Listening to Metallica post 1992 is a diluted experience.
Black album was V good but it wasn't master of puppets good.
I loved them but they stopped doing anything interesting a long time ago.
I think the problem is highlighted in Some Kind Of Monster....when they are in the studio riffing and say "now that sounds like Metallica"
Trying to sound like themselves will only result in a watered down version of themselves.
Many bands fall into this trap, attempting to pre judge what their fans want to hear.
They built a fan base by playing what they loved and that was shared by others...so continue this...even if it leads to not sounding like Metallica (old output)
Radiohead manage this, unfortunately most bands just try and repeat a formula that sold well (and authors for that matter) and the law of diminishing returns kicks in.
I wish them well but I won't go to see them live or buy their music again until they play what's in their hearts, not their minds.
It's the key to all art