This guy’s sharp. I’ve never seen anyone catch onto the meaning this quickly, or break down the song so thoroughly.

Dude, not only did you tune in with the lyrics - as you said, that's your forte with a rap background - you COMPLETELY picked up on the music telling the story. The heavy first half, the melodic slow-down that represents the euphoria of the high, the chugging guitars as the need for the next fix comes edging back in - you got that immediately, great reaction ^.^

As a lifelong Metallica listener, you really picked up everything this song was about. Great reaction. You've earned a new subscriber. Hope to see more.

You are by FAR the best Musical reactor on KZfaq. You dont Just listen and say "yeah its cool" you really LISTEN and try to get the meaning behind it. I LOVE them and you really should be proud of your amazing content

The members of Metallica were 20 and 21 years old when they wrote this song. The level of awareness and lyrical chops from such youngsters is amazing to me. And to top it all off. In 2015 this song (released in 1986) was selected as one of the 25 new sound recordings added to the registry of works that are “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant” in the Library of Congress. At the time this brought the total number of these recordings to 450 and its was the FIRST metal song selected. This song has to be one of the most important works of poetry of our lifetime.

Many who don't give metal much of a chance never realize the technical musicianship and the sheer poetry involved.

As a rapper and lyricist you definitely broke this down perfectly. Please do more like this I like all types of music so it's interesting to see the diversity. Props Knox

2 more Metallica songs that hit so hard: fade to black and one. Lyrics that could make a grown man tear up

The fact that you don't get stuck in only one genre and give an oportunity to all things makes you one of the best youtube reactors 👌🏻

This album is arguably the most iconic most influential thrash album in history. Metalcore wouldn't even have existed if this album never came into the scene.

Best reaction to this song yet. Your skillset as a rapper really allows you to see the song’s meaning on a deeper level than most people/reactors can

The album cover also has images that come from the song "Disposable Heroes". That's Arlington Cemetery, the hands are puppeteering the soldiers graves. There's a dog tag on the front cross and also a soldiers helmet

The fact that he got the whole song instantly from two lines, when there's people who have been jamming this for years that still don't get it blows my fucking mind. Knox truly is a musical savant.

The members of Metallica were 21, 22, 22 and 23 years old when they wrote this masterpiece. It blows my mind thinking about that, to make such deep and poetic lyrics coupled with hard hitting, intense, and fast paced music. Wow. Just wow.

Whenever I watch a reaction video of anyone listening to one of my decades old favourites, I am always jealous of how it is to hear the music for the first time!

Knox has won me over.. His reviews are 1st Class. I love his review of this song particularly. I 1st heard this song in '86 at 16 years old. The awesome guitar from Hammet in the middle affects him like all of us that understands this song's genius. Metallica writes beautiful songs...pure poetry. Keep it up Knox..great work Bro..

You have by far the best reaction to this song I have ever seen on KZfaq. Not only do you understand the lyrics, but you understand the use of the melodies and the structure of hidden themes in the song. I am not only impressed of you as a reaction channel, but impressed how you're a true musician, you understand the genius complexity of the song and not only have you earned my subscription but my praise and respect. Well-done

Knox Hill, Master of Breakdowns, no matter the genre. I think we need more rock/metal breakdowns

Wow this guy has a lyrical brain. The way he broke it down!

As a metalhead who has been watching you for close to a year now, this makes me really fucking happy. I clicked wondering how fast you'd get that it was about drugs and wasn't disappointed by the speed with which you picked up on it. I was especially looking forward to your reaction to the "chop your breakfast on a mirror." Love to see you branching out, Knox.

In 2016, the Master of Puppets album was selected amongst a total of 25 to be preserved in the United States Library of Congress for being of "historical and cultural significance". That, my friends, is a very great honor! And, yes, the album is truly awesome; even nearly 40 years later!

James is a hell of a writer. Glad hes getting props from Knox.

The live performance of this song, the pauses after master is when the crowd does a callback of master. The second part is the addict’s brain in chaos headed to the cravings.

Knox finally reviewing Metallica. This was something I didn’t know I needed but I’m glad I got it. If you want more to review more Metallica. I would recommend the Ride The Lightning album. It’s the album where the bassist, Cliff Burton (who sadly passed away after this album) introduced them to music theory, it’s got some bangers like Fight Fire With Fire and Creeping Death, but it’s also got a ballad with Fade To Black. It’s personally one of my favorite albums of all time. Love ya Knox.

