:en:Metallica

Metallica was formed in Los Angeles in late 1981 when Danish drummer Lars Ulrich placed an advertisement in a Los Angeles newspaper, The Recycler, which read, "Drummer looking for other metal musicians to jam with Tygers of Pan Tang, Diamond Head and Iron Maiden."{{cite web|title=Metallica Timeline Early 1981 – Early 1982|url=http://www.mtv.com/onair/icon/metallica/timeline/?id=1|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090315095541/http://www.mtv.com/onair/icon/metallica/timeline/?id=1|publisher=MTV|archive-date=March 15, 2009|access-date=May 28, 2009|url-status=dead}} Guitarists James Hetfield and Hugh Tanner of Leather Charm answered the advertisement. Although he had not formed a band, Ulrich asked Metal Blade Records founder Brian Slagel if he could record a song for the label's upcoming compilation album, Metal Massacre. Slagel accepted, and Ulrich recruited Hetfield to sing and play rhythm guitar. The band was officially formed on October 28, 1981, five months after Ulrich and Hetfield first met.{{cite web |url=https://www.metallica.com/history.html |title=History – Metallica |website=Metallica |access-date=March 2, 2020 |archive-date=April 1, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200401002504/https://www.metallica.com/history.html |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=http://www.metallica.com/timeline.asp?page=events&n_categoryid=1988&year=1981?sPosx=41 |title=1981: Events |publisher=Metallica.com |access-date=December 26, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090623031847/http://www.metallica.com/timeline.asp?page=events&n_categoryid=1988&year=1981%3FsPosx%3D41 |archive-date=June 23, 2009 |url-status=dead}}

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The band name came from Ulrich's friend Ron Quintana, who was brainstorming names for a fanzine and was considering MetalMania or Metallica. After hearing the two names, Ulrich wanted the latter for his band, so he suggested Quintana use MetalMania instead.{{Cite web|url=http://rockandrollgarage.com/lars-ulrich-tells-chose-name-metallica-band/|title=Lars Ulrich tells how they chose the name Metallica for the band|first=Rafael|last=Polcaro|website=Rockandrollgrage.com|date=January 5, 2018|access-date=May 3, 2019|archive-date=May 3, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190503062258/http://rockandrollgarage.com/lars-ulrich-tells-chose-name-metallica-band/|url-status=live}} Dave Mustaine replied to an advertisement for a lead guitarist; Ulrich and Hetfield recruited him after seeing his expensive guitar equipment. In early 1982, Metallica recorded its first original song, "Hit the Lights", for the Metal Massacre I compilation. Hetfield sang and played both bass and rhythm guitar, while Lars Ulrich played drums and Lloyd Grant was credited with a guitar solo. Metal Massacre I was released on June 14, 1982; early pressings listed the band incorrectly as "Mettallica", angering the band.{{cite web|last=Saulnier|first=Jason|url=http://musiclegends.ca/interviews/lloyd-grant-interview-metallica/|title=Lloyd Grant Interview|publisher=Music Legends|access-date=May 6, 2013|date=January 4, 2012|archive-date=March 23, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160323063410/http://musiclegends.ca/interviews/lloyd-grant-interview-metallica/|url-status=live}} The song generated word of mouth, and the band played its first live performance on March 14, 1982, at Radio City in Anaheim, California, with newly recruited bassist Ron McGovney.{{cite web|title=Metallica Timeline March 14, 1982 – July 6, 1982|url=http://www.mtv.com/onair/icon/metallica/timeline/?id=2|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090411200826/http://www.mtv.com/onair/icon/metallica/timeline/?id=2|publisher=MTV|archive-date=April 11, 2009|access-date=May 28, 2009|url-status=dead}} Their first live success came early; they were chosen to open for British heavy metal band Saxon at one gig of their 1982 U.S. tour. This was Metallica's second gig. Metallica recorded its first demo, Power Metal, whose name was inspired by Quintana's early business cards, in early 1982.{{Cite web |date=2021-01-20 |title=Oto pierwsza wizytówka Metalliki z napisem "power metal" [FOTO] - Antyradio |url=https://www.antyradio.pl/muzyka/Rock-News/Byly-basista-Metalliki-pokazal-pierwsza-wizytowke-Metalliki-45865 |access-date=2025-05-03 |website=www.antyradio.pl |language=pl}}

The term "thrash metal" was coined in February 1984 by Kerrang! journalist Malcolm Dome in reference to Anthrax's song "Metal Thrashing Mad".{{cite magazine|last=Dome|first=Malcolm|author-link=Malcolm Dome|magazine=Kerrang!|title=Anthrax: Fistful Of Metal|volume=62|date=February 23, 1984|page=8}} Prior to this, Hetfield referred to Metallica's sound as "power metal". In late 1982, Ulrich and Hetfield attended a show at the West Hollywood nightclub Whisky a Go Go, which featured bassist Cliff Burton in the band Trauma. The two were "blown away" by Burton's use of a wah-wah pedal and asked him to join Metallica. Hetfield and Mustaine wanted McGovney to leave because they thought he "didn't contribute anything, he just followed." Although Burton initially declined the offer, by the end of the year, he had accepted on the condition that the band move to El Cerrito in the San Francisco Bay Area. Metallica's first live performance with Burton was at the nightclub The Stone in March 1983, and the first recording to feature Burton was the Megaforce demo (1983).{{cite web|title=Metallica Timeline Fall 1982 – April 16, 1983|url=http://www.mtv.com/onair/icon/metallica/timeline/?id=3|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081227033807/http://www.mtv.com/onair/icon/metallica/timeline/?id=3|publisher=MTV|archive-date=December 27, 2008|access-date=May 31, 2009|url-status=dead}}

Metallica was ready to record their debut album, but when Metal Blade was unable to cover the cost, they began looking for other options. Concert promoter Jonathan "Jonny Z" Zazula, who had heard the demo No Life 'til Leather (1982), offered to broker a record deal between Metallica and New York City–based record labels. After those record labels showed no interest, Zazula borrowed enough money to cover the recording budget and signed Metallica to his own label, Megaforce Records.{{Harvnb|Pillsbury|2006|p=2}}

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In May 1983, Metallica traveled to Rochester, New York, to record its debut album, Metal Up Your Ass, which was produced by Paul Curcio.{{Harvnb|Christe|2003|p=86}} The other members decided to eject Mustaine from the band because of his drug and alcohol abuse and violent behavior just before the recording sessions on April 11, 1983.{{cite journal |last=Cecolini|first=Vinny|date=November 1998|title=Foreclosure of a Team|journal=Metal Hammer}} Exodus guitarist Kirk Hammett replaced Mustaine the same afternoon. Metallica's first live performance with Hammett was on April 16, 1983, at a nightclub in Dover, New Jersey, called The Showplace; the support act was Anthrax's original lineup, which included Dan Lilker and Neil Turbin.{{cite web|url=http://www.metallipromo.com/an.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131002055209/http://www.metallipromo.com/an.html|archive-date=October 2, 2013|title=Anthrax;|publisher=Metallipromo.com|date=December 24, 2010|access-date=March 18, 2013}} This was the first time the two bands performed live together.

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Mustaine, who went on to form Megadeth, has expressed his dislike for Hammett in interviews, saying Hammett "stole" his job.{{cite news|title=Dave Mustaine: James Hetfield Is Jealous of Me|url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=27141|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090130062244/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=27141|work=Blabbermouth.net|date=September 21, 2004|archive-date=January 30, 2009|access-date=May 31, 2009|url-status=dead}} Mustaine was "pissed off" because he believes Hammett became popular by playing guitar leads that Mustaine had actually written.{{cite web|title=Interview: Dave Mustaine news|url=http://www.askmen.com/celebs/interview_100/149b_dave_mustaine_interview.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081202113421/http://www.askmen.com/celebs/interview_100/149b_dave_mustaine_interview.html|work=AskMen.com|publisher=IGN Entertainment|archive-date=December 2, 2008|access-date=May 31, 2009|url-status=dead}} In a 1985 interview with Metal Forces, Mustaine said, "It's real funny how Kirk Hammett ripped off every lead break I'd played on that No Life 'til Leather tape and got voted No. 1 guitarist in your magazine."{{cite web|last=Doe|first=Bernard|title=Megadeth — Love it to Death|work=Metal Forces|url=http://www.metalforcesmagazine.com/site/feature-megadeth-mf12/|access-date=June 16, 2012|archive-date=October 2, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131002123451/http://www.metalforcesmagazine.com/site/feature-megadeth-mf12/|url-status=live}} On Megadeth's debut album, Killing Is My Business... and Business Is Good! (1985), Mustaine included the song "Mechanix", which Metallica had previously reworked and retitled "The Four Horsemen" on Kill 'Em All. Mustaine said he did this to "straighten Metallica up" because Metallica referred to Mustaine as a drunk and said he could not play guitar.

Because of conflicts with its record label and the distributors' refusal to release an album titled Metal Up Your Ass, the album was renamed Kill 'Em All. It was released on Megaforce Records in the U.S. and on Music for Nations in Europe, and peaked at number 155 on the Billboard 200 in 1986.Whitburn, Joel. Top Pop Albums (2001): 578{{efn|The 1988 re-issue of Kill 'Em All on Elektra Records also charted on the Billboard 200, peaking at number 120.}} Although the album was not initially a financial success, it earned Metallica a growing fan base in the underground metal scene.{{cite news|last=Lepage|first=Mark|date=October 31, 2009|url=http://www2.canada.com/ottawacitizen/story.html?id=9a47a506-f3a6-44e2-9fd3-443a42042b63|title=Metal metamorphosis|newspaper=Ottawa Citizen|access-date=June 12, 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141228131949/http://www2.canada.com/ottawacitizen/story.html?id=9a47a506-f3a6-44e2-9fd3-443a42042b63|archive-date=December 28, 2014}} To support the release, Metallica embarked on the Kill 'Em All for One tour with Raven.{{cite web|title=Metallica Timeline May 10–27, 1983 – July 27 – September 3, 1983|url=http://www.mtv.com/onair/icon/metallica/timeline/?id=4|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090113230418/http://www.mtv.com/onair/icon/metallica/timeline/?id=4|publisher=MTV|archive-date=January 13, 2009|access-date=May 30, 2009|url-status=dead}} In February 1984, Metallica supported Venom on the Seven Dates of Hell tour, during which the bands performed in front of 7,000 people at the Aardschok Festival in Zwolle, Netherlands.{{cite web|title=Metallica Timeline October–December 1983 – August 1984|url=http://www.mtv.com/onair/icon/metallica/timeline/?id=5|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090115011308/http://www.mtv.com/onair/icon/metallica/timeline/?id=5|publisher=MTV|archive-date=January 15, 2009|access-date=May 30, 2009|url-status=dead}}

File:Metallica 1983 press photo (cropped).jpg (pictured in 1983) replaced Ron McGovney as the bassist in 1982 and played with the band until his death in 1986.]]

Metallica recorded its second studio album, Ride the Lightning, at Sweet Silence Studios in Copenhagen, Denmark, from February to March 1984. It was released in August 1984 and reached number 100 on the Billboard 200. A French printing press mistakenly printed green covers for the album, which are now considered collectors' items. Mustaine received writing co-credit for "Ride the Lightning" and "The Call of Ktulu".

Elektra Records A&R director Michael Alago and co-founder of Q-Prime Management Cliff Burnstein attended a Metallica concert in September 1984; they were impressed with the performance, signed Metallica to Elektra and made the band a client of Q-Prime Management.{{cite web|title=Metallica Timeline Fall, 1984 – March 27, 1986|url=http://www.mtv.com/onair/icon/metallica/timeline/?id=6|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090114055412/http://www.mtv.com/onair/icon/metallica/timeline/?id=6|publisher=MTV|archive-date=January 14, 2009|access-date=June 2, 2009|url-status=dead}} Metallica's growing success was such that the band's British label, Music for Nations, released "Creeping Death" as a limited-edition single, which sold 40,000 copies as an import in the U.S. Two of the three songs on the record – cover versions of Diamond Head's "Am I Evil?" and Blitzkrieg's "Blitzkrieg" – appeared on the 1988 Elektra reissue of Kill 'Em All.{{Harvnb|Christe|2003|p=130}} Metallica embarked on its first major European tour with Tank to an average crowd of 1,300. Returning to the U.S., it embarked on a co-headlining tour with W.A.S.P. and support from Armored Saint. Metallica played its largest show at the Monsters of Rock festival at Donington Park, England, on August 17, 1985, with Bon Jovi and Ratt, playing to 70,000 people. At a show in Oakland, California, at the Day on the Green festival, the band played to a crowd of 60,000.

Metallica's third studio album, Master of Puppets, was recorded at Sweet Silence Studios from September to December 1985 and released in March 1986. The album reached number 29 on the Billboard 200 and spent 72 weeks on the chart.{{cite magazine|title=Discography – Metallica|url={{BillboardURLbyName|artist=metallica|chart=all}} |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/5hEnwRGkd?url=http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/discography/index.jsp?aid%3D11546%26cr%3Dalbum%26or%3DASCENDING%26sf%3Dlength%26pid%3D5199%26kw%3DMaster%2Bof%2BPuppets |magazine=Billboard |archive-date=June 2, 2009 |access-date=June 2, 2009 |url-status=dead }} It was the band's first album to be certified Gold on November 4, 1986, and was certified six times Platinum in 2003.{{cite web|url=https://www.riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?artist=%22Master+of+Puppets%22|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130728000332/http://www.riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?artist=%22Master+of+Puppets%22|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 28, 2013|title=Gold & Platinum|publisher=RIAA|access-date=May 26, 2010}} Steve Huey of AllMusic considered the album "the band's greatest achievement".{{cite web|first=Steve|last=Huey|title=Metallica: Master of Puppets|url={{AllMusic|class=album|id=master-of-puppets-mw0000667490|pure_url=yes}} |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/5hEoIdeum?url=http://allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10%3Anl08b5t4tsqe |website=Allmusic |archive-date=June 2, 2009 |access-date=June 2, 2009 |url-status=dead }} Following the release of the album, Metallica supported Ozzy Osbourne on a U.S. tour. Hetfield broke his wrist while skateboarding; he continued with the tour, performing vocals, with guitar technician John Marshall playing rhythm guitar.

On September 27, 1986, during the European leg of Metallica's Damage, Inc. Tour, members drew cards to determine which bunks on the tour bus they would sleep in. Burton won and chose to sleep in Hammett's bunk. At around sunrise near Dörarp, Sweden, the bus driver lost control and skidded, which caused the bus to overturn several times. Ulrich, Hammett and Hetfield sustained no serious injuries; however, Burton was pinned under the bus and died. Hetfield said:

I saw the bus lying right on him. I saw his legs sticking out. I freaked. The bus driver, I recall, was trying to yank the blanket out from under him to use for other people. I just went, "Don't fucking do that!" I already wanted to kill the [bus driver]. I don't know if he was drunk or if he hit some ice. All I knew was, he was driving and Cliff wasn't alive anymore.{{cite web|title=Metallica timeline June 26, 1986 – September 27, 1986|publisher=MTV|url=http://www.mtv.com/onair/icon/metallica/timeline/?id=7|access-date=November 16, 2007|archive-date=December 17, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071217130128/http://www.mtv.com/onair/icon/metallica/timeline/?id=7|url-status=dead}}

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Burton's death left Metallica's future in doubt. The three remaining members decided Burton would want them to carry on, and with the Burton family's blessings, the band sought a replacement.{{cite web|title=Metallica timeline October 1986 – March 1987|work=MTV|url=http://www.mtv.com/onair/icon/metallica/timeline/?id=8|access-date=November 30, 2007|archive-date=April 11, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090411195927/http://www.mtv.com/onair/icon/metallica/timeline/?id=8|url-status=dead}} Roughly 40 people – including Hammett's childhood friend, Les Claypool of Primus; Troy Gregory of Prong; and Jason Newsted, formerly of Flotsam and Jetsam – auditioned for the band to fill Burton's spot. Newsted learned Metallica's entire setlist; after the audition, Metallica invited him to Tommy's Joynt in San Francisco. Hetfield, Ulrich and Hammett decided on Newsted as Burton's replacement; his first live performance with Metallica was at the Country Club in Reseda, California. The members initiated Newsted by tricking him into eating a ball of wasabi. The band finished its tour in February 1987.

After Newsted joined Metallica, the band left their El Cerrito practice space – a suburban house formerly rented by sound engineer Mark Whitaker and dubbed "the Metalli-mansion" – and relocated to the adjacent cities of Berkeley and Albany before eventually settling in the Marin County city of San Rafael, north of San Francisco.{{cite book|last=Doughton|first=K.J.|title=Metallica Unbound|publisher=Grand Central Publishing|date=August 1, 1993|isbn=978-0-446-39486-4}}{{cite book|last=McIver|first=Joel|title=Justice for All: The Truth About Metallica|url=https://archive.org/details/justiceforalltru0000mciv_h8q4|url-access=registration|publisher=Omnibus Press|year=2004|isbn=978-1-84772-797-8|page=[https://archive.org/details/justiceforalltru0000mciv_h8q4/page/85 85]}} In March 1987, Hetfield again broke his wrist while skateboarding, forcing the band to cancel an appearance on Saturday Night Live. In August 1987, an all-covers extended play (EP), titled The $5.98 E.P. - Garage Days Re-Revisited, was released. The EP was recorded in an effort to use the band's newly constructed recording studio, test Newsted's talents, and to relieve grief and stress following the death of Burton. A video titled Cliff 'Em All commemorating Burton's three years in Metallica was released in 1987; the video included bass solos, home videos and pictures.{{cite web|title=Metallica timeline August 21, 1987 – December 4, 1987|publisher=MTV|url=http://www.mtv.com/onair/icon/metallica/timeline/?id=9|access-date=December 1, 2007|archive-date=April 11, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090411200831/http://www.mtv.com/onair/icon/metallica/timeline/?id=9|url-status=dead}}

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Metallica's first studio album since Burton's death, ...And Justice for All, was recorded from January to May 1988 and released in September. The album was a commercial success, reaching number 6 on the Billboard 200, and was the band's first album to enter the top 10.{{cite web|title=Metallica Chart Positions|website=Allmusic|url={{AllMusic|class=artist|id=metallica-mn0000446509|tab=awards|pure_url=yes}} |access-date=December 3, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100923150541/http://www.cmc.dk/ |archive-date=September 23, 2010 }} The album was certified Platinum nine weeks after its release.{{Harvnb|Christe|2003|p=196}} There were complaints about the production, however; Steve Huey of AllMusic said Ulrich's drums were clicking more than thudding, and the guitars "buzz thinly".{{cite web|last=Huey|first=Steve|url={{AllMusic|class=album|id=and-justice-for-all-mw0000196917|pure_url=yes}} |title=Metallica: ...And Justice for All |access-date=December 23, 2006 |website=Allmusic |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100923150541/http://www.cmc.dk/ |archive-date=September 23, 2010 }} The lack of audible bass in the album also drew widespread criticism.{{cite magazine | url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/metallicas-and-justice-for-all-album-what-happened-to-bass-715079/ | title=Metallica's 'And Justice for All': What Happened to the Bass? | magazine=Rolling Stone | date=August 25, 2018 }} To promote the album, Metallica embarked on a tour called Damaged Justice.{{cite web|title=Damaged Justice World Tour|publisher=Metallica.com|url=http://www.metallicaworld.co.uk/metallica_tour_dates_justice_world.htm|access-date=December 9, 2007|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071210010111/http://www.metallicaworld.co.uk/metallica_tour_dates_justice_world.htm|archive-date=December 10, 2007}}

In 1989, Metallica received its first Grammy Award nomination for ...And Justice for All in the new Best Hard Rock/Metal Performance Vocal or Instrument category. Metallica was the favorite to win, but the award was given to Jethro Tull for the album Crest of a Knave. The award was controversial with fans and the press; Metallica was standing off-stage waiting to receive the award after performing the song "One". Jethro Tull had been advised by its manager not to attend the ceremony because he was expecting Metallica to win."Rockin' on an Island". Kerrang! 258. September 30, 1989. The award was named in Entertainment Weekly{{'s}} "Grammy's 10 Biggest Upsets" list.{{cite magazine|last=Endelman|first=Michael|title=Grammy's 10 Biggest Upsets|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|url=https://www.ew.com/ew/gallery/0,,1567466_20010834_20010795,00.html?|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071216011728/http://www.ew.com/ew/gallery/0%2C%2C1567466_20010834_20010795%2C00.html|archive-date=December 16, 2007|access-date=December 3, 2007|url-status=dead}}

Following the release of ...And Justice for All, Metallica released its debut music video for the song "One", which the band performed in an abandoned warehouse. The footage was remixed with the film Johnny Got His Gun. Rather than organize an ongoing licensing deal, Metallica purchased the rights to the film. The remixed video was submitted to MTV with an alternative, performance-only version that was held back in case MTV banned the remixed version. MTV accepted the remixed version; the video was viewers' first exposure to Metallica. In 1999, it was voted number 38 in MTV's "Top 100 Videos of All Time" countdown{{cite web|title=MTV: 100 Greatest Music Videos Ever Made|publisher=Rockonthenet.com|url=http://www.rockonthenet.com/archive/1999/mtv100.htm|access-date=December 8, 2007|archive-date=August 10, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160810083707/http://www.rockonthenet.com/archive/1999/mtv100.htm|url-status=live}} and was featured on the network's 25th-anniversary edition of ADD Video, which showcased the most popular videos on MTV in the last 25 years.{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/ontv/dyn/add_video/series.jhtml#/ontv/dyn/add_video/series.jhtml|title=A.D.D. Videos: 25 Years of MTV|publisher=MTV|access-date=March 12, 2006|archive-date=April 16, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080416130946/http://www.mtv.com/ontv/dyn/add_video/series.jhtml#/ontv/dyn/add_video/series.jhtml|url-status=dead}}

