterful production of Bob Rock.
Metallica was and is one of the best thing that happened in not only Metal music, then in music at all, their ability's to embrace and create works that are coming from different places and genres, but to sound unison, like one and unique band, group of musician inside genre itself and to influence so many groups and artists is one of a kind.
James singing do sound like an instrument, to be specific an rock instrument, little bit more Punk rock, then classical Metal, and his lyrics are always, if in not personal, than as honest about subject as they can be, they are singed. yelled, roared, screamed, talked, caring the message, same as the emotion.
I am glad that Amy had bravery and persistence to get to this part of her exploration of rock music, that she now can recognize and analyze so masterfully songs like this, and groups like Metallica.
Keep on good work Amy, kiss the little one, greetings to Vlad!
True masterpiece. Music, melody, riffs, solos, voice, lyrics, meaning, drums, sound, production, mood - all is perfect to some unimaginable extent.
I've been watching your channel for a while now (mainly just listening while working) and I truly appreciate the depth and honesty in you reviews of each song you present to us.
As a bilingual (English/Spanish) I am deeply curious and woul die to watch/listen to you review some Spanish speaking rock bands (latin and european). The arrangements those bands have done, and their vocalists are out-of-this-world, truly.
Some bands, off the top of my head, you could review are:
Rata Blanca
Mago de Oz
War Cry
Avalanch
Heroes del Silencio
Saratoga
Obus
Dunedain
Agora
And there are many, many more.
Kudos on your hard work posting these videos. Cheers!
Huh??? What the f? Stop. Go listen to some old music. All those bands are shit
She will never do those bands, unfortunately.
Inside Brazil, Brazilian people almost don't hear non-brazilian music: they're so self-sufficient, they don't need it. I guess, that's one of the main reasons why so many English speaking language music reviewers don't "fall" outside their bellies.
That's sad. The system perpetuates itself.
They're the ones who are less rich, by doing that.
Saludos desde Portugal, Hermano. 😊
"The old man then prepares to die regretfully. That old man here is me." For those who have battled the disease of unforgiveness for too long, this song has been therapeutic in gaining perspective and letting things go.
I blasted that song on my walkman all the time when it was new. It, and the whole of the Back Album, set me on my path to explore metal throughout the 90's and 2000's
that was a fantastic critique and review,aswellas a great harp performance. I hope to hear much more. Bravo!
Hetfield’s second greatest song, after MOP.
Edit: I’m referring specifically to the powerful, deeply personal lyrics. However, The Unforgiven is hands down James’s best vocal performance.
I think I like unforgiven II the best.
I have to agree. MOP is so well put together, but this track show so much emotion from a deep level. It's really hard to compare the two.
@@marysweeney7370 I'm quite fond of all 3 tbh
You're absolutely wrong... Every single song on Lulu is James and Metallicas best EVER!!!! 🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻
The Metallica documentary "A Year and a Half in the Life of Metallica" details the recording of this album. They have a section about the guitar solo for this song that is pretty awesome. Kirk was "tested" by Bob Rock and other band members, and then Kirk delivered!
I figured you'd love this song, as most of the world did when it came out. There are some others with the same caliber that I listed in a "song wish" list on my comment for your Master of Puppets reaction. Hopefully you get to them sooner than later.
Lastly, I just wanted to say that your reaction to this song is amazing! Great job on articulating the dynamics and layers of the music and vocals!
You should react to Carry on Wayward Son by Kansas. I think it's one of the best rock pieces ever created.
I've been watching you since the start and Metallica since 1984. This may be the most excited I have seen you for a metal piece. I have to say, it is an absolute delight to see your entire brain involved in this one. You noticed things that I have always known but you put them in a context I wasn't thinking of. This is now my favorite of your " reaction " videos so I hope you follow through with your idea of adding harp to the piece at some point.
The Harp Twin ladies have covered this is my memory's correct but I doubt there are many more harp covers. Hundreds of other covers of this song have been made and I listen to them all with glee. It is somehow justifying to me to hear so many covers of something that I knew was great in 1991.
In 1991, as a young man, I walked 3 miles to a record store at 4 AM so I could get in line to buy this album. I still have it, albeit scratched to the point of being useless. For teenaged/early 20s men of the time, this was a very relatable album. I could go on forever about my love for Metallica but you are slowly but surely figuring out why I liked it back then and why I like it even more now.
