Metallica's first three records (and parts of the fourth) were thrash classics that towered over almost everything their peers were doing at the time. Then James Hetfield decided to become a cowboy, and just like that, it was all over. Black was a decent enough "hard rock" record, but everything since has been shit. It's kind of hilarious how they've tried to "return to their thrashy roots", which was exactly what Jason Newsted wanted to do, but was ridiculed for. Now they do 10 minute songs and 77 minute albums no one likes. Way to self-edit, stupids.