10 Perfect Metal Albums With ZERO Flaws

Most metal fans consider thrash metal to be the purest musical form in the genre. From the rapid speed of the guitars to the growly vocal delivery, the sound tends to speak for every aggressive aspect of what metal is. Though Slayer may have the accolade for the most intense thrash act, Metallica were able to earn their spot through pure musical magic.

There are probably many Metallica fans who would consider the band's 90's masterpiece the Black Album as their best, but Master of Puppets is one of those rare records than only comes together when everything is at its peak. Across just 8 tracks, the band were able to write the unholy handbook on what metal is meant to be, from the punkish energy of "Battery" to the raw heaviness of "The Thing That Should Not Be."

The band also shows how to do a slower track right on "Welcome Home," which never loses its intensity despite its more downtempo groove. Even the instrumental track "Orion" feels like an independent musical entity, with bassist Cliff Burton delivering the performance of a lifetime. Metallica have definitely had their fair share of missteps over the course of their career, but as far as this album goes, best of luck finding a dud in this track listing.