Keep on rockin and THANK YOU and your team, for your great videos.
What a beautiful analysis of one of my all time favorite songs. Unforgiven helped me though some rough times growing up. Metal saved my life.
I’m excited!! I think you’ll love it.
Beautifully orchestrated.
I want more. The "Black and White" off the air, before and after the video footage. This woman is fascinating.
I truly think you'll love this song, a deeper, darker and softer side of Metallica. Enjoy it, looking forward to your reaction.
With the Black album, Metallica angered many fans who thought they sold out because Pryor to this album Metallica received zero radio play,and upon it's release it got played on every rock station in the country.The album was a fairly stark shift in style and I think you would like most of this album.
Ironic that their "selling out" was what kept them relevant through the Grunge era. Almost no other heavy metal band from the 80's could say that.
I didn’t hate the Black album or felt they were selling out , it’s what they put out next that hurt me.
@@Fang70 How so? Metal thrived in early 90's and it was actually the most expansive period in it's history. In NOLA you had the sludge metal scene with bands like IHATEGOD, Crowbar Soylent Green. In Sweden you had the Gothenburg Sound with bands like Dark Tranquility, At The Gates, Soil work In-flames. In Tampa Bay had the Death Metal scene. In Norway you had Black Metal and during the early 90's in that's when you really started to see crossover and fusion metal.
I was a pre-teen at the time, and I thought they were acting like children with their little temper tantrums (same with Load and Reload). I'm now 44 and I still believe that.
The older you get and the more you learn about the world, the more you realize that most of the time, "selling out" isn't a real thing.
@camannwordsmith selling out shows all over the world for nearly 40 years
Glad you instantly loved this one, I think what amazes me watching reactions and comments to Metallica songs is how almost every one of their varied catalogue of songs has such a big fan base with people saying XYZ is their favourite.
There's obviously a number of more famous Metallica pieces which are universally loved, but out of 100+ songs there just aren't many songs that alot of people don't like, which is more than impressive.
The way you defined the solo is just so insightful and poignant. Inspired.
Never was much of a Metallica fan but this song holds a special place in my life. The first time I heard and saw this song was on a video jukebox at the AAFES at Sand Hill on ft Benning Ga when I was in basic training. It fit well with the overwhelming experience I was in and my life up to that point.
One thing we can ALL agree on is that more Metallica is definitely better, more better!!! 😁
This was the 1st of a trio of songs. Each different in theme. I can't wait to see your analysis of Unforgiven 2 & 3. Combined they tell a great story. Individually awesome songs.
One of my all time favs when it bridges into the solo..brilliant
WHEREVER
I
MAY
ROAM
This was really fun. I look forward to something like No Leaf Clover
She has to do no leaf clover
You should check out Apocalyptica. They're a Cello band from Helsinki who started their career transcribing Metallica's music to Cello. Their first album was all Metallica songs, but they then started to compose their own songs. After numerous albums they just released Metallica covers Volume 2. They did a cover of One, for the second time, but this time James Hetfield does a spoken word narration of One's lyrics over the music.
This album got so many kids in the early 90s into Metal, really brings back great memories.
I really enjoy and appreciate you sharing your reactions along with your musical knowledge. Have you ever thought about starting a second channel to introduce us to the world of classical music?
Great reaction. It's one of my favourites, and lovely to see you really enjoy it
Hallo, i like your channel. And i love the fact you don´t judge any kind of music. You have a open mind. Thank you for this time , you share with us.
The way they incorporate their type of scales is very distinctive. You can hear 1 of their riffs, and you know that's a signature Metallica sound...which is pleasant because of the symmetry and balance. Their riffs are heavy, loud, fast, yet clean, and always on time with the drums. These attributes set them apart from other metal bands.
This is my favourite Metallica's song!
“I dub thee unforgiven” is the full-power reassertion of his individuality. “I”. “Dub” here elevates his voice from irrelevant to authoritative. “Unforgiven” describes both a continuous focus on and inner deep rage from/for the object of his statement: “them”. Hetfield and especially Ulrich think sociologically, so “they” are assumed to mean the major institutions of socialization. In order of raw power over the content of the language/culture we’re fed: economic, religious, family, political, peers, education. But for each individual their is 1 or 2 individual others who are the original source of the rage.
