Metallica - The Thing That Should Not Be (REACTION!) 

Special thanks to our sponsor NordVPN! Get the exclusive NordVPN deal here at nordvpn.com/LIVNORD73. It's risk-free with NordVPN's 30 day money-back guarantee!

Can't wait until you guys land on Disposable Heroes, so overlooked. That main groove in the beginning is one of the top moments for me in their entire catalogue

Lars has incredible song composition skills. He may not be formally trained, but he had an ear for what sounds good since the beginning. He doesn’t get enough credit for that.

This and Leper Messiah are criminally underrated

MOP is just simply a perfect album. There isn't a bad moment on it.

I think Hetfield’s vocal performance is underrated in this song. He sounds possessed at times, especially in the verses

Lars nailed the feel on this song, and he doesn't get enough credit for it.

Every single song on this album is a banger. That's it. That's the message.

Heaviest song ever. Lars is all over this song and Cliff's Bass is all over the album. All four guys were on fire.

You need to watch the Seattle 89 live version of this. Heavier than the universe.

This dropped back when I was in 10th grade. I’m now 52 and this STILL hits hard as it did back then. 🤘

You can thank Cliff Burton for the “student of music” feel. He was a genius

The huge student of music in Metallica was definitely Cliff Burton on the bass. This album is very closely associated with his sense of art with their music, and his experimentation. He was basically the composer of this album, taking the riffs that James would write and stringing them together and adding arrangements to them to create something more than just in your face thrash. There's a reason that after he passed they almost never played some of the songs off of this album, such as Orion, they were just Cliff songs. RIP, but he'll never be forgotten because of this album and the two before it.

This is one of the heaviest songs ever written in my opinion. It never ever gets old. Menacing is the correct word fellas.

This song gets lost because it’s between Master of Puppets and Sanitarium, very underrated, always one of my favorites.

The lyrics are inspired by H.P. Lovecraft, one of his tales about Cthulu. The heaviness is WAY appropriate! Great reaction as always.

I believe this is the first song in Metallica's discography where they tuned their guitars down. That's why it's so beastly. That's why it's so sluggishly heavy. This song is a great illustration of cosmic horror; it's Lovecraftian. Also, probably my favorite Kirk Hammett guitar solo. It's very different from his normal style and it's just so cool. Very ugly and chaotic. It fits the song so well.

You really can’t miss on any of Metallicas early albums, every album is like a greatest hits showcase, that’s why it can be easy to miss a song. The whole album is masterful.

Cliff Burton Original bassist was a Student of Music he taught Music Theory to the guys and was the mastermind of this sound. I could only imagine if he had not been killed how they would sound now.

An amazing song that doesn’t get discussed enough. Such a killer heavy sounding riff. A nice smooth beginning into a classic chunky metal grove with a great guitar solo.

Oh yeah, this is definitely one of the most ominous songs they ever made. Did you guys know this song was inspired by H.P. Lovecraft's work and that they actually wrote it really quick? It just like happened in a jam or something. They were like "Lets make this really nasty, heavy and dark jam that makes it sound like we're in R'lyeh and Ctulhu is amongst us..". I'd say it worked out really well 🙂(The thing they're refering to that should not be is Ctulhu). I really dig James' eerie vocals on this baby. Reminds me of For Whom the Bell Tolls which is also one of my very favourite Metallica songs. It has that same dread-doom-horror vibe. Love it!

Looking forward to seeing your Sanitarium reaction. By far my favorite Metallica song. The transitions are amazing

This is probably the heaviest Metallica song that they ever wrote and recorded. They talk about how they wanted it to sound crazy and otherworldly in interviews, and I think they nailed that feel and tone. Kirk's solo is exactly what I think of when I think about Cthulu and madness and all that.

Two things. Lars plays the comfortably unexpected. That’s how I describe his drumming. It’s not inherently difficult to play. It’s just not many drummers in the same situation would’ve approached their parts like that. But it still feels great. Two. The “nasty” feeling in the riffs are because they are chromatic. Meaning they are putting semitones up against each other. That always makes things feel evil. Jaws theme is a perfect example two notes have never sounded scarier.

