I have a notion to write about some instrumentals so let’s start with one that’s often rolled out as the best metal example of the form: Metallica’s Orion. I’m not inclined to rank such things but I wouldn’t argue with this song taking top spot on such a list. Orion is classy and classical metal and a great showcase for Metallica’s much-missed bassist Cliff Burton, who’s writing and musicianship dominates here. It’s extremely well-paced with not a minute wasted as the tune shifts from claustrophobic mega crunch to more open lead breaks and melodies. Burton excels throughout with a range of bass leads and harmonies that all cement his legendary reputation. I especially enjoy the organ-like churn that gets the song off to an ominous start and the tranquil melody mid-song is one of the band’s most moving moments and still takes me back to the feelings of wonder and discovery I felt as a teen getting into all this stuff in the first place.
HEAVY METAL OVERLOAD 
Listened to Puppets just the other day while hanging with a few friends. We paused when this song came on and talked about how awesome Cliff was. RIP
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I hope there was plenty of beer involved!
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I hang with a bunch of diabetics and squares. I was the only one who had a beer, lol
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hahahaha……
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That slow middle section was a wow moment for me.
And then they build it up to come in with a shred solo. Such mature songwriting for the young ages they were.
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A wow moment for sure. It’s amazing what a big impact this lineup had in the course of just a few albums.
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Great instrumental
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“Orion” and “The Call of Ktulu” are shining examples of the band that Metallica was with Cliff. Those songs, even more than the staples from the first three albums, are what sold me on Metallica as a just turned teenager. ‘Justice’ was a great album, but from there on Cliff’s absence was obvious.
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Totally agree! It was a toss up between writing about Orion and The Call Of Ktulu, they’re both brilliant.
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