Great analysis, this is one of my favorites songs of metallica, others song with the same vibe is "Nothing Else Matters", "No Leaf Clover" and in general the trilogy of "The Unforgiven", there are too other songs really interesting in Load Album and Reload Album
Ok, Rammstein and Metallica are two different styles, but I can imagine how this and a song like "Sonne" somewhat compare. I thought it was a bassoon at the start, but I looked it up and it's a french horn. FYI The Unforgiven is actually a trilogy, you should listen to Unforgiven II and Unforgiven III too (they are on different albums !)... I remember buying the Apocalyptica album when I heard it when it came out, hearing it in the pub I always went. I didn't even finish my beer, I just stood up and went to the record store to buy the album hahaha, such a brilliant cover album. Thanks for sharing, I really love your reaction to metal, as it is such a rich music genre... thanks for approaching it without judgement and an open heart... greetings from an old school metalhead from Holland !
Now you have to react to Unforgiven II and Three. It’s a trilogy.
Harp DEFINATELY fits right into the finger style acoustic guitar.
I just thoroughly enjoy watching and learning from your musical journey, thank you 😊
Glad I stuck around til the end. Please do make a video of you playing with them! 🤘🏼
When the album was released, I immediately fell in love with this song. It's still my favorite Metallica song to this day
Ooh my favorite Metallica song. Nice to watch you experience it and play along!
It touches on the pain that many of us carry around. (It doesn't ever leave entirely.) The "black album" was very popular when it came out even to non-Metallica fans. The metal fans had to make room at their concerts. Many long-time fans didn't like the softer approach at first.
It’s honestly never been a favorite of mine, but it’s anything but a bad album. I don’t blame them for going in a new direction, but I still favor their previous albums. Its success speaks for itself.
Great take on Jame's voice and agree the voice is the ultimate instrument.
Thank you for such a great review about this beautiful song Amy and I hope you join the band soon we're looking forward to seeing you tour with them in 2025 👏
You explain things so well and vocalize elements in these songs that I may not have even considered, being a fan, or was there in the back of my head but had not verbalized in my mind. This is a fun channel but also one where I learn.
BTW, its not all agreement all the time, but I understand what you mean and sometimes I have changed my mind, like Megadeth (though still think theyre great overall) but sometimes I keep my point of view, like the Sex Pistols.
I would say this track is probably the most easy on the ear track from Metallica for people who appreciate great music Metallica black album is a great way for tuning your ear so you can appreciate their discography.
Thank you for the excellent review of this track ! ✌️
FADE
TO
BLACK
So cool to see you playing harp along with Metallica! Great job Amy.
This album is one of culprits who melted the feet in my Realistic reciever and blew my 125 watt speakers. A great cd for sure. Seen many times and never had a bad set. thanks Amy
Amazing interpretation. Thank you 🙏
Hetfields voice is very adaptable and underappreciated in music especially when you look at the riffs he can be playing at the same time as singing the way he does
❤ I just loved watching you play along with the harp😊❤❤
really enjoyed your reaction video
Definitely check out the official video (extended version) because it adds so much to the piece.
DEEP PURPLE "BURN" PLEASE!
A few things:
This was Unforgiven, a few albums later they did Unforgiven II, and then ended the "trilogy " with Unforgiven III. Your interpretation of the first one seemed interesting because I was of the thought he was telling his dad he, the dad, was being dubbed unforgiven. Because of how, James got treated by him. But kind of through the trilogy, the "who" who is unforgiven changes. Kind of like James was working through the issues he had with his dad over the three songs.
Next, since you are into classical music, I think you should check out the songs that appeared over their two S&M albums where they played with the San Francisco Orchestra.
Lastly, TBA, had two slow songs on it, this and Nothing Else Matters. Both really stood out and opposed to most of Metallica 's work till this album. They caught flak for this album being "commercial " but it's really a tour de force of change but keeping the Metallica essence still in it. One of my top albums of all time.
I absolutely see, and I have always seen, the similarity between some Metallica songs and some Rammstein songs, Amy listen to Mutter by Rammstein!
