What makes Metal by Newsted notable?

The EP received positive critical acclaim, particularly for its authenticity and energy, charting at number 30 on the Billboard 200. 'Metal' also solidified Newsted’s place in the metal community as a solo artist, influencing emerging musicians and fans alike who were eager for a return to classic heavy metal roots. Released on January 8, 2013, 'Metal' marked Newsted's first solo project after leaving Metallica in 2001. This EP came during a time when Jason Newsted was seeking to redefine his musical identity outside of the shadow of his former band, showcasing his return to the heavy metal scene after years of absence.

How many songs are on Metal?

Metal has 4 tracks, running approximately 22 minutes.

Metal

Newsted · 2013

22 min · 4 tracks · heavy metal

A raw and aggressive exploration of heavy metal, blending ferocious riffs with a visceral sense of personal expression.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Soldierhead — Opening with powerful riffs, this track sets the tone for the EP by addressing themes of struggle and resilience. Its relentless pace embodies Newsted's renewed vigor in music.
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Godsnake — This track showcases a more complex arrangement and lyrical depth, highlighting Newsted's ability to merge technical skill with emotional storytelling. The infectious chorus makes it a standout.
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King of the Underdogs — An anthem for the overlooked and underestimated, this song celebrates perseverance and defiance through its anthemic structure and driving rhythm. It captures Newsted's personal journey effectively.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

50 /100

Foothills

Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The EP showcases strong energy and raw expression but lacks depth for long-term engagement.

What we noticed

The EP opens with a high-energy track that features rapid-fire guitar riffs and aggressive drumming, setting a relentless pace.
Each song maintains a consistent mid-tempo to fast tempo, with no significant slow tracks to provide contrast.
Vocals are delivered in a raw, gritty style that matches the instrumentation, emphasizing the personal expression throughout.
The final track ends abruptly without resolution, leaving a sense of urgency and intensity.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Soldierhead 4:16
2 Godsnake 5:16
3 King of the Underdogs 6:00
4 Skyscraper 6:37

What to play next

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Heavy Metal Music

2013

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Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata