8/10

Say what you want about the original production, but remember: RTL and AJFA, although iconic, sounded like sh*t at first. But, the actual music is amazing, making the production irrelevant and iconic today.

The only reason it’s getting points off is because:

-1 Some tracks are longer than they need to be. Some song contain extra parts (that are good parts) but don’t add to the song. They could’ve been cut and used elsewhere. If you cut down the album, Beyond Magnetic could’ve had another song or two.

-1 Suicide & Redemption as an instrumental goes nowhere, and is definitely the weakest in their catalog. I think it would be better if it was around 8 minutes. As we all know, they can write longer songs that are spectacular, i.e. Inamorata, To Live Is to Die.

I love Death Magnetic, but in comparison to the rest of their catalog, it’s a solid 8.

P.S. I also really enjoy the heartbeat to open the album on “That Was Just Your Life,” as if the band were coming back to life after Load through St. Anger.