Can you be a Beatles fan and Metallica fan? This release requires an appreciation of the material by both bands to really get it, but when one does they realize it’s genius — a word not to be thrown around lightly.
Part of the joy of this release is picking out all the references. It’s similar to picking out the references to pop culture in the “Toy Story” movies or, for an adult comparison, “Spaceballs.” But don’t dismiss this as a tribute band to either; it’s a combination of the Metallica style mixed with Beatles lyrics and music.
Some of the pairings are common sense, such as “Sandman” and “Harvester of Skelter,” combining Metallica’s “Harvester of Sorrow” with the Beatles’ “Helter Skelter” to make the lyrics that much heavier. “Revol-ooh-tion” and “Hey Dude” are more highlights, while “Anesthesia (I’m Only Sleeping)” unifies the legendary Cliff Burton bass solo “Anesthesia” with — you didn’t see this coming — the Beatles “Birthday.” If that isn’t interesting enough, the bass licks that get featured almost as a solo pull from various Metallica songs. I had to dig out “Kill ’em All” to identify the reference to “Seek And Destroy.”
The momentum is carried throughout the disc to the final track, “And Justice For All My Loving.” Fans of Metallica will hear enough metal to appease them and fans of the Beatles will smile at hearing the various ways in which the material of the Paul / John / Ringo / George have been updated. Speaking of which, here are the band member’s names:
Jaymz Lennfield — guitars / vocals
Grg Hammettson — guitars
Kliff McBurtney — bass
Ringo Larz — drums
Again, this is not a gimmick or a tribute album. It’s well worth your time, especially if you’re a fan of either band. Perhaps, after listening, you’ll be a fan of both.