Lars is one of the best. I don't care if he's old or lazy to play his own songs they way it should be (he's playing really well nowadays anyway) BUT he wrote those fking drums, man. HE WROTE IT AND HE PLAYED IT FOR THE ALBUM, his drum parts and his fills are so fking CREATIVE and amazing and actually hard to pull off exactly in the same way he did. There are a lot of virtuous technical dudes but none of them find the way to pull off such amazing drums that also are memorable and so fit for the songs. He's not my favourite drummer but man, he deserves to be respected.

Great to see “The Thing That Should Not Be” get some love!

One of the most eerie and evil sounding solos of all time! Kirk Hammett! 🤘🏼

I am a Megadeth guy but love Metallica just the same. This album is one of my all time number ones of any genre.

I remember hearing this album in '86 when it came out. I think all of the Big 4 albums came out within 10 months of each other. Slayer: Reign In Blood, Megadeth: Peace Sells, Metallica: Puppets, and Anthrax: Among The Living. Everything changed about music for me after that. Up to that point it had been more classic rock. AC/DC, Priest etc. This was faster, crunchier, more aggressive. I was hooked. Shit, I'm still hooked.

"That is not dead which can eternal lie, and with strange Aeons even death may die" Most metal line in the song

In 1986 this was extremely heavy metal, you just had to be there to understand how devastating Metallica was back then, and if you didn't listen to heavy metal you had no idea who Metallica was.

The amazing thing about "reaction" videos is seeing people, like yourselves, getting pulled fully into a song. How does that happen? I think it's because you're seeing bands in the "zone", able to express their musical creativity at such a level, that you can't help but be spiritually changed by the experience. This is the true "hook" of any presentation. Some individuals, or groups, have this capacity to take us to another state of being. Metallica always does this. I think it's just their individual vibe as a group of guys and it's something out of this world. I feel the same about Iron Maiden, Opeth, Megadeth, Elvis, Diana Ross, etc., etc. Some people are perfect expresssions of themselves through their art or craft. It's really a blessing and inspiration to be able to see these performances and, I think, wakes people up to their own special gifts. Thanks guys. You are amazing. Blessings, Neil

This is such an underrated gem, the S&M version is haunting as hell, one of my favorites off this album of favorites

My favorite solo of Kirk’s. Pure haunting aggression.. especially the 1989’ Seattle version

This has to be the most in-depth discussion I've ever heard of Metallica and Megadeth's level of fly.

This song always gets me in a certain kind of mood, and it's great for setting up a horror environment such as dark as The Call of Cthulhu and Cthulhu's mythos. One of my favourite parts is James quoting the actual book "not dead which eternal lie, strange aeons death may die". Incredibly powerful and haunting.

That stank face when the riff hits is exactly why I lovde this song. One of the heaviest feeling songs ever to me.

I was in the 9th grade when this album came out. Back then, we mainly listened to cassette tapes. I wore out 3 copies, before cd’s finally came out. Now, I’m a 52 year-old grandfather, and this Metallica album still holds up.

Wow! This is the most Lovecraftian song, other than the Call of Ktulu, that they’ve written. Nice drop!!!!!!

Yes, slower is harder when done right. And in THIS case, it's done Masterfully. Therefore, this is one of the hardest songs ever written. I come to your channel because your understanding of complex music on FIRST listen is astonishing. Ryan's ecstasy over Lars's multiple cymbal hits at 17:20 for example is a proper outburst that reminds me of my own reactions back in the day. I'm proud that you guys welcome and embrace the genre of metal. I'm of irish origin (so I'm as white as they come), and I would be honoured to call you my brothers - if you'd permit me. And remember... Metallica is the first 4 only. A small caution regarding the And Justice for All album: this is material that is impossible to fully understand (therefore shouldn't be judged conclusively) on first listen due to its "Godly" timing changes. But once digested, you will find that it actually Flows like water. All timing will become one and will be "cut from the same cloth", and you will realize that this album is the epitome of metal music writing. The track "To Live is to Die" is a song that Beethoven would probably wish he could call his own. Cheers.

