Metallica's early work was a bit too speed metallic for my tastes, but when The Black Album came out in 1991, I think they really came into their own, commercially and artistically. Their new album has a more relaxed pace, and a sheen of consummate professionalism that really gives their songs a big boost. Hetfield’s been compared to Bon Scott, but I think James has a far more bitter, cynical sense of humor.