Fascinating analysis/reaction. I found it particularly interesting, because I was requesting recommendations for metal online recently. I said I mainly like music that has some prettiness. I didn't know how to explain it. I knew people may think I meant something really "melodic" and/or with clear, sweet vocals, or that symphonic metal stuff. But that's not it. I said I didn't know how to explain it, but I gave this example: "Metallica is pretty. AC/DC is not." And I didn't just mean Metallica's signature melodic intros. Black Sabbath is pretty. Some Marilyn Manson is pretty, some isn't. Static-X is not pretty (though I still like a few of their songs). This video here helped me at least frame what I mean by "prettiness" a little more in my mind, though I still would not be able to articulate it well. REALLY interesting analysis. Thanks to Amy and Vlad!
I'm not really a Metallica fan but this song keeps me coming back to them.
One thing I this is important to know about the bands progression this album really divided their core fans. Most fans came around to it later on, but it was a real shock at the time..When I heard it in 91' I remember looking at my friend and laughing when I heard the lyric "whoaoo whoa"
A beautiful reaction, so wonderfully true. This song is autobiographical, sung mainly to Hetfield's mother who was so committed to the faith of her church that she refused treatment and died of cancer when James was about 16. His Father passed away long ago. That's why it's a delicate "unforgiven" because it's an allusion to how his mother limited his world through her faith and premature death.
Amy, the 5th membee of Metallica!! 👍🏽😎
One thing you may or may not know is original bassist cliff burton is the one who helped introduce classical music and harmony to the band, he had studied music theory and was really into bach. They would later go onto do S&M and S&M 2 with san francisco symphony orchestra. Cliff burton has some bass solos on YT that are also worth a listen by themselves
To go get some glimpses through all phases of Metallica, I would recommend these songs:
Whiplash,
For Whom the Bell Tolls,
Welcome Home (Sanitarium),
Harvester of Sorrow,
Holier Than Thou,
Bleeding Me,
Low Man's Lyric,
Stone Cold Crazy [Queen cover song],
Minus Human,
Sweet Amber,
The Unforgiven III,
Spit Out the Bone,
Remember Tomorrow [Iron Maiden cover song],
If Darkness Had a Son.
One of my favourite song from Metallica. Amy, you need to check out more songs from The Doors, i know you already did 2 or 3, but there are still so many great tracks to discover. LA Woman, The Spy, The Unknown Soldier, 5 to 1, Peace Frog and the list goes on.
To this day, the mix on this album is considered THE gold standard. It is widely considered one of the best mixes of all time.
For a word for "dirty distortion", the term "sludge" would be apt.
You just explained perfectly why Metallica and Rammstein are among my favorite bands.
Definitely would follow this one with Nothing Else Matters from Metallica. Hetfield wrote that song for his girlfriend. Excellent video and breakdown of the song too!
James has always worked on his vocals. They have made every album as a different sound from their others from vocals to instrumentation. Each album has its own sound. Metallica and Pantera are really their own genres. They're rule breakers.
Fun side note: Many years ago I took a photography course at a local community college. First day in class the first thing the instructor does is have us watch the music video to this song to illustrate the effect of light and shadow in photography, and the importantance of composition of the photo.
Imagine hearing when it first came out....during 90s they(heavy meyal). was experimenting with classical music and they were exploring the dark aide of things. Along comes the black album and puts it all into one
Another top class «ballad» by Metallica is «The day that never comes». Highly recommended!💪😀
Rammstein vs Metallica hmmm…
I consider both to be “Artists and great bands. I’d have to say Rammstein are probably a bit more artistic but both have made a huge impact in the music industry. 😊. I don’t know if you’ve heard Apocalyptica? They are a cello quartet who cover a lot of Metallica and other popular music. I would suggest their cover of Rammstein’s “Seemann” featuring Nina Hagen (born in East Germany and an Icon in Germany period). As with one of your other Rammstein reactions, it definitely wouldn’t hurt to react with the official video. ❤😊
Metallica and Rammstein are two of my favorite bands. You'll find a lot of overlap between them, even though they're both distinctly different. But as for the voice being an instrument, Matt Bellamy from Muse takes that spot for me. His voice literally sounds like a guitar in some of their tracks and can replicate it live. I hope you check Muse out at some point as well -- I think they're more reminiscent of Queen than Metallica or Rammstein -- but I'm always VERY happy to see more Metallica and/or Rammstein. I'm glad you're enjoying them.