New releases today: Metal

Review: Originally released in 1996, the sixth full-length from the biggest of the "Big Four" of thrash, saw the Los Angeles metal titans subvert any and all expectations with an embracing of hard rock, grunge and Americana, complete with a controversial makeover that swapped out ripped jeans for leather pants and cropped haircuts. Returning to work with Bob Rock following the global success of 1991's Black Album, the well-documented 80s-to-90s transitional identity crisis would result in enough material for two albums, released one year apart in the form of Load and Reload. Although initially lambasted upon release by genre purists, the three decades since have seen cuts such as 'Ain't My Bitch', 'The House Jack Built' and 'Until It Sleeps' become accepted as live staples and fan favourites, while the folk-balladry of 'Mama Said' and the epic closer 'The Outlaw Torn' are now perceived as quintessential Metallica. Celebrating its 30th anniversary just a year early with a slew of different reissue sets, this straight up gatefold double LP focuses squarely on the original album, fully remastered by Reuben Cohen, whilst offering, for the first time ever, the original extended version of 'The Outlaw Torn' that was originally edited due to manufacturing limits.

Review: Arriving in 1997, a time when the UK's music scene was awash with Britpop and various electronic sub-genres, Unleash The Beast lands between their NWOBHM 80s glories and their subsequent re-adoption as metal national treasures, but that shouldn't put you off. It takes more than a few fads to put the Barnsley crew off their stride and they sound like they're firing on all cylinders on 'The Thin Red Line' or 'The Preacher', which neatly incorporates a ZZ Top-type headnodding funkiness and unusually Bon Scott-esque vocal into their well worn twin guitar trademarks. There are cursory nods to stadium rock and thrash metal here, but Saxon have always stayed relevant by doing what they do best rather than pandering to fashion. You know what they do - and if you like it, you'll love this.

Review: New York glam-metal outfit White Lion carved out a distinct place in late 80s rock with melodic precision, glossy riffs and stadium-sized sentiment. This collection captures their most anthemic highs, with cuts from Pride, Big Game and Mane Attraction laid out in full power-ballad and riff-led glory. The one-two of 'Wait' and 'Radar Love' opens with slick drama, while 'Hungry' and 'Broken Heart' showcase their knack for writing choruses with teeth. Ballads like 'When the Children Cry' and 'Love Don't Come Easy' dial into emotional overdrive, but there's bite too: 'Little Fighter' and 'Lights & Thunder' burn with righteous intent. Two live recordings-'Lady of the Valley' and 'All You Need Is Rock N Roll'-round it off with arena energy. A slick document of their platinum-era peak.