Metallica is an American heavy metal band formed in Los Angeles, California. The band’s fast tempos, instrumentals, and aggressive musicianship placed them as one of the founding “big four” bands of thrash metal, alongside Anthrax, Megadeth, and Slayer. Metallica was formed in 1981 when James Hetfield responded to an advertisement posted by drummer Lars Ulrich in a local newspaper. The band’s current line-up includes founders Hetfield (vocals, rhythm guitar) and Ulrich (drums), longtime lead guitarist Kirk Hammett, and bassist Robert Trujillo. Lead guitarist Dave Mustaine and bassists Ron McGovney, Cliff Burton, and Jason Newsted are former members of the band. Metallica collaborated over a long period with producer Bob Rock, who produced all of the band’s albums from 1990 to 2003 and served as a temporary bassist between the departure of Newsted and the hiring of Trujillo. The band earned a growing fan base in the underground music community and won critical acclaim with its first four albums; the third album Master of Puppets (1986) was described as one of the most influential and heaviest thrash metal albums. Metallica achieved substantial commercial success with its eponymous fifth album—also known as The Black Album—which debuted at number one on the Billboard 200. With this release the band expanded its musical direction, resulting in an album that appealed to a more mainstream audience. In 2000, Metallica was among a number of artists who filed a lawsuit against Napster for sharing the band’s copyright-protected material for free without consent from any band member. A settlement was reached and Napster became a pay-to-use service. Despite reaching number one on the Billboard 200, the release of St. Anger (2003) alienated many fans with the exclusion of guitar solos and the “steel-sounding” snare drum. A film titled Some Kind of Monster documented the recording of St. Anger and the tensions within the band during that time. In 2009, Metallica was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Metallica has released nine studio albums, four live albums, five extended plays, 26 music videos, and 37 singles. The band has won nine Grammy Awards and five of its albums have consecutively debuted at number one on the Billboard 200. The band’s eponymous 1991 album has sold over 16 million copies in the United States, making it the best-selling album of the SoundScan Era. Metallica ranks as one of the most commercially successful bands of all time, having sold over 110 million records worldwide. Metallica has been listed as one of the greatest artists of all time by many magazines, including Rolling Stone, which ranked them 61st on its list of The 100 Greatest Artists of All Time. As of December 2012, Metallica is the third best-selling music artist since Nielsen SoundScan began tracking sales in 1991, selling a total of 54.26 million albums in the United States. In 2012, Metallica formed the independent record label Blackened Recordings and took ownership of all of the band’s albums and videos. The band is currently in production of its tenth studio album, slated for a 2015 release.
Let’s take a look at what the band is and what it isn’t.
What the Hell is Metallica Anyway?
Metallica is an American heavy metal band that was formed in Los Angeles in 1981. The group was founded by James Hetfield and Lars Ulrich, who were joined by a rotating cast of members in the early days. The band quickly developed a reputation for their fast and aggressive style, which was influenced by the speed and thrash subgenres of metal.
The Rise to Fame
Metallica released their debut album, Kill ‘Em All, in 1983, which was followed by Ride the Lightning in 1984. These early releases helped establish the band as one of the most important and influential acts in the metal scene. Metallica’s popularity continued to grow with subsequent releases, including the critically acclaimed Master of Puppets in 1986.
The Black Album and Beyond
In 1991, Metallica released their self-titled album, which is often referred to as the Black Album due to its minimalist black cover. This album marked a departure from the band’s earlier, more aggressive style and featured a more polished sound that appealed to a wider audience. Metallica has continued to release new music and tour extensively, with their most recent album, Hardwired. to Self-Destruct, released in 2016.
The Metallica Legacy
Metallica’s influence on the metal genre cannot be overstated. The band’s unique blend of hard rock and heavy metal has inspired countless artists and helped shape the sound of modern metal. Metallica has also been featured in numerous films, TV shows, and video games, and their music has been translated into multiple languages, including Espanol, Srpskisrpskohrvatski, Bokmålnorsk, Nynorskoccitano, and ʻUzbekcha.
