Just what exactly would the metal landscape look like if we'd never had Metallica? The band that invented thrash metal with Kill 'Em All, defined it with Master Of Puppets and then took metal to the masses in the 90s, the Four Horsemen's storied career is amongst the most fascinating and unique in all of heavy music.
They've survived tragedy, implosion, changing trends and fan backlash to remain at the very top of metal's tree, never afraid to throw themselves into a new challenge or stake their names on a big ol' left-turn of a project (Orion Festival! Their own movie! Lulu! Playing Antarctica!). At the heart of it all remains James Hetfield and Lars Ulrich, the occasionally uneasy, always entertaining dynamic that has driven the band relentlessly onwards, even in the face of immense controversy and upheaval. With Kirk Hammett's ever reliable presence on lead guitar and Rob Trujillo now officially their longest-serving bassist, they've also consolidated their steadiest lineup in their history.
