I confirm each word that you have written @armacener!
Metallica is one of the biggest metal band in music history. Nobody can criticize that fact.
Ok, they have released some weak album (Load, Reload), some commercial material (S&M with The San Francisco Symphony Orchestra) and some really shity album (Saint Anger and Lulu, jizzzzz!!!!). And ok, Lars Ulrich is a real motherf... and a great shark in music industry but... They are a true live band, playing and living for one thing first of all : their fans!!!
I've seen Mettalica 10 times I think, first time in 1991 at the Monsters of Rock festival. Each time it was amazing and they always played at least 2h20!!! In 1993, they went at the Rock Werchter Festival in Belgium and it was their very last gig from the Black album tour around the world... They played for almost 3 hours!!! 3 hours man, can you imagine that!!!
I listen their music since 35 years now and it's always a real pleasure.
Metal forever, cheers!!!!! ;-)