In October 1990, Metallica entered One on One Recording's studio in North Hollywood to record its next album. Bob Rock, who had worked with Aerosmith, The Cult, Bon Jovi and Mötley Crüe, was hired as the producer. Metallica – also known as The Black Album – was remixed three times, cost US$1 million,{{cite web |title=Metallica timeline February 1990 – August 13, 1991 |work=MTV|url=http://www.mtv.com/onair/icon/metallica/timeline/?id=11 |access-date=December 2, 2007 |archive-date=October 25, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111025054818/http://www.mtv.com/onair/icon/metallica/timeline/?id=11 |url-status=dead}} and ended Hammett and Ulrich's marriages.{{Cite news |title=Drugs, divorce and incessant drum takes: Metallica on making metal's biggest ever album |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/music/drugs-divorce-and-incessant-drum-takes-metallica-on-making-metal-s-biggest-ever-album-1.4666030 |access-date=June 4, 2024 |newspaper=The Irish Times |language=en |archive-date=September 16, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240916132616/https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/music/drugs-divorce-and-incessant-drum-takes-metallica-on-making-metal-s-biggest-ever-album-1.4666030 |url-status=live }} Although the release was delayed until 1991, Metallica debuted at number one in 10 countries, selling 650,000 units in the U.S. during its first week.{{cite magazine|last=Garcia|first=Guy|title=Heavy Metal Goes Platinum|magazine=Time|date=October 14, 1991|url=http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,974031,00.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070428122620/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,974031,00.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 28, 2007|access-date=December 12, 2007}} The album marked a change in Metallica's musical style and brought the band mainstream attention; it has been certified 16 times Platinum in the U.S., which makes it the 25th-best-selling album in the country.{{cite web|title=Top 100 Albums|publisher=RIAA.com|url=https://www.riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?table=tblTop100|access-date=December 2, 2007|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070701162536/http://www.riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?table=tblTop100|archive-date=July 1, 2007}} The making of Metallica and the following tour was documented in A Year and a Half in the Life of Metallica. The tour in support of the album, called the Wherever We May Roam Tour, lasted 14 months and included dates in the U.S., Japan and the U.K. In September 1991, 1.6 million rock music fans converged in Moscow to enjoy the first open-air rock concert to be held in the Soviet Union; it was part of the Monsters of Rock series.{{cite news |title=List of the most crowded music concerts in history |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/list-of-the-most-crowded-music-concerts-in-history/articleshow/49702777.cms?from=mdr |work=The Economic Times |date=November 8, 2015 |access-date=May 19, 2020 |archive-date=November 11, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201111231049/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/list-of-the-most-crowded-music-concerts-in-history/articleshow/49702777.cms?from=mdr |url-status=live }} In April 1992, Metallica appeared at The Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert and performed a three-song set. Hetfield later performed "Stone Cold Crazy" with the remaining members of Queen and Tony Iommi.Georg Purvis (2007). "Queen: Complete Works". p. 390. Reynolds & Hearn

On August 8, 1992, during the co-headlining Guns N' Roses/Metallica Stadium Tour at the Olympic Stadium in Montreal, Hetfield suffered second- and third-degree burns to his arms, face, hands and legs. There had been some confusion with the new pyrotechnics setup, which resulted in Hetfield walking into a {{convert|12|ft|m|adj=on}} flame during "Fade to Black".{{cite AV media|title=Metallica, FULL VH1 Behind The Music episode|url=https://www.bitchute.com/video/jNn2HkDRmeoH/|language=en|access-date=August 6, 2021|archive-date=August 6, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210806042445/https://www.bitchute.com/video/jNn2HkDRmeoH/|url-status=dead}} Newsted said Hetfield's skin was "bubbling like on The Toxic Avenger". Metallica returned to the stage 17 days later with guitar technician and Metal Church member John Marshall replacing Hetfield on guitar for the remainder of the tour, although Hetfield was able to sing. Later in 1993, Metallica went on the Nowhere Else to Roam Tour, playing five shows in Mexico City. Live Shit: Binge & Purge, the band's first box set, was released in November 1993. The collection contains three live CDs, three home videos, and a book filled with riders and letters.{{cite web|title=Metallica timeline August 9, 1992 – November 23, 1993|publisher=MTV|url=http://www.mtv.com/onair/icon/metallica/timeline/?id=12|access-date=December 1, 2007|archive-date=May 2, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130502200916/http://www.mtv.com/onair/icon/metallica/timeline/?id=12|url-status=dead}}

File:James Hetfield - Cardiff 1996.jpg

After almost three years of touring to promote Metallica, including a headlining performance at Woodstock '94, Metallica returned to the studio to write and record its sixth studio album. The band went on a brief hiatus in the summer of 1995 and played a short tour, Escape from the Studio '95, which comprised three outdoor shows, including a headline show at Donington Park supported by Slayer, Skid Row, Slash's Snakepit, Therapy? and Corrosion of Conformity. The band spent about a year writing and recording new songs, resulting in the release of Load in 1996. Load debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 and ARIA Charts; it was the band's second number one album. The cover art, Blood and Semen III, was created by Andres Serrano, who pressed a mixture of his own semen and blood between sheets of plexiglass.{{cite web|title=Metallica timeline December 1995 – June 27, 1996|publisher=MTV|url=http://www.mtv.com/onair/icon/metallica/timeline/?id=14|access-date=December 5, 2007|archive-date=April 13, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130413025134/http://www.mtv.com/onair/icon/metallica/timeline/?id=14|url-status=dead}} The release saw another change in the band's musical direction and a new image, which included a revamped logo and the band members having their hair cut. While Load was a commercial success, the band's change in style had polarized their fanbase.{{cite web |last1=Brannigan |first1=Paul |title="Metal needs a good f**king kick up the ass": the story of Metallica's Load |url=https://www.loudersound.com/features/metallica-load-story-behind-the-album |website=www.loudersound.com |date=August 14, 2016 |access-date=June 8, 2024 |archive-date=July 22, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230722140503/https://www.loudersound.com/features/metallica-load-story-behind-the-album |url-status=live }} Metallica headlined the alternative rock festival Lollapalooza festival in mid-1996.

During early production of the album, the band had recorded enough material to fill a double album. It was decided that half of the songs were to be released; the band would continue to work on the remaining songs and release them the following year. This resulted in follow-up album, titled Reload. The cover art was again created by Serrano, this time using a mixture of blood and urine. Reload, too, debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 and reached number two on the Top Canadian Album chart. Hetfield said in the 2004 documentary film Metallica: Some Kind of Monster that the band initially thought some of the songs on these albums were of average quality; these were "polished and reworked" until judged releasable. To promote Reload, Metallica performed "Fuel" and "The Memory Remains" with Marianne Faithfull on NBC's Saturday Night Live in December 1997.{{cite web|title=Metallica timeline November 18, 1997 – December 8, 1998|publisher=MTV|url=http://www.mtv.com/onair/icon/metallica/timeline/?id=16|access-date=December 5, 2007|archive-date=May 2, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130502233850/http://www.mtv.com/onair/icon/metallica/timeline/?id=16|url-status=dead}}

In 1998, Metallica compiled a double album of cover songs, titled Garage Inc. The first disc contained newly recorded covers of songs by Diamond Head, Killing Joke, the Misfits, Thin Lizzy, Mercyful Fate, Black Sabbath and others, and the second disc featured the original version of The $5.98 E.P. – Garage Days Re-Revisited, which had become a scarce collectors' item. The album entered the Billboard 200 at number two.{{cite web|title=Metallica timeline February 24, 1999 – February 23, 2000|work=MTV|url=http://www.mtv.com/onair/icon/metallica/timeline/?id=17|access-date=December 5, 2007|archive-date=May 2, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130502222018/http://www.mtv.com/onair/icon/metallica/timeline/?id=17|url-status=dead}}

On April 21 and 22, 1999, Metallica recorded two performances with the San Francisco Symphony, which was conducted by Michael Kamen, who had previously worked with producer Rock on "Nothing Else Matters". Kamen approached Metallica in 1991 with the idea of pairing the band's music with a symphony orchestra. Kamen and his staff of over 100 composed additional orchestral material for Metallica songs. Metallica wrote two new Kamen-scored songs for the event: "No Leaf Clover" and "-Human". The audio recording and concert footage were released in 1999 as the album and concert film S&M. It entered the Billboard 200 at number two and the Australian ARIA charts and Top Internet Albums chart at number one.

In 2000, Metallica discovered that a demo of its song "I Disappear", which was supposed to be released in combination with the Mission: Impossible II soundtrack, was receiving radio airplay. Tracing the source of the leak, the band found the file on the Napster peer-to-peer file-sharing network and also found that the band's entire catalogue was freely available.{{cite web|title=Testimony of Mr. Lars Ulrich|publisher=United States Senate Committee on the Judiciary|date=July 11, 2000|url=http://judiciary.senate.gov/testimony.cfm?id=195&wit_id=252|access-date=December 5, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071129061341/http://judiciary.senate.gov/testimony.cfm?id=195&wit_id=252|archive-date=November 29, 2007|url-status=dead}} Metallica filed a lawsuit at the U.S. District Court, Central District of California, alleging that Napster violated three areas of the law: copyright infringement, unlawful use of digital audio interface device and the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO).{{cite magazine|last=Jones|first=Christopher|title=Metallica Rips Napster|magazine=Wired|date=April 13, 2000|url=https://www.wired.com/politics/law/news/2000/04/35670|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080516221654/http://www.wired.com/politics/law/news/2000/04/35670|archive-date=May 16, 2008|access-date=December 5, 2007}}

File:Lars Ulrich The Rock Copenhagen.JPG

Ulrich provided a statement to the Senate Judiciary Committee regarding copyright infringement on July 11, 2000. Federal Judge Marilyn Hall Patel ordered the site to place a filter on the program within 72 hours or be shut down.{{cite news|last=Pellegrini|first=Frank|title=The End of the Line for Royalties?|newspaper=Time|url=http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,101597,00.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010307122210/http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,101597,00.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 7, 2001|date=March 6, 2001|access-date=December 12, 2007}} A settlement between Metallica and Napster was reached when German media conglomerate Bertelsmann BMG showed interest in purchasing the rights to Napster for $94 million. Under the terms of settlement, Napster agreed to block users who shared music by artists who do not want their music shared.{{cite news|title=Napster settles suits|publisher=CNN|date=July 21, 2001|url=https://money.cnn.com/2001/07/12/news/napster/|access-date=December 5, 2007|archive-date=September 23, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090923025811/http://money.cnn.com/2001/07/12/news/napster/|url-status=live}} On June 3, 2002, Napster filed for Chapter 11 protection under U.S. bankruptcy laws. On September 3, 2002, an American bankruptcy judge blocked the sale of Napster to Bertelsmann and forced Napster to liquidate its assets, according to Chapter 7 of the U.S. bankruptcy laws.{{cite news|last=Evangelista|first=Benny|title=Napster runs out of lives – judge rules against sale|date=September 4, 2002|work=San Francisco Chronicle|url=http://www.sfgate.com/business/article/Napster-runs-out-of-lives-judge-rules-against-2774278.php|access-date=January 2, 2008|archive-date=March 9, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210309222141/https://www.sfgate.com/business/article/Napster-runs-out-of-lives-judge-rules-against-2774278.php|url-status=live}}

At the 2000 MTV Video Music Awards, Ulrich appeared with host Marlon Wayans in a skit that criticized the idea of using Napster to share music. Wayans played a college student listening to Metallica's "I Disappear". Ulrich walked in and asked for an explanation, and he responded to Wayans' excuse that using Napster was just "sharing" by saying that Wayans' idea of sharing was "borrowing things that were not yours without asking." He called in the Metallica road crew, who proceeded to confiscate all of Wayans' belongings, leaving him almost naked in an empty room. Napster creator Shawn Fanning responded later in the ceremony by presenting an award wearing a Metallica shirt that read: "I borrowed this shirt from a friend. Maybe, if I like it, I'll buy one of my own." Ulrich was later booed on stage at the award show when he introduced the final musical act, Blink-182.{{cite web|url=http://www.nyrock.com/features/2000/vma00.asp|title=MTV's Video Music Awards 2000: If only I have a brain|publisher=NY Rock|date=September 7, 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111016194740/http://nyrock.com/features/2000/vma00.asp|archive-date=October 16, 2011}}{{cite news|url=https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/story?id=115952&page=1|title=Eminem and 'N Sync Big VMA Winners|work=ABC News|access-date=April 21, 2020|archive-date=January 22, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210122171541/https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/story?id=115952&page=1|url-status=live}}

File:JunoAwards2009-BobRock (cropped) (cropped).jpg

Newsted left Metallica on January 17, 2001, just as plans were being made to enter the recording studio. He said he left the band for "private and personal reasons, and the physical damage I have done to myself over the years while playing the music that I love."{{cite web|last=Basham|first=David|title=Bassist Jason Newsted Leaves Metallica|publisher=MTV|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1438016/20010117/metallica.jhtml|date=January 17, 2001|access-date=December 3, 2007|archive-date=July 26, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080726125030/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1438016/20010117/metallica.jhtml|url-status=dead}} During a Playboy interview with Metallica, Newsted said he wanted to release an album with his side project, Echobrain. Hetfield was opposed to the idea and said, "When someone does a side project, it takes away from the strength of Metallica" and that a side project is "like cheating on your wife in a way." Newsted said Hetfield had recorded vocals for a song used in the film South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut, and appeared on two Corrosion of Conformity albums. Hetfield replied: "My name isn't on those records. And I'm not out trying to sell them" and raised questions such as, "Where would it end? Does he start touring with it? Does he sell shirts? Is it his band?"{{cite web|title=The Playboy Interview – Metallica|work=Playboy|url=http://www.playboy.com/articles/metallica-interview/index.html|access-date=December 3, 2007|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090404205425/http://www.playboy.com/articles/metallica-interview/index.html|archive-date=April 4, 2009}}

In April 2001, filmmakers Joe Berlinger and Bruce Sinofsky began following Metallica to document the recording process of the band's next studio album. Over two years they recorded more than 1,000 hours of footage. On July 19, 2001, before preparations to enter the recording studio, Hetfield entered rehab to treat his "alcoholism and other addictions". All recording plans were put on hold and the band's future was in doubt.{{cite web|title=Metallica timeline April 2001 – December 4, 2001|publisher=MTV|url=http://www.mtv.com/onair/icon/metallica/timeline/?id=21|access-date=December 5, 2007|archive-date=May 23, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100523122240/http://www.mtv.com/onair/icon/metallica/timeline/?id=21|url-status=dead}} Hetfield left rehab on December 4, 2001, and the band returned to the recording studio on April 12, 2002. Hetfield was required to limit his work to four hours a day between noon and 4 pm, and to spend the rest of his time with his family. The footage recorded by Berlinger and Sinofsky was compiled into the documentary Metallica: Some Kind of Monster, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in January 2004. In the documentary, Newsted said his former bandmates' decision to hire a therapist to help solve their problems which he felt they could have solved on their own was "really fucking lame and weak".Some Kind of Monster feature film, Metallica, January 2004, Paramount Pictures.

File:Robert Trujillo live in London 2008-09-15.jpg.]]

In June 2003, Metallica's eighth studio album, St. Anger, debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, and drew mixed reactions from critics. Ulrich's "steely" sounding snare drum and the absence of guitar solos received particular criticism.{{cite web|title=St. Anger by Metallica|website=Metacritic|url=https://www.metacritic.com/music/st-anger|access-date=December 5, 2007|archive-date=September 12, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100912164851/http://www.metacritic.com/music/st-anger|url-status=live}} Kevin Forest Moreau of Shakingthrough.net said, "the guitars stumble in a monotone of mid-level, processed rattle; the drums don't propel as much as struggle to disguise an all-too-turgid pace; and the rage is both unfocused and leavened with too much narcissistic navel-gazing".{{cite web|last=Moreau|first=Kevin|title=Rattle and Ho-Hum|publisher=Shakingthrough.net|date=June 23, 2003|url=http://www.shakingthrough.net/music/reviews/2003/metallica_st_anger_2003.html|access-date=December 5, 2007|archive-date=August 29, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080829005340/http://www.shakingthrough.net/music/reviews/2003/metallica_st_anger_2003.html|url-status=live}} Brent DiCrescenzo of Pitchfork described it as "an utter mess".{{cite web|last=DiCrescenzo|first=Brent|title=Metallica St. Anger|publisher=Pitchfork Media|date=June 16, 2003|url=https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/5250-st-anger/|access-date=December 5, 2007|archive-date=March 18, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090318035026/http://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/5250-st-anger/|url-status=live}} However, Blender magazine called it the "grimiest and grimmest of the band's Bob Rock productions", and New York Magazine called it "utterly raw and rocking".{{cite web|title=St. Anger by Metallica|publisher=Metacritic.com|url=https://www.metacritic.com/music/st-anger|access-date=December 5, 2007|archive-date=September 12, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100912164851/http://www.metacritic.com/music/st-anger|url-status=live}} The title track, "St. Anger", won the Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance in 2004; it was used as the official theme song for WWE's SummerSlam 2003.{{cite web|title=Grammy Award winners – Metallica|publisher=Grammy.com|url=http://www.grammy.com/GRAMMY_Awards/Winners/Results.aspx?title=&winner=Metallica&year=0&genreID=0&hp=1|access-date=December 5, 2007|archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/5mqfKCOyt?url=http://www.grammy.com/GRAMMY_Awards/Winners/Results.aspx?title=|archive-date=January 17, 2010|url-status=dead}}

For the duration of St. Anger{{'}}s recording period, producer Bob Rock played bass on the album and in several live shows at which Metallica performed during that time. Once the record was completed, the band started to hold auditions for Newsted's permanent replacement. Bassists Pepper Keenan, Jeordie White, Scott Reeder, Eric Avery, Danny Lohner, and Chris Wyse{{mdash}}among others{{mdash}}auditioned for the role. After three months of auditions, Robert Trujillo, formerly of Suicidal Tendencies and Ozzy Osbourne's band, was chosen as the new bassist. Newsted, who had joined Canadian thrash metal band Voivod by that time, was Trujillo's replacement in Osbourne's band during the 2003 Ozzfest tour, which included Voivod.{{cite web|title=Metallica timeline January 3, 2002 – March 19, 2003|publisher=MTV|url=http://www.mtv.com/onair/icon/metallica/timeline/?id=22|access-date=December 5, 2007|archive-date=May 2, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130502231445/http://www.mtv.com/onair/icon/metallica/timeline/?id=22|url-status=dead}}

Before the band's set at the 2004 Download Festival, Ulrich was rushed to the hospital after having an anxiety seizure and was unable to perform.{{cite web|url=http://www.fri.dk/personlig-udvikling/lars-ulrich-fra-total-ass-til-familiefar|title=Lars Ulrich – fra 'total ass' til familiefar|publisher=FRI.DK|work=Berlingske Media|date=June 27, 2009|author=Tonie Yde Mørch|access-date=June 7, 2011|archive-date=November 24, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121124063718/http://www.fri.dk/personlig-udvikling/lars-ulrich-fra-total-ass-til-familiefar|url-status=live}} Hetfield searched for last-minute volunteers to replace Ulrich. Slayer drummer Dave Lombardo and Slipknot drummer Joey Jordison volunteered. Lombardo performed "Battery" and "The Four Horsemen", Ulrich's drum technician Flemming Larsen performed "Fade to Black", and Jordison performed the remainder of the set.{{cite web|title=Metallica's Lars Ulrich Hospitalized in Switzerland, Misses Show|publisher=Yahoo Music|date=June 7, 2004|url=http://new.music.yahoo.com/metallica/news/metallicas-lars-ulrich-hospitalized-in-switzerland-misses-show--12054238|access-date=December 9, 2006|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100501034029/http://new.music.yahoo.com/metallica/news/metallicas-lars-ulrich-hospitalized-in-switzerland-misses-show--12054238|archive-date=May 1, 2010}} Having toured for two years in support of St. Anger on the Summer Sanitarium Tour 2003 and the Madly in Anger with the World Tour, with multi-platinum rock band Godsmack in support, Metallica took a break from performing and spent most of 2005 with friends and family. The band opened for the Rolling Stones at SBC Park in San Francisco on November 13 and 15, 2005.{{cite web|last=Kaufman|first=Gil|title=Metallica Opening for Rolling Stones in San Francisco|publisher=MTV|date=April 3, 2005|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1506869/20050803/metallica.jhtml|access-date=December 5, 2007|archive-date=December 2, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081202030127/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1506869/20050803/metallica.jhtml|url-status=dead}}

