Following
Cliff Burton's death,
Metallica took some time off and initiated new bassist
Jason Newsted with a raw, unpolished EP of covers originally recorded by
Diamond Head,
Holocaust,
Killing Joke,
Budgie, and
the Misfits. Most fit the band's style quite well; only "Last Caress" sounds out of place, as the original seemed looser and more dangerous. As a showcase for some strong metal riffs and material by mostly underground bands, the EP works quite well.
–
Steve Huey, Rovi