Metallica, formed in 1981, is an American heavy metal band that redefined the genre and achieved global success. Pioneering speed metal with their early albums like "Kill 'Em All" and "Ride the Lightning," they became part of the "Big Four" alongside Slayer, Megadeth, and Anthrax. Their aggressive sound, fast tempos, and socially conscious lyrics resonated with a generation.
Their third album, "Master of Puppets" (1986), cemented their legacy with its technical brilliance and emotional depth. Tragedy struck in 1986 with the death of bassist Cliff Burton, but the band persevered, releasing their self-titled "Black Album" in 1991. This marked a shift towards a more mainstream sound, propelling them to superstardom with hits like "Enter Sandman" and "Nothing Else Matters."
Metallica faced internal struggles and backlash for their 1999 lawsuit against Napster, but bounced back with acclaimed albums like "Death Magnetic" (2008) and "Hardwired... to Self-Destruct" (2016). They remain one of the best-selling bands of all time, with over 125 million albums sold worldwide.
Beyond the music, Metallica is known for their electrifying live shows and their willingness to experiment with different sounds. They have collaborated with artists like Lou Reed and the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra, demonstrating their artistic range.
