Metallica - The Pioneers of Thrash Metal

Metallica was formed in October 1981 in Los Angeles by drummer Lars Ulrich and James Hetfield (vocals and guitarist) after placing classified ads in The Recycler.

The two original members recruited Ron McGovney as bassist but were unable to find a full-time lead guitarist, which resulted in a number of guitarists, like Brad Parker, Jeff Warner and Lloyd Grant.

Metallica's music was greatly influenced by British metal bands like Judas Priest, Motorhead, Black Sabbath and Saxon, as well as various punk bands like The Ramones, Discharge and The Misfits.

The Early Years

When Ulrich became desperate to find a full-time lead guitarist for Metallica, he posted another ad in a local California newspaper. Dave Mustaine responded and agreed to audition. However, Hetfield and Ulrich were so impressed with Mustaine's warm-up, they asked him to join the band.

Around 1982 Metallica recorded demos like "Ron's Garage" and "Hit the Lights." In the same year, Metallica released a full demo entitled "No Life 'Til Leather," which became successful in the underground scene.

At the end of 1982, Ron McGovney left Metallica, so the band searched for another bassist and saw Cliff Burton play live with a band known as Trauma. Burton agreed to join the band only if they relocated to his hometown of San Francisco. When the band moved, they signed with Megaforce Records and replaced Dave Mustaine with Kirk Hammett from Exodus.

In 1983 Metallica recorded their first album, entitled "Kill 'Em All," in Rochester, New York. Although the album did not achieve instant success, it did gain them exposure and a growing number of fans in the underground scene.

Metallica's Worldwide Success

After a year Metallica released a major hit song "Ride the Lightning," which featured a more introspective, slower and newer style. After its release, major labels wanted Metallica. However, the band chose Elektra and released "Master of Puppets" in 1986. Although Metallica failed to release any single for the 1986 album, it was still regarded as the album that gave way to their success breakthrough.

When Cliff Burton was killed by a freak accident in 1986, Metallica discontinued playing for a while until they decided that Burton would have wanted them to continue their music. A few weeks after Burton's funeral, Metallica finally hired Jason Newsted.

"...And Justice for All" was the first album in which Newsted played bass. With much controversy, it was released in 1988. The following year, Metallica's 1988 album was nominated for its first Grammy. Unfortunately, Jethro Tull's "Crest of a Knave" won the award.

Three years later, the band won a Grammy for "Enter Sandman" from Metallica's 1991 self-titled album, also known as "The Black Album." It instantly became a hit and became the band's most popular song to date.

When Metallica entered the mainstream in 1991, they sold over 10 million albums in U.S. alone. It was in 1996 that Metallica switched to alternative rock for their "Load" album. Unfortunately, many fans were discouraged of the sudden change in music style.

In 1992's "Reload," Metallica produced a major comeback and their worldwide fans hailed their return. Their success continued throughout the end of 1990s. However, in 2001, Jason Newsted left the band for personal reasons while James Hetfield stayed in rehab for a couple of months.

In 2002, Lars Ulrich, the now-sober James Hetfield, Kirk Hammett and their long-time producer Bob Rock, who replaced Newsted, continued in creating Metallica's eleventh album, entitled "St. Anger," which produced a more mature, honest and heavy sound that fans worldwide continue to love.

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