"The fact that Metallica were even willing to take part in such an event shocked many, yet their desire to extend the boundaries of their 15 year careers was none more so evident than in 1999's release 'S&M', a collaboration with conductor Michael Kamen which seemingly filled the void between heavy metal and classical music. An unlikely combination fused together with the help of the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra paved the way for one of the great musical showcases of 1999 as Metallica ripped through a greatest hits set with a difference.

The 2-CD set begins with a rendition of 'The Ecstasy of Gold', a somewhat relaxing piece of music considering the milestone that is about to take place. Yet when this ends the air of excitement can be heard and Metallica begin their instrumental 'The Call of Ktulu', taken from their 1985 release 'Ride The Lightning'. Not only is the album featuring one of the most unlikely combinations imaginable in the world of music, it features the talking in between songs, the
fans lucky enough to witness the event can be heard and it becomes apparent that the live CD is not just another live CD, it is an album that reflects the importance of the event and the joy it brought not only to the members of Metallica, but to their adoring fans.

In my opinion only one song on the entire album actually sounds right with an orchestra, that being the single 'Nothing Else Matters', a 6 minute long ballad brought even more to life by the orchestra and James Hetfield's apparent passion for the song. 'The Memory Remains' is a pleasure to hear as once again it represents the desire of the fans to be involved in such an occasion, as they bellow out line after line with or without Hetfield. Older, heavier songs such as 'Master Of Puppets' and 'Enter Sandman' may not sound their best with an orchestra, but serve up a treat as they enlighten the music world to the endless opportunities such a combination represents.

To many hardcore Metallica fans this album may seem disappointing, many people feeling the band left their roots in order to sell more albums, but despite such accusations it is my belief that Metallica and the orchestra created a special sound, a rare sound, and a different sound unlikely to be heard again in this current era. With such a gulf in style evident with the inclusion of the orchestra, this was not just a Metallica gig, this wasn't just a heavy metal concert,
this was a great night for music, captured on an album that will for many years be a showcase of the realms of opportunity open to today's musicians.

- (1999)

Rating - 4/5