Ride the Lightning

Controversy

However, with increased critical and commercial attention for the album, the band received their first accusations of "selling out", because of the slower, quieter parts in the song "Fade to Black", although many more fans argue that the diversifying of sound shown on Ride the Lightning is what makes Metallica such an important band to the genre. These accusations were certainly nowhere near the magtitude of claims the band would face over their 1996 album Load.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

"Fade to Black" was also controversial among cultural conservatives for its stark portrayal of suicide. However, that same starkness resonated very strongly with fans as a kind of honesty rarely found in other forms of popular music. Moreover, Metallica was quick to point out that fans had often told them how "Fade to Black" had actually kept them from committing suicide.

Related Topics:
Cultural conservatives - Popular music

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~