Image: Tim Saccenti [Official Press Image]
No metalhead can miss out on the most iconic band in thrash metal: Metallica remains a must-see for longtime fans as well as newcomers to the metal scene. Today we delve into some of their most popular and well-known songs, our Top 5 by Metallica!
The US band formed in 1981 and quickly worked its way up to become one of the BIG Four of thrash metal. Together with Anthrax, Megadeth and Slayer, they are considered the most influential bands of this genre. No wonder with their strong discography and energetic stage presence. To date, Metallica has released a whopping eleven studio albums, with their latest album 72 Seasons having just come out in April 2023. The band has never lost their energy, as they continue to tour and thrill their fans time and time again.
By the way, James Hetfield, frontman and guitarist of the band and also one of the founders of Metallica, celebrates his 60th birthday this week on August 3, 2023! Who thinks of Metallica, often thinks of the distinctive voice and his driving rhythm guitar right away.
Lars Ulrich, the band's drummer, is also one of the founders and is still with Metallica to this day. It is partly thanks to his unique style as a drummer that the group has become one of the most influential metal bands of all time. Kirk Hammett has been on lead guitar since 1983 and Robert Trujillo has played bass since 2003. But we don't want to digress too far, so let's get started with Metallica's top 5 songs!
1. One (1988)
The song "One" was released on the band's fourth studio album ... And Justice For All. It remains one of the most popular tracks on the record to this day, and also a fan favorite overall, appearing on setlists over and over again. Just recently, the band released a new, official live video for the song, filmed at Download Festival 2023. And this album is also home to some of the band's other most popular songs, with "Blackened" and "Harvester of Sorrow" right up front. You can check out the official video here:
2. Master of Puppets (1986)
When the song title "Master of Puppets" is mentioned, the famous cover of the album of the same name, Master of Puppets from 1986, probably appears in front of every fan's eyes; the seemingly endless graveyard with white crosses. It was drawn by Don Brautigam, who also designed album covers of bands like AC/DC and Mötley Crüe, as well as a book cover by Stephen King. The song itself deals with drugs and the impact they have on a person's life. With over eight minutes and several tempo variations and instrumental parts, the track is a real musical journey. It is also the last album with Cliff Burton on bass, who tragically died in a tour bus accident in 1986.
3. Nothing Else Matters (1991)
In third place, it's time for a ballad, and one of the most famous ballads in the world at that. Too famous, some might say. The emotional song is not only for metalheads, but is also frequently played on the radio. Therefore, really everyone knows it - deserved! The track was even the second on the self-titled album Metallica from 1991 after "The Unforgiven". Originally, the song was not supposed to end up on the record, because it was so personal. The lyrics, written by James Hetfield, were inspired by the feeling of homesickness on one of Metallica's many tours and by his former partner. Eventually, his bandmate Lars Ulrich persuaded him to make the song public.
4. Enter Sandman (1991)
"Enter Sandman" is the opening track of the same album, which is often called The Black Album because of its black cover. It is just one of many more strong songs on the record. The tracks "Sad But True" and "Wherever I May Roam" are also among Metallica's most popular. "Enter Sandman" is best known for its continuous guitar riff, as well as its dark lyrics. They talk about a child who is afraid of nightmares, symbolized by the figure of the Sandman. Especially during the well-known prayer "Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep", recited by James Hetfield and the child of music producer Bob Rock, the listener initially feels a bit uneasy.
5. Creeping Death (1984)
With "Creeping Death" we go way back, almost to the beginnings of the band. The track appeared on Metallica's second studio album, Ride the Lightning, in 1984, and it goes on for over six minutes, making it not even the longest song on the record. Other well-known tracks of this era are "For Whom The Bell Tolls" and "Fade To Black". In terms of content, the song deals with a biblical theme, specifically the story of the ten plagues and Moses leading the slaves out of the land of Egypt. The music is full of raw energy and riffs that many fans recreate on their own guitars. To this day, the track is played live and celebrated by the audience.
Shop Metallica Merch At Impericon
Nostalgia caught up with you while listening to all these songs? It's a perfect time to expand your fan collection of the metal legends. At Impericon, you'll find both the old classics and the latest Metallica Merch, from band shirts and accessories to vinyl sets and deluxe box sets. It's about time to click through everything and discover what you could add to your closet. Not only from Metallica, but also from many other bands of the Thrash Metal and Heavy Metal scene. The ideal thing to do is to turn on your favorite album of the band in the meantime. Have fun!
