Everything Music. Everything News. Everything live.

Metallica’s Kirk Hammett Teases New Solo Album, 767 Guitar Riffs

Anna Hanks from Austin, Texas, USA, CC BY 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Anna Hanks from Austin, Texas, USA, CC BY 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

Metallica's iconic guitarist Kirk Hammett is once again capturing the spotlight, as he embarks on an impressive dual journey in the music world. Hammett has been busy crafting a significant body of work for both his forthcoming solo album as well as Metallica's, revealing that he has written 767 new riffs. These riffs represent an enormous creative output, and while challenging to manage, Hammett is committed to bringing fresh energy and ideas to Metallica's sound.

Hammett also revealed that there's no immediate rush to dive into the production of Metallica's next album. The band is presently committed to finishing their current tour, which includes stops in regions like Asia, Australia, and New Zealand. Following the tour, a brief hiatus is planned, though it won't be long before the band regroups to tackle the new songs. During this break, Hammett is not slowing down creatively; instead, he is channeling his energy into another major project—his debut full-length solo album. Unlike his instrumental EP “Portals,” Hammett's solo album promises a fusion of various musical styles and will feature guest vocalists, adding a new dimension to his personal sound landscape.

In discussing his solo album, Hammett described the eclectic mix of influences that would be incorporated, including classical progressions, heavy rock, and even some funk. The diversity in his solo work speaks to his broad musical tastes and willingness to experiment beyond the boundaries set by heavy metal. A standout element in this creative exploration is “The Mysterion,” an instrumental piece inspired by ancient Greek texts, which Hammett has been exploring fervently.

Despite these personal projects, Hammett has been clear about his commitment to Metallica. He assured fans that even as he explores individual artistic pursuits, Metallica remains a central priority in his professional life. This dual dedication underlines his multifaceted talent and his desire to continue contributing to the band’s legacy while also establishing his identity as a solo artist. Metallica's music has always been about evolution, and Hammett's recent work on both fronts reflects this ethos magnificently.

 

Key Takeaways

Related Stories

Carlos Santana Santana in Concert, Nashville, FirstBank Amphitheater, Franklin, USA - 29 Sep 2021

Carlos Santana Collabs With Grupo Frontera on Single Release

Carlos Santana, a rock icon with a career spanning decades, has formed a remarkable collaboration with Grupo Frontera, a prominent…

eard ZZ Top in concert at Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre, Sterling Heights, USA - 08 Sep 2019

ZZ Top Announces Return of Frank Beard

Frank Beard, the dynamic drummer of ZZ Top, is back in the thick of action with the band after a…

Brian Johnson and Angus Young of AC/DC perform at the BB&T Center, Sunrise, Florida, USA - 20 Dec 2008 AC/DC in concert, BB&T Center, Sunrise, Florida, USA - 23 Dec 2008

AC/DC Ends North American Tour in Ohio

Cleveland was the closing chapter for AC/DC’s North American “Power Up” tour, proving once again that the legendary rock band…

Electric Prunes Various

James Lowe of The Electric Prunes Dies at 82

The world of psychedelic rock mourns the loss of James Lowe, the iconic lead singer and co-founder of the Electric…

Arejay Hale, Lzzy Hale of Halestorm performs at the Boardwalk Rock Festival on May 17, 2025 in Ocean City, Maryland Halestorm performs at the Boardwalk Rock Festival on May 17, 2025 in Ocean City, Maryland, MD, USA - 17 May 2025

Halestorm Reveals Title Track ‘Everest’

Halestorm, the GRAMMY Award-winning hard rock band, is making waves in the music scene with the reveal of “Everest,” the…

Evanescence - Amy Lee Download Festival, Day 2, Donington Park, UK - 09 Jun 2023

Amy Lee of Evanescence & Halsey Release Music Video

Halsey and Amy Lee of Evanescence have joined forces to create a sensational new track, “Hand That Feeds,” which is…

Thom Yorke of The Smile Festival d'ete de Quebec, Day 9, Quebec City, Canada - 14 Jul 2023

Thom Yorke Speaks Out On Palestine & Israel Conflict

Thom Yorke, the frontman of Radiohead and The Smile, has made a public statement addressing the ongoing Israel and Palestine…

Taylor Swift wearing Dior arrives at the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards held at UBS Arena on September 11, 2024 in Elmont, New York, United States. 2024 MTV Video Music Awards - Arrivals, Ubs Arena, Elmont, New York, United States - 11 Sep 2024

Taylor Swift Regains Rights of Her Master Recordings

In a landmark move in the music industry, Taylor Swift has regained control over her master recordings. This comes after…

Goo Goo Dolls lead vocalist John Rzeznick performs at the 2025 Stagecoach Music Festival on Sunday, April 27, 2025 in Indio, CA. Stagecoach 2025 , Los Angeles, California, USA - 27 Apr 2025

Goo Goo Dolls Played at Demi Lovato’s Wedding

In a celebration as heartfelt as it was glamorous, pop star Demi Lovato tied the knot with musician Jordan “Jutes”…