Is The $5.98 E.P. – Garage Days Re-Revisited a good place to start with Metallica?

Yes, The $5.98 E.P. – Garage Days Re-Revisited is recommended as a starting point for new Metallica listeners. Energetic thrash metal covers that blend raw intensity with a punk ethos, showcasing Metallica's homage to their influences. Released on August 21, 1987, this EP came shortly after Metallica's breakthrough album, 'Master of Puppets'. At this point, the band was solidifying their status in the heavy metal scene, following the tragic death of bassist Cliff Burton, which led to a lineup change with Jason Newsted joining. This EP served as both a tribute to their influences and a bridge to their future work.

Who is The $5.98 E.P. – Garage Days Re-Revisited for?

The $5.98 E.P. – Garage Days Re-Revisited works well if you're into raw energy for intense moments, short bursts of adrenaline and front-loaded excitement and urgency.

How many songs are on The $5.98 E.P. – Garage Days Re-Revisited?

The $5.98 E.P. – Garage Days Re-Revisited has 5 tracks, running approximately 24 minutes.

The $5.98 E.P. – Garage Days Re-Revisited

Metallica · 1987

24 min · 5 tracks · heavy metal

Energetic thrash metal covers that blend raw intensity with a punk ethos, showcasing Metallica's homage to their influences.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Helpless Start here — This track stands out for its aggressive riffs and tight arrangement, exemplifying Metallica's ability to reinterpret classic material with their signature sound.
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The Small Hours — A haunting cover that showcases Metallica's dynamic range, blending melodic elements with heavy instrumentation, representing their growth as musicians.
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Last Caress / Green Hell — The frenetic energy and punk influence of this medley highlight Metallica's rebellious spirit and willingness to honor their roots in hardcore punk.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

52 /100

Foothills

Higher than 38% of albums we've rated

The EP captures Metallica's thrash roots with energetic covers, but its cohesion is less strong due to the nature of the material.

What we noticed

Each track maintains a fast tempo with aggressive guitar riffs and high-energy drumming throughout.
The production is raw and unpolished, emphasizing the live feel of the recordings rather than a polished studio sound.

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

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

raw energy for intense moments
short bursts of adrenaline
front-loaded excitement and urgency
headbanging anthems for gatherings

Maybe skip if you

prefer longer, immersive experiences
seek polished, refined sound

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Fan Favorite — Beloved by fans for its raw energy and tribute to influences, showcasing Metallica's thrash roots.
Themes: punk-infused aggression· Cliff Burton tribute· heavy metal reinterpretation
Career context: Released on August 21, 1987, this EP came shortly after Metallica's breakthrough album, 'Master of Puppets'. At this point, the band was solidifying their status in the heavy metal scene, following the tragic death of bassist Cliff Burton, which led to a lineup change with Jason Newsted joining. This EP served as both a tribute to their influences and a bridge to their future work.
Stylistic neighbors: Megadeth· Slayer· Anthrax