The last thing anybody would call a Metallica album prior to 1996 (or 1991, for that matter): BORING. But lo'n'behold, here we have 80 minutes of lumbering blooze-rock which wouldn't sound out-of-place on a Lynyrd Skynyrd record. That it's a Metallica album is pretty sad but not without precedent (Kirk Hammett's playing, in particular has sometimes been blanded out by some toothless blues licks). But if this CD had been made by any other band one would be hard-pressed to find anything worth listening to.To suggest that this CD is a product of 'evolution' or 'maturity' is absolutely preposterous. Wonder how much money changed hands under the table for THAT pronouncement? Your guess is as good as mine.