Metallica

Metallica is an American band formed in 1981 in Los Angeles by James Hetfield and Lars Ulrich, soon joined by Cliff Burton and then Kirk Hammett. Regarded as one of the pillars of thrash metal, the band asserted itself in the 1980s with a run of landmark albums that redefined the international metal scene: Kill ’Em All (1983), Ride the Lightning (1984), Master of Puppets (1986), and …And Justice for All (1988). In 1991, the band achieved worldwide fame with Metallica, often referred to as The Black Album, powered by now-iconic tracks. Over the decades, Metallica continued to explore new directions with Load (1996), Reload (1997), St. Anger (2003), then Death Magnetic (2008) and Hardwired… to Self-Destruct (2016). In 2023, the band unveiled 72 Seasons, extending a trajectory that spans generations. Despite lineup changes — including the death of Cliff Burton and the arrival of Jason Newsted and later Robert Trujillo — Metallica remains a central force in the history of modern metal, thanks to a prolific discography, rare longevity, and a lasting influence on global rock culture.