Metallica

The titans of thrash metal

Metallica is one of the most influential and successful metal bands of all time. Founded in 1981 in Los Angeles by drummer Lars Ulrich and guitarist/vocalist James Hetfield, the band has developed into a true institution of heavy metal over the decades. With their aggressive, fast sound and socially critical lyrics, they have significantly shaped the genre of thrash metal and made music history with albums such as Master of Puppets, ...And Justice for All and the groundbreaking Black Album.

In addition to Ulrich and Hetfield, Kirk Hammett (lead guitar) and Robert Trujillo (bass) are now part of the permanent line-up. Metallica is known for its powerful live performances and its ability to evolve artistically without losing its characteristic sound. While their early works were characterised by raw energy and political anger, they later experimented with more melodic structures, acoustic elements and even orchestral arrangements, as on the acclaimed live album S&M with the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra.

Metallica have influenced generations of music fans, sold hundreds of millions of albums and influenced countless artists. Despite all the ups and downs, internal conflicts and musical experiments, they remain an integral part of the global rock and metal scene to this day - a band that constantly reinvents itself and remains uncompromising.