<b> <i> “Dream big and dare to fail, I dare you to do that, because this (Metallica’s success) is living proof that it is possible to make a dream come true.” </i> </b> <br><br>
<b> James Hetfield </b> <br><br>
At the time, when thrash metal was a fledging genre - vying for mainstream exposure so as to diversify from a nondescript underground sub-genre, heavy metal was never so popular until Metallica saw light of the day!
Metallica, an American thrash band made the world go crazy over its all-balls-out, kick-ass metal music that ushered a new lease of life to sagging fortunes of heavy metal while pushing it into the mainstream circuit. With Metallica, thrash became a cult and its followers - lifelong disciples. Undeniably, thrash reincarnated at the hands of Metallica. <br><br>
Formed in 1981, drummer Lars Ulrich, vocalist and rhythm guitarist James Hetflied and lead guitarist Kirk Hammett; three musical prodigies have been the constant face of Metallica whereas late Cliff Burton (bassist), and Ron McGovney (bassist), Dave Mustaine (lead guitarist), Jason Newsted (bassist) have been associated with the band at some point of time or the other. The latest entrant to join the Metallica bandwagon post the exit of Jason Newsted is Robert Trujillo - new bassist for Metallica. <br><br>
A band that has sold hundred million records throughout the world, winning nine Grammy Awards, released nine albums (‘Kill 'Em All’, ‘Ride the Lightning’, ‘Master of Puppets’, ‘…And Justice for All’, ‘Metallica’, ‘Load’, ‘ReLoad’, ‘St Anger’ and ‘Death Magnetic’), two EPs and two live studio album - figures are enough to show the popularity of Metallica! <br><br>
Albums like ‘Kill 'Em All’, ‘Ride the Lightning’, ‘Master of Puppets’ and ‘Metallica’ have been the defining moments in the history of Metallica. The albums have added to its humungous popularity till date. From an anonymous underground metal band, Metallica graduated into the big league. With most of its lyrics intertwined with themes of death, destruction and monsters; speed solos, chunkier guitar riffs, enlivening thrash drumming matted with equally beguilingly intriguing bass lines added verve to its lyrics. <br><br>
The road to success was never easy for Metallica. The accidental demise of bassist Cliff Burton; James Hetfield’s troubled relation with his faith-Christian science; Hetfield’s constant battling with alcoholism and entering rehab; and Hetfield and Newsted’s clashing egos which led Newsted’s walking out from the band, are important moments in journey of the band to superstardom. Incontrovertibly, Metallica’s road to success has been a roller-coaster ride - an emotional journey interspersed with sentiments of each member trying to hold himself together with Metallica - the band. <br><br>
Accepting changes and overhauling has been the highlight of Metallica’s feat. With the instigation of grunge movement in the early 1990s, Metallica acknowledged the changing times and contemplated with non-metal genres. The band almost reinvented itself and wrote on loss, rage and vengeance. Amid all this, Metallica rephrased its look, where band members sported short hairdo unlike the signature flowing mane. With albums like ‘Load’ and ‘Reload’; Metallica exhibited a mélange of blues, harmony and rhythm in their songs. <br><br>
‘Battery’, ‘Fuel’, ‘For Whom the Bell Tolls’, ‘Master of Puppets’, ‘The Four Horsemen’, ‘The Unforgiven’, ‘Welcome Home’ (Sanitarium), ‘One’, ‘Enter Sandman’, ‘Hero of the Day’, ‘Fade to Black’, ‘Nothing Else Matters’ and many more are the fabulous songs belted out by Metallica which ensured its gargantuan success and colossal fan base among head bangers.
Like a phoenix that rises from its vestiges, Metallica’s search for inventive sounds led to experimentation with each successive album, thus leading to numerous breakthrough moments in its global fame. Just like a vintage wine, Metallica’s music got better with time. <br><br>
Words fail me to describe my allegiance to Metallica – whose songs are an indivisible part of my consciousness. With touching lyrics, Metallica has a palliative effect in agonizing times when one feels disconsolate. On a personal note, ‘Fade to Black’, ‘Welcome Home’ (Sanitarium), ‘The Unforgiven’, ‘One’ and ‘Nothing Else Matters’ are quite special to me and as a diehard Metallica fan, it will remain an integral part of my play list. <br><br>
On 4th April 2009, Metallica entered the ‘Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’, a rare honour for any band where inductees are short listed by 600 voters and are eligible only after 25 years of their debut release – certainly it is an exceptional tribute to Metallica that has been enthralling us with its music for more than past two decades. Long Live Metallica!