Brief History
Metallica formed in 1981 after the drummer Lars Ulrich put an add in the local paper called 'The Recycler'. 19-year-old James Hetfield answered his add interested in playing guitar. After several jam sessions Hetfield asked his roommate Ron Mcgovney to join the band on bass guitar. After which the band then found their lead guitarist Dave Mustaine.
After Hetfield decided to take on the vocals as well as rhythm guitar they recorded their first demos in mid 1981. After attending a concert Ulrich and Hetfield were so impressed with the bassist Cliff Burton from the band Trauma they decide to recruit him and kick out Mcgovney.
Due to lead guitarist Dave Mustaine's abuse of alcohol and drugs the other members decide to kick him out. The three remaining members then attended a concert where they found an amazing guitarist playing for a band called Exodus. That guitarist was Kirk Hammett. They recruited him as their new lead guitarist.
After about a year of improving their skills they release their first album "Kill 'Em All". A popular album in the metal community that never really went mainstream. A year later the band released their next album "Ride The Lightning" which was another success. Then with the release of "Master Of Puppets" in 1985, which some say is the best metal album of all time their popularity skyrocketed.
The band launched a world tour off the success of these albums. While on tour in Sweden a tragic bus accident claimed the life of the bands bassist and good friend Cliff Burton. After almost ending the band they decide to press on and find a new bassist. They found Jason Newstead and decide to go back to their roots and released a rare album "Garage Days Revisited".
In 1987 the band released "...And Justice For All" and broke into the mainstream making it into the top 20 charts. The band then tours again from 1987 to 1990.
In 1991 Metallica released their self titled album "Metallica", also known as "The Black Album". This album became their biggest hit to date. It sold more than 7 million albums in the U.S. and hit #1 in the charts. Metallica then toured again for four years.
In 1996 "Load" was released followed by "Reload". Although they debuted at #1 these albums were not well recieved by older fans but remained popular to newer fans.
In 2001 Newstead decides to leave the band after 14 years of playing with them. He cited private and personal reasons for leaving the band. It wasn't till later it was was revealed that conflicts with Newsteads side project "Echo Brain" lead to the break up.
After this the band began work on their eighth studio album "St. Anger" with their producer Bob Rock on the bass guitar. Though the album hit #1 it was criticized by many because of Hetfields pitchy voice and complete lack of guitar solos.
In 2003 Metallica found their new bass player Rob Trujillo who previously played with Ozzy Osbourne. After they toured they began to work on their next album. With a new producer Rick Rubin and criticisms over "St. Anger", they decide to get back to their roots on the next album.
In september of 2008 Metallica makes history with the release of their new album "Death Magnetic". They were the first band in history to have five consecutive studio albums debut at #1 on the billboard 200. Selling more than 90 million records Metallica is the most commercially successful thrash metal band. Throughout Their career Metallica has become one of the most influential rock bands. Many would argue that they are the best metal band of all time.