In February 2006, Metallica announced on its official website that after 15 years, long-time producer Bob Rock would not be producing the band's next studio album. Instead, the band chose to work with producer Rick Rubin.{{cite web|title=If You Want a Successful Album – Work with Rick Rubin|publisher=Tixsearcher.com|url=http://www.tixsearcher.com/blog/if-you-want-a-successful-album-work-with-rick-rubin|access-date=August 19, 2014|archive-date=November 23, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201123222440/https://www.tixsearcher.com/blog/if-you-want-a-successful-album-work-with-rick-rubin|url-status=live}} Around the same time, a petition signed by 1,500 fans was posted online in an attempt to encourage the band to prohibit Rock from producing Metallica albums, saying he had too much influence on the band's sound and musical direction. Rock said the petition hurt his children's feelings; he said, "sometimes, even with a great coach, a team keeps losing. You have to get new blood in there."{{cite web |last1=Blabbermouth |title=Bob Rock Says Metallica Fans' Petition To Dump Him Was 'Hurtful' To His Kids |url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/bob-rock-says-metallica-fans-petition-to-dump-him-was-hurtful-to-his-kids/ |website=Blabbermouth |date=September 18, 2006 |access-date=May 3, 2021 |archive-date=May 3, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210503141512/https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/bob-rock-says-metallica-fans-petition-to-dump-him-was-hurtful-to-his-kids/ |url-status=live }}

In December 2006, Metallica released a DVD titled The Videos 1989–2004, which sold 28,000 copies in its first week and entered the Billboard Top Videos chart at number three.{{cite news|title=Metallica's 'Videos' beats Slipknot's Voliminal' on Music Video Chart|work=Blabbermouth.net|date=December 15, 2006|url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=63882|access-date=December 5, 2007|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071219142444/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=63882|archive-date=December 19, 2007}} Metallica recorded a guitar-based interpretation of Ennio Morricone's "The Ecstasy of Gold" for a tribute album titled We All Love Ennio Morricone, which was released in February 2007. The track received a Grammy nomination at the 50th Grammy Awards for the category "Best Rock Instrumental Performance".{{cite web|title=Best Metal Performance|publisher=Grammy.com|url=http://www.grammy.com/GRAMMY_Awards/50th_Show/list.aspx#04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071208065050/http://www.grammy.com/GRAMMY_Awards/50th_Show/list.aspx|archive-date=December 8, 2007|access-date=December 7, 2007|url-status=dead}} A recording of "The Ecstasy of Gold" has been played to introduce Metallica's performances since the 1980s.{{cite news|title=We All Love Ennio Morricone|url=http://www.metallica.com/releases/we-all-love-ennio-morricone.asp|publisher=Metallica.com|date=February 20, 2007|access-date=December 12, 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150124231104/http://www.metallica.com/releases/we-all-love-ennio-morricone.asp|archive-date=January 24, 2015}}

File:Metallica London 2008-09-15 Kirk and James.jpg

Metallica scheduled the release of the album Death Magnetic as September 12, 2008, and the band filmed a music video for the album's first single, "The Day That Never Comes". On September 2, 2008, a record store in France began selling copies of Death Magnetic nearly two weeks before its scheduled worldwide release date,{{cite web|url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=103902|title=Metallica's 'Death Magnetic' Sold Two Weeks Early at French Record Store?|publisher=Roadrunner Records|work=Blabbermouth.net|access-date=November 7, 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110809005659/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=103902|archive-date=August 9, 2011}} which resulted in the album being made available on peer-to-peer clients. This prompted the band's UK distributor Vertigo Records to officially release the album on September 10, 2008. Rumors of Metallica or Warner Bros. taking legal action against the French retailer were unconfirmed, though drummer Lars Ulrich responded to the leak by saying, "...{{nbsp}}We're ten days from release. I mean, from here, we're golden. If this thing leaks all over the world today or tomorrow, happy days. Happy days. Trust me",{{cite web|url=http://www2.kerrang.com/2008/09/metallica_album_leak.html|title=Metallica album leak...|work=Kerrang!|access-date=September 17, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080905225835/http://www2.kerrang.com/2008/09/metallica_album_leak.html|archive-date=September 5, 2008}} and, "By 2008 standards, that's a victory. If you'd told me six months ago that our record wouldn't leak until 10 days out, I would have signed up for that."{{cite news|last=Gundersen|first=Edna|url=https://www.usatoday.com/life/music/news/2008-09-10-metallica-main_N.htm|title=Metallica remains calm over 'Magnetic' leaks|date=September 11, 2008|newspaper=USA Today|access-date=September 17, 2008|archive-date=September 14, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080914002320/http://www.usatoday.com/life/music/news/2008-09-10-metallica-main_N.htm|url-status=live}}

Death Magnetic marked a return to the band's traditional thrash metal sound. The album debuted at number one in the U.S., selling 490,000 units; Metallica became the first band to have five consecutive studio albums debut at number one in the history of the Billboard 200.{{cite news|title=Metallica's Death Magnetic Reigns on European Album Chart|work=Blabbermouth.net|date=September 25, 2008|url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=105557|access-date=September 29, 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080928060133/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=105557|archive-date=September 28, 2008}} A week after its release, Death Magnetic remained at number one on the Billboard 200 and the European album chart; it also became the fastest selling album of 2008 in Australia.{{cite news|title=Metallica's Death Magnetic Is Fastest-Selling Album of the Year in Australia|work=Blabbermouth.net|date=September 21, 2008|url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=105261|access-date=September 29, 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080925030948/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=105261|archive-date=September 25, 2008}} Death Magnetic remained at number one on the Billboard 200 album chart for three consecutive weeks. Metallica was one of two artists whose album{{mdash}}the other being Jack Johnson's album Sleep Through the Static{{mdash}}remained on the Billboard 200 for three consecutive weeks at number one in 2008. Death Magnetic also remained at number one on Billboard{{'s}} Hard Rock, Modern Rock/Alternative and Rock album charts for five consecutive weeks. The album reached number one in 32 countries outside the U.S., including the UK, Canada, and Australia.{{cite web|title=Metallica's Death Magnetic Tops Album Chart for Third Week in a Row|publisher=EuroInvester|date=October 1, 2008|url=http://www.euroinvestor.co.uk/news/story.aspx?id=9983169|access-date=June 5, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120217000627/http://www.euroinvestor.co.uk/news/story.aspx?id=9983169|archive-date=February 17, 2012|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|title=Metallica nominated in the EMA's and playing live at the VMA's in Latin America|publisher=Alternativeware|date=October 8, 2008|url=http://www.geocities.com/alerivmx/metallica0.htm|access-date=October 8, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090805212851/http://geocities.com/alerivmx/metallica0.htm|archive-date=August 5, 2009}} In November 2008, Metallica's record deal with Warner Bros. ended and the band considered releasing its next album through the internet.{{cite web|url=http://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/general_music_news/metallica_consider_releasing_next_album_online.html|title=Metallica Consider Releasing Next Album Online|publisher=Ultimate-guitar.com|access-date=October 1, 2009|archive-date=September 25, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090925040801/http://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/general_music_news/metallica_consider_releasing_next_album_online.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.Net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=111000|title=Jimmy Page, Jimi Hendrix, Eddie Van Halen, Steve Vai Among Chop Shop's Top Guitarists|publisher=Roadrunner Records|work=Blabbermouth.net|access-date=October 1, 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090315195841/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=111000|archive-date=March 15, 2009}}

On January 14, 2009, it was announced that Metallica would be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on April 4, 2009,{{cite magazine|last=Cohen|first=Jonathan|title=Metallica, Run D.M.C. Lead Rock Hall Inductees|magazine=Billboard|date=January 14, 2009|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/269611/metallica-run-dmc-lead-rock-hall-inductees|access-date=January 14, 2009|archive-date=July 3, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140703092310/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/269611/metallica-run-dmc-lead-rock-hall-inductees|url-status=live}} and that former bassist Jason Newsted{{mdash}}who left the band in 2001{{mdash}}would perform with the band at the ceremony.{{cite web|url=http://www.idiomag.com/peek/72984/metallica|title=Jason Newsted to rejoin Metallica|access-date=March 30, 2009|date=March 30, 2009|publisher=idiomag|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090402193125/http://www.idiomag.com/peek/72984/metallica|archive-date=April 2, 2009}} Initially, it was announced that the matter had been discussed and that bassist Trujillo had agreed not to play because he "wanted to see the Black Album band".{{cite web|url=http://www.idiomag.com/peek/73495/metallica|title=Jason Newsted: Trujillo won't play with Metallica during Rock Hall induction|access-date=April 1, 2009|date=April 1, 2009|publisher=idiomag|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090406063630/http://www.idiomag.com/peek/73495/metallica|archive-date=April 6, 2009}} However, during the band's set of "Master of Puppets" and "Enter Sandman", both Trujillo and Newsted were on stage.{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/music-rock-idUSN0436280220090405|title=Metallica rocks Hall of Fame with other new members|work=Reuters|date=April 5, 2009|access-date=April 5, 2009|archive-date=March 6, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306092701/http://www.reuters.com/article/music-rock-idUSN0436280220090405|url-status=live}} Ray Burton, father of the late Cliff Burton, accepted the honor on his behalf. Although he was not to be inducted with them, Metallica invited Dave Mustaine to take part in the induction ceremony. Mustaine declined because of his touring commitments in Europe.{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/dave-mustaine-to-metallica-i-am-so-very-proud-of-all-you-have-accomplished/|title=Dave Mustaine to Metallica: 'I Am So Very Proud of All You Have Accomplished'|publisher=Roadrunner Records|work=Blabbermouth.net|date=February 27, 2009|access-date=October 1, 2009|archive-date=December 19, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131219090839/http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/dave-mustaine-to-metallica-i-am-so-very-proud-of-all-you-have-accomplished/|url-status=live}}

File:Metallica at the O2 Arena, March 28th 2009.jpg

Metallica, Slayer, Megadeth, and Anthrax performed on the same bill for the first time on June 16, 2010, at Warsaw Babice Airport, Poland, as a part of the Sonisphere Festival series. The show in Sofia, Bulgaria, on June 22, 2010, was broadcast via satellite to cinemas.{{cite magazine|first=Andre|last=Paine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/957831/metallica-heading-to-cinemas|title=Metallica Heading to Cinemas|magazine=Billboard|date=September 14, 2009|access-date=November 7, 2010|archive-date=February 12, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130212162315/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/957831/metallica-heading-to-cinemas|url-status=live}} The bands also played concerts in Bucharest on June 26, 2010, and Istanbul on June 27, 2010. On June 28, 2010, Death Magnetic was certified double platinum by the RIAA.{{cite web|url=https://www.riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?artist=%22Death+Magnetic%22|archive-url=https://archive.today/20131225163522/http://www.riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?artist=%22Death+Magnetic%22|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 25, 2013|title=Gold and Platinum|website = Recording Industry Association of America|access-date=July 24, 2010}} Metallica's World Magnetic Tour ended in Melbourne on November 21, 2010. The band had been touring for more than two years in support of Death Magnetic. To accompany the final tour dates in Australia and New Zealand, a live, limited edition EP of past performances in Australia called Six Feet Down Under was released.{{cite web|url=http://www.metallica.com/news/sep-16-2010-heading-down-under.asp|title=Heading Down Under|publisher=Metallica|date=September 16, 2010|access-date=October 12, 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130119001053/https://www.metallica.com/news/sep-16-2010-heading-down-under.asp|archive-date=January 19, 2013}} The EP was followed by Six Feet Down Under (Part II), which was released on November 12, 2010.{{cite web|url=http://www.metallica.com/news/oct-25-2010-final-release-for-2010.asp|title=Final Release for 2010|publisher=Metallica|date=October 25, 2010|access-date=November 15, 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120104125954/http://www.metallica.com/news/oct-25-2010-final-release-for-2010.asp|archive-date=January 4, 2012}} Part 2 contains a further eight songs recorded during the first two Oceanic Legs of the World Magnetic Tour. On November 26, 2010, Metallica released a live EP titled Live at Grimey's, which was recorded in June 2008 at Grimey's Record Store, just before the band's appearance at Bonnaroo Music Festival that year.{{cite web|url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=147257|title=Metallica: 'Live at Grimey's' EP Due in November|publisher=Roadrunner Records|work=Blabbermouth.net|date=October 6, 2010|access-date=October 12, 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101009191131/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=147257|archive-date=October 9, 2010}}{{cite web|url=http://metallica.com/index.asp?item=603402|title=One More for 2010!|publisher=Metallica.com|date=October 6, 2010|access-date=October 12, 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101010122500/http://www.metallica.com/index.asp?item=603402|archive-date=October 10, 2010}}

In a June 2009 interview with Italy's Rock TV, Ulrich said Metallica was planning to continue touring until August 2010, and that there were no plans for a tenth album. He said he was sure the band would collaborate with producer Rick Rubin again.{{cite news|url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.Net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=123454|title=Metallica's Lars Ulrich: I Would Like to Make Another Album with Rick Rubin|work=Blabbermouth.net|date=July 11, 2009|access-date=July 11, 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090715011049/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=123454|archive-date=July 15, 2009}} According to Blabbermouth.net, the band was considering recording its next album in the second half of 2011.{{Cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/metallica-is-open-to-performing-full-albums-in-concert-again/|title=METALLICA Is Open To Performing Full Albums In Concert Again|website=Blabbermouth.net|access-date=February 13, 2018|date=October 15, 2009|archive-date=October 18, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091018042345/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=128779|url-status=live}} In November 2010, during an interview with The Pulse of Radio, Ulrich said Metallica would return to writing in 2011. Ulrich said, "There's a bunch of balls in the air for 2011, but I think the main one is we really want to get back to writing again. We haven't really written since, what, '06, '07, and we want to get back to kind of just being creative again. Right now we are going to just chill out and then probably start up again in, I'd say, March or April, and start probably putting the creative cap back on and start writing some songs."{{cite web|url=http://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/upcoming_releases/metallica_to_begin_work_on_new_album.html|title=Metallica to Begin Work on New Album|publisher=Ultimate-Guitar|date=November 11, 2010|access-date=November 11, 2010|archive-date=November 12, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101112185831/http://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/upcoming_releases/metallica_to_begin_work_on_new_album.html|url-status=live}}

File:Metallica3425.jpg

On November 9, 2010, Metallica announced it would be headlining the Rock in Rio festival in Rio de Janeiro on September 25, 2011.{{cite web|url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=149089|title=Metallica Confirmed for Brazil's Rock In Rio Festival|publisher=Roadrunner Records|work=Blabbermouth.net|date=November 9, 2010|access-date=November 9, 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110211062641/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=149089|archive-date=February 11, 2011}}{{cite web|url=http://www.metallica.com/news/nov-09-2010-shows-in-2011.asp|title=Shows in 2011?!?!?!|publisher=Metallica|date=November 9, 2010|access-date=June 8, 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120104135641/http://www.metallica.com/news/nov-09-2010-shows-in-2011.asp|archive-date=January 4, 2012}} On December 13, 2010, the band announced it would again play as part of the "big four" during the Sonisphere Festival at Knebworth House, Hertfordshire, on July 8, 2011. It was the first time all of the "big four" members played on the same stage in the UK.{{cite web|url=http://www.metallica.com/news/dec-13-2010-tallica-at-sonisphere-uk.asp|title='Tallica at Sonisphere U.K.|publisher=Metallica.com|date=December 13, 2010|access-date=December 13, 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110514164104/http://www.metallica.com/news/dec-13-2010-tallica-at-sonisphere-uk.asp|archive-date=May 14, 2011}} On December 17, 2010, Another "big four" Sonisphere performance that would take place in France on July 9 was announced.{{cite web|url=http://www.metallica.com/news/dec-17-2010-more-big-4.asp|title=More Big 4!|publisher=Metallica.com|date=December 17, 2010|access-date=June 8, 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120105120933/http://www.metallica.com/news/dec-17-2010-more-big-4.asp|archive-date=January 5, 2012}} On January 25, 2011, another "big four" performance on April 23, 2011, at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California, was announced. It was the first time all of the "big four" members played on the same stage in the U.S.{{cite web|url=http://www.metallica.com/news/the-big-four-coming-to-the-states.asp|title=The Big Four Coming to the States|publisher=Metallica.com|date=January 25, 2011|access-date=June 8, 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110410011811/http://www.metallica.com/news/the-big-four-coming-to-the-states.asp|archive-date=April 10, 2011}} On February 17, 2011, a show in Gelsenkirchen, Germany, on July 2, 2011, was announced.{{cite web|url=http://www.metallica.com/news/the-big-4-european-edition-continued.asp|title=The Big 4...European Edition Continued|publisher=Metallica.com|date=February 17, 2011|access-date=June 8, 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110404030250/http://www.metallica.com/news/the-big-4-european-edition-continued.asp|archive-date=April 4, 2011}} On February 22, a "big four" show in Milan on July 6, 2011, was announced.{{cite web|url=http://www.metallica.com/news/20110222_news.asp|title=Big 4 Again!|publisher=Metallica.com|date=February 22, 2011|access-date=June 8, 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110402042525/http://www.metallica.com/news/20110222_news.asp|archive-date=April 2, 2011}} On March 2, 2011, another "big four" concert, which took place in Gothenburg on July 3, 2011, was announced.{{cite web|url=http://www.metallica.com/news/20110302_news.asp|title=Big 4 to Sweden!|publisher=Metallica.com|date=March 2, 2011|access-date=June 8, 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110404232633/http://www.metallica.com/news/20110302_news.asp|archive-date=April 4, 2011}} The final "big four" concert was in New York City, at Yankee Stadium, on September 14, 2011.{{cite web|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/music-arts/big-yankee-stadium-metallica-slayer-megadeth-anthrax-thrash-masses-article-1.955330|title='Big Four' at Yankee Stadium: Metallica, Slayer, Megadeth and Anthrax thrash for the masses|website=New York Daily News|date=September 15, 2011|access-date=January 13, 2016|archive-date=March 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304104458/http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/music-arts/big-yankee-stadium-metallica-slayer-megadeth-anthrax-thrash-masses-article-1.955330|url-status=live}}

In an interview at the April 2011 Big Four concert, Robert Trujillo said Metallica will work with Rick Rubin again as producer for the new album and were "really excited to write some new music. There's no shortage of riffage in Metallica world right now." He added, "The first album with Rick was also the first album for me, so in a lot of ways, you're kind of testing the water. Now that we're comfortable with Rick and his incredible engineer, Greg Fidelman, who worked with Slayer, actually, on this last record{{mdash}}it's my hero{{mdash}}it's a great team. And it's only gonna better; I really believe that. So I'm super-excited."{{cite news|url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=157197|title=Metallica to Re-Team with Producer Rick Rubin for Next Album, Says Bassist|work=Blabbermouth.net|date=April 24, 2011|access-date=April 24, 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110426191857/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=157197|archive-date=April 26, 2011}} In June 2011, Rubin said Metallica had begun writing its new album.{{cite news|url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=159673|title=Metallica 'About to Start Writing' New Album, Says Producer Rick Rubin|work=Blabbermouth.net|date=June 20, 2011|access-date=June 21, 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110623175629/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=159673|archive-date=June 23, 2011}}

On June 15, 2011, Metallica announced that recording sessions with singer-songwriter Lou Reed had concluded. The album, which was titled Lulu, was recorded over several months and comprised ten songs{{cite web|url=http://www.metallica.com/page.asp?ps_key=4F31377A8B5746E1B0437710353B2797|title=Secret Recording Project?|access-date=June 16, 2011|date=June 15, 2011|work=Metallica.com|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110619190609/http://www.metallica.com/page.asp?ps_key=4F31377A8B5746E1B0437710353B2797|archive-date=June 19, 2011}} based on Frank Wedekind's "Lulu" plays Earth Spirit and Pandora's Box.{{cite web|last=Thiessen|first=Brock|title=Metallica and Lou Reed Set Release Date for Collaborative Album|work=Exclaim!|date=August 19, 2011|url=http://exclaim.ca/News/metallica_lou_reed_set_release_date_for_collaborative_album|access-date=August 21, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120219070722/http://exclaim.ca/News/metallica_lou_reed_set_release_date_for_collaborative_album|archive-date=February 19, 2012|url-status=dead}} The album was released on October 31, 2011. The recording of the album was problematic at times; Lars Ulrich later said Lou Reed challenged him to a "street fight".{{cite news|url=http://www.3news.co.nz/Lou-Reed-challenged-Lars-Ulrich-to-street-fight/tabid/418/articleID/253301/Default.aspx|work=3 News NZ|title=Lou Reed challenged Lars Ulrich to street fight|date=May 7, 2012|access-date=December 2, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121020122933/http://www.3news.co.nz/Lou-Reed-challenged-Lars-Ulrich-to-street-fight/tabid/418/articleID/253301/Default.aspx|archive-date=October 20, 2012|url-status=dead}} On October 16, 2011, Robert Trujillo confirmed that the band was back in the studio and writing new material. He said, "The writing process for the new Metallica album has begun. We've been in the studio with Rick Rubin, working on a couple of things, and we're going to be recording during the most of next year."{{cite web|last=Warner|first=Brett|url=http://ology.com/music/metallica-begin-work-their-next-studio-album|title=Metallica Begin Work on Their Next Studio Album|publisher=Ology|date=October 26, 2011|access-date=October 30, 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111106002222/http://ology.com/music/metallica-begin-work-their-next-studio-album|archive-date=November 6, 2011}}