I love that George is a Megadeth guy and Ryan is a Metallica guy. 😂 Makes this reaction so much better.

"a solid, twisted sound" They actually describe the song within the lyrics, and nobody ever noticed...

Playing drums is WAY more about what you don't play than what you do play. The spaces that you find are what makes an excellent drum part.

The part that George really likes has always been my favorite part of the song as well. James Hetfield said in an interview that their goal was to play string instruments like percussion instruments. I think that is displayed really well in this song.

You guys brought up a really good point! Not only does Metallica pull off "groove" and time or "speed" changes but in their live performances they seamlessly transition between multiple songs into a medley as they're called.

It's nice to see Lars get a little love. He gets blasted so hard all over the internet, to a degree that has become beyond ridiculous. It's just really, really, cool to hate on Lars Ulrich instead of giving him the respect he's earned.

Cliff is major reason why first 3 albums are epic

the way the guitar solo takes off is wicked wicked wicked!

It never gets old watching first timers be brutalized by Metallica. Had a smile on my face the whole vid. 😁🤘

Starting from Kill em All , and ending at the Black Album is one of the greatest album runs in the history of music.

My favorite Metallica solo. Unique and sinister.

This whole album is a masterpiece.

The thing that we have RU-vidrs like George and Ryan is a blessing

Lars is the Ringo Star of metal, not the most technical but put some absolutely unforgettable, incredible performances to tape. This record in particular was THE defining moment in metal, the benchmark which all other metal was judged against for many years to come. All the Lars shit talkers can gargle his sweaty balls because they know they will NEVER COME CLOSE to impacting the world like he and Metallica did.

Cliff Burton taught Metallica how to play together as a band. He was the student of the music.

Heavy AF. Recorded in D standard and played live in C# standard tuning. The final cut created and completed in the studio during the recording of MOP. Kirk recorded the solo in one 45 minute session and purposely freestyles it live. So heavy, this one. It sits right on your chest the whole time and never lets you breathe. A true masterpiece.

You cannot go wrong with any song from the first 4 albums

To me this song has been like a part 2 to The Call of Ktulu (Cthulhu) as James sings in the Chorus "Fearless Wretch, Insanity. He watches lurking beneath the sea. Great old one (Another name for Cthulhu). Possibly one of their more heavier tracks, especially the outro with Cliffs bass and the guitars sounding like an evil creature

They do a version of this song on the S&M album with an orchestra. One of my absolute favorite songs of all time. There are even videos of from the composers view when they were recording it live... is beyond lit.

I still listen to MoP, almost 40 years later after I listened to it the first time. It still hits so hard to this day. Metallica was transcendent. No wonder they are the biggest band in music.

Cliff is looking down from Heaven and smiling that people are finding so much joy in his music. His, Jame’s, Lars’ and Kirk’s Legacy is this album.

You wanna know why Lars is so good and these two can notice it too ?? The man can play cool and rememberable stuff WITHOUT GOING OUT OF GROOVE, in fact Lars tends to enhance the groove with his fills and overall playing

One of the heaviest riffs of all time, no contest

There is no bad songs in Metallica first 4 albums. All masterpieces, highly underrated song.

With regards to Metallicas musicality, Kirk was a student of Joe Satriani, and he taught him a lot about building a song with harmony and melody at the core. That has always been the bands greatest strength, thier ability to make melodic music sound aggressive, and vice versa.

I agree, I fell in love with that nasty riff all those years ago

I love how you guys make me re-appreciate all the classics I overplayed in my youth. Watching you guys react remind of the feelings I got when I heard this shit for the first time ... this is hard! haha

You hit the nail right on the head my Brother. "Students of music". The boys from 'Tallica (including Dave Mustaine) have always said that back in the day Cliff Burton was THE source. He was classically trained, he knew music theory and harmonies, etc. He taught everyone of them how to be more musical. And he played on this album. Great catch there man.

Beginning to end this album is amazing. I was 14 years old jamming this. 12 the first time I heard a bootleg of kill ‘em all and never looked back. The main band of my youth

good heavy one from metallica, old school, i'm 53 so seen them in their prime. great group. this song got me through some dark times in my life so personal. we see what we believe but beyond that is unbounded by our imagination.

