Editing Metallica (section)

==Style and lyrical themes==
{{Listen
|filename = Metallica - Damage Inc.ogg
|title = "Damage Inc." (1986)
|description = "Damage Inc." (''Master of Puppets''), demonstrating Metallica's fast tempo, and aggressive musicianship featured in early releases
|filename2 = Metallica - Sad But True.ogg
|title2 = "Sad but True" (1991)
|description2 = "Sad but True" (''Metallica''); Robert Palmer of ''Rolling Stone'' believed the band abandoned fast tempos to expand its music and expressive [[range (music)|range]] in 1991
|filename3 = Metallica - Purify.ogg
|title3 = "Purify" (2003)
|description3 = "Purify" (''St. Anger''), demonstrating Metallica's new musical approach with no guitar solos, a "raw, unpolished" sound, and Ulrich's [[snare drum]]
}}
Metallica played [[Thrash metal|thrash]]{{refn|<ref name="AllMusic genre"/><ref name="trtworld"/><ref name=encyclopedia>{{cite book |last1= Phillips |first1= William |last2= Cogan |first2= Brian |year= 2009 |title= Encyclopedia of Heavy Metal Music |location= Santa Barbara, California |publisher= ABC-CLIO |pages=160–162 |isbn= 978-0-313-34801-3 }}</ref>}} and [[speed metal]]{{refn|<ref name="AllMusic genre"/><ref name=encyclopedia/><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1991/08/11/arts/recordings-view-metallica-s-speed-metal-without-the-speed.html|title=Recording View; Metallica's Speed Metal, Without the Speed|author=Jon Pareles|newspaper=[[The New York Times]]|date=August 11, 1991|access-date=November 13, 2020|archive-date=August 8, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190808120918/https://www.nytimes.com/1991/08/11/arts/recordings-view-metallica-s-speed-metal-without-the-speed.html|url-status=live}}</ref>}} on their first four albums before changing their sound to a more traditional [[Heavy metal music|heavy metal]]{{refn|<ref name="AllMusic genre">{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/metallica-mn0000446509/biography|title=Metallica AllMusic|author=Stephen Thomas Erlewine|website=[[AllMusic]]|access-date=November 13, 2020|archive-date=October 26, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201026152030/https://www.allmusic.com/artist/metallica-mn0000446509/biography|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wnep.com/article/news/the-abcs-of-metallica-heavy-metal-band-releasing-childrens-book/523-8acd505f-13fb-49c1-8d87-1e81c55e07ef|title='The ABCs of Metallica' — Heavy Metal Band Releasing Children's Book|website=WNEP|date=July 16, 2019|access-date=November 13, 2020|archive-date=November 9, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109071233/https://www.wnep.com/article/news/the-abcs-of-metallica-heavy-metal-band-releasing-childrens-book/523-8acd505f-13fb-49c1-8d87-1e81c55e07ef|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://loudwire.com/metallica-all-their-songs-ranked/|title=Every Metallica Song Ranked|website=[[Loudwire]]|date=July 16, 2019|access-date=November 13, 2020|archive-date=November 13, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201113052151/https://loudwire.com/metallica-all-their-songs-ranked/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="trtworld">{{cite web|url=https://www.trtworld.com/life/metallica-makes-comeback-in-thrash-metal-with-new-album-168074|title=Metallica makes comeback in thrash metal with new album|website=TRT World|date=August 16, 2016|access-date=November 13, 2020|archive-date=November 13, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201113150558/https://www.trtworld.com/life/metallica-makes-comeback-in-thrash-metal-with-new-album-168074|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=encyclopedia/>}} style on 1991's ''[[Metallica (album)|Black Album]]''. ''[[Load (album)|Load]]'' and ''[[Reload (Metallica album)|Reload]]'', released in 1996 and 1997 respectively, saw the band move towards [[hard rock]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/general_music_news/whats_the_difference_between_metallicas_load_and_reload_albums_heres_what_james_hetfield_had_to_say.html|title=What's the Difference Between Metallica's 'Load' and 'Reload' Albums? Here's What James Hetfield Had to Say|website=[[Ultimate Guitar]]|access-date=June 13, 2024|archive-date=September 16, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240916133129/https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/general_music_news/whats_the_difference_between_metallicas_load_and_reload_albums_heres_what_james_hetfield_had_to_say.html|url-status=live}}</ref> 2008's ''[[Death Magnetic]]'' saw them returning to a more thrash-influenced sound.