Formed: 1981
From:
San Francisco,
CA,
United States
Last Known Status: Active
Background
Metallica was first formed by Lars Ulrich, James Hetfield, and future Megadeth member Dave Mustaine and Ron McGovney. They first played in L.A., but later found themselves at home playing in the San Francisco Bay area. The band later replaced Ron with Cliff Burton and Dave with Kirk Hammet as late as 1983.
On September 27, 1986, on the European leg of the Master of Puppets tour, Cliff Burton was killed in a bus accident in Sweden en route to their next show's location. Tragic as this event was, Metallica continued on and Cliff was replaced by Jason Newsted, who remained part of the band until 2001, when he finally annouced he would leave Metallica because of the damage he had done to his body touring and headbanging for fourteen years.
More than any other band, Metallica and their albums have been the yardstick with which to measure other heavy metal releases. Metallica practically defines "heavy metal" as a sub-genre of metal itself, although their music ranges from NWOBHM to Thrash in their earlier days. However, in the 1990s and beyond 2000, Metallica evolved a more mainstream sound, which helped them become a household name and the seventh biggest selling act in history.
Latest Metallica News
Below is our complete Metallica news coverage, including columns and articles pertaining to the band. Some articles listed may be indirectly related, such as side projects of the band members, etc.
Note: We began associating news directly with bands in late 2003. Therefore, earlier band news may not be listed on this page.
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Metallica, Pantera Members Guest On Accept Cover
An all-star cast of metal musicians has come together to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Accept with a tribute album titled “Teutonic Titans 1976–2026.” The compilation is scheduled for release on September 4th and will feature reinterpretations of songs spanning Accept's five-decade career.
The first preview has now arrived in the form of a new version of “Fast As A Shark,” originally the opening track from the band's 1982 album “Restless and Wild.” This rendition features Accept guitarist Wolf Hoffmann and vocalist Mark Tornillo alongside an impressive guest lineup that includes Phil Anselmo, Kirk Hammett, Billy Sheehan, and Mikkey Dee.
Hoffmann commented on the collaboration:
“This song was so much fun! We even re-recorded the intro in a Bavarian oompah style… a friend of mine lives in Bavaria, and he was in contact with one of those traditional Bavarian woodwind outfits, and they recorded the traditional German folk song ‘Ein Heller und ein Batzen‘ for us, which was fantastic. We were lucky to get Phil Anselmo on vocals, Billy Sheehan on bass, and of course Kirk Hammett on guitar, which is amazing, and Mikkey Dee on drums, so that’s a pretty nice supergroup, isn’t it?”
Hammett also expressed his appreciation for the band’s influence, stating:
“A real honor to pay back the great inspiration Accept had for me!”
Just For Fun
Metallica To Release Entire Catalog On 8-Track
With the recent comeback success of vinyl records—and even cassettes—driven by nostalgia and larger profit margins for major record labels, heavy metal’s biggest band is going one step further. James Hetfield recently announced via TMZ that Metallica will release their entire catalog on 8-track cartridges… even the infamous Lulu.
Hetfield went on to say, “Well, when we noticed how Taylor Swift had an impact on the booming record and tape industry, we had to ask, ‘Why not us?’ We could share that stage with her to bolster that comeback even more! We still have a bad taste from the Napster controversy, so this is our way of paying it forward to all Metallica and music fans everywhere. Yeah, yeah!” More...
Trailer Debuts For New Iron Maiden Documentary
British heavy metal icons Iron Maiden have unveiled the official trailer for their upcoming documentary film Iron Maiden: Burning Ambition. Directed by Malcom Venville (Churchill At War, 44 Inch Chest), the film chronicles the band’s 50-year career, drawing from full access to their personal archives.
The documentary also features commentary from longtime manager Rod Smallwood, Lars Ulrich of Metallica, Chuck D of Public Enemy, Tom Morello of Rage Against The Machine, and actor Javier Bardem, among others.
A North American theatrical release has been set for May 7th.
