What makes The Judas Kiss by Metallica notable?

'Death Magnetic' debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 and received critical acclaim for revitalizing Metallica's heavy sound. The album's success solidified the band's enduring impact on heavy metal and introduced a new generation to their classic style. Released on September 8, 2008, 'The Judas Kiss' was part of Metallica’s ninth studio album, 'Death Magnetic'. This album marked a return to their thrash roots after a period of experimentation, showcasing the band’s efforts to reclaim their earlier sound amidst changing music landscapes.

How many songs are on The Judas Kiss?

The Judas Kiss has 1 track, running approximately 8 minutes.

The Judas Kiss

Metallica · 2008

8 min · 1 track · heavy metal

The album unleashes a relentless barrage of aggressive riffs and intricate rhythms, encapsulating Metallica's signature thrash metal intensity.

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Top tracks — play these first

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The Judas Kiss — The title track exemplifies the album's blend of complex song structures and aggressive instrumentation, serving as a powerful statement of Metallica's return to form.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

58 /100

Treeline

Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The track combines intricate riffs with dynamic shifts, reflecting Metallica's thrash roots while maintaining a modern edge.

What we noticed

The track features rapid tempo changes, alternating between aggressive thrash sections and slower, more melodic passages.
The guitar work includes complex riffs and harmonized solos that showcase technical proficiency.
The song structure is non-linear, with multiple shifts in dynamics and intensity throughout its duration.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
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.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — Revitalized Metallica's heavy sound, establishing their impact post-experimentation.
Themes: betrayal and redemption· thrash metal intensity· inner conflict
Career context: Released on September 8, 2008, 'The Judas Kiss' was part of Metallica’s ninth studio album, 'Death Magnetic'. This album marked a return to their thrash roots after a period of experimentation, showcasing the band’s efforts to reclaim their earlier sound amidst changing music landscapes.
Stylistic neighbors: Megadeth· Slayer· Anthrax