Metallica Merchandise
Metallica has developed an extensive line of merchandise that includes apparel, accessories, and even games and figures. Fans can shop for Metallica merchandise on the band’s official website, which features a wide range of products, including:
- Shirts, pants, outerwear, headwear, and footwear
- Kids and babies apparel
- Patches, buttons, and wall straps
- Vinyl, CDs, and digital downloads of live shows and reissues
- Jewelry, drinkware, and care products
- Gift certificates, clearance items, and seasonal collections
Metallica Tours and Collaborations
Metallica has toured extensively throughout their career and has collaborated with a wide range of artists and bands. The band has also released several live albums and DVDs, including the popular S&M album, which features Metallica performing with the San Francisco Symphony.
The Origins of Metallica
Metallica was formed in Los Angeles in 1981 by James Hetfield and Lars Ulrich. The two met through an advertisement placed by Ulrich in a local newspaper looking for musicians to form a new band. Hetfield, who had been playing guitar since he was a teenager, answered the ad and the two began jamming together. They were later joined by lead guitarist Dave Mustaine and bassist Ron McGovney.
The First Recordings and Lineup Changes
In March of 1982, Metallica recorded their first demo, “No Life ’til Leather,” which featured the songs “Hit the Lights,” “The Mechanix,” and “Jump in the Fire.” The demo was produced by Hugh Tanner and featured Hetfield on rhythm guitar and vocals, Ulrich on drums, Mustaine on lead guitar, and McGovney on bass.
After the demo was released, Metallica began playing live shows in the Los Angeles area. However, tensions between Mustaine and the other members of the band led to his departure in early 1983. He was replaced by Kirk Hammett, who had been playing guitar in the band Exodus.
The Debut Album and Early Success
In July of 1983, Metallica signed with Megaforce Records and began recording their debut album, “Kill ‘Em All,” which was released in February of 1984. The album featured the songs “Whiplash,” “Seek and Destroy,” and “Metal Militia,” and was a critical and commercial success.
Metallica’s popularity continued to grow with the release of their second album, “Ride the Lightning,” in 1984. The album featured the songs “Fade to Black,” “For Whom the Bell Tolls,” and “Creeping Death,” and showcased the band’s evolving sound and lyrical themes.
The Master of Puppets Era
In 1986, Metallica released their third album, “Master of Puppets,” which is widely regarded as one of the greatest heavy metal albums of all time. The album featured the songs “Battery,” “Master of Puppets,” and “Damage, Inc.,” and cemented Metallica’s status as one of the most popular and influential bands in the world.
However, tragedy struck the band later that year when bassist Cliff Burton was killed in a bus accident while on tour in Sweden. He was replaced by Jason Newsted, who played on Metallica’s fourth album, “…And Justice for All,” which was released in 1988.
Upcoming Projects and Legacy
Metallica has continued to tour and record new music in recent years, and are currently working on a new album. The band’s legacy and influence can be heard in countless heavy metal bands that have followed in their footsteps, and they have been recognized with numerous awards and accolades throughout their career. Metallica’s music and sound continue to inspire new generations of musicians and fans alike.
Rocking the Metallica Style and Lyrical Themes
Metallica’s style is heavily influenced by the early British heavy metal bands, such as Iron Maiden and Diamond Head, as well as punk and hardcore bands like Sex Pistols and Huey Lewis and the News. The band’s early releases contained fast, aggressive, and harmonized guitar playing, marked by a simplified approach to technique and tuning.
The Thrash Metal Direction
Metallica is often described as one of the biggest thrash metal bands of all time. Their sound is characterized by a fast and aggressive approach to playing, featuring a range of musical influences, including blues, alternative, and progressive rock. The band’s early albums, such as “Ride the Lightning” and “Master of Puppets,” marked a particular step in this direction.
The Lyrical Themes
Metallica’s lyrics have dealt with a wide range of personal and socially conscious themes, including military and war, personal expression, and exploration of deep emotions. The band has explored themes of religion, politics, and the military in their music, as well as personal struggles and relationships. Some of their biggest hits, such as “Enter Sandman” and “One,” have featured socially conscious themes, while others, like “Nothing Else Matters,” have focused on personal expression.
