Metallica = Sellouts? NO WAY!
Metallica = Posers? NO FUCKIN WAY!

You guys crack me up. It would be a lot more sad if Metallica (at their age) were still trying to do the things they did in the mid-eighties. It would be like Al Bundy dreaming of his high school football accomplishments.

In my opinion, Metallica has grown as a band. They have matured in a fashion that most metal heads can't understand. You know the type, a thirty something, used up, long haired tough guy that acts like they're still in high school. Do you really think that this type of person could understand the subtle nuances of Metallica's 90's style? I don't.

If the music has a chorus and understandable lyrics these guys don't like it. Nevermind the technical skill displayed by Metallica when they play their instruments, if the song doesn't have the stereotypical metal thrash sound then it sucks. I'm sorry, but I prefer to listen to music that is not only creative but technically sound.

I believe that most metal bands wouldn't know how to play an instrument if their life depended on it. There is a difference between playing an instrument and thrashing an instrument. Most metal bands thrash instruments. If you don't believe me than ask a metal head to play some Bach or jazz riffs. Not shit they heard a thousand times and can replicate but stuff that requires talent and skill.

Art is subjective and it would be a shame if Metallica didn't explore their 90's style like they did. Their old music may be better but that doesn't mean that their newer music isn't good in it's own style.