As a metalhead,i really enjoyed watching u react to this🤘 and the way u disect every line is satisfying🔥 u should react next to their song "One"

Bro.. you’re the first person I’ve seen breakdown the song pretty perfectly, and understand the deeper meaning, ON THE FIRST LISTEN. Massive props to you👏🏾‼️💯💯

On of the best reactions on KZfaq. Most people ignore the lyrics is focus on the music, but your actually listening to the lyrics

“This is pacy, this gets you moving” yup this subgenre of metal is called thrash aka speed metal. And it typically revolves around playing the guitar as fast as humanly possible “Who says we can only get deep in rap” dude trust me, metal despite being called devil music, loud noise and all that bs is an incredibly meaningful genre with phenomenal lyric writing and storytelling. I highly recommend you react to more of it. Believe it or not, metal blends really well with other genres and since you’re a rapper yourself nu metal might be a subgenre you enjoy Actually the album cover isn’t just for Master of Puppets, there’s another song on the album called Disposable Heroes about the military institution as a whole. The neat rows of graves is supposed to reference the Arlington cemetery. There’s even a soldier helmet on one of the crosses Metallica is one of those bands that lets their instruments do the storytelling. For example, a riff that mimics horse galloping on The Four Horsemen, another that mimics machine gun fire on One, etc. And you absolutely nailed the meaning behind that beautiful instrumental. However, if I’m remembering right that “clock ticking” riff isn’t meant to be the life burning faster but rather the user getting antsy and impatient for that next fix. And I believe the laughing at the end is meant to imply the user dying from his drug use and the master is laughing for having claimed another victim

All of Metallica songs are a symphony.....a experience , best heavy metal band, period

You just reacted to one of the best heavy metal/thrash metal songs of all time my friend!!!! Greetings from Costa Rica.

Shocking how good you did with this.. insane man. You’re a special talent.. absolutely incredible

Wow, Knox - this is possibly the best reaction to Master of Puppets I ever seen! You were spot on with your analysis and interpretation of every single lyric. Most reactors don't truly understand the lyrics until well into the song (or some not even at all) - you got what was going on with just the first couple of lines. I highly recommend Metallica's Disposable Heroes next - it is also a very deep lyrical song (besides the fact that it just rips!).

Metallica got bars for days! If you gonna do more Metallica check out Welcome Home (Sanitarium) from the Master of Puppets album or Fade to Black from Ride the Lightening, two killer songs.

As a recovered addict this song hit different in so many levels it is what the song is about after all 😅

I've heard this song thousands and thousands of time... I never really paid attention to what the lyrics were about. Thank you for this!!!

One of the greatest bands and arguably one of the greatest metal songs to ever exist. 🤘🏼🤘🏼🤘🏼🤘🏼

People say "why watch reaction channels?" I say it's always awesome to see someone explore, experience, and appreciate something outside of their wheelhouse. It's even more awesome to see when they get it. This guy gets it.

Its fun watching rap channels finally delve into metal. Better be careful. Doesnt take long before you turn into a metalhead yourself. Especially guys who are heavily focused on the lyrics. It's a whole world you havent experienced yet.

I love how at the end he stopped talking about the song and just jammed hard. e p i c m u s i c

Your interpretation is on point! Here is a bit more: I argue that Master of Puppets is the best song ever written - in metal for sure, but - in music. There is so much going on in this song, and it amazes me that most people, even fans, don't get how much more there is to it. Most people interpret this song as being about addiction, and that is not wrong, but that is just the surface. There is a deep connection between the the theme of the song, it's structure (musically), it's lyrics and the album as a whole. You see, the Master of Puppets album revolves around a theme (actually all the first 4 albums do), a central idea that conects all songs, which is "not being in control". Each song explore a way of not being in control, such as rage or aggression (Battery), insanity and alucination (Welcome home Sanitarium), duty and hierarchy (Disposable Heroes), religious obsession (Lepper Messiah), and of course, addiction as in Master of Puppets, but when you contextualize it is more about how addition takes hold of you, making you become its servant and destroying your life and dreams. Now, when you hear the song through that perspective some things become clearer. The first part of the song is told by the drug's perspective, it is it talking the the addict, the song is fast paced and straight foward as if the addict was high, under the drugs effect. Then the song mellows out, wich is the effects of the drug wearing off. Then the song gets heavier and heavier building up, just as the need for more builds up more and more. When lyrics comes back it is the addict talking to the drug, crying out to get rid of its hold but also wishing for more and then "Fix me" and solo kicks in meaning that he gets more of it and the rush is back. Then the main riff that "introduced" the drug comes back and so is the drug back in control letting the addict now that he is now only a puppet and laughing at the end. How the fuck is that not a massive masterpiece? This is just brilliant!

You 100% understood the depths of this song, I love your understanding of music from any genre

I will say that metal music definitally hits on a much deeper note than a lot of people think it does. This is why i love it.

The musical bridge represents the euphoria of the high, the tone changeup and speed of the guitar represent the chaos and despair of the crash after it wears off.