The Producer’s Influence
Metallica’s sound has been shaped by the producers they have worked with over the years. Robert Palmer, who produced the band’s early albums, helped to streamline their sound and make it more commercially appealing. The band’s later albums, such as “Metallica” and “Load,” featured a more mainstream sound, with a focus on concise and expanded compositional expression. AllMusic described the band’s sound as “aggressive, personal, and socially conscious.”
Legacy and Influence: Metallica’s Impact on Rock Music
Metallica has been a force in the rock music scene since they started in 1981. Their heavy metal sound and fast guitar playing have inspired countless musicians and fans alike. In this section, we will explore Metallica’s legacy and influence on the rock music genre.
Impact on the Music Industry
Metallica has sold over 125 million albums worldwide, making them one of the biggest-selling bands of all time. Their album “Metallica,” also known as “The Black Album,” has sold over 30 million copies alone. Metallica’s influence can be seen in the increasing popularity of heavy metal music and the rise of alternative rock in the 1990s.
Influence on Guitarists
Metallica’s guitarists, James Hetfield and Kirk Hammett, are considered some of the best in the business. Their fast playing and unique style have inspired countless guitarists to pick up the instrument and start playing. Hetfield’s rhythm guitar technique, which involves downpicking at a fast tempo, has been described as a “master class” in guitar playing.
Critical Acclaim
Metallica has been named one of the greatest metal bands of all time by Rolling Stone and has been included in their list of the “100 Greatest Artists of All Time.” Their album “Master of Puppets” was named one of the best albums of the 1980s by several publications, including Time and Kerrang!
Impact on Fans
Metallica’s music has had a profound impact on their fans, many of whom are religiously devoted to the band. Metallica’s hard-hitting sound and focused lyrics have resonated with fans all over the world, and their reputation as a live performance force has only increased over time.
Legacy and Continued Influence
Metallica’s legacy can be seen in the number of bands that they have inspired, from alternative rock bands like Nirvana to heavy metal bands like Slayer. Metallica’s sound has also influenced the way that rock music is recorded, with many bands now using the same simplified tuning techniques that Metallica started using in the 1980s. Metallica’s influence can also be seen in the way that they have continued to evolve their sound, with their most recent album “Hardwired. to Self-Destruct” featuring a range of styles and techniques that show the band is still looking for new ways to create music.
Who’s Who in Metallica: A Look at the Band Members
Metallica is an American heavy metal band formed in Los Angeles in 1981. The band’s original lineup consisted of vocalist/guitarist James Hetfield, drummer Lars Ulrich, guitarist Dave Mustaine, and bassist Ron McGovney. However, Mustaine was eventually replaced by Kirk Hammett, and McGovney was replaced by Cliff Burton.
The Classic Lineup
The classic lineup of Metallica consisted of James Hetfield on rhythm guitar and lead vocals, Kirk Hammett on lead guitar, Cliff Burton on bass, and Lars Ulrich on drums. This lineup was responsible for the band’s first three albums: Kill ‘Em All, Ride the Lightning, and Master of Puppets. Unfortunately, Burton died in a bus accident in 1986, and was replaced by Jason Newsted.
Session Musicians
Throughout their career, Metallica has worked with several session musicians, including guitarist Dave Mustaine (who went on to form Megadeth), bassist Jason Newsted, and bassist Bob Rock (who also produced several of the band’s albums).
Timeline of Band Members
Metallica has had a few lineup changes over the years. Here’s a timeline of the band’s members:
- James Hetfield (vocals, rhythm guitar)
- Lars Ulrich (drums)
- Dave Mustaine (lead guitar)- replaced by Kirk Hammett
- Ron McGovney (bass)- replaced by Cliff Burton
- Cliff Burton (bass)- replaced by Jason Newsted
- Jason Newsted (bass)- replaced by Robert Trujillo
Metallica has had a few other members and session musicians throughout the years, but these are the most notable.
