Portals (EP)

Professional ratings

Review scores
Source	Rating
Brave Words & Bloody Knuckles	7.5/10[5]
Metal Hammer	[6]
Pitchfork	7.3/10[7]
Wall of Sound	7.5/10[8]

Brave Words & Bloody Knuckles's Nick Balazs calls the EP "more musically interesting than what his main band has done on their recent studio efforts", noting that on Metallica's records "Hammett's solos have been a point of criticism" but here "those criticisms will be put to bed as Portals shows a talented guitarist utilizing different effects and inspired sounds to create a diverse EP with much replay value." The songs "play out like mini-movies, or soundtracks to a theatrical film", showcasing Hammett's love of horror films and Clint Eastwood with "almost a '70s progressive bent". Balazs closes by calling the EP "a much pleasant surprise" and "a scarily good listen".[5] Joe Daly of Metal Hammer notes Hammett "flex[ing] his prog and soundtrack-influenced muscles" and "synthesis[ing] his biggest influences: metal, horror movies, classical music and the works of composer Ennio Morricone". "None of the tracks sound like unused Metallica demos, nor do they bleed together in a brain-melting patchwork of sweep picking and speed runs", instead "showcas[ing] the compositional and technical strengths of one of heavy metal's most influential and visionary guitarists."[6]

Pitchfork's Jason P. Woodbury says the EP "reveals Hammett's aspirations to be a film composer, layering crescendoing horns, flamenco interludes, swelling strings—and, naturally, oversized riffs and unhinged shredding—into compositions that could accompany zombie westerns, gothic giallo thrillers, or apocalyptic sci-fi". On the project, Hammett "often eschews ambiance and scene setting in favor of fully present rock outs", though it "doesn't matter that the territory is more Thin Lizzy than Hans Zimmer" because "it's a thrill to hear Hammett playing so unabashed." Though Hammett is "often viewed as the soft spoken counterpoint to Ulrich and Hetfield", he "relishes this star turn, and his sense of freedom in exploring beyond the confines of Metallica is palpable", bringing out music which "smartly devote[s] plenty of real estate to Hammett's familiar metalhead strengths" but also "reveal[ing] compositional breadth and dramatic flair."[7] Wall of Sound suggests that the EP is "well worth checking out" for those who enjoy instrumental albums, and while it "probably won't hold the attention of most Metallica fans, it is a rewarding sonic experience that I will be returning to when the mood strikes."[8]