Metallica Lyrics - Discography
"Metallica" is the renowned American heavy metal band, originated in 1981 in Los Angeles and has since become a dominant force in the genre. Founded by vocalist and guitarist James Hetfield and drummer Lars Ulrich, Metallica established themselves as one of the pioneering "big four" bands of thrash metal, alongside Megadeth, Anthrax, and Slayer.
Over the years, Metallica's lineup has included influential musicians such as lead guitarist Kirk Hammett and bassist Robert Trujillo, while notable former members include guitarist Dave Mustaine and bassists Ron McGovney, Cliff Burton, and Jason Newsted.
While their earlier albums showcased their fast tempos, aggressive musicianship, and instrumental prowess, it was their third release, "Master of Puppets" (1986), that propelled Metallica to commercial success and cemented its reputation as one of the heaviest metal albums ever created. This was followed by "...And Justice for All" (1988), which garnered the band their first Grammy Award nomination. Metallica's self-titled fifth album, commonly known as "The Black Album" (1991), marked a departure from their thrash metal roots, appealing to a wider audience and achieving remarkable commercial triumph. With over 16 million copies sold in the United States, it stands as the best-selling album of the SoundScan era.
Throughout their career, Metallica explored various genres and directions but ultimately returned to their thrash metal roots with their ninth album, "Death Magnetic" (2008). This release garnered critical acclaim, reminiscent of the band's earlier works. In 2023, Metallica released their eleventh studio album, "72 Seasons," continuing to evolve and captivate audiences with their distinctive sound.
Metallica's influence extends beyond their music. In 2000, they spearheaded legal action against the peer-to-peer file-sharing service Napster, successfully defending their copyright-protected material. Their trials and tribulations during the production of the eighth album, "St. Anger" (2003), were documented in the acclaimed documentary "Metallica: Some Kind of Monster" (2004). The band's induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2009 further solidified their status as iconic musicians.
With an extensive discography comprising eleven studio albums, four live albums, and various other releases, Metallica has enjoyed immense commercial success. They have won nine Grammy Awards out of twenty-three nominations and had six consecutive studio albums debut at number one on the Billboard 200 chart. As of 2018, their global album sales exceeded 125 million copies. Recognized as one of the greatest artists of all time, Metallica continues to captivate audiences worldwide with their powerful performances and enduring legacy.