Who’s Who in the Band
If you’re new to Metallica, it can be hard to keep track of who’s who in the band. Here’s a quick rundown:
- James Hetfield: lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist
- Kirk Hammett: lead guitarist
- Robert Trujillo: bassist
- Lars Ulrich: drummer
It’s worth noting that Hetfield and Ulrich are the only two members who have been with the band since the beginning. Hammett joined in 1983, and Trujillo joined in 2003.
More About the Band Members
If you want to learn more about the individual band members, here are some quick facts:
- James Hetfield: In addition to being the band’s lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist, Hetfield is also a skilled songwriter and has written many of Metallica’s most popular songs.
- Kirk Hammett: Hammett is known for his virtuosic guitar playing and has been ranked as one of the greatest guitarists of all time by publications like Rolling Stone.
- Robert Trujillo: Trujillo is a talented bassist who has also played with bands like Suicidal Tendencies and Ozzy Osbourne.
- Lars Ulrich: Ulrich is the band’s drummer and is known for his unique drumming style and his role as one of the band’s primary songwriters.
Rocking the Awards: Metallica’s Accolades
Metallica, the heavy metal band formed in Los Angeles in 1981, has been a force to reckon with in the music industry. The band has won numerous awards and nominations for their music, live performances, and contributions to the rock and metal genre. Here are some of their most notable awards and nominations:
- Metallica has won nine Grammy Awards, including Best Metal Performance for their songs “One,” “Blackened,” “My Apocalypse,” and “The Memory Remains.”
- The band has been nominated for a total of 23 Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year for their self-titled album “Metallica” (also known as “The Black Album”).
- Metallica has won two American Music Awards for Favorite Heavy Metal/Hard Rock Artist and Favorite Heavy Metal/Hard Rock Album.
- The band has won three MTV Video Music Awards for Best Metal/Hard Rock Video for their songs “Enter Sandman,” “Until It Sleeps,” and “The Memory Remains.”
- Metallica has won numerous other awards, including Kerrang! Awards, Billboard Music Awards, and Revolver Golden Gods Awards.
Legacy of Awards
Metallica’s awards and nominations are a testament to their impact on the rock and metal genre. The band’s music has inspired countless musicians and fans around the world, and their live performances are legendary. Metallica’s legacy of awards includes:
- Best Metal Performance at the Grammy Awards for “One” in 1990, which helped to solidify their place in the metal scene.
- Album of the Year nomination at the Grammy Awards for “Metallica” in 1992, which showcased the band’s versatility and ability to appeal to a wider audience.
- MTV Video Music Award for Best Metal/Hard Rock Video for “Enter Sandman” in 1991, which helped to introduce Metallica to a mainstream audience.
- Revolver Golden Gods Awards for Best Album and Best Live Band in 2010, which demonstrated that Metallica’s music and live performances continue to resonate with fans.
Best Metallica Awards
While all of Metallica’s awards are impressive, some stand out as the best of the best. Here are some of Metallica’s best awards:
- Best Metal Performance at the Grammy Awards for “One” in 1990, which is widely considered to be one of the greatest metal songs of all time.
- Album of the Year nomination at the Grammy Awards for “Metallica” in 1992, which is one of the best-selling albums of all time and features some of Metallica’s most iconic songs.
- MTV Video Music Award for Best Metal/Hard Rock Video for “Enter Sandman” in 1991, which helped to introduce Metallica to a wider audience and solidify their place in the mainstream.
- Revolver Golden Gods Award for Best Album for “Death Magnetic” in 2009, which marked a return to form for Metallica and demonstrated that they still had what it takes to make great music.
Metallica’s awards and nominations are a testament to their talent, hard work, and dedication to the rock and metal genre. The band’s legacy will continue to inspire generations of musicians and fans for years to come.
Conclusion
So there you have it- everything you need to know about the American heavy metal band Metallica. They’re a great band to listen to if you’re looking for some fast and aggressive music, and they’re one of the most influential bands in the metal genre.
You can’t go wrong with any of their albums, but my personal favorite is Master Puppets.
I'm Joost Nusselder, the founder of Neaera and a content marketer, dad, and love trying out new equipment with guitar at the heart of my passion, and together with my team, I've been creating in-depth blog articles since 2020 to help loyal readers with recording and guitar tips.
