"For Whom the Bell Tolls" (...Yes, the Metallica Song!!)

Originally published on October 26, 2007 (via MySpace)

You hear it.

The Bells.

And you think to yourself, "Oh! This could be one of two songs..."

Cuz it could be AC/DC's "Hell's Bells", and that could be cool.

But then it hits you...

duh DUHNT, duh DUHNT, DUUUUUUUUUUUHHHN...wee neh nee neh, weh nuh wee nuh nuh...

And you know EXACTLY what fucking song it is. The power. The menacing, descending riff. Oh glorious day!!

Everyone knows this song. Who the fuck doesn't like Old Skool Metallica? I understand people's distaste for "newer" Metallica, but you can't say shit about this one. A song from their early days, when their metal was fucking METAL!!! It's one of those songs you just have to headbang and shout along with. There's no denying it's an absolute fucking classic.

It was never really a single, but they did release a live video from the "Live Shit: Binge and Purge" concert video. It's great song writing, and doesn't really follow the conventional "pop" formula...but then again Metallica didn't really write like that back then. If you're not readily familiar with it, (then why are you reading my blog? get the fuck out!!) the lyrics concern a small military unit, probably a platoon or squad size ("Men of five still alive thru the raging glow...") who are possibly pinned down by advancing forces.

I feel it's about how soldiers have to deal with death. They know that they may not survive the night, but their pride and bravery get them thru. It's actually very inspiring. I understand that it's an "anti-war" song, but if you think about it, most good war songs are.

Take for example, "Disposable Heroes" from their album "Master of Puppets". Or even my personal FAVORITE SONG EVER, "One" from their metal masterpiece, "...And Justice For All". Both anti-war songs, but I have known many of my fellow Marines who took inspiration from Metallica's music. Even I did.

Now, the reason I thought of writing about this particular song, is that last weekend, Chris and I did a quickly thrown together jam with Caleb and Josh from Chaos. We had to pick a half hour's worth of songs to fill in their slot at Gallery. We picked mostly Black Sabbath and Metallica songs, and we had to throw this one into the setlist. Not only does everyone KNOW this song, but every metal musician should know how to PLAY this song. It's the easiest one (next to "Seek and Destroy", which we also rocked out) and it's instantly recognizable.

Plus, if you are a hard rock or heavy metal band, and you can do it well, it garners you almost guaranteed instant credibility. Who wouldn't enjoy a cover of a metal classic? Fuck Yeah!!

So if you're a rock musician, you MUST learn this song. It should be a goddamned Commandment or some shit. Seriously. I guarantee you, it will come in handy in a tight spot.