File:Metallica (6350334052).jpg

Metallica was due to make its first appearance in India at the "India Rocks" concert, supporting the 2011 Indian Grand Prix.{{cite web|url=http://www.withjim.com/2011/08/metallica-in-india.html|title=Metallica in India|publisher=Withjim.Com|access-date=February 15, 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120205041230/http://www.withjim.com/2011/08/metallica-in-india.html|archive-date=February 5, 2012}} However, the concert was canceled when the venue was proven to be unsafe.{{cite web|url=http://www.metallica.com/page.asp?ps_key=EF025899934A4A01B6F0F5973A7D17DB|title=Delhi Show Update|publisher=Metallica.com|access-date=October 30, 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111030135905/http://www.metallica.com/page.asp?ps_key=EF025899934A4A01B6F0F5973A7D17DB|archive-date=October 30, 2011}} Fans raided the stage during the event and the organizers were later arrested for fraud.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-15511431|title=Metallica: India gig organisers arrested|publisher=BBC|date=October 30, 2011|access-date=November 4, 2011|newspaper=BBC News|archive-date=November 3, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111103175428/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-15511431|url-status=live}} Metallica made its Indian debut in Bangalore on October 30, 2011.{{cite news|url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/bangalore-rocks-to-metallica-despite-rains/197678-60-119.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111101220641/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/bangalore-rocks-to-metallica-despite-rains/197678-60-119.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=November 1, 2011|title=Delhi Show Update|publisher=IBN}}{{cite news|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/bangalore/report_heavy-metal-heaven-as-heads-bang-in-bangalore_1605359|title=Heavy metal heaven as heads bang in Bangalore|work=DNA|date=October 31, 2011|access-date=October 31, 2011|archive-date=August 6, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120806211045/http://www.dnaindia.com/bangalore/report_heavy-metal-heaven-as-heads-bang-in-bangalore_1605359|url-status=live}} On November 10, it was announced that Metallica would headline the main stage on Saturday June 9, 2012, at the Download Festival at Donington Park and that the band would play The Black Album in its entirety.[http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/15684593 "Metallica to headline Download Festival at Donington"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140228051338/http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/15684593 |date=February 28, 2014 }}. BBC. Retrieved November 15, 2011. Metallica celebrated its 30th anniversary by playing four shows at the Fillmore in San Francisco in December 2011. The shows were exclusive to Met Club members and tickets were charged at $6 each or $19.81 for all four nights. The shows consisted of songs from the band's career and featured guest appearances by artists who had either helped or had influenced Metallica. These shows were notable because Lloyd Grant, Dave Mustaine, Jason Newsted, Glenn Danzig, Ozzy Osbourne, Jerry Cantrell, Apocalyptica, members of Diamond Head, and King Diamond joined Metallica on stage for all appropriate songs.{{cite web|author=Metallica|url=http://theaudioperv.com/2011/12/12/metallica-celebrate-30-year-anniversary-at-the-fillmore-in-san-francisco-with-special-guests-new-beyond-magnetic-ep/|title=Metallica Celebrate 30-Year Anniversary at the Fillmore in San Francisco with Special Guests, New Beyond Magnetic EP|publisher=The Audio Perv|date=March 22, 2012|access-date=March 26, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170929173227/http://theaudioperv.com/2011/12/12/metallica-celebrate-30-year-anniversary-at-the-fillmore-in-san-francisco-with-special-guests-new-beyond-magnetic-ep/|archive-date=September 29, 2017|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://www.metallica.com/news/jul-27-2011-thirty-years.asp|title=News | Thirty Years... A Week Long Celebration in San Francisco|publisher=Metallica.com|access-date=March 26, 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120328102941/http://www.metallica.com/news/jul-27-2011-thirty-years.asp|archive-date=March 28, 2012}} In December 2011, Metallica began releasing songs that were written for Death Magnetic but were not included on the album online.{{cite web|title=Metallica post two previously unreleased tracks online{{mdash}}listen|url=https://www.nme.com/news/metallica/60858|work=NME|access-date=December 10, 2011|date=December 8, 2011|archive-date=January 7, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120107223204/http://www.nme.com/news/metallica/60858|url-status=live}} On December 13, 2011, the band released Beyond Magnetic, a digital EP release exclusively on iTunes.{{cite web|url=https://itunes.apple.com/album/beyond-magnetic-ep/id485472347|title=Beyond Magnetic on iTunes|publisher=iTunes|access-date=July 15, 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130517005837/https://itunes.apple.com/album/beyond-magnetic-ep/id485472347|archive-date=May 17, 2013}} It was released on CD in January 2012.{{cite web|title=Beyond Magnetic EP|url=https://www.amazon.com/Beyond-Magnetic-EP-Metallica/dp/B006T5FDLG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1351512063&sr=8-1&keywords=metallica+beyond+magnetic|work=Amazon.com|access-date=October 29, 2012|date=January 31, 2012|archive-date=July 1, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190701034542/https://www.amazon.com/Beyond-Magnetic-EP-Metallica/dp/B006T5FDLG/ref%3Dsr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1351512063&sr=8-1&keywords=metallica%2Bbeyond%2Bmagnetic|url-status=live}}

On February 7, 2012, Metallica announced that it would start a new music festival called Orion Music + More, which took place on June 23 and 24, 2012, in Atlantic City. Metallica also confirmed that it would headline the festival on both days and would perform two of its most critically acclaimed albums in their entirety: The Black Album on one night, and Ride the Lightning on the other.{{cite magazine|author=Stacey Anderson|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/metallica-announce-orion-music-festival-20120207|title=Metallica Announce Orion Music Festival | Music News|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=February 7, 2012|access-date=March 26, 2012|archive-date=May 1, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120501033641/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/metallica-announce-orion-music-festival-20120207|url-status=live}} In a July 2012 interview with Canadian radio station 99.3 The Fox, Ulrich said Metallica would not release its new album until at least early 2014.{{cite news|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=177356|title=No New Metallica Album Before 2014 at the Earliest, Says LARS ULRICH|work=Blabbermouth.net|date=July 27, 2012|access-date=July 27, 2012|archive-date=February 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210220134420/https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/no-new-metallica-album-before-2014-at-the-earliest-says-lars-ulrich/|url-status=live}}

{{Anchor|Blackened Recordings}}

In November 2012, Metallica left Warner Bros. Records and launched an independent record label, Blackened Recordings, which will produce the band's future releases.{{cite magazine|title=Metallica Launch New Record Label|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/metallica-launch-new-record-label-20121130|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=November 30, 2012|access-date=April 6, 2014|archive-date=April 14, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140414000035/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/metallica-launch-new-record-label-20121130|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=http://www.3news.co.nz/Metallica-leaves-Warner-forms-Blackened-Recordings/tabid/418/articleID/278958/Default.aspx|work=3 News NZ|title=Metallica forms Blackened Recordings|date=December 3, 2012|access-date=December 2, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140201113512/http://www.3news.co.nz/Metallica-leaves-Warner-forms-Blackened-Recordings/tabid/418/articleID/278958/Default.aspx|archive-date=February 1, 2014|url-status=dead}} The band acquired the rights to all of its studio albums, which were all reissued through the new label. Blackened releases were licensed through Warner subsidiary Rhino Entertainment in North America and internationally through Universal Music.{{Cite news|last=Roberts|first=Randall|url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/music/posts/la-et-ms-metallica-leaves-label-forms-blackened-records-20121130,0,5225406.story|title=Metallica leaves Warner Music with its masters, forms Blackened Records|date=November 30, 2012|access-date=December 17, 2012|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|archive-date=December 5, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121205175001/http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/music/posts/la-et-ms-metallica-leaves-label-forms-blackened-records-20121130,0,5225406.story|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last=Hogan|first=Marc|url=https://www.spin.com/2012/11/metallica-new-label-blackened-recordings/|title=Metallica Name Their New Label: Blackened Recordings | SPIN | Newswire|publisher=SPIN|date=November 30, 2012|access-date=December 17, 2012|archive-date=November 24, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151124235559/http://www.spin.com/2012/11/metallica-new-label-blackened-recordings/|url-status=live}} On September 20, 2012, Metallica announced via its official website that a new DVD containing footage of shows it performed in Quebec in 2009 would be released that December; fans would get the chance to vote for two setlists that would appear on the DVD.{{cite web|title=News | More Magnetic... on DVD!|url=http://www.metallica.com/news/20120917-more-magnetic-on-dvd.asp|work=Metallica.com|access-date=November 18, 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120923015109/http://www.metallica.com/news/20120917-more-magnetic-on-dvd.asp|archive-date=September 23, 2012}} The film, titled Quebec Magnetic, was released in the U.S. on December 10, 2012.{{cite news|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=181211|title=Metallica: 'Quebec Magnetic' DVD, Blu-Ray Artwork Unveiled|work=Blabbermouth.net|date=October 22, 2012|access-date=November 22, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121025233706/http://www.blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=181211|archive-date=October 25, 2012|url-status=dead}}

File:Metallica 2013.jpg in 2013]]

In an interview with Classic Rock on January 8, 2013, Ulrich said regarding the band's upcoming album, "What we're doing now certainly sounds like a continuation [of Death Magnetic]". He also said, "I love Rick [Rubin]. We all love Rick. We're in touch with Rick constantly. We'll see where it goes. It would stun me if the record came out in 2013."{{cite web|last=Barton|first=Geoff|title=Ulrich: Metallica 3D movie project influenced by Zeppelin|url=http://www.classicrockmagazine.com/news/ulrich-metallica-3d-movie-project-influenced-by-led-zeppelin/|publisher=Classic Rock Magazine|access-date=January 19, 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130113022730/http://www.classicrockmagazine.com/news/ulrich-metallica-3d-movie-project-influenced-by-led-zeppelin/|archive-date=January 13, 2013}} Also in 2013, the band starred in a 3D concert film titled Metallica: Through the Never, which was directed by Antal Nimród and was released in IMAX theaters on September 27.{{cite magazine|author=RJ Cubarrubia|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/metallicas-3d-movie-headed-to-imax-20130424|title=Metallica's 3D Movie Headed to IMAX|magazine=Rollingstone.com|date=April 24, 2013|access-date=July 15, 2013|archive-date=July 1, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130701095720/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/metallicas-3d-movie-headed-to-imax-20130424|url-status=live}}

In an interview dated July 22, 2013, Ulrich told Ultimate Guitar, "2014 will be all about making a new Metallica record"; he said the album will most likely be released during 2015.{{cite web|title=Metallica to Hit the Studio in 2014: 'We'll Run Out of Excuses for Not Doing It by Then'|url=http://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/upcoming_releases/metallica_to_hit_the_studio_in_2014_well_run_out_of_excuses_for_not_doing_it_by_then.html|publisher=Ultimate-Guitar|access-date=July 25, 2013|archive-date=April 3, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190403080029/https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/upcoming_releases/metallica_to_hit_the_studio_in_2014_well_run_out_of_excuses_for_not_doing_it_by_then.html|url-status=live}} Kirk Hammett and Robert Trujillo later confirmed the band's intention to enter the studio.{{cite web|last=Dekel|first=Jon|title=Metallica to record new album in 2014|work=canada.com |url=http://o.canada.com/entertainment/tiff13/metallica-to-record-new-album-in-2014/|publisher=Postmedia News|date=September 9, 2013|access-date=December 26, 2013|archive-date=December 29, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131229153844/http://o.canada.com/entertainment/tiff13/metallica-to-record-new-album-in-2014/|url-status=live}} At the second Orion Music + More festival held in Detroit, the band played under the name "Dehaan"{{mdash}}a reference to actor Dane DeHaan, who starred in Metallica: Through the Never.{{cite web|author=|title=Metallica Surprise by Playing 'Kill 'Em All' Set Under Fake Name Dehaan|url=http://noisecreep.com/metallica-surprise-kill-em-all-set-fake-name-dehaan/|website=Noisecreep|date=June 9, 2013|access-date=December 21, 2013|archive-date=December 14, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131214102235/http://noisecreep.com/metallica-surprise-kill-em-all-set-fake-name-dehaan/|url-status=live}} The band performed its debut album Kill 'Em All in its entirety, celebrating the 30th anniversary of its release.{{cite magazine|last=Graff|first=Gary|title=Who Is Dehaan? It's Metallica, Playing 'Kill 'Em All' at Orion Music Festival|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1566353/who-is-dehaan-its-metallica-playing-kill-em-all-at-orion-music-festival|magazine=Billboard|date=June 8, 2013|access-date=December 21, 2013|archive-date=December 19, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131219053553/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1566353/who-is-dehaan-its-metallica-playing-kill-em-all-at-orion-music-festival|url-status=live}}

On December 8, 2013, the band played a show called "Freeze 'Em All" in Antarctica, becoming the first band to play on all seven continents.{{cite magazine|last=Coleman|first=Miriam|title=Metallica Play a Dome in Antarctica|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/metallica-play-a-dome-in-antarctica-20131209|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=December 9, 2013|access-date=December 11, 2013|archive-date=January 8, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160108182705/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/metallica-play-a-dome-in-antarctica-20131209|url-status=dead}} The performance was filmed and released as a live album the same month.{{cite web|last=Adams|first=Gregory|title=Metallica Release 'Freeze 'Em All' Live Album|url=http://exclaim.ca/News/metallica_release_freeze_em_all_live_album|work=Exclaim!|date=December 19, 2013|access-date=December 21, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140103124027/http://exclaim.ca/News/metallica_release_freeze_em_all_live_album|archive-date=January 3, 2014|url-status=dead}}

At the 56th Annual Grammy Awards in January 2014, Metallica performed "One" with Chinese pianist Lang Lang.{{cite news|last=Ng|first=David|title=Grammys 2014: Lang Lang performs 'One' with Metallica|url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/arts/culture/la-et-cm-grammys-2014-lang-lang-metallica-20140127-story.html|access-date=March 18, 2014|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|date=January 27, 2014|archive-date=March 18, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140318220556/http://articles.latimes.com/2014/jan/27/entertainment/la-et-cm-grammys-2014-lang-lang-metallica-20140127|url-status=live}} In March 2014, Metallica began a tour called "Metallica By Request", in which fans request songs for the band to perform.{{cite web|url=https://www.guitarworld.com/metallica-announce-final-round-request-summer-2014-tour-dates|title=Metallica Announce Final Round of "By Request" Summer 2014 Tour Dates|work=Guitar World |date=December 4, 2013|access-date=May 27, 2017|archive-date=August 1, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170801123159/http://www.guitarworld.com/metallica-announce-final-round-request-summer-2014-tour-dates|url-status=live}} A new song, titled "Lords of Summer" was written for the concerts and released as a "first take" demo in June 2014.{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/metallicas-lars-ulrich-says-new-song-lords-of-summer-is-going-down-well/|title=METALLICA's LARS ULRICH Says New Song 'Lords Of Summer' Is 'Going Down Well'|date=June 23, 2014|access-date=May 27, 2017|archive-date=August 1, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170801121754/http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/metallicas-lars-ulrich-says-new-song-lords-of-summer-is-going-down-well/|url-status=live}} In June 2014, the band headlined the Glastonbury Festival in an attempt to attract new fans. Ulrich said, "We have one shot, you never know if you'll be invited back".{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-28070775|title=Metallica: Glastonbury experience was 'sensational'|first=Mark|last=Savage|work=BBC News|date=June 29, 2014|access-date=June 29, 2014|archive-date=June 29, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140629033752/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-28070775|url-status=live}} In November 2014, Metallica performed at the closing ceremony of BlizzCon 2014.{{cite web|url=http://us.battle.net/blizzcon/en/blog/16466905/metallica-performing-live-at-blizzcon%C2%AE-2014-10-21-2014|title=Metallica Performing Live at BlizzCon® 2014|work=Blizzard|date=October 21, 2014|access-date=July 19, 2015|archive-date=October 22, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141022132916/http://us.battle.net/blizzcon/en/blog/16466905/metallica-performing-live-at-blizzcon%C2%AE-2014-10-21-2014|url-status=live}} In January 2015, Metallica announced a "Metallica Night" with the San Jose Sharks, which featured a Q&A session with the band and a charity auction benefiting the San Francisco Bay Chapter of the Sierra Club, but no performances.{{cite news|title=Metallica Night with the San Jose Sharks|url=http://www.metallica.com/news/20141215-241073.asp|publisher=Metallica|date=December 15, 2014|access-date=June 15, 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150629091356/http://www.metallica.com/news/20141215-241073.asp|archive-date=June 29, 2015}} They were announced to headline Lollapalooza in March 2015, returning to perform there for the first time in 20 years.{{cite news|title=Return To Lolla!|url=http://www.metallica.com/news/return-to-lolla.asp|publisher=Metallica|date=March 25, 2015|access-date=June 15, 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150619053459/http://www.metallica.com/news/return-to-lolla.asp|archive-date=June 19, 2015}} On May 2, 2015, Metallica performed their third annual Metallica Day at AT&T Park.{{cite news|title=Metallica Day At AT&T|url=http://www.metallica.com/news/3rd-metallica-day-at-att.asp|publisher=Metallica|date=May 1, 2015|access-date=June 15, 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150617014944/http://www.metallica.com/news/3rd-metallica-day-at-att.asp|archive-date=June 17, 2015}} Metallica were also announced to play at X Games for the first time at X Games Austin 2015 in Austin, Texas.{{cite news|title=Off to Austin|url=http://www.metallica.com/news/20150511-598285.asp|publisher=Metallica|date=May 11, 2015|access-date=June 15, 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150607064557/http://www.metallica.com/news/20150511-598285.asp|archive-date=June 7, 2015}} On June 14, 2015, Hetfield and Hammett performed The Star-Spangled Banner live via electric guitars prior to game 5 of the NBA Finals between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Golden State Warriors at Oracle Arena in Oakland, California.{{cite press release|title=Metallica's Hetfield, Hammett to perform national anthem|url=http://www.nba.com/2015/news/06/13/members-of-metallica-to-perform-game-5/index.html|publisher=National Basketball Association|date=June 13, 2015|access-date=June 15, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150615151025/http://www.nba.com/2015/news/06/13/members-of-metallica-to-perform-game-5/index.html|archive-date=June 15, 2015|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|title=Go Warriors!|url=http://www.metallica.com/news/20150612-175638.asp|publisher=Metallica|date=June 12, 2015|access-date=June 15, 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150614215851/http://www.metallica.com/news/20150612-175638.asp|archive-date=June 14, 2015}}{{cite video|date=June 14, 2015|title=Metallica Performs National Anthem Before Finals Game 5|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rKKBuuDKdsg| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211027/rKKBuuDKdsg| archive-date=October 27, 2021|medium=YouTube|publisher=National Basketball Association}}{{cbignore}} In late October, the band unveiled a new website with an introduction from Ulrich containing footage from the studio of the band working on new material.{{Cite web|url=https://www.metallica.com/news/356048.html|title=New Site, New Club|website=Metallica.com|access-date=November 6, 2019|archive-date=November 6, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191106214708/https://www.metallica.com/news/356048.html|url-status=live}} On November 2, Metallica were announced to play "The Night Before" Super Bowl 50 at AT&T Park.{{Cite web|url=https://www.metallica.com/news/356880.html|title=The Night Before|website=Metallica.com|access-date=November 6, 2019|archive-date=November 6, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191106214804/https://www.metallica.com/news/356880.html|url-status=live}} Metallica announced they would be opening the U.S. Bank Stadium on August 20, 2016, with Avenged Sevenfold and Volbeat as support.{{Cite web |title=Metallica at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, MN on August 20, 2016 {{!}} Metallica.com |url=https://www.metallica.com/tour/2016-08-20-minneapolis-minnesota.html |access-date=2025-05-03 |website=www.metallica.com |language=en}}

File:Metallica - The O2 - Tuesday 24th October 2017 MetallicaO2241017-3 (37955387006) (cropped).jpg

In April 2016, during the week leading up to Record Store Day, for which the band was its ambassador for 2016, Ulrich told Billboard that the band's expanded role within the music industry had played a part in the amount of time that it had taken to write and record the album. "The way we do things now is very different than the way we did things back in the days of Kill 'Em All and Ride the Lightning. Nowadays we like to do so many different things." Ulrich was also optimistic that production of the album had almost reached its completion. "Unless something radical happens it would be difficult for me to believe that it won't come out in 2016".{{cite magazine|last=Bienstock|first=Richard|title=Lars Ulrich Takes Us Inside Metallica's Record Store Day Vault, Teases New Album|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/rock/7326564/metallica-interview-lars-ulrich-record-store-day-2016-new-album|magazine=Billboard|date=April 11, 2016|access-date=April 30, 2016|archive-date=May 14, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160514070258/http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/rock/7326564/metallica-interview-lars-ulrich-record-store-day-2016-new-album|url-status=live}} On August 18, 2016, the band announced via their website that their tenth studio album, Hardwired... to Self-Destruct, would be released worldwide on November 18, 2016, via their independent label, Blackened Recordings. They also unveiled the track listing, album artwork, and released a music video for the album's first single, "Hardwired".{{Cite web|url=https://metallica.com/blog/news/429181/hardwired-to-self-destruct-available-november-18-2|title=Hardwired – Metallica|date=August 18, 2016|website=Metallica|access-date=August 18, 2016|archive-date=August 16, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170816022406/https://www.metallica.com/blog/news/429181/hardwired-to-self-destruct-available-november-18-2|url-status=live}} The album was released as scheduled{{cite web|url=http://www.aussieosbourne.com/2016/11/metallicas-hardwiredto-self-destruct.html|title=Metallica's Hardwired…To Self-Destruct Out Today on Blackened Recordings|website=Aussieosbourne.com|access-date=May 27, 2017|archive-date=February 2, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202000923/http://www.aussieosbourne.com/2016/11/metallicas-hardwiredto-self-destruct.html|url-status=live}} and debuted at number one on the Billboard 200.{{cite magazine|first=Keith|last=Caulfield|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/7588880/billboard-200-metallica-no-1-album|title=Metallica Rocks With Sixth No. 1 Album on Billboard 200 Chart|magazine=Billboard|date=November 28, 2016|access-date=November 28, 2016|archive-date=December 23, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191223125909/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/7588880/billboard-200-metallica-no-1-album|url-status=live}}

