Throughout their epic 30-year history, Metallica have transformed from a grungy, underground street group into one of the most innovative and world-renowned rock bands of this century. Like any band that has been able to withstand the test of time and remain as popular as Metallica, constant change was necessary to stay at the top. Over the years, their music has undergone a tremendous change in style like few other bands of the genre have ever done.
In the '80s and early '90s, Metallica were unmistakably bent on creating riff-heavy, pulse-pounding thrash metal music. Their songs dealt with notorious political issues such as suicide, capital punishment and war. These characteristics were highlighted in their early albums ... And Justice For All and Master of Puppets. At the time, the group was known for making lengthy tracks, usually over five minutes, a trend which continued until 1990.
By this time, grunge bands like Nirvana and Pearl Jam, with shorter, edgier and darker songs, began to drive fans away from heavy metal. To compete with the arrival of these bands, Metallica realised they could no longer record another album with seven, eight, and nine-minute songs. The group enlisted the help of a new producer, Bob Rock, and decided to change the style. With the release of their self-titled album Metallica or The Black Album, as it was commonly known, the band created a new and appealing sound of music. This new sound, which was more radio -friendly, catapulted the group into superstardom. After selling over 15 million copies of The Black Album, the group had the support of the music media and millions of fans around the world.
With Metallica all set to make their first trip to the UAE on October 25, tabloid! looks at five hit songs that have helped to shape the biggest hard rock band in the world.
Enter Sandman (Metallica, 1991):
This song was the first hit released of the band's fifth studio album. Vocalist and rhythm guitarist James Hetfield wrote the lyrics, which deal with taking on our fears (through a child's eyes). The single achieved gold certification for more than 500,000 copies sold in the United States.
Master of Puppets (Master of Puppets, 1986):
The song, as lead singer James Hetfield explained, "deals pretty much with drugs. How things get switched around, instead of you controlling what you're taking and doing, it's drugs controlling you".
One (...And Justice For All, 1988):
Released as the third and final single from their fourth album One was also the band's first Top 40 hit single, reaching number 35 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Nothing Else Matters (Metallica, 1991):
This song was released as the third single from its self-titled fifth studio album. It peaked at No 11 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks chart as well as top-ten positions on various European charts. Nothing Else Matters was featured as a playable track in the music video game Guitar Hero: Metallica. It has been covered over 40 times.
The Unforgiven (Metallica, 1991):
It was released as the second single from their eponymous fifth album. Though one of the slower tracks on the album, its chord progression is unmistakably one of the heavier. The song has since spawned two sequels, in the form of The Unforgiven II, from the album ReLoad, and The Unforgiven III, from the album Death Magnetic.
Don't miss it
Nine-time Grammy Award winner Metallica will perform at Yas lsland on October 25. Fan pit tickets are sold out, but general admission tickets (Dh295) are still available at thinkflash.ae
Go online
We'd love to hear what you want to hear Metallica play on Tuesday. Tweet us @GulfNewsTabloid
Did you know?
Metallica released nine studio albums, three live albums, five extended plays, 24 music videos and 45 singles.