I'm glad you brought up the fact that this song is after Master of Puppets, and how it flows from the end of MoP to this one. That's something that's lost on 2 generations of people that don't listen to albums, but just singles. Albums have a flow to them, and it's really the proper way to experience a band's music. A lot of thought goes into an album's flow. Listening to the whole album makes each song more intense than just listening to them individually and out of order.

If you haven't seem them live, you MUST. It all comes alive in a whole new way.

Such a fkn track! This album blew my mind as teen in the 80s. Love seeing you two loving it. It's like having new ears

Saw this tour in 1987 Nuremberg Germany Monsters of Rock at age 18. Cliff (RIP) was lost a few months before. Dio, Ratt, Deep Purple, Helloween, Cinderella…. What a show !!!!

This song being in D makes it that much more heavy. Also during the outro when you hear what sounds like the pick scraping the strings? My god, insaneeeeee

The Kings🤘 The Aeons! The Old Ones! 🤘This is the first album I ever bought when I was 12 years old. I picked up a guitar and I’m a professional musician. I’m also Texan 🤘 Amazing reaction guys! Thanks! 🤘

This is the reason why I have always loved Lars so much. We can all agree that he isn't the greatest drummer of all time, but he sure as hell knows what makes a good song. Lars is the maestro of Metallica and a huge part of why they are as big as they are.

I wrote a paper on this song in high school comparing the lyrics to the character of Grendel in Beowulf. I thought it was a perfect match.

METALLICA CANNOT BE TOUCHED. PERIOD.

Y'alls analyses of this song were some of the most well-thought out, cohesive insights I've ever thought of or heard of about Metallica. Thanks for helping me appreciate their music for the first time all over again. Cheers.

I'd love to see a long podcast where u guys reflect for a long time on metal. As an old school metal fan, your unbiased perspective w your fresh ears help me appreciate in a new way the old songs. You have very accurate, adult, perspective that I may, miss since I was a kid when I was listening to this stuff.

Y’all need to do some early Ozzy solo, Suicide Solution, I Don’t Know, Believer, Mr. Crowley, Bark at the Moon, y’all in for a treat & you gonna love it.

It's definitely one of their darkest and meatiest songs.

Man it’s insane to think you guys are at over a million subscribers now. Been here since well before you guys were under 100k. Congrats!!!

Nice to have a reminder of how great this song really is

The whole album is a masterpiece! The template for all metal to come after it! Metallica's Opus 😁

When George said "I'm about to start some shit", I knew EXACTLY what he was gonna say! Hahahaha! My thoughts exactly!

I knew this would be Playlist/Staylist for you guys. I just knew it. Awesome. 👍🏻😎

This has always been one of my favorite Metallica songs.

Metallica is the best heavy metal band of all time!! They rock!! Great reaction guys..

Great song! No matter what they do.. they BANG it EVERY TIME! Always loved them

The drums in this song apologize to no one and don’t need approval. Perfect fit for a perfectly menacing tune. Great job guys. And thank you Metallica for creating this masterpiece.

I freaking love this song!! One of their best imo. Metallica is always on rotation. Thanks guys for this one.

master of the puppets albums never gets old

This based of H.P Lovecraft call of the cuthul and from start to finish tells the story....and you have to thank Cliff for the study of music he was a student and helped so much...best album from metallica of all time

Some of the hardest headbanging I seen yall do so far I’m tearin up

Im 52, and i started playing guitar shortly after this album came out BECAUSE of this album, and i desperately wanted to play Master of Puppets. Of course, i couldn't, i was a beginner, so this became the first song i learned on guitar, and has been my favorite ever since. it's where i learned the POWER of the CHUGCHUGCHUG

Thanks for doing this guys. This is my favorite Metallica song of all time

Sometimes I like to listen to this song in the highway when I get off work at 5am. Watching the dawn while listening to the intro reminds me of a vampire hunter movie.

You guys always love the parts I love haha always the perfectly timed stink face whether its the transition or the nasty guitar riffs. Much love from Philly.