Knocked Loose Premiere Team Up With Denzel Curry
Metalcore band Knocked Loose have unleashed their brand new single “Hive Mind.” The track marks the GRAMMY-nominated band’s first new release since 2024 and features a guest appearance from rapper Denzel Curry, who has previously dipped into the metal and hardcore world. Curry and Knocked Loose also shared the stage at last year’s Outbreak Fest in Manchester, UK.
Curry has continued expanding his reach within heavy music as of late, currently serving as one of the opening acts for Deftones on their overseas run. The music video for “Hive Mind” was co-directed by Eric Richter (Dying Wish, Spite) and Knocked Loose vocalist Brian Garris, with filming taking place on October 15, 2025 at the Dave Armstrong Extreme Park in Louisville, KY.
Speaking on the collaboration, Garris said: More...
Headline News
Megadeth Drop Their Final Studio Album
After months of anticipation, Megadeth’s final studio album has finally arrived. The self-titled release is capped off with a bonus cover of Metallica’s “Ride the Lightning” — a track Megadeth founder Dave Mustaine helped write before his 1983 departure from Metallica. Mustaine has previously described the cover as a way of paying his respects to former bandmates James Hetfield and Lars Ulrich.
With Mustaine preparing to eventually retire Megadeth following a planned three- to five-year farewell tour supporting the album, he has also characterized the song choice as a way of “closing the circle” on his storied history with Metallica.
At present, however, relations between Mustaine, Hetfield, and Ulrich appear strained once again, following a renewed royalty dispute over Metallica’s No Life ’Til Leather demo. Despite the setback, Mustaine has expressed hope that the longtime rift can eventually be repaired.
Raven Debut Cover Of Metallica's "Metal Militia"
Raven have released their cover of Metallica’s classic track “Metal Militia,” now available for streaming. The British proto-thrash veterans were among Metallica’s earliest tourmates, having shared stages with them during a 1983 tour.
Their rendition appears on the upcoming tribute compilation “No Life ‘Til Leather – A Tribute To Metallica’s Kill ‘Em All”, which pays homage to Metallica’s groundbreaking debut album (not “Load,” as the band cheekily notes) and is set for release this Friday, November 14th, via Silver Lining Music.
Raven frontman and bassist John Gallagher spoke about their take on the song — which features his brother Mark Gallagher (guitars/vocals) handling lead vocal duties — stating: More...
Avatar Premiere New Single & Music Video
Just in time for Halloween, Avatar have unleashed a music video for the title track of their new album, “Don’t Go In The Forest.” Directed by longtime collaborator Johan Carlén, the eerie clip fits perfectly with the Swedish alternative metal act’s seasonally sinister aesthetic.
Speaking on the new video, the band offered a cryptic tease: “It remembers. It follows. Every step. Every scream. Every sin.” The full 10-track record arrives today, October 31st.
Avatar will be supporting the release with extensive touring shortly after. Their current itinerary includes the following stops: More...
Avatar Premiere New Single & Music Video
Swedish alternative metal force Avatar are gearing up for the release of their next album, “Don’t Go In The Forest,” set to arrive this Halloween (October 31st). The record will comprise ten tracks in total, with only three revealed so far.
Alongside the newly released single and music video “Tonight We Must Be Warriors” streaming below, the previously released “In The Airwaves” and “Captain Goat” will also appear on the album. The band already has several headlining runs planned, along with a string of dates supporting Metallica in 2026.
Explains frontman Johannes Eckerström: More...
Avatar Premiere New Single & Music Video
Avatar released the music video for their song “In The Airwaves”, both of which now available for streaming via YouTube and Spotify for you below.
The Swedish metal band shared the following statement about this latest track: More...
Metallica Premiere Remastered “Hero Of The Day”
A lyric video for Metallica’s newly remastered “Hero Of The Day” has just premiered, streaming via YouTube for you now below. This updated version is part of the upcoming deluxe reissue of the band’s often-polarizing 1996 album “Load.” The remastering duties were handled by Reuben Cohen, with long-time Metallica collaborator Greg Fidelman overseeing the project.
