Tom Hunting, the veteran drummer and co-founder of thrash metal band Exodus, recently weighed in on one of the most debated questions in heavy music circles: which Metallica album stands as their best? For Hunting, the answer is clear: Master of Puppets takes the crown over Ride the Lightning.

In a recent interview with Radioactive MikeZ, host of the 96.7 KCAL-FM program Wired In The Empire, Hunting shared his thoughts on the two albums, acknowledging that while both are important to the evolution of metal, Master of Puppets represents the band at their creative peak. “I think that was the best record they ever did,” he said, noting the record’s balance of power, complexity, and songcraft.

From a drummer’s perspective, it’s easy to understand why Master of Puppets might stand out. The album, released in 1986, saw Metallica fine-tuning their approach. Lars Ulrich’s drumming on that record feels more controlled and deliberate than in earlier releases, helping to anchor the band’s increasingly ambitious compositions. Tracks like “Battery,” “Welcome Home (Sanitarium),” and the title song reflect that shift: each song layered, tightly arranged, and built around well-crafted dynamics.

Hunting, who has been part of the Bay Area thrash movement since the early 1980s, is uniquely positioned to reflect on that era. Exodus and Metallica were part of the same early scene, often playing the same clubs and feeding off the same energy that would define the genre. His appreciation for Master of Puppets is not just about its legacy, but its timing, arriving at a moment when Metallica had fully locked into their sound.

Though he gave credit to Ride the Lightning for helping shape the band’s early identity, Hunting felt that Master showcased a level of maturity and polish that set it apart. “They found their footing on that one,” he noted.

Metallica’s third album has long been viewed as a cornerstone of heavy metal, and Hunting’s endorsement adds weight to that reputation. As a drummer who’s contributed to landmark albums himself, his view is grounded in both technical respect and historical context.

Lars Ulrich’s performance on Master of Puppets may not always get the spotlight compared to the album’s riffs and lyrics, but for fellow drummers like Hunting, the parts matter, and they tell a story of a band that had not only something to prove, but something truly powerful to say.

For fans, it’s another reminder of why Master of Puppets continues to sit at the top of the thrash metal mountain and why it still resonates with musicians nearly four decades after its release.