A line I wish I'd included in my Death Magnetic review last month. . .

Ahh, that critic's balancing act of praise and good-natured condemnation, ever the aloof fanboy:

"Death Magnetic isn't so much a comeback for Metallica as it is an apology, an acknowledgement that they've made some mistakes and feel genuinely repentant. It might not be particularly compelling when held up to their best material, but it's a comfort that it exists and that they recorded it. It just might be the best album you never listen to."