Metallica jumped the shark with "Load" (arguably, even earlier, with the "Black Album", depending on one's tastes), and have gotten progressively worse with each subsequent release, but there's just no excuse for this sonic nightmare: "St. Anger" may well be the worst sounding CD ever released by a major act. Boring songs, hideous production, and (sorry, Lars) flat-out awful drumming. Oh, and virtually no lead guitar either.Metallica's first four releases ("Kill 'Em All", "Ride The Lightning", "Master Of Puppets", "...And Justice For All") are absolutely essential listening for even a casual fan of Heavy Metal. This is a must to avoid for anyone with ears.