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://ultimateclassicrock.com/metallica-death-magnetic/|title=15 Years Ago: Metallica Returns to Thrash on 'Death Magnetic'|first=Eduardo|last=Rivadavia|date=September 12, 2023|website=[[Ultimate Classic Rock]]|access-date=June 13, 2024|archive-date=September 16, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240916133252/https://ultimateclassicrock.com/metallica-death-magnetic/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Metallica was influenced by early heavy metal and hard rock bands and artists [[Black Sabbath]], [[Deep Purple]], [[Kiss (band)|Kiss]], [[Led Zeppelin]], [[Queen (band)|Queen]], [[Ted Nugent]], [[AC/DC]], [[Rush (band)|Rush]], [[Aerosmith]], and [[Judas Priest]]<ref name="guitarworld">{{cite web |url=https://www.guitarworld.com/30-30-greatest-guitarists-picked-greatest-guitarists?page=0,7 |title=30 on 30: The Greatest Guitarists Picked by the Greatest Guitarists |publisher=guitarworld.com |access-date=April 28, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100505131334/http://www.guitarworld.com/article/30_on_30_the_greatest_guitarists_picked_by_the_greatest_guitarists?page=0%2C7 |archive-date=May 5, 2010 |url-status=live }}</ref> and by [[new wave of British heavy metal]] (NWOBHM) bands [[Raven (British band)|Raven]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://sleazeroxx.com/ravens-debut-album-rock-until-you-drop-getting-released-as-the-4cd-over-the-top-edition/|title=Raven's debut album 'Rock Until You Drop' getting released as 'The 4CD Over The Top Edition'|publisher=sleazeroxx.com|access-date=March 7, 2022|date=March 7, 2022|archive-date=March 7, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220307035550/https://sleazeroxx.com/ravens-debut-album-rock-until-you-drop-getting-released-as-the-4cd-over-the-top-edition/|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Venom (band)|Venom]], [[Motörhead]], [[Saxon (band)|Saxon]], [[Diamond Head (English band)|Diamond Head]], [[Blitzkrieg (metal band)|Blitzkrieg]], and [[Iron Maiden]] as well as European bands [[Scorpions (band)|Scorpions]],<ref name="guitarworld"/> [[Accept (band)|Accept]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/accepts-wolf-hoffmann-says-kirk-hammett-citing-him-as-an-influence-is-a-huge-honor/|title=ACCEPT's WOLF HOFFMANN Says KIRK HAMMETT Citing Him As An Influence Is 'A Huge Honor'|date=April 30, 2021|publisher=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|access-date=February 9, 2022|archive-date=February 9, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220209212419/https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/accepts-wolf-hoffmann-says-kirk-hammett-citing-him-as-an-influence-is-a-huge-honor/|url-status=live}}</ref> and [[Mercyful Fate]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://heavymetalculture.com/10-metal-bands-that-broke-up-too-soon/|title=Heavy Metal Culture — 10 Metal Bands that Broke Up too Soon|website=Heavy Metal Culture|date=July 4, 2021|access-date=February 9, 2022|archive-date=January 8, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240108195140/https://heavymetalculture.com/10-metal-bands-that-broke-up-too-soon/|url-status=live}}</ref> Early [[punk rock]] bands [[Ramones]], [[Sex Pistols]], and the [[Misfits (band)|Misfits]] also influenced Metallica's style as did [[post-punk]] band [[Killing Joke]]<ref name="Rolling Stone">{{cite magazine|url=http://rollingstone.com/photos/gallery/24160218/the_100_greatest_singers_inside_t/photo/9|title=James Hetfield's official ballot for the 100 Greatest singers |magazine=Rolling Stone|access-date=February 25, 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090129090607/http://www.rollingstone.com/photos/gallery/24160218/the_100_greatest_singers_inside_t/photo/9|archive-date=January 29, 2009}}</ref> and [[hardcore punk]] acts [[Discharge (band)|Discharge]],<ref>{{cite news|title=Metallica Effect: How 'Garage Inc.' Affected Bands They Covered|url=https://ultimateclassicrock.com/metallica-garage-inc-bands-covered/|work=Ultimate Classic Rock|date=November 23, 2018|access-date=April 28, 2020|archive-date=April 22, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200422185320/https://ultimateclassicrock.com/metallica-garage-inc-bands-covered/|url-status=live}}</ref> [[GBH (band)|GBH]],<ref>{{cite web|title=Fast and