The $5.98 E.P.
A punk-fueled, metal-reimagined tribute to the bands that forged the four from California.
The $5.98 E.P.: Garage Days Re-Revisited stands as a pivotal moment in Metallica's history, marking their first foray into parody and self-mockery. Released shortly after their breakthrough success with 'Master of Puppets,' this extended play consists entirely of covers of classic rock and punk songs reimagined through the band's signature heavy metal lens. Rather than a traditional studio album, it serves as a love letter to the genres that shaped them, showcasing their versatility while maintaining the aggressive energy fans expected.
- Type
- Extended Play (EP)
- Genre
- Heavy Metal / Parody
- Release Era
- Post-Master of Puppets
- Key Feature
- All Cover Songs
- Significance
- First official covers collection
Lore & Background
The collection features tracks from iconic acts like The Misfits, Iron Maiden, Diamond Head, and Led Zeppelin, among others. Each song is transformed into a high-octane metal assault, yet retains enough of the original melody to be instantly recognizable. This release demonstrated that Metallica was not just about writing new anthems but also about celebrating the legacy of rock and roll. It bridged the gap between their thrash origins and the broader hard rock landscape.
In Their Own Story
The air in the rehearsal room is thick with cigarette smoke and the scent of old amplifiers. James paces back and forth, strumming a familiar, fuzzy riff that sounds nothing like the complex compositions they usually craft. 'Let's try this one,' he shouts over the hum of the cabinets. Lars nods, grabbing his sticks, while Cliff and Jason lean in, eyes wide with recognition. They launch into a frantic, distorted version of a classic punk anthem, laughing as the tempo accelerates beyond control. For an hour, they aren't the kings of thrash; they are just four guys in a garage having fun.
Reader's Guide
This EP is widely regarded as a essential listen for understanding Metallica's influences. It captures a specific window in time when the band was confident enough to poke fun at themselves and their genre. The tracklist includes some of the most famous covers in metal history, showcasing how the band interprets classic songs through their unique sonic filter. Fans often cite this release as proof that Metallica's foundation is built on a deep respect for rock history. Unlike their other studio albums which focus on original songwriting, this project was purely about reinterpretation. It remains a testament to their versatility and their enduring connection to the punk and hard rock scenes of the 1970s and early 80s.
Did You Know?
- The title references the price point of cassette tapes at the time, emphasizing its accessibility for fans.
- It was originally released on vinyl and cassette before being reissued on CD with bonus tracks years later.
- Several songs featured on this EP were performed live by the band long before the official recording was made.
- The project helped introduce younger metal fans to classic punk and hard rock bands of previous decades.
More in Legacy & Cultural Impact
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