METALLICA guitarist Kirk Hammett reflects on the band’s first two studio albums and the impact they made
During a recent interview conducted by Sara from Philadelphia’s radio station 93.3 WMMR, Kirk Hammett, the esteemed guitarist of METALLICA, delved into his deep connection with the tracks featured on the band’s inaugural two albums, “Kill ‘Em All” and “Ride The Lightning.” The spotlight is on these albums as they approach their momentous fortieth anniversaries in 2023 and 2024, each marking a significant milestone in the band’s illustrious journey.
He said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): “Well, when I listen to those tracks, I’m just kind of blown away when I look back. We were all so young, but we had a very clear vision of what we wanted to do, what we wanted to sound like, how we wanted to execute things, the type of songs we wanted to write. I mean, for as young as we [were], we all had a collective vision and we knew exactly what we wanted, and what we wanted and what we were chasing was very unique.
“No one else was — well, very few other bands were chasing that same vision. You know, it was us, it was SLAYER, it was ANTHRAX, it was MEGADETH, it was EXODUS, it was OVERKILL, it was TESTAMENT. There’s a lot of bands who were chasing that vision, and we all had kind of like the same vision. But what blows me away about it is we’re all around the same age. I don’t know if that happens these days. You find just a large group of people, a scene where everyone’s just all into the same thing and is supporting each other.
“And then record companies start going, ‘What’s going on?’ and start getting curious, and next thing you know, all of a sudden there’s a record company in the room and it is signing everyone. And we were all, like, 22, 23 years old. The fact that we got so much done at such a young age just blows me away, because it seems like we had something on our sides — we had some sort of energy, or God was smiling down on us or the universe was pushing us.
“And thank God, because those two albums, ‘Kill ‘Em All’ and ‘Ride The Lightning’, when they came out, there was nothing like it. And I’m really proud of that… I’m actually blown away when I look back at it. When we were making those albums and touring behind them, we just kind of took it for granted. It was just, like, ‘All right, we did that. Let’s go on to the next thing.’
“We never like sat down and really thought about the accomplishment that we made. And so, 40 years later, I’m able to do that and I’m able to go, ‘Man, we really pulled something off and we were just kind of blasé about it,’ you know?”
The albums “Kill ‘Em All” and “Ride the Lightning” stand as monumental pillars in the foundation of heavy metal, solidifying METALLICA‘s meteoric rise to prominence and reshaping the landscape of the genre. Released in 1983 and 1984 respectively, these albums marked the band’s incendiary entry onto the global stage.
“Kill ‘Em All,” produced by Paul Curcio, captured a raw and ferocious energy that ignited a new era of thrash metal, setting the stage for what was to come. Its breakneck tempo, blistering riffs, and aggressive attitude sent shockwaves through the music world.
“Ride the Lightning,” produced by Flemming Rasmussen, further showcased METALLICA‘s evolving musicality, blending intricate compositions with visceral intensity. This album introduced a level of sophistication while maintaining the unrelenting power that characterized their sound. The combination of searing guitar work, socially conscious themes, and progressive elements set these albums apart, catalyzing a movement that continues to influence generations of metal enthusiasts and aspiring musicians worldwide.
Embarking on their trailblazing “M72” world tour, which set sail in late April from Amsterdam, METALLICA is shaping a unique concert experience. This global odyssey is distinguished by the band’s captivating practice of performing a pair of back-to-back nights in every city they grace. A striking twist dubbed the “No Repeat Weekend” showcases an ingenious concept, where each evening features an entirely distinct setlist and a diverse supporting lineup. Beyond the music, the tour unveils an innovative in-the-round stage design, positioning the renowned METALLICA Snake Pit at the epicenter of the stage’s allure. Adding to the excitement, the tour introduces the “I Disappear” comprehensive tour pass and introduces discounted tickets tailored for fans under 16 years old.
Derived from the notion of “72 Seasons,” the “M72” tour paints an artistic tapestry that transcends the musical realm. Its influence stretches beyond mere performances, intertwining with immersive takeover events that spring to life on weekends across multiple cities. These dynamic gatherings unfold in vibrant locales like New York City, Montreal, Dallas, Los Angeles, Phoenix, St. Louis, and Detroit. Inside this curated tapestry, enthusiasts can indulge in an array of enriching experiences, including film festivals, pop-up stores, captivating Ross Halfin book signings, heartfelt tributes by gifted bands, intimate showcases featuring cherished friends and family, and a myriad of other captivating surprises.
In an exhilarating endeavor to connect with a wider audience, METALLICA‘s forthcoming two-night spectacle at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas is set to captivate a global audience. This unprecedented event will be broadcast live to cinemas worldwide, encapsulating the fervor of the band’s performances and sharing it with fans across the globe. This monumental moment signifies METALLICA‘s triumphant return to the heart of Texas since their resounding showcase in November 2021, where their magnetic presence dominated the stage before, during, and after a thrilling Triad Combat event at Globe Life Field.
Recalling a previous chapter in their journey, METALLICA‘s resonant echoes will resonate anew within AT&T Stadium, harkening back to their stirring performance in June 2017 that left an indelible mark on the venue’s storied history.