Following in the footsteps of the original “Load” album rollout, this marks the second remastered track to be previewed—trailing last week’s updated release of “Until It Sleeps.” The forthcoming reissue is massive, featuring 301 tracks, 245 of which have never been released before. It’s scheduled to arrive on June 13th across physical and digital platforms.
Metallica Premiere Remastered “Until It Sleeps”
Metallica‘s once-controversial album Load is the next to receive a deluxe reissue, with a release date set for June 13th. Originally issued in 1996, the 5x multi-platinum record marked a deliberate stylistic turn for the thrash legends, embracing blues-infused and alternative rock elements. This creative shift—along with the band’s then-new image featuring trimmed hair and a more polished aesthetic—sparked intense debate among longtime fans.
A newly remastered version of Metallica’s Load lead single, “Until It Sleeps,” is now available for streaming via YouTube and Spotify for you now below:
Metallica shared the following regarding this forthcoming expanded edition: More...
Suicidal Tendencies Premiere New Single
California crossover thrash icons Suicidal Tendencies have just unleashed their first new track since 2018 with the release of “Adrenaline Addict.” This fresh single marks their debut studio output since bringing on former Slipknot drummer Jay Weinberg earlier this year. The track also features a guest appearance from Nisha STar.
“Adrenaline Addict” arrives ahead of the band’s upcoming support dates with Metallica and Pantera, with a batch of newly announced headlining shows set to complement that high-profile summer run. You can check out all the updated tour dates below: More...
Headline News
Black Sabbath To Hold Final Ever Show
Black Sabbath, the Birmingham band often credited with birthing heavy metal, has announced that they will perform one final show on July 5th at Villa Park, the home of the band's local football team, Aston Villa. The show is set to be a dream for metal fans, not just featuring the last performance from the original lineup, but also boasting an enormous wealth of talent including Metallica, Slayer, Pantera, Alice In Chains, Anthrax and many more, plus guest appearances from Sammy Hagar, Duff McKagen, KK Downing, Jake E. Lee and Tom Morello among others.
The lineup is as follows:
Black Sabbath
Ozzy Osbourne
Metallica
Slayer
Pantera
Gojira
Alice In Chains
Halestorm
Lamb Of God
Anthrax
Mastodon More...
Metallica Announces Australia & New Zealand Shows
American metal titans Metallica has announced that they will be heading down under in 2025 to perform a series of shows in Australia and New Zealand. A message from the band reads as follows:
"It’s the announcement we’ve been wanting to make for a very long time, and we are beyond thrilled to have locked down a return to Australia and New Zealand in November 2025! We’ll be hitting stadiums this time around and look forward to visiting some of our favorite cities in the world, including Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne, Brisbane, Sydney, and Auckland, for a total of six shows.
"We’re setting up the stage at the end of each stadium for this run with the Snake Pit in front of it. There will be a full complement of Enhanced Experiences available, ranging from access to a meet and greet, production and stage tour, and food and beverage in the “Black Box” Lounge to early entry into the venue and the aforementioned Snake Pit. The very popular “I Disappear Ticket” will be available and is the ultimate pass for the fan who wants to run away with us for all six shows. Grab one of these and attend every show Down Under!
"For more information about Enhanced Experiences and I Disappear Tickets, visit wearesuper.co/metallica. Travel packages, including tickets and hotel, will be available in four of the six cities. Get all the details at metallicatravel.com.
"Tickets go on sale Monday, November 4, at 12 PM local time. Fan Club presales start early on Tuesday, October 29; login for more information and start times. Additional presales will also be held throughout the week; check out the complete list for details. To request your Fan Club presale code, visit metallica.com/presale-codes.
"Joining us on this run are our North American tour partners, Suicidal Tendencies, and new friends, Evanescence. This will be the Metallica Family reunion we’ve been waiting for, and we can’t wait to celebrate with you next year!!"
Tour dates: More...
Forbes Ranks "The 38 Greatest Metal Bands"
In an unexpected move, Forbes recently compiled a list of heavy metal bands they believe have had the “most significant impact on the metal genre”, factoring in the genre's overall history. Known more for their focus on business and finance, Forbes’ entry into heavy metal ranking has sparked conversation, especially due to some controversial choices in the lineup.