Metallica announced they would be touring the US and Canada in summer of 2017 for the WorldWired Tour. The stadium tour also includes Avenged Sevenfold, Volbeat and Gojira as supporting acts.{{cite web|url=http://loudwire.com/metallica-2017-north-american-tour-avenged-sevenfold-volbeat-gojira/|title=Metallica 2017 Tour With Avenged Sevenfold, Volbeat + Gojira|website=Loudwire|date=February 13, 2017 |access-date=May 27, 2017|archive-date=November 23, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201123171937/https://loudwire.com/metallica-2017-north-american-tour-avenged-sevenfold-volbeat-gojira/|url-status=live}} On August 7, 2017, Metallica was invited by the San Francisco Giants again for the fifth annual "Metallica Night" with Hammett and Hetfield performing the national anthem.{{Cite web|url=https://www.metallica.com/news/438282.html|title=Fifth Annual Metallica Night with the San Francisco Giants | Metallica.com|website=Metallica.com|access-date=November 6, 2019|archive-date=November 3, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191103171923/https://www.metallica.com/news/438282.html|url-status=live}} In January 2018, the band announced that they would be reissuing The $5.98 E.P. – Garage Days Re-Revisited on April 13 for Record Store Day,{{cite news|title=Reissues Re-Revisited – Garage Days EP Coming April 13th|url=https://www.metallica.com/blog/news/451096/reissues-re-revisited|work=metallica.com|date=January 24, 2018|access-date=February 8, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180209063630/https://www.metallica.com/blog/news/451096/reissues-re-revisited|archive-date=February 9, 2018|url-status=dead}} and the sixth annual "Metallica Night" was also announced a few weeks later, this time in April, with all proceeds going to the All Within My Hands Foundation, which the band created in late 2017.{{cite news|title=Sixth Annual Metallica Night with the SF Giants|url=https://www.metallica.com/blog/news/451227/sixth-annual-metallica-night-with-the-sf-giants|work=metallica.com|date=February 5, 2018|access-date=February 8, 2018|archive-date=February 9, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180209122119/https://www.metallica.com/blog/news/451227/sixth-annual-metallica-night-with-the-sf-giants|url-status=live}} In February 2018, the band announced a second set of North American tour dates, most of which for cities that they had not visited in up to thirty years.{{cite news|title=North America, Round Two!|url=https://www.metallica.com/blog/news/451627/north-america-round-two|work=metallica.com|date=February 26, 2018|access-date=March 9, 2018|archive-date=February 27, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180227034309/https://www.metallica.com/blog/news/451627/north-america-round-two|url-status=live}}

File:Metallica at Ippodromo San Siro, Milan, May 8th, 2019.jpg

In an interview with Australian magazine The Music{{'}}s official podcast in March 2019, Trujillo said that Metallica had begun jamming on new material for its next studio album. "I'm excited about the next record because I believe it will also be a culmination of the two [previous] records and another journey. There's no shortage of original ideas, that's the beauty of being in this band." He estimated that the album would be released sooner than the previous two did, saying: "this time around I think we'll be able to jump on it a lot quicker and jump in the studio and start working."{{cite news|title=METALLICA's Next Album 'Will Come A Lot Sooner Than The Previous Two Did,' Says ROBERT TRUJILLO|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/metallicas-next-album-will-come-a-lot-sooner-than-the-previous-two-did-says-robert-trujillo/|work=Blabbermouth.net|date=March 14, 2019|access-date=March 14, 2019|archive-date=March 17, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190317041600/http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/metallicas-next-album-will-come-a-lot-sooner-than-the-previous-two-did-says-robert-trujillo|url-status=live}} In an interview with Australian magazine Mixdown the following month, Hammett said that the band had tentative plans to enter the studio after the conclusion of its WorldWired Tour. He stated, "We're in our third year since Hardwired. Maybe we can get a bit more focus and go into the studio a bit sooner." After not contributing any writing to Hardwired... to Self-Destruct, Hammett said regarding his ideas for the new album, "I have a ton of material. I've over-compensated, so I'm ready to go anytime."{{cite news|title=KIRK HAMMETT: 'I Have A Ton Of Material' For METALLICA's Next Album|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/kirk-hammett-i-have-a-ton-of-material-for-next-metallica-album/|work=Blabbermouth.net|date=April 14, 2019|access-date=April 14, 2019|archive-date=April 15, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190415032604/http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/kirk-hammett-i-have-a-ton-of-material-for-next-metallica-album/|url-status=live}}

In March 2019, Metallica announced that its WorldWired Tour would continue into Australia and New Zealand in October with Slipknot in support.{{cite news|last=Jenke|first=Tyler|title=Metallica and Slipknot have announced a massive Australian tour|url=https://tonedeaf.thebrag.com/metallica-slipknot-australian-tour-2019/|work=Tone Deaf|date=March 8, 2019|access-date=August 19, 2019|archive-date=August 19, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190819103646/https://tonedeaf.thebrag.com/metallica-slipknot-australian-tour-2019/|url-status=live}}{{cite news|last=Langford|first=Jackson|title=Metallica Announce 2019 Australian Tour With Slipknot|url=https://musicfeeds.com.au/news/metallica-announce-20__-australian-tour-with-slipknot/|work=Music Feeds|date=March 8, 2019|access-date=August 19, 2019|archive-date=September 27, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200927100921/https://musicfeeds.com.au/news/metallica-announce-20__-australian-tour-with-slipknot/|url-status=live}} Later that month, the band announced that it would perform at the grand opening of San Francisco's new Chase Center with the San Francisco Symphony in September to celebrate the twenty-year anniversary of S&M.{{cite news|last=Kennelty|first=Greg|title=METALLICA To Perform S&M 2 With Live Symphony This September|url=https://metalinjection.net/latest-news/metallica-to-perform-sm-2-with-live-symphony-this-september|work=Metal Injection|date=March 18, 2019|access-date=August 9, 2019|archive-date=August 8, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190808144900/https://metalinjection.net/latest-news/metallica-to-perform-sm-2-with-live-symphony-this-september|url-status=live}} The commemorative shows, titled S&M2, were screened in more than 3,000 theaters worldwide on October 9;{{cite news|last=Deriso|first=Nick|title=Metallica's Commemorative 'S&M2' Concert to Screen in Theaters|url=https://ultimateclassicrock.com/metallica-sm2-concert-theaters/|work=Ultimate Classic Rock|date=July 31, 2019|access-date=August 9, 2019|archive-date=August 8, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190808144852/https://ultimateclassicrock.com/metallica-sm2-concert-theaters/|url-status=live}}{{cite magazine|last=Spruch|first=Kirsten|title=Metallica and San Francisco Symphony Unveil Trailer For 'S&M2' Concert Film: Watch|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/rock/8526738/metallica-sm2-concert-film-trailer|magazine=Billboard|date=August 7, 2019|access-date=August 9, 2019|archive-date=August 8, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190808144850/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/rock/8526738/metallica-sm2-concert-film-trailer|url-status=live}} the event featured arrangements from the original S&M concerts as well as new arrangements for songs recorded since then and a cover of the Alexander Mosolov piece Iron Foundry,{{cite magazine|last=Grow|first=Kory|title=Metallica and San Francisco Symphony Supersize the Hits at S&M2 Gig|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-live-reviews/metallica-san-francisco-symphony-sm2-review-881331/|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=September 7, 2019|access-date=September 28, 2019|archive-date=September 27, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190927223046/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-live-reviews/metallica-san-francisco-symphony-sm2-review-881331/|url-status=live}} and were conducted by Edwin Outwater and San Francisco Symphony music director Michael Tilson Thomas.{{cite web|last=Harrington|first=Jim|title=Metallica: An exclusive behind-the-scenes look at S&M2 concerts|url=https://www.mercurynews.com/2019/09/04/metallica-an-exclusive-behind-the-scenes-look-at-sm-2-concerts/|work=The Mercury News|date=September 4, 2019|access-date=September 5, 2019|archive-date=September 4, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190904203841/https://www.mercurynews.com/2019/09/04/metallica-an-exclusive-behind-the-scenes-look-at-sm-2-concerts/|url-status=live}} S&M2 went on to earn $5.5 million at the box office, making it the biggest global rock event cinema release of all time; a second screening was later announced for October 30 as a result.{{cite news|last=Jones|first=Damian|title=Metallica's 'S&M2' live concert film is returning to cinemas for one night only|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/metallica-sm2-concert-film-returning-to-cinemas-2557928|work=NME|date=October 16, 2019|access-date=October 27, 2019|archive-date=September 18, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200918075921/https://www.nme.com/news/music/metallica-sm2-concert-film-returning-to-cinemas-2557928|url-status=live}}{{cite news|last=Rolli|first=Bryan|title=Metallica Smashes Global Box Office Record With 'S&M2'|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/bryanrolli/2019/10/17/metallica-scores-biggest-global-rock-event-cinema-release-with-sm/#5c54411870cd|work=Forbes|date=October 17, 2019|access-date=October 27, 2019|archive-date=October 25, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191025085800/https://www.forbes.com/sites/bryanrolli/2019/10/17/metallica-scores-biggest-global-rock-event-cinema-release-with-sm/#5c54411870cd|url-status=live}}{{cite news|last=Childers|first=Chad|title=Metallica 'S&M2' Becomes Largest Global Rock Event Cinema Release|url=https://loudwire.com/metallica-sm2-largest-global-rock-event-cinema-release-new-screenings/|work=Loudwire|date=October 16, 2019|access-date=October 27, 2019|archive-date=October 27, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191027020223/https://loudwire.com/metallica-sm2-largest-global-rock-event-cinema-release-new-screenings/|url-status=live}} In August 2020, the band announced that they would release the S&M2 performances as an album, DVD and box set.{{Cite magazine|last1=Grow|first1=Kory|date=June 11, 2020|title=Metallica's Lars Ulrich Teases 'S&M2' Box Set on Kimmel|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/metallicas-lars-ulrich-sm2-box-set-1013659/|access-date=July 23, 2020|magazine=Rolling Stone|language=en-US|archive-date=July 24, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200724171649/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/metallicas-lars-ulrich-sm2-box-set-1013659/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|date=June 13, 2020|title=Metallica announce 'S&M2' live album and concert film release|url=https://chaospin.com/lars-ulrich-reveals-metallica-new-sm2-box-set/|access-date=July 23, 2020|website=chaospin.com|language=en-GB|archive-date=June 14, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200614153222/https://chaospin.com/lars-ulrich-reveals-metallica-new-sm2-box-set/|url-status=live}}

In July 2019, Metallica announced a set of South American tour dates for April 2020 with Greta Van Fleet in support.{{cite news|title=METALLICA Announces April 2020 South American Stadium Tour With GRETA VAN FLEET|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/metallica-announces-april-2020-south-american-stadium-tour-with-greta-van-fleet/|work=Blabbermouth.net|date=August 14, 2019|access-date=August 19, 2019|archive-date=August 20, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190820191413/http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/metallica-announces-april-2020-south-american-stadium-tour-with-greta-van-fleet/|url-status=live}}{{cite news|last=Kaufman|first=Spencer|title=Metallica announce 2020 South American tour with Greta Van Fleet|url=https://consequence.net/2019/08/metallica-2020-south-american-tour-greta-van-fleet/|work=Consequence of Sound|date=August 15, 2019|access-date=August 19, 2019|archive-date=August 19, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190819103646/https://consequence.net/2019/08/metallica-2020-south-american-tour-greta-van-fleet/|url-status=live}} In September, ahead of that year's Global Citizen Festival, it was announced that Metallica would perform at the following year's festival in September 2020 alongside artists such as Billie Eilish, Miley Cyrus and Coldplay, in what would be the final event of Global Poverty Project's year-long Global Goal Live: The Possible Dream campaign.{{cite magazine|last=Ehlrich|first=Brenna|title=Metallica, Billie Eilish, Miley Cyrus to Play 10-Hour Worldwide Concert|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/metallica-billie-eilish-miley-cyrus-and-more-global-citizen-891160|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=September 26, 2019|access-date=September 30, 2019|archive-date=September 29, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190929082019/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/metallica-billie-eilish-miley-cyrus-and-more-global-citizen-891160/|url-status=live}} The following day, on September 27, Metallica announced that Hetfield had re-entered a rehabilitation program and that its Australia/New Zealand tour would be postponed.{{cite news|last=Lavin|first=Will|title=Metallica postpones upcoming tour as James Hetfield returns to rehab|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/metallica-postpones-upcoming-tour-as-james-hetfield-returns-to-rehab-2552046|work=NME|date=September 28, 2019|access-date=September 28, 2019|archive-date=September 28, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190928135102/https://www.nme.com/news/music/metallica-postpones-upcoming-tour-as-james-hetfield-returns-to-rehab-2552046|url-status=live}}{{cite news|last=Lewry|first=Fraser|title=Metallica cancel tour as James Hetfield returns to rehab|url=https://www.loudersound.com/news/metallica-cancel-tour-as-james-hetfield-returns-to-rehab|work=Classic Rock|date=September 28, 2019|access-date=September 28, 2019|archive-date=September 28, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190928080456/https://www.loudersound.com/news/metallica-cancel-tour-as-james-hetfield-returns-to-rehab|url-status=live}}{{cite news|last=Bond|first=Nick|title='Devastated' Metallica cancel Australian stadium tour as frontman enters rehab|url=https://www.news.com.au/entertainment/music/tours/devastated-metallica-cancel-australian-stadium-tour-as-frontman-enters-rehab/news-story/c357f8b3c5cb5b62ff1a36a27133d679|work=news.com.au|date=September 28, 2019|access-date=September 28, 2019|archive-date=September 28, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190928130140/https://www.news.com.au/entertainment/music/tours/devastated-metallica-cancel-australian-stadium-tour-as-frontman-enters-rehab/news-story/c357f8b3c5cb5b62ff1a36a27133d679|url-status=live}} In a statement by Ulrich, Hammett and Trujillo, the band spoke of the devastation of the news, saying that Hetfield "[had] been struggling with addiction on and off for many years" and that all tickets would be fully refunded. Ulrich later added that Hetfield was "in the process of healing himself", and that the band hoped to return to Australia and New Zealand in 2020.{{cite news|last=Trendell|first=Andrew|title=Metallica's Lars Ulrich shares update on James Hetfield's rehab recovery|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/metallicas-lars-ulrich-shares-update-james-hetfields-recovery-rehab-2556966|work=NME|date=October 14, 2019|access-date=October 27, 2019|archive-date=October 27, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191027020224/https://www.nme.com/news/music/metallicas-lars-ulrich-shares-update-james-hetfields-recovery-rehab-2556966|url-status=live}} The band's other commitments, including a benefit concert in March 2020, were still expected to continue as planned; a further five US festival appearances were announced in October.{{cite news|last=Moore|first=Sam|title=Metallica are headlining five major US festivals next year|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/metallica-headlining-five-major-us-festivals-next-year-2556132|work=NME|date=October 10, 2019|access-date=October 27, 2019|archive-date=October 11, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191011040530/https://www.nme.com/news/music/metallica-headlining-five-major-us-festivals-next-year-2556132|url-status=live}} These shows were later postponed or cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic and to support Hetfield's recovery.{{cite news|last=Daly|first=Rhian|title=Metallica cancel festival dates to support James Hetfield's recovery|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/metallica-cancel-festival-dates-support-james-hetfield-recovery-2614048|work=NME|date=February 24, 2020|access-date=July 1, 2020|archive-date=July 17, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200717013521/https://www.nme.com/news/music/metallica-cancel-festival-dates-support-james-hetfield-recovery-2614048|url-status=live}}{{cite news|title=Bourbon & Beyond, Hometown Rising, Louder Than Life all canceled this year|url=https://www.wlky.com/article/hometown-rising-louder-than-life-bourbon-and-beyond-all-canceled-this-year/32270764|work=WLKY|date=April 24, 2020|access-date=July 1, 2020|archive-date=July 2, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200702024449/https://www.wlky.com/article/hometown-rising-louder-than-life-bourbon-and-beyond-all-canceled-this-year/32270764|url-status=live}}

In March 2020, the band began a series on YouTube and Facebook called #MetallicaMondays, where they streamed full archived shows every Monday to relieve boredom while staying home and social distancing amid the pandemic.{{cite web|title=#MetallicaMondays: Free, Weekly Concert Streaming Series {{!}} Metallica.com {{!}} Metallica.com|url=https://www.metallica.com/news/2020-03-27-metallica-mondays.html|work=metallica.com|access-date=July 18, 2020|archive-date=July 18, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200718035907/https://www.metallica.com/news/2020-03-27-metallica-mondays.html|url-status=live}}{{cite news|last=Trapp|first=Philip|title=Metallica to Stream Full Live Shows Each Monday, Watch the First One|url=https://loudwire.com/metallica-mondays-streaming-live-concerts/|work=Loudwire|access-date=July 18, 2020|archive-date=August 18, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200818195231/https://loudwire.com/metallica-mondays-streaming-live-concerts/|url-status=live}} In May 2020, while in quarantine, Metallica performed a virtual acoustic version of "Blackened",{{Cite web|last=May 2020|first=Richard Bienstock 04|title=Metallica share stripped-down acoustic reworking of Blackened in quarantine|url=https://www.guitarworld.com/news/metallica-share-stripped-down-acoustic-reworking-of-blackened-in-quarantine|access-date=July 17, 2020|website=guitarworld|date=May 4, 2020|language=en|archive-date=August 8, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200808091214/https://www.guitarworld.com/news/metallica-share-stripped-down-acoustic-reworking-of-blackened-in-quarantine|url-status=live}} titled "Blackened 2020", which was later made available for download.{{Cite web|date=May 15, 2020|title=METALLICA: 'Blackened 2020' erschienen|url=https://www.rockhard.de/artikel/metallica-blackened-2020-erschienen_508953.html|website=ROCK HARD Heavy-Metal-Magazin|language=de|access-date=July 17, 2020|archive-date=August 6, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200806223150/https://www.rockhard.de/artikel/metallica-blackened-2020-erschienen_508953.html|url-status=live}}

In an interview with Marc Benioff in April 2020, Ulrich stated that Metallica could work on its next studio album while in quarantine.{{cite news|title=Metallica Could Make New Album In Quarantine, Says Lars Ulrich|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/metallica-could-make-new-album-in-quarantine-says-lars-ulrich/|work=Blabbermouth.net|date=July 1, 2019|access-date=July 1, 2019|archive-date=April 29, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200429145818/https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/metallica-could-make-new-album-in-quarantine-says-lars-ulrich/|url-status=live}} Trujillo told The Vinyl Guide in June that the band was "excited about cultivating new ideas" for its new album. "We communicate every week, which is really great, so we have our connection intact. And what we've started doing is basically just really concentrating on our home studios and being creative from our homes and navigating through ideas and building on new ideas. And that's where we're at right now". He also said that the band was working towards eventually entering a studio to record the album.{{cite news|title=Metallica Is 'Excited About Cultivating New Ideas' While In Quarantine, Says Robert Trujillo|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/metallica-is-excited-about-cultivating-new-ideas-while-in-quarantine-says-robert-trujillo/|work=Blabbermouth.net|date=June 30, 2020|access-date=July 1, 2020|archive-date=July 2, 2020 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200702010900/https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/metallica-is-excited-about-cultivating-new-ideas-while-in-quarantine-says-robert-trujillo/|url-status=live}}

On August 10, 2020, Metallica played a show at Gundlach-Bundschu Winery in Sonoma, California, which was only attended by a few crew members, and it was recorded and played for drive-in movies across the U.S. and Canada on August 29.{{cite news|title=Metallica's Drive-In Concert Was Secretly Filmed At Northern California Winery|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/metallicas-drive-in-concert-was-secretly-filmed-at-northern-california-winery/|work=Blabbermouth.net|date=August 29, 2020|access-date=January 11, 2021|archive-date=January 19, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210119184318/https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/metallicas-drive-in-concert-was-secretly-filmed-at-northern-california-winery/|url-status=live}}

In May 2021, the band announced that they would do one more #MetallicaMondays on May 24 to benefit their All Within My Hands Foundation.{{cite web|last=Hadusek|first=Jon|title=Metallica Bring Back #MetallicaMondays for One Night, Tease "#BlackAlbum2021"|url=https://consequence.net/2021/05/metallica-mondays-black-album-teaser/|work=Consequence of Sound|date=May 21, 2021|access-date=May 21, 2021|archive-date=May 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210521211440/https://consequence.net/2021/05/metallica-mondays-black-album-teaser/|url-status=live}} The concert dates to September 6, 2018, in Lincoln, Nebraska. On Labor Day, September 6, 2021, the band's All Within My Hands Foundation raised $377,450. Metallica teamed up with workwear brand Carhartt on the initiative, with the clothing brand donating all of their sales proceeds on the holiday to the band's Metallica Scholars initiative, which provides opportunities to people interested in pursuing essential workforce jobs.{{Cite magazine|last=Kaufman|first=Gil|title=Metallica Celebrate Raising $377,000 For Metallica Scholars Initiative|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/rock/9626007/metallica-raise-thousands-metallica-scholars-initiative/|date=September 8, 2021|access-date=September 8, 2021|magazine=Billboard|archive-date=September 11, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210911132855/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/rock/9626007/metallica-raise-thousands-metallica-scholars-initiative/|url-status=live}}

