Metallica

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Metallica is an American heavy metal band formed in Los Angeles, California, in 1981. The band was founded by James Hetfield (vocals, rhythm guitar) and Lars Ulrich (drums), and has been based in San Francisco for most of its career. The band's fast tempos, instrumentals, and aggressive musicianship made them one of the founding "big four" bands of thrash metal, alongside Megadeth, Anthrax, and Slayer.

History

Formation and Early Years (1981-1983)

Metallica was formed in late 1981 when drummer Lars Ulrich placed an advertisement in a Los Angeles newspaper, seeking musicians to form a band. James Hetfield responded to the ad, and the two began rehearsing together. The band's early lineup included Dave Mustaine (lead guitar) and Ron McGovney (bass guitar). In 1982, Metallica recorded their first demo, No Life 'til Leather, which led to their first record deal.

Breakthrough and Mainstream Success (1984-1991)

In 1983, Metallica released their debut album, Kill 'Em All, which was followed by Ride the Lightning in 1984. Their third album, Master of Puppets (1986), is considered one of the greatest heavy metal albums of all time. In 1988, the band released ...And Justice for All, which included the hit single "One".

The band's self-titled album, commonly known as The Black Album, was released in 1991 and marked a significant change in their sound. The album included hits such as "Enter Sandman" and "The Unforgiven", and it became one of the best-selling albums of all time.

Continued Success and Recent Years (1992-present)

Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, Metallica continued to release successful albums, including Load (1996), Reload (1997), and St. Anger (2003). In 2008, they released Death Magnetic, which was well-received by fans and critics alike. Their most recent album, Hardwired... to Self-Destruct, was released in 2016.

Band Members

• James Hetfield – lead vocals, rhythm guitar (1981–present)
• Lars Ulrich – drums (1981–present)
• Kirk Hammett – lead guitar (1983–present)
• Robert Trujillo – bass guitar (2003–present)

Former members:

• Dave Mustaine – lead guitar (1982–1983)
• Ron McGovney – bass guitar (1982)
• Cliff Burton – bass guitar (1982–1986)
• Jason Newsted – bass guitar (1986–2001)

Discography

• Kill 'Em All (1983)
• Ride the Lightning (1984)
• Master of Puppets (1986)
• ...And Justice for All (1988)
• Metallica (1991)
• Load (1996)
• Reload (1997)
• St. Anger (2003)
• Death Magnetic (2008)
• Hardwired... to Self-Destruct (2016)

Related Pages

• Thrash metal
• Big Four (thrash metal)
• James Hetfield
• Lars Ulrich
• Kirk Hammett
• Robert Trujillo
• Dave Mustaine
• Cliff Burton
• Jason Newsted
• Megadeth
• Anthrax
• Slayer