Garage Inc.
A dual-disc tribute honoring the metal and punk roots that forged a legend.
Garage Inc. stands as a unique entry in the band's catalog, serving not as an album of original compositions but as a tribute to their musical predecessors. Released during a transitional period in their career, this double collection allowed the group to publicly honor the heavy metal and punk rock acts that shaped their sonic identity. As an unofficial fan record, this entry celebrates how the band reinterpreted classic tracks through their signature lens. It bridges the gap between their experimental mid-nineties era and the raw aggression that would follow later in their history.
Last updated 2026-09-29 from the source article.
Quick Facts
- Longtype
- compilation album
- Artist
- Metallica
- Released
- November 24, 1998
- Recorded
- Disc 1: December 18, 1997, and September–October 1998; Disc 2: 1984–1995
- Studio
- Disc 1: The Plant (Sausalito, California); Disc 2: Various
- Genre
- Heavy metal
- Length
- 136:38
- Label
- Elektra
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
After pushing boundaries with their previous experimental records, returning to cover songs was seen as a way to reconnect with their fanbase and acknowledge their influences without the pressure of writing new material. The division into two discs is symbolic: one side dedicated to the heavy metal giants who provided the blueprint for their riffs, and the other honoring the punk ethos that fueled their early energy. This duality showcases the breadth of their musical education.
Reader's Guide
Released in November of nineteen ninety-eight, this double album serves as a tribute to the band's musical heroes. Produced by Bob Rock, the project was split into two distinct volumes. The first disc focuses on heavy metal classics from bands like Diamond Head and Black Sabbath, while the second explores punk rock influences including The Misfits and Venom. It arrived during a transitional period following the Load and Reload era. Many fans viewed it as an opportunity for the group to revisit their roots before moving toward new sonic territories. Recording sessions took place at One on One Studios in Los Angeles. Critics noted the high production quality, though some debated the necessity of another compilation during that cycle. Despite this, it remains a fan favorite for showcasing how Metallica interprets the sounds that shaped them. The album peaked within the top ten charts globally. Jason Newsted contributed bass duties throughout both volumes before his eventual departure from the group. The concept emphasized raw garage rock energy despite the polished studio sound.
Track listing
New Recordings: '98
| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Free Speech for the Dumb | Garry Maloney, Kevin "Cal" Morris, Tony "Bones" Roberts, Roy "Rainy" Wainwright | 2:36 |
| 2 | It's Electric | Sean Harris, Brian Tatler | 3:34 |
| 3 | Sabbra Cadabra | Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, Bill Ward | 6:20 |
| 4 | Turn the Page | Bob Seger | 6:06 |
| 5 | Die, Die My Darling | Glenn Danzig | 2:29 |
| 6 | Loverman | Nick Cave | 7:53 |
| 7 | Mercyful Fate" (medley) / :"Satan's Fall" (0:43) / :"Curse of the Pharaohs" (3:05) / :"A Corpse Without Soul" (1:38) / :"Into the Coven" (1:49) / :"Evil (3:56) | King Diamond, Hank Shermann | 11:11 |
| 8 | Astronomy | Joe Bouchard, Albert Bouchard, Sandy Pearlman | 6:37 |
| 9 | Whiskey in the Jar | Traditional arr. Eric Bell, Brian Downey, Phil Lynott | 5:05 |
| 10 | Tuesday's Gone | Allen Collins, Ronnie Van Zant | 9:06 |
| 11 | The More I See | Maloney, Morris, Peter "Pooch" Purtill, Wainwright | 4:49 |
| Total length | 65:42 | ||
The $5.98 E.P. – Garage Days Re-Revisited (1987)
| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Helpless | Harris, Tatler | 6:38 |
| 2 | The Small Hours | John Mortimer, John McCullim, Bryan Bartley, Ron Levine | 6:43 |
| 3 | The Wait | Jaz Coleman, Kevin "Geordie" Walker, Martin "Youth" Glover, Paul Ferguson | 4:55 |
| 4 | Crash Course in Brain Surgery | Burke Shelley, Tony Bourge, Ray Phillips | 3:10 |
| 5 | Last Caress"/"Green Hell | Glenn Danzig | 3:30 |
Track listing from the source article.
Did You Know?
- The album is divided into two discs based on genre: heavy metal and punk/hardcore.
- It was recorded during a time when the band was experimenting with different musical styles.
- Jason Newsted played bass on all tracks before leaving the group shortly after.
- Many of the covered songs were favorites from the members' early listening days.
Related in Metallica
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