On November 28, 2022, the band released the single "Lux Æterna".{{cite web|first=Joe|last=DiVita|url=https://loudwire.com/metallica-72-seasons-album-lux-aeterna-song/|title=Metallica Announce New Album '72 Seasons', Debut Old School Sounding Song 'Lux Aeterna'|work=Loudwire|date=November 28, 2022|access-date=May 8, 2023|archive-date=January 25, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230125165201/https://loudwire.com/metallica-72-seasons-album-lux-aeterna-song/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|first=Keenan|last=Hesher|url=https://www.metalsucks.net/2022/11/28/not-a-drill-metallica-have-a-new-album-coming-next-february-first-single-lux-aeterna-out-now/|title=Not A Drill: Metallica Have a New Album Coming Next February, First Single "Lux Aeterna" Out Now|work=MetalSucks|date=November 28, 2022|access-date=November 28, 2022|archive-date=November 28, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221128153224/https://www.metalsucks.net/2022/11/28/not-a-drill-metallica-have-a-new-album-coming-next-february-first-single-lux-aeterna-out-now/|url-status=live}} On January 19, 2023, Metallica released the second single titled "Screaming Suicide".{{cite web|first=Alex|last=Gallagher|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/metallica-new-single-screaming-suicide-3384034|title=Metallica confront taboos on new single 'Screaming Suicide': "It's a human experience, we should be able to talk about it"|work=NME|date=January 20, 2023|access-date=May 8, 2023|archive-date=September 16, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240916132713/https://www.nme.com/news/music/metallica-new-single-screaming-suicide-3384034|url-status=live}}{{cite web|first=Allison|last=Hussey|url=https://pitchfork.com/news/metallica-share-video-for-new-song-screaming-suicide-watch/|title=Metallica Share Video for New Song "Screaming Suicide": Watch|work=Pitchfork|date=January 19, 2023|access-date=January 22, 2023|archive-date=January 20, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230120010643/https://pitchfork.com/news/metallica-share-video-for-new-song-screaming-suicide-watch/|url-status=live}} On March 1, 2023, Metallica released the third single titled "If Darkness Had a Son".{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/metallica-previews-new-song-if-darkness-had-a-son|title=Metallica Previews New Song 'If Darkness Had A Son'|work=Blabbermouth.net|date=February 28, 2023|access-date=May 8, 2023|archive-date=September 16, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240916132617/https://blabbermouth.net/news/metallica-previews-new-song-if-darkness-had-a-son|url-status=live}}{{cite web|first=Simon|last=Young|url=https://www.loudersound.com/news/metallica-to-release-if-darkness-had-a-son-on-march-1|title=Metallica to release If Darkness Had a Son on March 1|work=Metal Hammer|date=February 28, 2023|access-date=May 8, 2023|archive-date=September 16, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240916132611/https://www.loudersound.com/news/metallica-to-release-if-darkness-had-a-son-on-march-1|url-status=live}} On March 30, 2023, Metallica released a music video for the album's title track, "72 Seasons".{{cite web|first=Merlin|last=Alderslade|url=https://www.loudersound.com/news/metallica-72-seasons-video|title=Listen to the title track from new Metallica album 72 Seasons, alongside a brand new video|work=Metal Hammer|date=March 31, 2023|access-date=May 8, 2023|archive-date=September 16, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240916132644/https://www.loudersound.com/news/metallica-72-seasons-video|url-status=live}}{{cite web|first=Emily|last=Carter|url=https://www.kerrang.com/metallica-have-just-released-72-seasons-awesome-title-track/|title=Metallica have just released 72 Seasons' awesome title-track|work=Kerrang!|date=March 30, 2023|access-date=May 8, 2023|archive-date=September 16, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240916132619/https://www.kerrang.com/metallica-have-just-released-72-seasons-awesome-title-track|url-status=live}} The band released their eleventh studio album 72 Seasons on April 14, 2023.{{cite web|first=Chuck|last=Armstrong|url=https://loudwire.com/photos-metallica-celebrate-release-new-album-72-seasons/|title=Photos – This Is What the Release of Metallica's New Album, '72 Seasons,' Looked Like|work=Loudwire|date=April 20, 2023|access-date=May 8, 2023|archive-date=September 16, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240916132613/https://loudwire.com/photos-metallica-celebrate-release-new-album-72-seasons/|url-status=live}} Metallica promoted the album with a three-and-a-half-year-long tour, titled the M72 World Tour, which began on April 27, 2023, in Amsterdam and is set to conclude on July 5, 2026, in London.{{cite web|last1=Aswad|first1=Jem|title=Metallica Announces New Album, '72 Seasons,' and Two-Year World Tour|url=https://variety.com/2022/music/news/metallica-new-album-72-seasons-world-tour-1235443111/|website=Variety|date=November 28, 2022|access-date=May 23, 2024|archive-date=November 28, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221128152514/https://variety.com/2022/music/news/metallica-new-album-72-seasons-world-tour-1235443111/|url-status=live}}{{cite magazine|first=Sarah|last=Downs|url=https://au.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/metallica-2025-tour-australia-new-zealand-tickets-68312/|title=Metallica Confirms 2025 Tour Dates for Australia and New Zealand|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=October 23, 2024|access-date=October 23, 2024|archive-date=November 7, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241107193726/https://au.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/metallica-2025-tour-australia-new-zealand-tickets-68312/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|title=Metallica Announces 2026 European Leg Of 'M72' Tour|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/metallica-announces-2026-european-leg-of-m72-tour|date=May 22, 2025|access-date=May 22, 2025|website=Blabbermouth.net|language=en}}

In an interview on Loudwire Nights radio program in April 2023, Ulrich stated that "there [were] some ideas [Metallica] could start with" for the follow-up to 72 Seasons, adding, "I'm looking forward to going live and being in sharing mode for the next couple of years. The beauty of being with these guys, I kind of joke, James writes more riffs when he's tuning his guitar than most people do in a lifetime. That's the beauty of being in band with these guys and I'm eternally grateful. I'm dumbfounded by it." When asked about "leftovers" that could be used for the next Metallica album, Ulrich said, "There's always a few riffs in the riff tank."{{cite web|first=Joe|last=DiVita|url=https://loudwire.com/lars-ulrich-metallica-have-ideas-to-start-next-album/|title=Lars Ulrich on the NEXT Metallica Album - 'There Are Some Ideas'|work=Loudwire|date=April 14, 2023|access-date=May 23, 2024|archive-date=September 16, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240916132619/https://loudwire.com/lars-ulrich-metallica-have-ideas-to-start-next-album/|url-status=live}} In May 2024, Hetfield confirmed that he has been "writing lots of music, playing guitar pretty much every day."{{cite web|first=Joe|last=DiVita|url=https://loudwire.com/metallica-james-hetfield-writing-music/|title=James Hetfield Has Been Writing 'Lots of Music' Between Tours|work=Loudwire|date=May 22, 2024|access-date=May 23, 2024|archive-date=May 23, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240523003623/https://loudwire.com/metallica-james-hetfield-writing-music/|url-status=live}}

In a March 2025 interview with Rolling Stone, Hammett confirmed that he has been working on ideas for the next Metallica album: "I have 767 new ones for the next album. It is such a nightmare going through this stuff, too. And I'm the one responsible for all of it and I can't do it...I don't foresee us starting the next album for at least another year because we're still finishing the tour."{{cite magazine|first=Brian|last=Hiatt|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/kirk-hammett-book-solo-album-metallica-podcast-interview-1235301767/|title=Kirk Hammett Has a Solo LP Coming — and 767 New Riffs for Metallica|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=March 23, 2025|access-date=April 24, 2025}}

{{Listen

|filename = Metallica - Damage Inc.ogg

|title = "Damage Inc." (1986)

|description = "Damage Inc." (Master of Puppets), demonstrating Metallica's fast tempo, and aggressive musicianship featured in early releases

|filename2 = Metallica - Sad But True.ogg

|title2 = "Sad but True" (1991)

|description2 = "Sad but True" (Metallica); Robert Palmer of Rolling Stone believed the band abandoned fast tempos to expand its music and expressive range in 1991

|filename3 = Metallica - Purify.ogg

|title3 = "Purify" (2003)

|description3 = "Purify" (St. Anger), demonstrating Metallica's new musical approach with no guitar solos, a "raw, unpolished" sound, and Ulrich's snare drum

}}

Metallica played thrash{{refn|{{cite book |last1= Phillips |first1= William |last2= Cogan |first2= Brian |year= 2009 |title= Encyclopedia of Heavy Metal Music |location= Santa Barbara, California |publisher= ABC-CLIO |pages=160–162 |isbn= 978-0-313-34801-3 }}}} and speed metal{{refn|{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1991/08/11/arts/recordings-view-metallica-s-speed-metal-without-the-speed.html|title=Recording View; Metallica's Speed Metal, Without the Speed|author=Jon Pareles|newspaper=The New York Times|date=August 11, 1991|access-date=November 13, 2020|archive-date=August 8, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190808120918/https://www.nytimes.com/1991/08/11/arts/recordings-view-metallica-s-speed-metal-without-the-speed.html|url-status=live}}}} on their first four albums before changing their sound to a more traditional heavy metal{{refn|{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/metallica-mn0000446509/biography|title=Metallica AllMusic|author=Stephen Thomas Erlewine|website=AllMusic|access-date=November 13, 2020|archive-date=October 26, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201026152030/https://www.allmusic.com/artist/metallica-mn0000446509/biography|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.wnep.com/article/news/the-abcs-of-metallica-heavy-metal-band-releasing-childrens-book/523-8acd505f-13fb-49c1-8d87-1e81c55e07ef|title='The ABCs of Metallica' — Heavy Metal Band Releasing Children's Book|website=WNEP|date=July 16, 2019|access-date=November 13, 2020|archive-date=November 9, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109071233/https://www.wnep.com/article/news/the-abcs-of-metallica-heavy-metal-band-releasing-childrens-book/523-8acd505f-13fb-49c1-8d87-1e81c55e07ef|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://loudwire.com/metallica-all-their-songs-ranked/|title=Every Metallica Song Ranked|website=Loudwire|date=July 16, 2019|access-date=November 13, 2020|archive-date=November 13, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201113052151/https://loudwire.com/metallica-all-their-songs-ranked/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.trtworld.com/life/metallica-makes-comeback-in-thrash-metal-with-new-album-168074|title=Metallica makes comeback in thrash metal with new album|website=TRT World|date=August 16, 2016|access-date=November 13, 2020|archive-date=November 13, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201113150558/https://www.trtworld.com/life/metallica-makes-comeback-in-thrash-metal-with-new-album-168074|url-status=live}}}} style on 1991's Black Album. Load and Reload, released in 1996 and 1997 respectively, saw the band move towards hard rock.{{Cite web|url=https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/general_music_news/whats_the_difference_between_metallicas_load_and_reload_albums_heres_what_james_hetfield_had_to_say.html|title=What's the Difference Between Metallica's 'Load' and 'Reload' Albums? Here's What James Hetfield Had to Say|website=Ultimate Guitar|access-date=June 13, 2024|archive-date=September 16, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240916133129/https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/general_music_news/whats_the_difference_between_metallicas_load_and_reload_albums_heres_what_james_hetfield_had_to_say.html|url-status=live}} 2008's Death Magnetic saw them returning to a more thrash-influenced sound.{{Cite web|url=https://ultimateclassicrock.com/metallica-death-magnetic/|title=15 Years Ago: Metallica Returns to Thrash on 'Death Magnetic'|first=Eduardo|last=Rivadavia|date=September 12, 2023|website=Ultimate Classic Rock|access-date=June 13, 2024|archive-date=September 16, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240916133252/https://ultimateclassicrock.com/metallica-death-magnetic/|url-status=live}}

Metallica was influenced by early heavy metal and hard rock bands and artists Black Sabbath, Pink Floyd, Deep Purple, Kiss, Led Zeppelin, Queen, Ted Nugent, AC/DC, Rush, Aerosmith, and Judas Priest{{cite web |url=https://www.guitarworld.com/30-30-greatest-guitarists-picked-greatest-guitarists?page=0,7 |title=30 on 30: The Greatest Guitarists Picked by the Greatest Guitarists |publisher=guitarworld.com |access-date=April 28, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100505131334/http://www.guitarworld.com/article/30_on_30_the_greatest_guitarists_picked_by_the_greatest_guitarists?page=0%2C7 |archive-date=May 5, 2010 |url-status=live }} and by new wave of British heavy metal (NWOBHM) bands Raven,{{cite web|url=https://sleazeroxx.com/ravens-debut-album-rock-until-you-drop-getting-released-as-the-4cd-over-the-top-edition/|title=Raven's debut album 'Rock Until You Drop' getting released as 'The 4CD Over The Top Edition'|publisher=sleazeroxx.com|access-date=March 7, 2022|date=March 7, 2022|archive-date=March 7, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220307035550/https://sleazeroxx.com/ravens-debut-album-rock-until-you-drop-getting-released-as-the-4cd-over-the-top-edition/|url-status=live}} Venom, Motörhead, Saxon, Diamond Head, Blitzkrieg, and Iron Maiden as well as European bands Scorpions, Accept,{{Cite web|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/accepts-wolf-hoffmann-says-kirk-hammett-citing-him-as-an-influence-is-a-huge-honor/|title=ACCEPT's WOLF HOFFMANN Says KIRK HAMMETT Citing Him As An Influence Is 'A Huge Honor'|date=April 30, 2021|publisher=Blabbermouth.net|access-date=February 9, 2022|archive-date=February 9, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220209212419/https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/accepts-wolf-hoffmann-says-kirk-hammett-citing-him-as-an-influence-is-a-huge-honor/|url-status=live}} and Mercyful Fate.{{Cite news|url=https://heavymetalculture.com/10-metal-bands-that-broke-up-too-soon/|title=Heavy Metal Culture — 10 Metal Bands that Broke Up too Soon|website=Heavy Metal Culture|date=July 4, 2021|access-date=February 9, 2022|archive-date=January 8, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240108195140/https://heavymetalculture.com/10-metal-bands-that-broke-up-too-soon/|url-status=live}} Early punk rock bands Ramones, Sex Pistols, and the Misfits also influenced Metallica's style as did post-punk band Killing Joke{{cite magazine|url=http://rollingstone.com/photos/gallery/24160218/the_100_greatest_singers_inside_t/photo/9|title=James Hetfield's official ballot for the 100 Greatest singers |magazine=Rolling Stone|access-date=February 25, 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090129090607/http://www.rollingstone.com/photos/gallery/24160218/the_100_greatest_singers_inside_t/photo/9|archive-date=January 29, 2009}} and hardcore punk acts Discharge,{{cite news|title=Metallica Effect: How 'Garage Inc.' Affected Bands They Covered|url=https://ultimateclassicrock.com/metallica-garage-inc-bands-covered/|work=Ultimate Classic Rock|date=November 23, 2018|access-date=April 28, 2020|archive-date=April 22, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200422185320/https://ultimateclassicrock.com/metallica-garage-inc-bands-covered/|url-status=live}} GBH,{{cite web|title=Fast and Frightening|author=Arriaga, Robert|work=SF Weekly|date=February 24, 1999|url=https://www.sfweekly.com/calendar/fast-and-frightening/|access-date=February 9, 2022|archive-date=February 9, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220209212422/https://www.sfweekly.com/calendar/fast-and-frightening/|url-status=dead}} and Suicidal Tendencies.{{cite news|title=Former Suicidal Tendencies Bassist Louiche Mayorga Sues For Unpaid Royalties|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/former-suicidal-tendencies-bassist-louiche-mayorga-sues-for-unpaid-royalties/|work=Blabbermouth.net|date=December 9, 2016|access-date=April 28, 2020|archive-date=March 16, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200316021043/https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/former-suicidal-tendencies-bassist-louiche-mayorga-sues-for-unpaid-royalties/|url-status=live}} Lars Ulrich has cited Iron Maiden as probably the biggest influence on Metallica's career.{{cite news |title=Metallica Lars Urlich Thanks Iron Maiden |url=https://loudwire.com/metallica-lars-ulrich-thanks-iron-maiden/ |work=Loudwire.com |date=November 23, 2011 |access-date=February 2, 2021 |archive-date=February 6, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210206203632/https://loudwire.com/metallica-lars-ulrich-thanks-iron-maiden/ |url-status=live }} The band's early releases contained fast tempos, harmonized leads, and nine-minute instrumental tracks. Steve Huey of AllMusic said Ride the Lightning featured "extended, progressive epics; tight, concise groove-rockers". He also said Metallica expanded its compositional technique and range of expression to take on a more aggressive approach in following releases, and lyrics dealt with personal and socially conscious issues.{{cite web|title=Ride the Lightning – Metallica|author=Huey, Steve|website=Allmusic|url={{AllMusic|class=album|id=ride-the-lightning-mw0000190995|pure_url=yes}} |access-date=December 8, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100923150541/http://www.cmc.dk/ |archive-date=September 23, 2010 }} Religious and military leaders, rage, insanity, monsters, and drugs{{mdash}}among other themes{{mdash}}were explored on Master of Puppets.{{cite web|title=Master of Puppets – Metallica|author=Huey, Steve|website=Allmusic|url={{AllMusic|class=album|id=master-of-puppets-mw0000667490|pure_url=yes}} |access-date=December 8, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100923150541/http://www.cmc.dk/ |archive-date=September 23, 2010 }}

In 1991, Huey said Metallica with new producer Bob Rock simplified and streamlined its music for a more commercial approach to appeal to mainstream audiences.{{cite web|title=Metallica Allmusic review|author=Huey, Steve|website=Allmusic|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/metallica-mw0000311315|access-date=December 5, 2007|archive-date=March 5, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180305132019/https://www.allmusic.com/album/metallica-mw0000311315|url-status=live}} Robert Palmer of Rolling Stone said the band abandoned its aggressive, fast tempos to expand its music and expressive range.{{cite magazine|title=Metallica Rolling Stone review|author=Palmer, Robert|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=January 21, 1997|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/artists/metallica/albums/album/150659/review/5941896/metallica|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071209085540/http://www.rollingstone.com/artists/metallica/albums/album/150659/review/5941896/metallica|archive-date=December 9, 2007|url-status=dead|access-date=December 5, 2007}} The change in direction proved commercially successful; Metallica was the band's first album to peak at number one on the Billboard 200. Metallica noticed changes to the rock scene created by the grunge movement of the early-1990s. In Load—an album that has been described as having "an almost alternative rock" approach—the band changed musical direction again and focused on non-metal influences. Metallica's new lyrical approach moved away from drugs and monsters, and focused on anger, loss, and retribution. Some fans and critics were not pleased with this change, which included haircuts, the cover art of Load, a new main logo, and headlining the Lollapalooza festival of 1996. David Fricke of Rolling Stone described the move as "goodbye to the moldy stricture and dead-end Puritanism of no-frills thrash", and called Load the heaviest record of 1996.{{cite magazine|title=Load Rolling Stone review|author=Fricke, David|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=December 4, 1996|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/artists/metallica/albums/album/194250/review/5941470/load|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071127130901/http://www.rollingstone.com/artists/metallica/albums/album/194250/review/5941470/load|archive-date=November 27, 2007|url-status=dead|access-date=December 7, 2007}} With the release of ReLoad in 1997, the band displayed blues and early hard rock influences, incorporating more rhythm and harmony in song structures.{{cite magazine|title=ReLoad Rolling Stone review|author=Ali, Lorraine|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=November 20, 1997|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/artists/metallica/albums/album/124749/review/5942088/reload|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080105195604/http://www.rollingstone.com/artists/metallica/albums/album/124749/review/5942088/reload|archive-date=January 5, 2008|url-status=dead|access-date=December 8, 2007}}

St. Anger marked another large change in the band's sound. Guitar solos were excluded from the album, leaving a "raw and unpolished sound". The band used drop C tuning; Ulrich's snare drum received particular criticism. New York Magazine{{'}}s Ethan Brown said it "reverberates with a thwong". The album's lyrics deal with Hetfield's drug rehabilitation and include references to the devil, anti-drug themes, claustrophobia, impending doom, and religious hypocrisy.{{cite magazine|title=Music Review St. Anger|author=Sinclair, Tom|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|date=June 9, 2003|url=https://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,457122~4~0~stanger,00.html|access-date=December 8, 2007|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071220220448/http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0%2C%2C457122~4~0~stanger%2C00.html|archive-date=December 20, 2007}}{{cite web|title=Allmusic – St. Anger|author=Loftus, Johnny|website=Allmusic|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/st-anger-mw0000022895|access-date=December 8, 2007|archive-date=June 3, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120603223520/http://www.allmusic.com/album/st-anger-mw0000022895|url-status=live}} At the advice of producer Rick Rubin, for its ninth studio album Death Magnetic, the band returned to standard tuning and guitar solos.{{cite news|title=Metallica Drummer on Producer Rick Rubin: 'He's Forced Us to Rethink Big-Picture Stuff'|work=Blabbermouth.net|date=February 13, 2007|url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=66980|access-date=December 9, 2007|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071216115949/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=66980|archive-date=December 16, 2007}} As a return to Metallica's thrash roots, Death Magnetic was a riff-oriented album featuring intense guitar solos and subtle lyrics about suicide and redemption.{{cite book|last=Edmondson|first=Jacqueline|title=Music in American Life: An Encyclopedia of the Songs, Styles, Stars, and Stories That Shaped Our Culture|year=2013|publisher=ABC-CLIO|isbn=978-0-313-39348-8|page=708|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=TQPXAQAAQBAJ&pg=PA708|access-date=August 22, 2017|archive-date=July 31, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200731153933/https://books.google.com/books?id=TQPXAQAAQBAJ&pg=PA708|url-status=live}}

