The snare was kinda shocking, but I grew to not completely hate it. It did give it an unpolished, garage band kinda feel that I felt had been lost around 1990.
It's been ages since I listened to it, but wasn't that one completely devoid of guitar solos? That's just wrooong.
I thought Death Magnetic was better.
I like James vocal's best when they were doubled like in the 80s. It had a largeness to it, and that same raw feel that I like. Most of his vocals since the black album sounds too finely produced, too clean, too clear. Like he's singing directly into my ear instead of into an arena show.
Overall St Anger is probably the worst Metallica record but it's still better than most metal. Metallica's worst day is better than 5 Finger Death Punch's best.