Frightening|author=Arriaga, Robert|work=[[SF Weekly]]|date=February 24, 1999|url=https://www.sfweekly.com/calendar/fast-and-frightening/|access-date=February 9, 2022|archive-date=February 9, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220209212422/https://www.sfweekly.com/calendar/fast-and-frightening/|url-status=dead}}</ref> and [[Suicidal Tendencies]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Former Suicidal Tendencies Bassist Louiche Mayorga Sues For Unpaid Royalties|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/former-suicidal-tendencies-bassist-louiche-mayorga-sues-for-unpaid-royalties/|work=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=December 9, 2016|access-date=April 28, 2020|archive-date=March 16, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200316021043/https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/former-suicidal-tendencies-bassist-louiche-mayorga-sues-for-unpaid-royalties/|url-status=live}}</ref> Lars Ulrich has cited Iron Maiden as probably the biggest influence on Metallica's career.<ref>{{cite news |title=Metallica Lars Urlich Thanks Iron Maiden |url=https://loudwire.com/metallica-lars-ulrich-thanks-iron-maiden/ |work=Loudwire.com |date=November 23, 2011 |access-date=February 2, 2021 |archive-date=February 6, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210206203632/https://loudwire.com/metallica-lars-ulrich-thanks-iron-maiden/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The band's early releases contained fast tempos, harmonized leads, and nine-minute instrumental tracks. Steve Huey of AllMusic said ''Ride the Lightning'' featured "extended, progressive epics; tight, concise groove-rockers".<ref name="Ride the Lightning - Metallica"/> He also said Metallica expanded its compositional technique and range of expression to take on a more aggressive approach in following releases, and lyrics dealt with personal and socially conscious issues.<ref name="Ride the Lightning - Metallica">{{cite web|title=''Ride the Lightning'' – Metallica|author=Huey, Steve|website=Allmusic|url={{AllMusic|class=album|id=ride-the-lightning-mw0000190995|pure_url=yes}} |access-date=December 8, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100923150541/http://www.cmc.dk/ |archive-date=September 23, 2010 }}</ref> Religious and military leaders, rage, insanity, monsters, and drugs{{mdash}}among other themes{{mdash}}were explored on ''Master of Puppets''.<ref name="Master of Puppets - Metallica">{{cite web|title=''Master of Puppets'' – Metallica|author=Huey, Steve|website=Allmusic|url={{AllMusic|class=album|id=master-of-puppets-mw0000667490|pure_url=yes}} |access-date=December 8, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100923150541/http://www.cmc.dk/ |archive-date=September 23, 2010 }}</ref>

In 1991, Huey said Metallica with new producer Bob Rock simplified and streamlined its music for a more commercial approach to appeal to mainstream audiences.<ref name="Metallica AMG">{{cite web|title=''Metallica'' Allmusic review|author=Huey, Steve|website=Allmusic|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/metallica-mw0000311315|access-date=December 5, 2007|archive-date=March 5, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180305132019/https://www.allmusic.com/album/metallica-mw0000311315|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Robert Palmer (American writer)|Robert Palmer]] of ''[[Rolling Stone]]'' said the band abandoned its aggressive, fast tempos to expand its music and expressive [[range (music)|range]].<ref name="Metallica RS review">{{cite magazine|title=''Metallica'' ''Rolling Stone'' review|author=Palmer, Robert|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=January 21, 1997|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/artists/metallica/albums/album/150659/review/5941896/metallica|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071209085540/http://www.rollingstone.com/artists/metallica/albums/album/150659/review/5941896/metallica|archive-date=December 9, 2007|url-status=dead|access-date=December 5, 2007}}</ref> The change in direction proved commercially successful; ''Metallica'' was the band's first album to peak at number one on the ''Billboard''&nbsp;200. Metallica noticed changes to the rock scene created by the [[grunge]] movement of the early-1990s. In ''Load''—an album that has been described as having "an almost [[alternative rock]]" approach—the band changed musical direction again and focused on non-metal influences.