In February 2017, Metallica launched All Within My Hands Foundation, "dedicated to creating sustainable communities by supporting workforce education, the fight against hunger, and other critical local services". For example, the group works with various selected charities to organize volunteer projects at food banks. It also works with workforce training institutions on its Metallica Scholars grant program to help chosen students learn new trade skills.{{Citation |title=Metallica Scholars Initiative funds Central Community College |date=August 7, 2023 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=COHapjVSmWg |access-date=August 18, 2023 |language=en |archive-date=August 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230818060138/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=COHapjVSmWg |url-status=live }} The Foundation has also donated and further raised funds for World Central Kitchen's Ukraine war relief efforts{{Cite web |date=April 4, 2022 |title=METALLICA's All Within My Hands Foundation Supports World Central Kitchen |url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/metallicas-all-within-my-hands-foundation-supports-world-central-kitchen/ |access-date=August 18, 2023 |website=BLABBERMOUTH.NET |language=en |archive-date=June 14, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230614143029/https://blabbermouth.net/news/metallicas-all-within-my-hands-foundation-supports-world-central-kitchen |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=Months of Giving: You Helped Us Raise $1M for World Central Kitchen! |url=https://www.metallica.com/news/2022-06-02-mog-1-million-goal-achieved.html |access-date=August 18, 2023 |website=metallica.com |language=en |archive-date=September 16, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240916133813/https://www.metallica.com/news/2022-06-02-mog-1-million-goal-achieved.html |url-status=live }} and granted $200,000 for relief efforts after the destructive 2023 Hawaii wildfires.{{Cite web |last=KROR |first=RockDaily |title=Metallica's All Within My Hands Donates $200,000 To Maui Wildfire Relief |url=https://rock1015.com/2023/08/17/metallicas-all-within-my-hands-donates-200000-to-maui-wildfire-relief/ |access-date=August 18, 2023 |website=Classic Rock 101.5 - The Tri-Cities Classic Rock Station |language=en |archive-date=September 16, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240916133702/https://rock1015.com/2023/08/17/metallicas-all-within-my-hands-donates-200000-to-maui-wildfire-relief/ |url-status=live }} The band has also performed fundraising concerts for the Foundation.{{Cite magazine |last=Kaufman |first=Gil |date=February 8, 2023 |title=Metallica's All Within My Hands Foundation Helping Hands Concert & Auction Raises Millions For Charities |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/rock/metallica-all-within-my-hands-foundation-concert-auction-raises-millions-charity-1235250376/ |access-date=August 18, 2023 |magazine=Billboard |language=en-US |archive-date=September 16, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240916133726/https://www.billboard.com/music/rock/metallica-all-within-my-hands-foundation-concert-auction-raises-millions-charity-1235250376/ |url-status=live }}

Metallica has become one of the most influential heavy metal bands of all time and is credited as one of the "big four" of thrash metal, along with Slayer, Anthrax, and Megadeth.{{cite web|last=Lee|first=Cosmo|title=Get Thrashed: The Story of Thrash Metal|url=http://www.stylusmagazine.com/articles/movie_review/get-thrashed-the-story-of-thrash-metal.htm|work=Stylus Magazine|date=May 7, 2007|access-date=January 3, 2008|archive-date=February 9, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130209053222/http://stylusmagazine.com/articles/movie_review/get-thrashed-the-story-of-thrash-metal.htm|url-status=live}} The band has sold more than 125 million records worldwide, including an RIAA-certified 66 million and Nielsen SoundScan-reported 58 million in the US, making Metallica one of the most commercially successful bands of all time.{{cite web|url=https://www.riaa.com/goldandplatinum.php?content_selector=top-selling-artists|title=Top Selling Artists|publisher=RIAA|access-date=May 26, 2010|archive-date=December 9, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131209120422/http://www.riaa.com/goldandplatinum.php?content_selector=top-selling-artists|url-status=live}}{{cite press release|url=http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20130104005149/en/Nielsen-Company-Billboard%E2%80%99s-2012-Music-Industry-Report|title=The Nielsen Company & Billboard's 2012 Music Industry Report|publisher=Business Wire|date=January 4, 2013|access-date=July 1, 2013|archive-date=January 12, 2013|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130112121109/http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20130104005149/en/Nielsen-Company-Billboard%E2%80%99s-2012-Music-Industry-Report|url-status=live}} The writers of The Rolling Stone Encyclopedia of Rock & Roll said Metallica gave heavy metal "a much-needed charge".{{cite magazine|title=Metallica Biography|magazine=Rolling Stone|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/artists/metallica/biography|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071230030414/http://www.rollingstone.com/artists/metallica/biography|archive-date=December 30, 2007|url-status=dead|access-date=January 19, 2008}} Stephen Thomas Erlewine and Greg Prato of Allmusic said Metallica "expanded the limits of thrash, using speed and volume not for their own sake, but to enhance their intricately structured compositions", and called the band "easily the best, most influential heavy metal band of the '80s, responsible for bringing the music back to Earth".{{cite web|title=Metallica Biography|author1=Thomas Erlewine, Stephen|author2=Prato, Greg|name-list-style=amp|website=AllMusic|url={{AllMusic|class=artist|id=metallica-mn0000446509|pure_url=yes}} |access-date=January 19, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100923150541/http://www.cmc.dk/ |archive-date=September 23, 2010 }}

Jonathan Davis of Korn said he respects Metallica as his favorite band; he said, "I love that they've done things their own way and they've persevered over the years and they're still relevant to this day. I think they're one of the greatest bands ever." Godsmack drummer Shannon Larkin said Metallica has been the biggest influence on the band, stating, "they really changed my life when I was 16 years old{{mdash}}I'd never heard anything that heavy".{{cite web|title=Godsmack|last=Wright|first=James|work=Blistering|url=http://www.blistering.com/fastpage/fpengine.php/link/1/templateid/7221/tempidx/5/menuid/3|access-date=January 19, 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080125033639/http://www.blistering.com/fastpage/fpengine.php/link/1/templateid/7221/tempidx/5/menuid/3|archive-date=January 25, 2008}} Chuck Billy of Testament has also cited Metallica as an influence on the band, as well as Hetfield as "an inspiration with clever lyrics"; he added, "When I first started hearing Metallica it was something new to me the way his cadence of vocal styles sang to the music."{{cite web|url=https://bravewords.com/news/testaments-chuck-billy-talks-inspirations-metallicas-james-hetfield-has-always-been-an-inspiration-with-clever-lyrics|title=TESTAMENT's Chuck Billy Talks Inspirations – "METALLICA's James Hetfield Has Always Been An Inspiration With Clever Lyrics"|publisher=Brave Words & Bloody Knuckles|date=August 14, 2013|access-date=February 10, 2022|archive-date=September 16, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240916133702/https://bravewords.com/news/testaments-chuck-billy-talks-inspirations-metallicas-james-hetfield-has-always-been-an-inspiration-with-clever-lyrics|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://bravewords.com/news/testaments-chuck-billy-thrashs-native-american-warrior-express-yourself-keep-speaking-up-someones-going-to-hear-it-eventually|title=TESTAMENT's Chuck Billy: Thrash's Native American Warrior – "Express Yourself, Keep Speaking Up, Someone's Going To Hear It Eventually"|publisher=Brave Words & Bloody Knuckles|date=November 2, 2013|access-date=February 10, 2022|archive-date=September 16, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240916133703/https://bravewords.com/news/testaments-chuck-billy-thrashs-native-american-warrior-express-yourself-keep-speaking-up-someones-going-to-hear-it-eventually|url-status=live}} Vocalist and guitarist Robb Flynn of Machine Head said that when creating the band's 2007 album, The Blackening, "What we mean is an album that has the power, influence and epic grandeur of that album Master of Puppets{{mdash}}and the staying power{{mdash}}a timeless record like that".{{cite web|title=Machine Head Exclusive Interview with lead singer/guitarist Robb Flynn|last=Porter|first=Chad|publisher=Connect|url=http://musicstore.connect.com/custom/promos/machineHead/mh_interview.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080120135834/http://musicstore.connect.com/custom/promos/machineHead/mh_interview.html|archive-date=January 20, 2008|access-date=January 19, 2008}} Gojira lead guitarist Christian Andreu said it was while listening to Ride the Lightning that he started making music; saying "we find on the album 'Fade to Black', 'For Whom the Bell Tolls', emblematic pieces".{{cite news|last=Soenen|first=Marie-Hélène|date=June 10, 2016|title=Les cinq albums de metal qui ont changé la vie de Gojira|trans-title=The five metal albums that changed Gojira's life|url=https://www.telerama.fr/sortir/les-cinq-albums-de-metal-qui-ont-change-la-vie-de-gojira,143153.php|url-status=live|language=fr|work=Télérama|location=Paris|archive-url=https://archive.today/20210227161623/https://www.telerama.fr/sortir/les-cinq-albums-de-metal-qui-ont-change-la-vie-de-gojira,143153.php|archive-date=February 27, 2021|access-date=March 2, 2021}} Trivium guitarists Corey Beaulieu and Matt Heafy said that when they heard Metallica they wanted to start playing guitar.{{cite web|title=Trivium Interview|publisher=Metal Theater|date=November 2, 2007|url=http://www.metaltheater.com/interviews/Trivium.asp|access-date=January 19, 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080123093541/http://www.metaltheater.com/interviews/Trivium.asp|archive-date=January 23, 2008}}{{cite web|title=Interview with Matt from Trivium at RoadRage '04|publisher=Metal Underground|date=August 9, 2004|url=http://www.metalunderground.com/interviews/details.cfm?newsid=8958|access-date=January 19, 2008|archive-date=September 1, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130901100903/http://www.metalunderground.com/interviews/details.cfm?newsid=8958|url-status=live}} M. Shadows of Avenged Sevenfold said touring with Metallica was the band's career highlight, and said, "Selling tons of records and playing huge shows will never compare to meeting your idols Metallica".{{cite web|title=Avenged Sevenfold Interview|author=Bowar, Chad|publisher=About.com|url=http://heavymetal.about.com/od/interviews/a/avengedsevenfol.htm|access-date=December 5, 2007|archive-date=November 7, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161107184055/http://heavymetal.about.com/od/interviews/a/avengedsevenfol.htm|url-status=live}} God Forbid guitarists Doc and Dallas Coyle were inspired by Metallica as they grew up, and the band's bassist John Outcalt admires Burton as a "rocker".{{cite web|title=God Forbid – The new wave of American metal has arrived|publisher=f-p-e-.com|url=http://www.f-p-e.com/interviews/interview.php?id=15|access-date=December 5, 2007|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071107110418/http://www.f-p-e.com/interviews/interview.php?id=15|archive-date=November 7, 2007}} Ill Niño drummer Dave Chavarri said he finds early Metallica releases are "heavy, raw, rebellious. It said, 'fuck you'",{{cite web|title=Interview with Dave Chavarri of Ill Niño|author=Soghomonian, Talia|publisher=nyrock.com|url=http://www.nyrock.com/interviews/2002/illnino_int.asp|access-date=December 6, 2007|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080222000936/http://www.nyrock.com/interviews/2002/illnino_int.asp|archive-date=February 22, 2008}} and Adema drummer Kris Kohls said the band is influenced by Metallica.{{cite news|title=Adema Drummer: We Are Influenced by Metallica and Pantera|work=Blabbermouth.net|date=August 11, 2003|url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=14346|access-date=December 9, 2007|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071001002721/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=14346|archive-date=October 1, 2007}}

On April 4, 2009, Metallica were inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame. They entered the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame the second year they were eligible and first year they were nominated. Metallica's induction into the Hall included its current lineup, James Hetfield, Kirk Hammett, Robert Trujillo, and Lars Ulrich, and former members Jason Newsted and Cliff Burton.{{Cite news|last1=Michaels|first1=Sean|title=Metallica to reunite with bassist Jason Newsted|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2009/mar/26/metallica-reunite-bassist-jason-newsted|newspaper=The Guardian|access-date=January 22, 2017|date=March 26, 2009|archive-date=March 9, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210309060826/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2009/mar/26/metallica-reunite-bassist-jason-newsted|url-status=live}}

MTV ranked Metallica the third "Greatest Heavy Metal Band in History".{{cite web|title=Why they Rule? Metallica|publisher=MTV|url=http://www.mtv.com/bands/m/metal/greatest_metal_bands/071406/index4.jhtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060718224703/http://www.mtv.com/bands/m/metal/greatest_metal_bands/071406/index4.jhtml|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 18, 2006|access-date=December 5, 2007}} Metallica was ranked 42nd on VH1's "100 Greatest Artists of All Time",{{cite web|last1=Stosuy|first1=Brandon|title=VH1 100 Greatest Artists of All Time|url=https://www.stereogum.com/495331/vh1-100-greatest-artists-of-all-time/franchises/list/|website=STEREOGUM|access-date=January 22, 2017|date=September 3, 2010|archive-date=April 12, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150412055609/https://www.stereogum.com/495331/vh1-100-greatest-artists-of-all-time/franchises/list/|url-status=live}} was listed fifth on VH1's "100 Greatest Artists of Hard Rock",{{cite web|url=http://www.vh1.com/shows/dyn/the_greatest/62188/episode_wildcard.jhtml?wildcard=/shows/dynamic/includes/wildcards/the_greatest/hardrock_list_full.jhtml&event_id=862769&start=81|title=100 Greatest Artists of Hard Rock|access-date=December 23, 2006|publisher=VH1|archive-date=September 13, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080913223620/http://www.vh1.com/shows/dyn/the_greatest/62188/episode_wildcard.jhtml?wildcard=%2Fshows%2Fdynamic%2Fincludes%2Fwildcards%2Fthe_greatest%2Fhardrock_list_full.jhtml&event_id=862769&start=81|url-status=dead}} and the band was number one on VH1's "20 Greatest Metal Bands" list.{{cite web|title=VH1 Classic Top 20 Metal Bands|publisher=VH1|url=http://www.vh1.com/shows/events/rock_honors/_2007/vspot.jhtml|access-date=December 5, 2007|archive-date=September 14, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080914110235/http://www.vh1.com/shows/events/rock_honors/_2007/vspot.jhtml|url-status=dead}} Rolling Stone placed the band 61st on its list of "The 100 Greatest Artists of All Time";{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/lists/100-greatest-artists-of-all-time-19691231/metallica-20110426|title=100 Greatest Artists: Metallica|magazine=Rolling Stone|access-date=September 5, 2013|date=December 3, 2010|archive-date=April 23, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150423055947/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/lists/100-greatest-artists-of-all-time-19691231/metallica-20110426|url-status=live}} its albums Master of Puppets and Metallica were ranked at numbers 167 and 252 respectively on the magazine's list of The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time.{{cite magazine|title=The RS 500 greatest albums of all time|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=May 31, 2009|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/lists/500-greatest-albums-of-all-time-19691231|access-date=June 5, 2011|archive-date=December 18, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101218053934/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/lists/500-greatest-albums-of-all-time-19691231|url-status=live}} Master of Puppets was named in Q Magazine{{'s}} "50 Heaviest Albums of All Time",{{cite web|title=Q 50 Heaviest Albums of All Time|publisher=Rocklistmusic.co.uk|url=http://www.rocklistmusic.co.uk/qlistspage2.html#50%20Heaviest|access-date=December 5, 2007|archive-date=March 4, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120304212755/http://www.rocklistmusic.co.uk/qlistspage2.html#50%20Heaviest|url-status=usurped}} and was ranked number one on IGN's "Top 25 Metal Albums",{{cite web|title=Top 25 Metal Albums|website=IGN|url=http://au.music.ign.com/articles/755/755929p7.html|access-date=December 5, 2007|date=January 19, 2007|archive-date=December 17, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071217162847/http://au.music.ign.com/articles/755/755929p7.html|url-status=live}} and number one on Metal-rules.com's "Top 100 Heavy Metal Albums" list.{{cite web|title=The Top 100 Heavy Metal Albums|publisher=Metal-rules.com|url=http://www.metal-rules.com/polls/index.php?id=6|access-date=December 5, 2007|archive-date=June 29, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629154729/http://www.metal-rules.com/polls/index.php?id=6|url-status=live}} "Enter Sandman" was ranked number 399 on Rolling Stone{{'s}} "500 Greatest Songs of All Time".{{cite magazine|title=The RS 500 Greatest Songs of All Time|magazine=Rolling Stone|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/news/coverstory/500songs/page/4|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071203105106/http://www.rollingstone.com/news/coverstory/500songs/page/4|archive-date=December 3, 2007|url-status=dead|access-date=December 5, 2007}}

Kerrang! released a tribute album titled Master of Puppets: Remastered with the April 8, 2006, edition of the magazine to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Master of Puppets. The album featured cover versions of Metallica songs by Machine Head, Bullet for My Valentine, Chimaira, Mastodon, Mendeed, and Trivium{{mdash}}all of which are influenced by Metallica. At least 15 Metallica tribute albums have been released. On September 10, 2006, Metallica guest starred on The Simpsons{{'}} eighteenth-season premiere, "The Mook, the Chef, the Wife and Her Homer".{{cite web|title=Metallica Rocks 'The Simpsons'|work=Spin|date=July 7, 2007|url=https://www.spin.com/2006/07/metallica-rocks-simpsons/|access-date=December 6, 2007|archive-date=November 25, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151125001115/http://www.spin.com/2006/07/metallica-rocks-simpsons/|url-status=live}} Hammett's and Hetfield's voices were used in three episodes of the animated television series Metalocalypse.{{cite web|title=Metalocalypse|publisher=Metallica.com|date=September 5, 2006|url=http://www.metallica.com/news/sep-05-2006-metalocalypse.asp|access-date=June 9, 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110622215102/http://www.metallica.com//news/sep-05-2006-metalocalypse.asp|archive-date=June 22, 2011}} Finnish cello metal band Apocalyptica released a tribute album titled Plays Metallica by Four Cellos, which features eight Metallica songs played on cellos. A parody band named Beatallica plays music using a combination of The Beatles and Metallica songs. Beatallica faced legal troubles when Sony, which owns The Beatles' catalog, issued a cease and desist order, claiming "substantial and irreparable injury" and ordering the group to pay damages. Ulrich, a fan of Beatallica, asked Metallica's lawyer Peter Paterno to help settle the case.{{cite web|title=Metallica Mash-Up Band Gets By with a Little Help from Its Friend ... Lars|last=Kaufman|first=Gil|publisher=MTV|date=May 16, 2005|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1498194/20050316/metallica.jhtml|access-date=December 5, 2007|archive-date=April 30, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080430104759/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1498194/20050316/metallica.jhtml|url-status=dead}}

On March 7, 1999, Metallica was inducted into the San Francisco Walk of Fame. The mayor of San Francisco, Willie Brown, proclaimed the day "Official Metallica Day".{{cite web|title=Metallica Timeline|publisher=Metallica.com|url=http://www.metallica.com/page.asp?ps_key=379B87C5947F42E8AE5B80A9270CA6F4|access-date=June 9, 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120112131915/http://www.metallica.com/page.asp?ps_key=379B87C5947F42E8AE5B80A9270CA6F4|archive-date=January 12, 2012}} The band was awarded the MTV Icon award in 2003, and a concert paying tribute to the band with artists performing its songs was held. Performances included Sum 41 and a medley of "For Whom the Bell Tolls", "Enter Sandman", and "Master of Puppets". Staind covered "Nothing Else Matters", Avril Lavigne played "Fuel", hip-hop artist Snoop Dogg performed "Sad but True", Korn played "One", and Limp Bizkit performed "Welcome Home (Sanitarium)".{{cite web|title=Icon Performance Highlights|publisher=MTV|url=http://www.mtv.com/onair/icon/metallica/live_performances.jhtml|access-date=December 5, 2007|archive-date=March 5, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110305035042/http://www.mtv.com/onair/icon/metallica/live_performances.jhtml|url-status=dead}}

