Eye of the Beholder (song)

Infobox Single
Name = Eye of the Beholder


Artist = Metallica
from Album = …And Justice for All
B-side =
Released = 1988
Format =
Recorded = January-May, 1988
Genre = Thrash metal
Length = 6:25
Label = Elektra Records
Writer = Kirk Hammett
James Hetfield
Lars Ulrich
Producer = Metallica
Flemming Rasmussen
Certification =
Last single = "Welcome Home (Sanitarium)"
(1986)
This single = "Eye of the Beholder"
(1988)
Next single = "Harvester of Sorrow"
(1988)

"Eye of the Beholder" is the third track from Metallica's 1988 album "…And Justice for All".

Lyrically, the song is about the lack of freedom of speech. "Eye of the Beholder" is notable for its chorus section containing 12/8 time played, not as an ordinary compound quadruple time, but as a syncopated rhythm. The rest of the song is a more conventional 4/4 rhythm at a slower tempo than seen on Metallica's previous three albums.

Eye of the Beholder was released as a single in place of Harvester of Sorrow in the United States (actually coming before the "One" single) but failed to chart. The B-side of the "Eye of the Beholder" single was a cover of the Budgie song "Breadfan."

The song has been played live in its entirety, but not since 1989. [ [http://youtube.com/watch?v=KutnblLhOCA YouTube - Eye Of The Beholder - Metallica (Live 1988) ] ] However, "Eye of the Beholder" always formed part of the medleys of songs from "…And Justice for All" often played by the band in concert during the 1990s as an alternative to playing full songs that were seen as too difficult because of the numerous guitar parts. One such "Justice Medley" was recorded on their 1993 live album "".

Tracklist

Tracklist for the singles.

Promotion CD single:
#"Eye of the Beholder" (Edit) (05:36)

7" vinyl single:Side A:
#"Eye of the Beholder"

Side B:
#"Breadfan"

Promotion 12" vinyl single:Side A:
#"Eye of the Beholder" (06:29)

Side B:
#"Eye of the Beholder" (Edit) (05:56)

Covers

In Flames recorded a cover of "Eye of the Beholder" on "Tribute to the Four Horsemen", a tribute album recorded by various artists. This version of the song also appears on the remastered edition of In Flames' second album, "Subterranean". A cover of the song also appeared on the "" tribute album, performed by Life After Death, a band formed by Phil Sandoval after the break-up of Armored Saint.

References