4. Fade To Black
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WEQnzs8wl6E It seems kind of crazy now following such things as the much-maligned Lou Reed-collaboration Lulu and an album with a full symphony orchestra, but thousands cried foul at the very inclusion of this track on Ride the Lightning way back in 1984. "How dare Metallica put a ballad on an album?!" they screamed, having previously been schooled in the wall-to-wall barrage of ferocity that was Kill 'em All, as even though Fade is a disparate tale about someone losing the will to carry on and eventually committing suicide, it was still a ballad in the loosest sense of the word. You think Metallica have been put through the wringer these days? Even back just following their debut they couldn't catch a break from fans who only wanted songs heavy enough to make your ears bleed. As we've mentioned with Hammett's overall approach to this album and his learned way of composing a solo, Fade to Black's is a masterclass in slow release, gradually building upon what's gone before until eventually a repeating pattern that escalates up the neck has you completely captivated. The pace is absolutely spot on, with each note ringing out like the righteous genre-definer it was born to be, and these days when the band play live this section tends to be extended or features Hetfield roaring over the top - easily being one of the greatest metal tracks of all time.