The Guitar Hero video game series included several of Metallica's songs. "One" was used in Guitar Hero III. The album Death Magnetic was later released as purchasable, downloadable content for the game. "Trapped Under Ice" was featured in the sequel, Guitar Hero World Tour. In 2009, Metallica collaborated with the game's developers to make Guitar Hero: Metallica, which included a number of Metallica's songs. Harmonix' video game series Rock Band included "Enter Sandman" and "Battery"; "Ride the Lightning", "Blackened", and "...And Justice for All" were released as downloadable tracks. In 2013, due to expiring content licenses, "Ride the Lightning", "Blackened", and "...And Justice for All" are no longer available for download.{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/metallica-songs-yanked-from-rock-band-dlc-as-licensing-agreements-expire/1100-6406622/|title=Metallica songs yanked from Rock Band DLC as licensing agreements expire|last=Gaston|first=Martin|publisher=Gamespot|date=April 9, 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20131023053336/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/metallica-songs-yanked-from-rock-band-dlc-as-licensing-agreements-expire/1100-6406622/|archive-date=October 23, 2013|access-date=August 26, 2014}} Fortnite Festival, a 2023 rhythm game developed by Harmonix as part of Fortnite, held a Metallica-centric season from June to August 2024 which included "One", "Lux Æterna", and "Master of Puppets". Metallica also performed virtually in Fortnite in "Metallica: Fuel. Fire. Fury.", with cosmetics based on Hetfield, Ulrich, Hammett and Trujillo being added to the game.{{Cite web |last=Stephan |first=Katcy |date=June 12, 2024 |title=Metallica Brings Fuel, Fire and Fury to 'Fortnite Festival' |url=https://variety.com/2024/gaming/news/metallica-fortnite-festival-icon-1236034478/ |access-date=June 23, 2024 |website=Variety |language=en-US |archive-date=September 16, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240916133704/https://variety.com/2024/gaming/news/metallica-fortnite-festival-icon-1236034478/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Coulson |first=David |date=June 18, 2024 |title=4 new Metallica songs are coming to Fortnite Festival this week including For Whom The Bell Tolls |url=https://www.videogamer.com/news/4-new-metallica-songs-are-coming-to-fortnite-festival-this-week-including-for-whom-the-bell-tolls/ |access-date=June 23, 2024 |website=VideoGamer |language=en-US |archive-date=September 16, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240916133733/https://www.videogamer.com/news/4-new-metallica-songs-are-coming-to-fortnite-festival-this-week-including-for-whom-the-bell-tolls/ |url-status=live }}

In October 2020, Miley Cyrus announced that she was planning on recording a Metallica covers album and on January 7, 2021, she announced that she has recorded a cover version of "Nothing Else Matters" that would feature Elton John on piano, drummer Chad Smith from Red Hot Chili Peppers and cellist Yo-Yo Ma. This version was produced by Andrew Watt, and was released as a promotional single for the tribute album The Metallica Blacklist.{{cite web| url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/elton-john-chad-smith-and-more-to-appear-on-miley-cyrus-metallica-covers-album-2850739| title=Elton John, Chad Smith and more to appear on Miley Cyrus' Metallica covers album| website=NME| date=January 7, 2021| access-date=January 7, 2021| archive-date=January 10, 2021| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210110020451/https://www.nme.com/news/music/elton-john-chad-smith-and-more-to-appear-on-miley-cyrus-metallica-covers-album-2850739| url-status=live}}{{Cite magazine |last=Carter |first=Josh |date=June 23, 2021 |title=Miley Cyrus "Nothing Else Matters" {{!}} 'The Metallica Blacklist' {{!}} AltPress |url=https://www.altpress.com/news/miley-cyrus-nothing-else-matters-metallica-blacklist/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210629225422/https://www.altpress.com/news/miley-cyrus-nothing-else-matters-metallica-blacklist/ |archive-date=June 29, 2021 |access-date=July 7, 2024 |magazine=Alternative Press}}

Former lead guitarist and Megadeth frontman Dave Mustaine has been involved in a historic feud with Metallica. During his time as a founding member during the first two years of the band, Mustaine's tenure was marred by his alcoholism and even a physical altercation with James Hetfield.{{cite web|url=https://www.revolvermag.com/music/megadeths-dave-mustaine-says-it-was-dumb-punch-metallicas-james-hetfield|title=MEGADETH'S DAVE MUSTAINE SAYS IT WAS "DUMB" TO PUNCH METALLICA'S JAMES HETFIELD|date=September 21, 2022|access-date=February 2, 2024|archive-date=February 2, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240202011904/https://www.revolvermag.com/music/megadeths-dave-mustaine-says-it-was-dumb-punch-metallicas-james-hetfield|url-status=live}} Mustaine continued to make numerous inflammatory statements against his former band in the press due to buried tension primarily stemming from his firing in 1983 among other issues such as existing songwriting credits across Metallica's first three albums.{{cite web|last=Crawford|first=Allyson B.|title=Megadeth Frontman Dave Mustaine's Most Controversial Quotes|url=http://noisecreep.com/dave-mustaine-quotes/|website=Noisecreep|date=April 5, 2012|access-date=November 21, 2013|archive-date=February 13, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200213110231/https://noisecreep.com/dave-mustaine-quotes/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last=Hartmann|first=Graham|title=Metallica vs. Dave Mustaine – Nastiest Rock Feuds|url=http://loudwire.com/metallica-vs-dave-mustaine-nastiest-rock-feuds/|work=Loudwire|date=August 31, 2012|access-date=November 21, 2013|archive-date=February 13, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200213110227/https://loudwire.com/metallica-vs-dave-mustaine-nastiest-rock-feuds/|url-status=live}} By the late 1980s, it was believed that the feud had largely subsided; later confirmed after Megadeth were hired to open for Metallica on numerous European dates in 1993.{{Cite web|url=https://www.concertarchives.org/concerts/metallica-megadeth-suicidal-tendencies|title=Jun 12, 1993: Metallica / Megadeth / Suicidal Tendencies at Stadion Feijenoord Rotterdam, South Holland, Netherlands | Concert Archives|website=www.concertarchives.org|access-date=February 2, 2024|archive-date=February 2, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240202011904/https://www.concertarchives.org/concerts/metallica-megadeth-suicidal-tendencies|url-status=live}} Despite this, Mustaine expressed his anger at Metallica during his appearance in the band's documentary Metallica: Some Kind of Monster,{{cite magazine|last=Hay|first=Carla|title="Monster" Film Reveals Metallica's Dynamics|magazine=Billboard|date=January 17, 2004|volume=116|page=15|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=gg8EAAAAMBAJ&q=dave+mustaine+fired+metallica&pg=PA15|access-date=November 21, 2013|archive-date=September 16, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240916133707/https://books.google.com/books?id=gg8EAAAAMBAJ&q=dave+mustaine+fired+metallica&pg=PA15#v=snippet&q=dave%20mustaine%20fired%20metallica&f=false|url-status=live}} in a scene he later disapproved of as he felt he was mischaracterized, and that it did not represent the full extent of what happened during the meeting.{{cite web|last=Wiederhorn|first=Jon|title=Megadeth Frontman, Filmmakers At Odds Over Metallica Doc|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1489539/megadeth-frontman-filmmakers-at-odds-over-metallica-doc/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140524093031/http://www.mtv.com/news/1489539/megadeth-frontman-filmmakers-at-odds-over-metallica-doc/|url-status=dead|archive-date=May 24, 2014|publisher=MTV|date=July 20, 2004|access-date=November 21, 2013}} The two bands would again find themselves on friendlier terms in 2011 when they took part in the lauded 'Big 4 Tour', alongside Slayer and Anthrax.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/the-big-4-put-aside-their-differences-for-spectacular-metal-show-100480/|title=The Big 4 Put Aside Their Differences for Spectacular Metal Show|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=April 25, 2011|access-date=February 2, 2024|archive-date=February 26, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200226155741/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/the-big-4-put-aside-their-differences-for-spectacular-metal-show-100480/|url-status=live}} That same year, Mustaine took part in Metallica's exclusive 30th anniversary show in San Francisco which invited other former members: Ron McGovney, Lloyd Grant, and Jason Newsted.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/flashback-metallica-reunite-with-dave-mustaine-for-super-jam-in-2011-45914/|title=Flashback: Metallica Reunite With Dave Mustaine For Super Jam In 2011|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=April 28, 2015|access-date=February 2, 2024|archive-date=September 16, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240916133709/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/flashback-metallica-reunite-with-dave-mustaine-for-super-jam-in-2011-45914/|url-status=live}}

Often clashing during the early 1980s, both bands were fighting for dominance in the Los Angeles rock scene during Metallica's early years prior to their relocation to the Bay Area. Both James Hetfield and Lars Ulrich expressed their hatred of the hair metal scene in Los Angeles during the time and frequently attacked multiple up-and-coming local bands in multiple interviews, including Mötley Crüe.{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YxrcfRrNwnw|title=Metallica on the '80s Metal Bands They Didn't Get Along With|website=YouTube|date=August 17, 2020|access-date=February 2, 2024|archive-date=March 30, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230330040214/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YxrcfRrNwnw|url-status=live}} Ulrich and Mötley Crüe's bassist Nikki Sixx had allegedly been involved in a spat prior to a show at the Troubadour in Hollywood in 1982. Though despite their public disdain for glam metal, Metallica were impressed by the production and commercial success of Dr. Feelgood in 1989, later hiring the album's producer Bob Rock to produce their self-titled fifth album in 1991. Several years later; both Sixx and Ulrich would reignite the feud after Ulrich accused Mötley Crüe of performing to a backing track at the 1997 American Music Awards. Sixx responded via an online forum in which he insulted numerous band members and also attacked Metallica's then-recent album Load.{{cite web|url=https://rockcelebrities.net/how-the-feud-between-metallicas-lars-ulrich-and-motley-crues-nikki-sixx-started/|title=How The Feud Between Metallica's Lars Ulrich And Mötley Crüe's Nikki Sixx Started|date=July 3, 2021|access-date=February 2, 2024|archive-date=April 12, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230412185409/https://rockcelebrities.net/how-the-feud-between-metallicas-lars-ulrich-and-motley-crues-nikki-sixx-started/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.grunge.com/258187/the-truth-about-nicki-sixxs-feud-with-metallica/|title=The Truth About Nikki Sixx's Feud with Metallica|date=October 7, 2020|access-date=February 2, 2024|archive-date=April 16, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230416174314/https://www.grunge.com/258187/the-truth-about-nicki-sixxs-feud-with-metallica/|url-status=live}} Despite this, Sixx would praise Metallica's then-latest album St. Anger during a 2003 interview, contrary to the negative attention it received upon release.{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/m-tley-cr-e-bassist-defends-metallica-i-have-learned-to-have-sympathy-for-the-enemy|title=Crue Bassist Defends Metallica|date=June 2, 2003|access-date=February 2, 2024|archive-date=April 12, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230412185407/https://blabbermouth.net/news/m-tley-cr-e-bassist-defends-metallica-i-have-learned-to-have-sympathy-for-the-enemy|url-status=live}} In 2006, both Mötley Crüe drummer Tommy Lee, and former bassist Jason Newsted took part in a reality show entitled Rock Star: Supernova as they would both participate in creating a supergroup while the show's premise revolved around finding a frontman via contest. During a 2011 meet-and-greet in Mexico City, Hetfield was approached by a fan attacking Mötley Crüe due to their public image and frequent appearances in tabloids. Hetfield refused to directly respond to the fan's comments towards Mötley Crüe but laughed in his insults toward the band.{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fUsFrHvJX_0|title=JAMES HETFIELD MEETS A MOTLEY CRUE HATER (GETS REALLY UNCOMFORTABLE/CRINGY)|website=YouTube|date=November 24, 2020|access-date=February 2, 2024|archive-date=April 14, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230414003354/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fUsFrHvJX_0|url-status=live}} In 2015, drummer Lee reignited the feud when he tweeted a picture of Ulrich with the words "Straight Outta Tempo" superimposed over his face. Following the post by Lee, Mötley Crüe singer Vince Neil had stated online that he was unaware of the feud with Metallica; however, during a later interview with an Oregon radio show, Neil was again asked about the band's current relationship with Metallica and hung up on the show's host.{{cite web|url=https://www.contactmusic.com/vince-neil/news/vince-neil-hangs-up-on-radio-host-over-motley-crue-metallica-feud-questions_4951062|title=Vince Neil Hangs Up On Radio Host Over Motley Crue/metallica Feud Questions|date=September 30, 2015|access-date=February 2, 2024|archive-date=April 14, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230414001449/https://www.contactmusic.com/vince-neil/news/vince-neil-hangs-up-on-radio-host-over-motley-crue-metallica-feud-questions_4951062|url-status=live}} Things were alleged to have calmed down by 2017, when Hetfield appeared on Sixx's radio show 'Sixx Sense'.{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OsYmjoHZZTc|title=Deeper With Metallica's James Hetfield (AUDIO)|website=YouTube|date=July 12, 2017|access-date=February 2, 2024|archive-date=April 14, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230414002522/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OsYmjoHZZTc&gl=US&hl=en|url-status=live}} During an interview in 2021, Sixx applauded Metallica's longevity and praised several of their releases during an interview.{{cite web|url=https://rockcelebrities.net/nikki-sixx-discusses-metallicas-success-by-recalling-a-stunning-james-hetfield-moment/|title=Nikki Sixx Discusses Metallica's Success By Recalling A Stunning James Hetfield Moment|date=October 11, 2021|access-date=February 2, 2024|archive-date=April 12, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230412185409/https://rockcelebrities.net/nikki-sixx-discusses-metallicas-success-by-recalling-a-stunning-james-hetfield-moment/|url-status=live}}

Following his hiring in 1986, former bassist Jason Newsted had regularly experienced incidents of hazing and a perceived lack of acceptance from his bandmates despite his strong efforts in a majority of the band's live performances.{{Cite web|url=https://guitar.com/news/music-news/my-strength-in-metallica-jason-newsted-live-shows/|title="My forte, my strength in Metallica in my time, was the live show… Everything else came second": Jason Newsted on what he brought to the Metallica table|website=Guitar.com | All Things Guitar|access-date=February 2, 2024|archive-date=February 2, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240202011905/https://guitar.com/news/music-news/my-strength-in-metallica-jason-newsted-live-shows/|url-status=live}} Many fans and outlets cite the band's fourth album's unusual mixing to drown the bass tracks as a possible effort by Hetfield and Ulrich to minimize Newsted's involvement.{{cite web|url=https://www.guitarworld.com/news/jason-newsted-livid-and-justice-for-all|title=Jason Newsted says he was "f*cking livid" when he first heard …And Justice For All|date=August 30, 2021 }}{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsK_UsOP41Tx79WsVHL0E2A|title=The Pit|website=YouTube}} This sentiment was further exacerbated by the fact that Newsted was only given songwriting credits on three songs during his 14-year span in the band which also saw him perform on four studio albums.{{cite web|url=https://ultimatemetallica.com/jason-newsted-biography/|title=JASON NEWSTED – BIOGRAPHY|date=October 12, 2011 }} Tensions between Hetfield and Newsted reached a breaking point in 2000 after Hetfield repeatedly blocked Newsted's request to venture into his side project Echobrain.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/71055/newsted-makes-peace-with-metallica-past |title=Newsted Makes Peace With Metallica Past |magazine=Billboard |access-date=January 2, 2013}}{{cite web |url=http://rollingstoneindia.com/the-return-of-jason-newsted/ |title=The Return of Jason Newsted |publisher=Rolling Stone India |date=February 12, 2013 |access-date=February 10, 2014}} Discussions broke down and Newsted abruptly left the band in January 2001 prior to the recording of St. Anger.{{cite web |url=https://ultimateclassicrock.com/jason-newsted-metallica-fight/ |title=Jason Newsted Reveals 'Very Origins' of His Beef With Metallica|date=April 28, 2022 }} Despite Newsted's animosity surrounding his decision, he was later inducted into the hall of fame as a member of the band in 2009 and also appeared at the band's 30th anniversary show in San Francisco in 2011. In August 2021, to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the release of the band's self-titled album, Newsted was given a box set of the reissue to open for an unboxing video, which was uploaded to the band's YouTube channel.{{Cite web |last=Singer |first=Quentin |title=Metallica Honor Jason Newsted With Unboxing Of 'Black Album' Boxset |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/quentinsinger/2021/08/18/metallica-honor-jason-newsted-with-unboxing-of-black-album-boxset/ |access-date=April 12, 2024 |website=Forbes |language=en}}{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n7Uw7B5cJ_Q |title=Metallica: The Black Album (Remastered Deluxe Box Set) Unboxing Video |date=August 17, 2021 |last=Metallica |access-date=July 16, 2024 |via=YouTube}}

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Current members

• James Hetfield – lead vocals, rhythm guitar (1981–present)
• Kirk Hammett – lead guitar, backing vocals (1983–present)
• Robert Trujillo – bass, backing vocals (2003–present)
• Lars Ulrich – drums (1981–present)

Session/touring musicians

• Bob Rock – bass (2001–2003)

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Former members

• Dave Mustaine – lead guitar, backing vocals (1981–1983)
• Ron McGovney – bass, backing vocals (1981–1982)
• Cliff Burton – bass, backing vocals (1982–1986; died 1986)
• Jason Newsted – bass, backing vocals (1986–2001)

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{{#tag:timeline|

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ScaleMinor = increment:1 start:1982

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id:vocals value:red legend:Lead_vocals,_rhythm_guitar

id:guitar value:green legend:Lead_guitar,_backing_vocals

id:bass value:blue legend:Bass,_backing_vocals

id:drums value:orange legend:Drums

id:studio value:black legend:Studio_album

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layer:back color:studio

at:07/25/1983

at:07/27/1984

at:03/03/1986

at:08/25/1988

at:08/13/1991

at:06/04/1996

at:11/18/1997

at:06/05/2003

at:09/12/2008

at:11/18/2016

at:04/14/2023

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bar:Hetfield text:"James Hetfield"

bar:Mustaine text:"Dave Mustaine"

bar:Hammett text:"Kirk Hammett"

bar:McGovney text:"Ron McGovney"

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bar:Newsted text:"Jason Newsted"

bar:Trujillo text:"Robert Trujillo"

bar:Ulrich text:"Lars Ulrich"

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bar:McGovney from:start till:12/10/1982 color:bass

bar:Burton from:12/10/1982 till:09/27/1986 color:bass

bar:Newsted from:11/08/1986 till:01/17/2001 color:bass

bar:Trujillo from:02/24/2003 till:end color:bass

bar:Ulrich from:start till:end color:drums

}}

{{main|Metallica discography}}

Studio albums

• Kill 'Em All (1983)
• Ride the Lightning (1984)
• Master of Puppets (1986)
• ...And Justice for All (1988)
• Metallica (1991)
• Load (1996)
• Reload (1997)
• St. Anger (2003)
• Death Magnetic (2008)
• Hardwired... to Self-Destruct (2016)
• 72 Seasons (2023)

{{main list|List of Metallica concert tours}}

{{main|List of awards and nominations received by Metallica}}

Grammy Awards{{cite web|title=Grammy Award winners – Metallica|publisher=Grammy.com|url=http://www.grammy.com/nominees/search?artist=Metallica&field_nominee_work_value=&year=All&genre=All|access-date=April 14, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141224174643/http://www.grammy.com/nominees/search?artist=Metallica&field_nominee_work_value=&year=All&genre=All|archive-date=December 24, 2014}}

• 1990: Best Metal Performance – "One"
• 1991: Best Metal Performance – "Stone Cold Crazy"
• 1992: Best Metal Performance – Metallica
• 1999: Best Metal Performance – "Better than You"
• 2000: Best Hard Rock Performance – "Whiskey in the Jar"
• 2001: Best Rock Instrumental Performance – "The Call of Ktulu" (with Michael Kamen and the San Francisco Symphony)
• 2004: Best Metal Performance – "St. Anger"
• 2009: Best Metal Performance – "My Apocalypse"
• 2009: Best Recording Package – Death Magnetic{{cite web|title=Grammy Award winners – Death Magnetic|publisher=Grammy.com|url=http://www.grammy.com/nominees/search?artist=&field_nominee_work_value=%22Death+Magnetic%22&year=All&genre=All|access-date=April 14, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150414193102/http://www.grammy.com/nominees/search?artist=&field_nominee_work_value=%22Death%2BMagnetic%22&year=All&genre=All|archive-date=April 14, 2015|url-status=dead}}
• 2024: Best Metal Performance – "72 Seasons"

{{Portal|Biography|Rock music}}

• List of artists who reached number one on the U.S. Mainstream Rock chart
• List of bands from the San Francisco Bay Area
• List of best-selling music artists
• List of heavy metal bands
• List of highest-grossing live music artists
• List of people from California
• List of Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees
• List of thrash metal bands

{{Notelist}}

{{Reflist}}

{{refbegin}}

• {{cite book|first1=Steffan|last1=Chirazi|author2=Metallica|title=So What!: The Good, The Mad, and The Ugly|publisher=Broadway Books|year=2004|isbn=978-0-7679-1881-7|title-link=So What!}}
• {{cite book|last=Christe|first=Ian|title=Sound of the Beast: The Complete Headbanging History of Heavy Metal|publisher=HarperCollins|year=2003|isbn=978-0-380-81127-4|title-link=Sound of the Beast: The Complete Headbanging History of Heavy Metal}}
• {{cite book|first=Glenn|last=Pillsbury|title=Damage Incorporated: Metallica and the Production of Musical Identity|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=aYi0AAAAQBAJ|publisher=Routledge|year=2006|isbn=978-0-415-97374-8|access-date=December 7, 2019|archive-date=July 22, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210722150936/https://books.google.com/books?id=aYi0AAAAQBAJ|url-status=live}}

{{refend}}

{{sister project links|d=Q15920|b=no|v=no|voy=no|s=no|species=no|mw=no|m=no|wikt=no|n=no}}

• {{Official website|http://www.metallica.com/}}
• {{allMusic}}
• {{Discogs artist}}
• {{MusicBrainz artist|id=65f4f0c5-ef9e-490c-aee3-909e7ae6b2ab}}

{{Metallica|state=collapsed}}

{{Navboxes

|title = Awards for Metallica

|list =

{{Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance}}

{{MTV Video Music Award for Best Rock Video}}

{{Polar Music Prize}}

{{2009 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame}}

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