I've been listening to Metallica for a very long time now (I'm 42) and they're probably my favorite band in the world along with Pink Floyd. I, too, hold their first 3 albums in much higher regard than their subsequent efforts. The thing with Metallica though is they were always an influence in my life musically. They were the reason I started playing guitar, they were the band I listened to when I was happy/sad/up/down/whatever. They had a song that went with each occasion and they made "serious" music. Not like the popness of Motley Crue or the constant death/devil/evil-ness of Venom or Slayer or Mercyful Fate. Sure I also listened to and love those bands, Metallica was always my go-to music when I wanted to "feel". This holds true even today. Even though some of their albums were really hard to stomach and cringeworthy (St. Anger anyone?), they will always hold a special place in my heart. One thing I gotta say though, is that they have the best live show ever! They have an incredible energy that I've never felt with any other band.
Anyway, yeah I'm a fanboi.
Anyway, yeah I'm a fanboi.