Metallica

How could you not think of the band Metallica when you think of heavy metal rock?  

Current drummer Lars Ulrich formed Metallica in 1981 in Los Angeles, California. The band’s original line-up was comprised of Ulrich, vocalist and rhythm guitarist James Hetfield, lead guitarist Dave Mustaine and bassist Ron McGovney. But Mustaine and McGovney were later booted from the group, causing a rift between Ulrich and Mustaine, the later eventually founded the rock group Megadeth. Taking the place of McGovney and Mustaine were Cliff Burton and Kirk Hammett, respectively.  

Tragically in September 1986, the band’s tour bus lost control and flipped, crushing Burton and killing him. Jason Newsted eventually replaced Burton two months later, but he left the band in 2001 and Robert Trujillo in 2003. 

Metallica’s early work consisted of fast-tempo trash metal. The band carried this sound for four albums: Kill ‘Em All (1983), Ride the Lightning (1984), Master of Puppets (1986) and …And Justice for All (1988).  

Metallica’s 1991 album release “Metallica” (also known as “The Black Album”), brought the band mainstream attention. The album peaked at number on the Billboard 200 and has been certified 15 times platinum in the U.S., which makes it the 25th highest-selling album in the country.  

Metallica took on a lot of criticism for their next album, Load, because the band changed its music from trash metal to a more mainstream sound. Fans accused the band of “going alternative” and “selling out.” Fans also didn’t appreciate that the members of the group cut their hair and was the headliner for the alternative rock festival Lollapalooza. Their next two albums, ReLoad and Garage Inc., also faced similar criticisms. 

Despite all of their criticism, Metallica is one of the most influential heavy metal rock bands of all time. They’re known as one of the “big four” of thrash metal, along with Slayer, Anthrax and Megadeath, and have sold more than 90 million records worldwide.  

Metallica has also won seven Grammy Awards: 

1990: Best Metal Performance – “One”

1991: Best Metal Performance – “Stone Cold Crazy”

1992: Best Metal Performance With Vocal – Metallica

1999: Best Metal Performance – “Better than You”

2000: Best Hard Rock Performance – “Whiskey in the Jar”

2001: Best Rock Instrumental Performance – “The Call of Ktulu” with Michael Kamen and the San Francisco Symphony

2004: Best Metal Performance – “St. Anger”   

Metallica’s discography: 

1983: Kill ‘Em All

1984: Ride the Lighting

1986: Master of Puppets

1988: …And Justice for All

1991: Metallica

1996: Load

1997: ReLoad

2003: St. Anger

2008: Death Magnetic