Even the guitar solo has meaning. It represents the stages of getting high from the nice melodic high part to the getting over it and as it gets harder represents the need for more.

That was awesome! I would love to see some more of this. "For Whom The Bell Tolls", "Unforgiven", "...And Justice For All" are all great songs with great lyrical content. Another band that has great lyrical content is Tool. I might suggest Schism or The Pot.

I approve of this! More metallica please, they can really tell stories be it about war, politics, individual struggles with addiction, depression or just rock out. Great lyrics to break down and music to go along with it to set the mood and feel.

Definitely one of my favorite Christmas songs of all time.

I’ve seen so many reactions of other people and so little I never seen a guy catches up on what’s happening and what’s the meaning of this song. Props brother ✊

I adore Metallica! Nothing Else Matters and The Unforgiven are probably my favorite songs of theirs, One and Enter Sandman are other very well-known songs of theirs

This was the first CD I ever got as a kid when I upgraded from cassettes 30+ years ago. My mom told me to pick out 1 CD when we were at Kmart. I've never even heard of Metallica back then but something about the cover art stood out to me over any other. It's as if it called out to me directly. Best decision I ever made.

Some of your free gifts kill me. "Puppet, no strings attached" might be the best yet ❤️

seriously , out of all the reactors i've watched ...you are spot on . dude , you're one smart cookie !!!

I'm glad that you enjoyed this and understood the song. Metal got a bad name as angry music but it's far from it. It goes through every emotion pain, hate, fear, loss and love. Can't go wrong when you have deep lyrics and mad Instrumentals.

The entire album is insane.. do Disposable Heroes next, even the cover art has another meaning when you hear that song!

Dude, your reaction is literally the best, you caught everything and even made me think about the song in a deeper sense. Love your stuff man, keep it coming!

The interlude is the high the transition back into heavy is the comedown.

Knox, man I have to say your deconstruction of this song and diving into the lyrics has made me find a whole new appreciation for this song. I’m a metal head and would never have thought I could find a deeper appreciation for some of the songs I love. You have earned my subscription and respect. Keep doing ya great work man.

Early Metallica is simply amazing, one of the most influential bands ever. Later on they did a remix of some of the older and new songs with an orchestra behind them called S&M. Really worth checking that out Knox for something unique.

10:50 the feeling I get from it is the rollercoaster getting to the top of the ride before the huge drop.

Honestly this just showed up in my recommended, and I’ve gotta say, I’m impressed with how quickly you grasped the entire song’s meaning, right down to the melodic solo describing the euphoria of the high, and the fact you understood that it doesn’t last long (the solo) cause it accentuates the feeling that being high doesn’t last long. I think the late great bass guitarist Cliff Burton wrote this song.

They have so many wonderfully written songs. Nothing Else Matters, For Whom The Bells Toll, One, and Sad But True to name a few. I'd love to see more Metallica reactions and even other metal bands

This song is not only an album masterpiece, but it really shows how well ‘Tallica composes for a live audience. Imagine never hearing this before and seeing it at a concert for the first time. Even you by the third verse had picked up on the repeated “Master…Master” rhythm, and James Hetfield encourages the crowd to shout those back to them. They occur often enough that even someone who’s hearing the song for the first time can pick up the call and response nature of it by the second or third verse and get as pumped as the metal heads around them to join in. Fucking brilliant, what a song.

Seeing Knox react to a band I grew up listening to gives me such a heart warming feeling.

Mate you’re understanding of lyrics is next level!!!! You have a real gift bro 🤘🏻🤘🏻

I'm sure Metallica is beyond thrilled to learn they are *fiiiiiinally* "Knox Hill Certified!" Seriously though, this was awesome! Need to do more all-time great metal reactions now

This song came out when I was in elementary school and I'm 46 now. I know it extremely well and your breakdown of the lyrics was very well done

Wow, I’m just gobsmacked by your reaction with the superb way you not only break down the songs varying tempo but also the lyrics and the way you understand the story being told. Metallica have a heck of a lot of epic songs that do just the same. Subbed 👍🏻🙂

Love to see your appreciation of a classic. It's really enjoyable to see your deconstruction of songs. You really picked this one up quick and got under the surface on it. Fantastic reaction.

Knox’s genuine appreciation for music makes me believe he would do TOOL Justice by reacting to them. Who else wants to see him listen to TOOL??

A band called Disturbed just released a great new song called Hey You. Even if you don’t react to it, it’s a good listen

I've been listening to Metallica since high school and you just broke this song down with such a perfect understanding of the music and lyrics on your first listen that I understand it in new ways now. You've got some serious skill in music man. Thank you.

