Metallica - Beyond Magnetic (Warner Brothers) ****

"Beyond Magnetic" is a 4 song EP. It's the material that was left over from the "Death Magnetic" sessions. These throw-away songs are pretty good. This sure feels like Metallica, much like their last album did. It's good to see this band regaining their metal roots, and giving us some heavy riffing, and a couple of "oh yeahs..."

It's been a while since a major band released an EP, and Metallica was certainly known for such releases. There is something very metal about the process, it just flows so well with the genre. And in the age of the digital download, it's good to find a proper home for a few scattered tracks.

"Beyond Magnetic" has a solid punch from start to finish. It does not disappoint. And for those fans who couldn't get "Lulu," the EP offers a nice balance. It's metal for metal's sake!

Mark Kadzielawa