American heavy metal band of the 1980s and 1990s. A pivotal member of the thrash metal scene, Metallica were formed by drummer and former tennis protege [Lars Ulrich]? as a direct reaction to the prevalent rock and roll music of the early 1980s. Inspired by bands such as DiamondHead? and Saxon, the so-called [New Wave Of British Heavy Metal]?, Metallica were single minded in their desire to break the grip of [soft metal]? on heavy metal fans. |
American heavy metal band of the 1980s and 1990s. A pivotal member of the thrash metal scene, Metallica were formed by drummer and former tennis protege [Lars Ulrich]? as a direct reaction to the prevalent rock and roll music of the early 1980s. Inspired by bands such as [Diamond Head]? and Saxon, the so-called [New Wave Of British Heavy Metal]?, Metallica were single minded in their desire to break the grip of [soft metal]? on heavy metal fans. |
Formed in Los Angeles in 1981 for a one-off demo recording, they soon relocated to San Francisco, replacing two original members with bass player [Cliff Burton]? and guitarist Kirk Hammet. They built a healthy local following via word-of-mouth and, ironically given what was to come later, the band encouraging fans to produce and trade bootlegs of their live performances. By 1983 they'd signed with a small local label, MegaForce?, who would release their first two albums. The first album, [/Kill Em All]? set the template that they would follow throughout the 1980s, strongly featuring the heavy vocals and rhythm guitar of [James Hetfield]?. The next, [/Ride The Lightning]? expanded and improved their form with longer songs featuring both instrumental pyrotechnics and lyrics which rose above some of the more peurile songs on Kill 'Em All. |
Formed in Los Angeles in 1981 for a one-off demo recording, they soon relocated to San Francisco, replacing two original members ([Dave Mustaine]?, guitars - [Ron McGovney]?, bass) with bass player [Cliff Burton]? and guitarist Kirk Hammet. They built a healthy local following via word-of-mouth and, ironically given what was to come later, the band encouraging fans to produce and trade bootlegs of their live performances. By 1983 they'd signed with a small local label, MegaForce?, who would release their first two albums. The first album, [/Kill Em All]? set the template that they would follow throughout the 1980s, strongly featuring the heavy vocals and rhythm guitar of [James Hetfield]?. The next, [/Ride The Lightning]? expanded and improved their form with longer songs featuring both instrumental pyrotechnics and lyrics which rose above some of the more peurile songs on Kill 'Em All. |
Signing to a major label, Elektra, in 1986 they went on to produce two more records, "[/Master Of Puppets]?" and [...And Justice For All]? in a similar vein, undaunted by Burton's death in a coach accident. In 1991, their self-titled album broadened the band's horizon again. Although still heavy rock, the record was produced with more of a pop sheen, and with a black cover that was a sly nod to [Spinal Tap]?, featured the hits Enter Sandman (which was pure Metallica) and "Nothing Else Matters", an acoustic ballad that outraged some of their more hardcore fans. Nevertheless, the album was a massive crossover hit, and brought Metallica firmly into the mainstream. |
Signing to a major label, Elektra, in 1986 they went on to produce yet another record, by many of the original fans regarded as their best work, "[/Master Of Puppets]?". The same year the band's bassist Cliff Burton perished in a coach-accident during a tour. The band eventually found a new bassist in Jason Newsted, and in 1988 they recorded the elbum entitled [...And Justice For All]?. In 1990, their self-titled album broadened the band's horizon again. Although still heavy rock, the record was produced with more of a pop sheen, and with a black cover that was a sly nod to [Spinal Tap]?, featured the hits Enter Sandman (which was pure Metallica) and "Nothing Else Matters", an acoustic ballad that outraged some of their more hardcore fans. Nevertheless, the album was a massive crossover hit, and brought Metallica firmly into the mainstream. |
The 1990s saw the band further influenced by [alternative rock]? (guitarist Hetfield was friends with Kurt Cobain which had a major effect on 1996's Load and 1997's Reload.) The records further alienated their original fanbase, and by 1999's faintly ludicrous collaboration with San Francisco Symphony Orchestra, they were seemingly a spent artistic force. |
The 1990s saw the band further influenced by [alternative rock]? (guitarist Hetfield was friends with Kurt Cobain which had a major effect on 1996's /Load? and 1997's /Reload?.) The records further alienated their original fanbase, and by 1999's faintly ludicrous collaboration with San Francisco Symphony Orchestra, they were seemingly a spent artistic force. |
* /Discography? |
* Jason Newsted, bass (left the band in January 2001) |
* Jason Newsted, bass (left the band in January 2001, no replacement as of yet.) |
* Kirk Hammet, guitar |
* Kirk Hammet, lead guitar |
* [James Hetfield]?, throat, guitar |
* [James Hetfield]?, vocals, rhythm guitar |
Jason Newsted replaced [Cliff Burton]? after his death in the 1980's. |
Jason Newsted replaced [Cliff Burton]? after his death in 1986. |
Discography? |