It’s been over five years since Metallica released their last album, St. Anger, in June 2003. Despite many favorable reviews, many die-hard fans were disappointed, noting the album’s down-tuned guitars, lack of solos and tinny snare drum. The album also marked the last collaboration between Metallica and longtime producer Bob Rock.

Fast forward to late 2008:  Metallica’s ninth studio album was released on September 10, 2008, titled Death Magnetic. The highly anticipated album features the current bass player, Robert Trujillo, for the first time (he joined the band shortly after St. Anger was completed). It’s also the first Metallica album to be produced by Rick Rubin, who has previously produced albums for Johnny Cash, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Beastie Boys, and many more.

So how is it you ask? (more…)

Wednesday, August 7th, at the Nikon Theater at Jones Beach, four friends meandered through the crowds, which were buzzing with the anticipation of seeing The Stone Temple Pilots. Rumors of the the disastrous PNC Bank Arts Center performance loomed over the Tri-State Area. Many of the members of the crowd were in attendance at the PNC show where Weiland made them wait for hours before coming out. When he did finally grace them with his presence on stage, he struggled to make it through his own songs. Earlier in the week, Scott had crashed into his band mates’ drum set, at which point they needed to pick him up and place him back at his mic. At Nikon, no one knew which Scott Weiland they would be seeing.

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