Well... welcome to Metallica's Den, where we talk about nothing but the Master Of Metal... Metalli-fuckin'-ca!!
The
band was formed in the late 1970s, during that time these metal-head banging
guys are still much more underground. With the original line-up of James
Hetfield (rhythm guitar and vocals), Dave Mustaine (lead guitar), Lars
Ulrich (drums) and Cliff Burton (bass), they shot big time during the 1980s.
Mustaine, then known for his alcoholism, has stirred controversies with
band mates and sometime during early 1980, rest of the guys have had enough
of Mustaine and sacked him. Mustaine then eventually formed another heavy
metal band which is known as Megadeth. Replacing Mustaine's position was
Kirk Hammet, formerly from Exodus. After a few highly successful albums,
including 'Master Of Puppets', 'Ride The Lightning' and 'Kill 'Em All',
the band took on a tragic turn. Bassist Cliff Burton was killed in a bus
accident at the end of 1980s. And Jason Newsted, the replacement, took
over Burton's position and the new line-up came up with '....and Justice
for All" album in 1989, which Newsted wrote a song in it, which is
'Blackened'..
In
1991, Metallica's black album hit the charts again with singles like 'Enter
Sandman', 'The Unforgiven' and 'Nothing Else Matters'. After this highly
successful album, the guys became dormant in producing albums. But still
constantly on tour, they performed in the recent Lollapalooza concert festival
and breaking the record of touring around the world non-stop. Soon after
that, during mid-1996, Metallica released its latest album, Load. Apparently,
these four guys have had their long tresses cut and started putting on
make-ups and nail polish. The fans all over the globe have expressed anger
and disappointment over the sudden and ridiculous change of Metallica.
Even the music in 'Load' is an obvious difference from their past glory.
But these four guys who are based in San Francisco, said that the change
has nothing to do with the on-going alternative rock craze. Its just something
they want to experience and experiment new and fresh changes. Anyway, news
had it that they decided to have long hair again. Then of course, it is
still yet to see. With songs like 'Until It Sleeps' and 'Mama Said' from
the latest album, Metallica bagged the 1996 American Music Award under
the 'Best Heavy Metal/Hard Rock group of the year' award, defeating Smashing
Pumpkins and Stone Temple Pilots.
The latest album after 'Load', according to Lars Ulrich, drummer of the band, is scheduled for release during end of 1997 or early 1998. And it is said to be different from 'Load'. What most of the fans hope for the up-coming album is obvious, that these hard-rocking guys will bounce back in action with pure power heavy metal and not some soft, semi-sissy image slow rock music.
Do you have any comments you would like to share? Mail me and let the world knows about it.