Frontman of one of the biggest bands today, Hetfield is responsible for creating several heavy metal classics
James Hetfield , frontman of Metallica , is one of the most respected and beloved vocalists and guitarists in the world of metal. With his flawless execution of riffs and vocals, he is a great inspiration to many generations of musicians.
Alongside Lars Ulrich, Kirk Hammett , and Robert Trujillo , Hetfield has created numerous classics that fill stadiums around the world. The collaboration of big names like Cliff Burton and Jason Newsted , among others who have been part of the group's lineup, has played an important role in the band's history, but the vocalist's importance to the band is undeniable.
To celebrate Hetfield's career, we've selected eleven tracks that best symbolize the musician's talent and relevance. See the list below.
11. “Hate Train”
Originally recorded for the 2008 Death Magnetic Beyond Magnetic (2011) alongside “Just a Bullet Away”, “Hell and Back” and “Rebel of Babylon”. The song was a relief for fans who didn't accept Lulu , Metallica's controversial album, as it brought back the sound that made Master of Puppets the success it is today.
10. “The Outlaw Torn”
The track that closes the album Load (1996) clearly shows the dynamism and energy of a classic work by Helfield and Ulrich. At almost ten minutes long, “The Outlaw Torn” speaks about the grief of losing someone you love, leading fans to speculate that the song refers to Cliff Burton, the band's bassist who died in a bus accident in 1986.
9. “Frantic”
Another track that carries a heavy theme is “Frantic”, the second single from the album St. Anger (2003). In it, Hetfield sings about the band's struggles with substance abuse, especially the problem he suffered with alcoholism, leading him to spend several months in rehabilitation.
8. “Sabbra Cadabra”
One of the greatest examples of how to cover an untouchable band is “Sabbra Cadabra”, originally recorded by Black Sabbath for the album Sabbath Bloody Sabbath (1974). Released on the covers album Garage Inc. (1998), the version was made exclusively for the compilation which, among several classics, includes “Whiskey in the Jar”.
07. “Battery”
The opening track from the classic Master Of Puppets (1986), “Battery” has a calm start with a clean guitar that extends until the first minute of the song. From there, Hetfield speeds up and shows the characteristic riff of the thrash metal band.
06. “The Unforgiven”
The first track of a trio of Metallica songs, “The Unforgiven” was released as the second single from the Black Album (1991) and features elements of American Western soundtracks, standing out from Metallica's other ballads.
5. “No Leaf Clover”
Billboard hit in its debut week, “No Leaf Clover” features one of Hetfield's best vocal performances ever recorded. The track from S&M (1999) remained at the top of the music charts for seven consecutive weeks.
04. “Spit Out The Bone”
Considered one of the best tracks from Hardwired…To Self-Destruct (2017), “Spit Out The Bone” was played live for the first time a year after the album's release, due to the song's difficulty. According to Ulrich, the initial cut of the version was ten minutes long.
03. “Nothing Else Matters”
One of the band's most popular tracks, “Nothing Else Matters” is always present in Metallica's setlists, and Hetfield surprises fans with each performance. With a breathtaking solo, the song from the Black Album breaks down barriers between fans of other musical genres.
02. “To Live is to Die”
A semi-instrumental track from …And Justice For All (1988), it offers almost ten minutes of demonstration of the extent of Hetfield's talent. The song's power and intensity are an incredible tribute to Cliff Burton.
01. “Master Of Puppets”
This classic couldn't be left out. One of Hetfield's best riffs and solos, the title track from the 1986 album, like “Frantic,” is about the struggle against drug and alcohol abuse. According to a statement released to the press on the day of the album's release, “Master Of Puppets” was Cliff Burton's favorite track.