If you're curious and have some time, you can check out their full explanations over at forbes.com. For a quick glance at their picks, here's the list: More...
Just For Fun
I Went Back In Time & Covered The Wrong Woodstock
It's a question everyone gets asked. "If you could go back in time and see anyone, who would it be?" Well, being a metal site, we were eager to be at the event that inspired countless bands, stories and legends, Woodstock! So when a bearded, funny but antitheist man appeared outside the Metal Underground office with an offer to take one of us back in time to rock, I had no hesitation about pushing other staff members out of the way to witness some true icons, screaming "Woodstock!" Little did I know however, just how limited the fuel was and so, clad in tie dye, a bandana and with fifty sheets of acid sewn into my denim jacket, I was somewhat taken aback when instead of hearing the dulcet tones of Richie Havens, I was confronted by The Offspring with plastic baseball bats.
Realising that something was very wrong, I backed into another tent where two rapping clowns, confused by the workings of magnets, kicked beach balls with $100 bills stuck to them into the crowd. Still thinking it was the late sixties, I was bowled over by the giving away of such a large sum of money and figured that with a hundred bucks, I could eat like a king at the hot dog stand and sure enough, after having my head stamped into the ground by men with names like Kush Kronik, I was able to spot a note the face painted muggers missed. My head spinning, I made my way to enjoy an assortment of animal parts in a bun, only to find my plan had backfired spectacularly. My eyes stinging from the array of advertising boards, I handed over the $100 to the vendor and was perplexed when only $95 was handed back. More...
Headline News
Metallica Win 'Best Metal Performance' Award
The 66th annual 'GRAMMY Awards' were presented last night, in a pair of ceremonies in Los Angeles, CA. As usual, the metal and rock categories were awarded during a pre-telecast performance. Metallica won the 'Best Metal Performance' award for their song "72 Seasons." Bassist/vocalist Robert Trujillo was present to accept the award.
Here are the results for the 'Best Metal Performance' category: More...
Doro Releases Cover Of Metallica Classic
Doro has prepared a special New Year's gift for her fans and is excited to announce the digital release of a cover of Metallica's classic 'The Four Horsemen'. This track will also be included on the forthcoming digital EP "Conqueress - Extended," due to be released on March 1st.
Doro’s cover of "The Four Horsemen" was included on the physical products of her latest studio album "Conqueress - Forever Strong and Proud."
Doro comments:
"Metallica's debut album Kill 'Em All has just celebrated its 40th anniversary. I can still remember the first shows we played together in Europe in the mid-eighties. The Metallica guys (back then with Cliff Burton) were just great and we quickly became friends. There was a very special spirit of optimism in the metal scene that I like to remember. That's why I re-recorded 'The Four Horsemen', one of the early Metallica classics. I still love the song." More...
OpEd
Deathbringer's 2023 Highlights
Over the past decade, time has been scarce and the majority of my music purchases have been older releases that I've decided to check out or releases by bands I enjoy, usually a year or two late. As my kids have grown, I've been able to keep up with new releases a little more this year. Not enough to definitively give an opinion on the best releases of the year, but enough to check out a number of new releases in a timely manner. I've undoubtedly missed more new releases than I've heard. With that said, here are the releases that made it onto my radar and made up my highlights of 2023:
Cruachan "The Living and The Dead"
As a fan of folk metal, Cruachan is a band that must be followed. This year's release, "The Living and the Dead," hits the sweet spot of upbeat almost power-metal with heaviness like few others do. Sporting a wide array of instruments, like any good folk metal album should, and raspy vocals, the band steers clear of the full-on power metal vibes most of the time. More...
Just For Fun
Stream: "…And Justice For All" Death Metal Version
Curious about an alternate reality where Metallica abandoned thrash metal and embraced death metal after the loss of bassist Cliff Burton? Croatian YouTuber Denis Pauna explores this concept in his latest video by completely re-recording the iconic 1988 album in a death metal style.
Comments Pauna: More...