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CartMetallica "Quebec Magnetic" Review — 5 out of 5 stars
Tue, 11 Dec 2012 16:48:48
Metallica's World Magnetic Tour was one for the books. The band touched down practically everywhere with one of its most innovative and impressive stage sets ever. Not to mention, the jaunt supported Death Magnetic, which also proves to be a classic in its own right. Now, the world gets to relive this explosive and historic run again and again on Quebec Magnetic.
Quebec Magnetic [DVD, Blu-Ray] is important for a few reasons. It's the very first release on Metallica's own Blackened Recordings. Second of all, the DVD's set list was actually voted on by fans back in September. Most importantly, it's hands down the best concert film released this year. Not only is it essential for Metallica fans but music fans period.
Director Wayne Isham [Cunning Stunts, S&M] brings viewers right into the fire alongside the band. He swoops around the venue capturing the breadth of the audience, while zooming right in between the lasers on the Four Horsemen as they shred. The action on the blu ray burns brilliantly, and Isham ensures that the viewer has the best seat(s) in the house. It's essentially like having the ultimate all-access pass.
Quebec Magnetic unfolds like a film. From the black and white intro leading right into the band's huddle to the flames surrounding "One". James Hetfield unleashes furious riffing and flawless singing on Death Magnetic bashers like "That Was Just Your Life" and "The Judas Kiss". He also serenely carries "Nothing Else Matters" and "Welcome Home (Sanitarium)" with poetic prowess. Kirk Hammett's fretboard sizzles during "Master of Puppets" and a searing "My Apocalypse", once again illuminating just how tight he is as a player. Lars Ulrich's percussive prowess reigns supreme during "Broken, Beat & Scarred" as well as on the bonus "Phantom Lord"—a rare treat and bonus cut here. Trujillo rounds out the attack via his spider-fingered virtuosity coursing through "Whiplash" and "Seek & Destroy". The concert simply slays.
"Together we do great things cuz what don't kill ya make ya more strong," Hetfield announces, and his banter energizes the audience as much as music. It's truly like any Metallica show you'll ever attend in that aspect.
Included on Quebec Magnetic is "Quebec City Love Letters". It's a look at the band's bond with their diehards and the city. "I don't know how Slipknot does it," laughs James Hetfield when discussing wearing masks. Ulrich also espouses the building's history and the merits of it being "very compact". Once again, we get another side of Metallica here that's utterly human.
Just in time for Christmas, you need Quebec Magnetic…
—Rick Florino
12.10.12
