Five star

YEAH! The metal gods are back with an album that shows the world they're back to their very best.

St Anger takes you back to the early 80s Ride The Lightening and 1988's - And Justice For All days where fast was good but even faster was better.

There's a definite thrash feeling to this, the four horsemen's eighth album released.

Having been one of the lucky fans to have seen them twice this month - at a special gig in London and at the unannounced performance Download Festival in Donnington - the novelty of the first two tracks on the album (Frantic and St Anger) has kind of worn off.

But not to worry, there is plenty more to look forward to on this their best effort in many a year.

St Anger sees James, Kirk and Lars team up with new bassist Rob Trujillo and they come together in an album set make critics eat their words about the disaster that was Load and Reload.

James, fresh out of rehab for his alcohol abuse, is back to his lyrical best leaving the rest somewhat in his wake.

Lead-guitar genius, Kirk Hammett, seems to be left out with a definite lack of dazzling solos which also cuts down on track times.

And because the songs seem to be so fast Danish drummer Lars Ulrich is almost beating through the pigskins to keep up with his band mates.

This all makes a classic album and one to savour for a long, long time. The album's free DVD is also worth a look.

MS