<ref name="Metallica - ReLoad"/> Metallica's new lyrical approach moved away from drugs and monsters, and focused on anger, loss, and retribution. Some fans and critics were not pleased with this change, which included haircuts, the cover art of ''Load'', a new main logo, and headlining the [[Lollapalooza]] festival of 1996.<ref name="Load review"/> [[David Fricke]] of ''Rolling Stone'' described the move as "goodbye to the moldy stricture and dead-end Puritanism of no-frills thrash", and called ''Load'' the heaviest record of 1996.<ref name="Load review">{{cite magazine|title=''Load'' ''Rolling Stone'' review|author=Fricke, David|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=December 4, 1996|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/artists/metallica/albums/album/194250/review/5941470/load|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071127130901/http://www.rollingstone.com/artists/metallica/albums/album/194250/review/5941470/load|archive-date=November 27, 2007|url-status=dead|access-date=December 7, 2007}}</ref> With the release of ''ReLoad'' in 1997, the band displayed [[blues]] and early hard rock influences, incorporating more rhythm and harmony in song structures.<ref name="Metallica - ReLoad">{{cite magazine|title=''ReLoad'' ''Rolling Stone'' review|author=Ali, Lorraine|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=November 20, 1997|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/artists/metallica/albums/album/124749/review/5942088/reload|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080105195604/http://www.rollingstone.com/artists/metallica/albums/album/124749/review/5942088/reload|archive-date=January 5, 2008|url-status=dead|access-date=December 8, 2007}}</ref>

''St. Anger'' marked another large change in the band's sound. Guitar solos were excluded from the album, leaving a "raw and unpolished sound".<ref name="St Anger by Metallica"/> The band used [[drop C tuning]]; Ulrich's snare drum received particular criticism. ''New York Magazine''{{'}}s Ethan Brown said it "reverberates with a thwong". The album's lyrics deal with Hetfield's drug rehabilitation and include references to the devil, anti-drug themes, claustrophobia, impending doom, and religious hypocrisy.<ref name="Music Review St. Anger">{{cite magazine|title=Music Review ''St. Anger''|author=Sinclair, Tom|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|date=June 9, 2003|url=https://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,457122~4~0~stanger,00.html|access-date=December 8, 2007|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071220220448/http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0%2C%2C457122~4~0~stanger%2C00.html|archive-date=December 20, 2007}}</ref><ref name="AMG - St. Anger">{{cite web|title=Allmusic – ''St. Anger''|author=Loftus, Johnny|website=Allmusic|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/st-anger-mw0000022895|access-date=December 8, 2007|archive-date=June 3, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120603223520/http://www.allmusic.com/album/st-anger-mw0000022895|url-status=live}}</ref> At the advice of producer Rick Rubin, for its ninth studio album ''Death Magnetic'', the band returned to [[standard tuning]] and guitar solos.<ref name="Metallica Drummer on Producer Rick Rubin: 'He's Forced Us to Rethink Big-Picture Stuff'">{{cite news|title=Metallica Drummer on Producer Rick Rubin: 'He's Forced Us to Rethink Big-Picture Stuff'|work=Blabbermouth.net|date=February 13, 2007|url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=66980|access-date=December 9, 2007|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071216115949/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=66980|archive-date=December 16, 2007}}</ref> As a return to Metallica's thrash roots, ''Death Magnetic'' was a [[ostinato#Riff|riff]]-oriented album featuring intense guitar solos and subtle lyrics about suicide and redemption.<ref>{{cite book|last=Edmondson|first=Jacqueline|title=Music in American Life: An Encyclopedia of the Songs, Styles, Stars, and Stories That Shaped Our Culture|year=2013|publisher=[[ABC-CLIO]]|isbn=978-0-313-39348-8|page=708|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=TQPXAQAAQBAJ&pg=PA708|access-date=August 22, 2017|archive-date=July 31, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200731153933/https://books.google.com/books?id=TQPXAQAAQBAJ&pg=PA708|url-status=live}}</ref>