Metallica's first two albums had laid the groundrules for thrash metal, Master Of Puppets clearly defined them. Vast and epic in scope and concept, with sprawling tracks none less than five and a half minutes in length, Master of Puppets was Metallica at their creative zenith. Immense and technical, with thought-provoking lyrics about war, drug abuse and TV evangelism among other subjects, this album painted its grim pictures of madness and manipulation with broad strokes. Although it would take another two albums before Metallica was to meet with massive commercial success, they have rarely if ever hit the heights of similar brilliance since.

10 out of 10.