I never listen to Ktulu, even back in the day.
You heathen!
I like Escape. IMO the only weak tracks on RTL bookend the record - Fight Fire With Fire lacks a hook and riffs as strong as the rest of the record, and Call of Ktulu is just kind of there so the album ends on a whimper.
Whimper? the final minutes of Call of Ktulu and especially the very ending (after the reprise of the initial riff) are a whimper? that's one of the most kickass ways to end an album!
Seriously. Ktulu destroys! Such an amazing build up and ending.
As far as MOP, it was my first new Metallica record. I remember hearing the "world premiere" of Sanitarium on 105.5 KNAC in LA, and I was slightly disappointed. I bought the album, and my opinions about the songs haven't changed too much over the years.
Battery: GREAT song. Just power all the way through.
MOP: GREAT song. Love the time changes in the verses. My band used to play this one.
Thing: Never liked it.
Sanitarium: Despite my initial disappointment, I grew to love it.
Heroes: One of my favorites right off the bat, but I don't find myself listening to it much anymore.
Messiah: Never liked it.
Orion: Didn't care for it initially, but I grew to dig it.
Damage: Love it. Nicely bookends the album with Battery.
As I've posted elsewhere, I saw Metallica open for Ozzy in June 1986. The blew Ozzy off the stage. One of my most memorable concerts from back in the day.
I rank this album just slightly ahead of RTL, but it's really close.