metallica

Metallica is a legendary band that helped define the genre of thrash metal (though nowadays their sound can be considered more hard rock or garage than thrash). Their first lineup was James Hetfield (vocals and rhythm guitar), Lars Ulrich (drums), Dave Mustaine (lead guitar), and Ron McGoveney (bass). Ron was replaced with Cliff Burton and Dave was replaced with Kirk Hammett and they released their first album (Kill 'em All) in 1983. The rest of their albums include Ride the Lightning (1984), Master of Puppets (1986), ...And Justice For All (1988), Metallica (aka ''The Black Album'')(1991), Load (1996), Reload (1997), Garage Inc. (1998), S&M (1999), and St. Anger (2003). During their Master of Puppets tour, Cliff Burton died in a tragic bus accident on September 27, 1986. He was replaced with Jason Newsted, and Jason left in the late 90's and was replaced with Robert Trujillo. Metallica has gone through their share of struggles and hardships (Cliff's death, James' alchohol problems, Lars filing a lawsuit against Napster, and conflicts with each other), but they have managed to withstand the test of time and give it their all. Metallica is a great band and those who disagree need to stop making a big deal about it.