This song is a true masterpiece, both the lyrics and how the song is built up. It starts of on a high (when you take drugs) it then goes over to a more mellow tone (you’re comming down from the high) and then a fast guitar solo (back in with a dose of drugs, and back on a high) then you have the tone right after Kirk Hammett’s solo, which goes up and down, (an emotional rollercoaster), and then the song goes back to how it was in the beginning (a never ending cycle), blows my mind that they wrote and made this when they were in their early 20’s.

I love that you're diversifying your reactions. Especially with such an iconic group and song. I hope you check out more metal along with the amazing rap reactions you do. Hopefully some Avenged Sevenfold and Slipknot

This song is an experience not just a song! The highs and lows and the climax moving to the final destruction. It’s literally a masterpiece in my opinion.

The quality of this breakdown is amazing, I would love to see more of this branching out offering your lyricist point of view to other facets of music like this, I love your content Knox keep going strong

I'm so happy to see someone get the meaning and actually enjoy this song. I love Metallica and the way they can tell a story with a song.

It was so cool to watch someone else get how totally awesome that song is! Being a teenager in the 80s, this song was my introduction to metal and I’ve been a fan of them ever since. So glad to see this song getting the kudos it deserves. The 80s was a great time to be a metal head!

Wasn't waiting on it, but always hoped you'd jump into the Metal at some point -And this is a great fucken breakdown as always. Keep it up!❤

You are brilliant. Your breakdowns of these songs is incredible. Thank you.

Every single song on this album is complete and total 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 Their best album in my opinion. I bought when it came out and still play it to death today.

Excellent reaction video bud! Metallica fan of over 30 years, watched a ton of reactions to this song and this is the most honest and genuine analysis of the song I've seen, I look forward to some more man!

FUCK YEAH IT'S ABOUT TIME TO GET SOME METAL IN HERE 🤘

Knox. I NEED you to keep reacting to metal. I love love love how you have a rap background and can appreciate lyrical context more than most metal fans even. You bring a unique perspective to these songs and I love hearing what you have to say. Keep it up man I want to see you become a rock rap metal head

Loved this!! You are always so open to the music and words and pick up on so much stuff. My new fav channel

Lots of metal songs have really deep, poetic lyrics. 🙂 One of the reasons I love it. Also, there's a cello metal band called Apocalyptica that started as a Metallica tribute band, and they have an instrumental version of this song, played with 3 cellos and drums. It's equally as awesome.

You totally understand this amazing song dude, respect. One of the best reaction videos I’ve ever seen. Peace from Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿.

Damn, you got the exact meaning of the song. Your one of the first that I've seen react to this song and get the meaning right away with the lyrics alone. This video was in my recommend list and I'm glad I watched this video. Keep up the good work!

You have talent man, great reaction and insight. Caught it perfectly

Im here for the metal transition. Great breakdown of course, I would recommend "One" by Metallica for the next reaction, it's deep, beautiful and heavy as with most Metallica songs.

By far one of the best reactions to this song I've seen. Couldn't have nailed it any better. Subscribed!

Dude, you are spot on. One thing though. The switch up in the middle with the melodic guitar line signifies the high, the dreaminess, being dazed and in your own world. Then the haunting riff that follows signifies coming down off of the high and how that tears into you and all that you want in this world is another hit...the cycle repeats throughout his life. Well done.

This guy is underrated af, loved the reaction

Metallica is absolutely amazing! One of the things that they have always been AMAZING at is letting their instrumentals and music be a vessel for the story they're telling, not just the lyrics! They are literally Masters of being able to project the feelings they're trying to portray through the music alone, even without lyrics! If you enjoyed this one, another song of theirs that you would absolutely LOVE is "Nothing Else Matters" which is also very very deep and complex!

Your rap reactions have always been stellar, but they're usually longer than I care to spend on a reaction. Not only was this reaction more in line with my attention span, but it was pure genius. You're the first reactor I've ever seen nail this song so perfectly - both lyrically and musically. I really look forward to your future reactions outside the rap genre.

Watched numerous 'reaction videos' lately and this one was off the charts. First time watching your videos but not the last!

You're ability to rapidly assimilate meaning from a song's lyrics while understanding the depth and various parts of the music is incredible. I played music for a few decades and have a deep appreciation for it and you supercede everyone I have ever met in real life or online with your abilities. Just fascinating, keep up the great work!

If you liked this you'll like Enter Sandman or For Whom the Bell Tolls by Metallica

Knox, your breakdown and analyzing capacities are elite! Listening to you is a pleasure.

I've been listening to this song my whole life, but just helped me understand it in ways I didn't. Thank you.

I love Metallica. Have always listened to this song with what is now blaringly obvious has been a great deal of ignorance. Thankyou for this breakdown. Fantastic lyrics . The masters at this type of lyrical depiction