Such intense moments remained few and far between at a show at which the group resembled a shadow of its former self. Once known for its relentless, no-frills approach and uncompromising attack, Metallica often looked like bit players in a highly stylized spectacle in which music competed with dramatic visuals for attention. Yet the collective's biggest sins related to its sound and demeanor. Metallica was out-and-out polite — a quality that no thrash band should embrace.