Rapidly growing on their success of the preceding albums Metallica prepare another visit at the long beach of heavy sound. In contrary to the past, this time guys also invite us to show how it can color this record with their exclusive talents. This album is a continuity of unforgiven "Metallica" and took off where the sun left the world. Still, there is an evident and convincing power thrusts in every aspect of the production, the song writing and the performance. One can feel itself like a Biker who is driving a big landrover through quicksands. But far behind dunes long line of deep ocean is seen...
January, 2001
Review by Vetrarnott

Maybe it's looks strange, but I've never liked an any Metallica's records. I began to appreciate their works only after listening Apocalyptica's debut - "Plays Metallica By Four Cellos". I commenced understanding the complicated structure of their composition. These guys are very gifted to write compact capacious songs filled with vigorous riffs and actual lyrics.
This record is one another way to understand listening other album by Metallica. "S&M" has advantageously distinctions from other self-plagiarized works performed by various bands with Symphonic Orchestra, which contain nothing that orchestra sound simply coping main guitars (or vocals, or etc.) riffs. Here Metallica's compositions have got additional musical lines that beautify songs without loosing strength of initial sounding. One may discuss about songs selection for this record about last albums ("Load", Reload") but changing in common style of performing music doesn't affect on this "S&M" record with Symphonic Orchestra. Here the Orchestra isn't an additional instrument to band (like on Therion's "Deggial") but a full member of process. Composer Michael Kamen have made a difficult work to make Metallica's music to be close to Richard Wagner's craftsmanship.

The main technical problems with hearing the orchestra as loud as band (and vice versa) was brilliantly solved. You can hear every instrument clearly, from the softest flute, to the heaviest guitar riff. Even the crowd singing along with the lyrics is audible as the operators should be given an award for their ability to clearly get all of the sounds on the album.
I consider "S&M" as to be one of the excellent work amid other attempts to unite Metal and complicated symphonic work. I think that "S&M" is their creative peak and is more necessary in your collection than any current Pseudo-sympho metal. (Amidst even the overall yours dislike for Metallica's previous albums)
April, 2002
Review by Vetrarnott