Metallica is a seminal and revolutionary metal band that has left an indelible mark on the genre. Founded in Los Angeles in 1981 by drummer Lars Ulrich, Metallica quickly rose to fame by pioneering thrash metal with their debut album ‘Kill ‘Em All’. The band’s unique blend of raw energy, intricate speed metal compositions, and stadium-level touring made them a global phenomenon throughout the ’90s and beyond. Their sound, characterized by razor-sharp riffs, growling vocals, and high-power precision drumming, continues to influence metal music to this day.
The tragic death of bassist Cliff Burton in a tour bus accident in 1986 tested the band’s resilience, but Metallica persevered with new bassist Jason Newsted and continued their musical evolution. Over the years, Metallica pushed the boundaries of metal music, from their boundary-pushing ‘Master of Puppets’ album to the mainstream success of self-titled ‘black album’. Despite facing controversies like the Napster legal battle, lineup changes, and style transitions, Metallica’s dedication to their craft and their fans has solidified their position as heavy metal legends.