Metallica: Fade To Black

Metallica in the early 1990s

Nolan Heitman, Contributor

Introduction

Metallica is a well-known band that has produced many different songs over a long span of years. The band has endured tragedy, drug and alcohol addiction, and misunderstandings in their career but that never stopped them from their passion. Many bands have tried to match and recreate the skill and style of Metallica, none have even come close.

 

The Start

In downtown Los Angeles (L.A), an aspiring drummer by the name of Lars Ulrich posted an article in the local paper requesting band members to start a career with.  James Hetfield answered the call, bringing himself as well as his childhood friend Hugh Tanner to the band, at the time known as Metal Blades. Lars, after recruiting Hetfield and Tanner, found Dave Mustaine for lead guitar. (Lars later changed the band to Metallica) As Metallica increased in popularity so did the stress level of the band. Not long after the band moved to San Francisco they kicked out Mustaine due to his violent alcoholic tendencies. Luckily they picked up future legendary guitarist, Kirk Hammett and produced their first hit Kill Em’ All which set out long and successful career.

 

 

Highs and Lows

After Cliff Burton’s (Guitarist) death, September 27, 1986, the band seemed to split to go try their own unique talents by joining and helping different bands and trying new instruments. For example “Hetfield continued the side project with the Spastik Children, recruiting Newstead to play guitar and Hammet to pick up the bass (Hetfield remained on the drum kit).”- Ultimate Metallica. A couple years after Cliff’s death, Metallica was now motivated to produce one of their best albums yet, notoriously known as “The Black Album”. This album led to many Grammys and American Music Awards. Best Metal performance of the song “One”, Best Metal Performance on “Stone Cold Crazy”, Best Rock Song “Enter Sandman”, and an American Music Award for Favorite Heavy Metal Artist. -(Grammy Awards/Record Academy/2018, These are the main and most notable awards for Metallica.)

 

Where Are They Now

 

In the early 2010s, Metallica formed the biggest Metal concert ever conceived. Metallica partnered with Anthrax, Megadeth, and Slayer to form “The Big Four”.(The New York Times/Ben Ratliff/9-15-18)  The concert was a huge success bringing thousands into stadiums across the country and broadcasted everywhere that had a signal. Speaking of TV Metallica created a movie called “Metallica: Through The Never”, as well as creating interviews about their career. To this day Metallica is still selling out concerts across the country as well as across the pond.

 

Conclusion

 

Metallica has been around for many years producing many songs and albums. From a small band created in L.A. to sold-out rock concerts across the country. Metallica has done it all and seen it all. Metallica will be remembered as one of the best metal bands ever to be created.