The 10 Greatest Songs Of Metallica In The 80s

Metallica is one of the most influential heavy metal bands of all time. With their aggressive riffs, complex song structures, and dynamic performances, they’ve inspired countless musicians and helped to shape the sound of metal in the 1980s and beyond. Below, we take a closer look at some of the band’s most iconic songs from their formative years in the 1980s.

 

“Seek and Destroy” – Kill ‘Em All (1983)

Despite being the slowest song on Metallica’s debut thrash album, Kill ‘Em All, “Seek and Destroy” gained popularity among fans due to its recognizable riff and straightforward yet effective chorus. Since then, it has become a staple in the band’s live performances, almost always making it onto their set lists.

“Disposable Heroes” – Master of Puppets (1986)

Despite its excellence, the impressive and powerful performance of “Disposable Heroes” has unfortunately been overlooked due to the overwhelming success of Master of Puppets title track. However, if you give the song a fair listen, you will certainly appreciate the band’s remarkable combination of high-speed precision and versatile songwriting skills at their absolute finest. It is remarkable to note that this song, which is often considered just an “album filler,” can hold its own against the band’s biggest hits.

“Fade to Black” – Ride the Lightning (1984)

Metallica released a number of contentious songs in the ’80s, but few were as divisive as “Fade to Black.” It was the group’s first foray into power balladry, and it definitely divided thrash music fans. The song’s subject matter, suicide, is far from light, yet its melodic perfection is apparent. The song was the single most important factor in broadening Metallica’s songwriting potential.

“Whiplash” – Kill ‘Em All (1983)

In “Whiplash,” the first album’s unwavering display of sheer velocity is on full display. Even the term “thrashing” is used for the first time in this context, and a connection is made back to the early speed metal recordings of forefathers Motorhead and Judas Priest.

“Damage, Inc.” – Master of Puppets (1986)

The climactic assault on Master of Puppets is among Metallica’s heaviest, quickest, and most ferocious tracks. It’s possible that over the past three decades, more mosh pit injuries and broken bones have been inflicted by this song than any other Metallica thrasher.

 

“Creeping Death” – Ride the Lightning (1984)

“Creeping Death” is a Metallica classic that fuses ancient mythology with thrash metal of the 20th century. This multidimensional monument of staccato riffing is so impressive that its somewhat ludicrous title is mostly overlooked. “Creeping Death” is classic Metallica since all four members contributed to its writing.

“The Four Horsemen” – Kill ‘Em All (1983)

With “The Four Horsemen,” the band created the first of many multi-part thrash-metal epics. For decades, many other groups would strive and failed to equal their might. Metallica’s rapidly expanding mythos was aided by this classic, which was co-written by founding guitarist Dave Mustaine and has a slew of inventive riffs and variations.

“For Whom the Bell Tolls” – Ride the Lightning (1984)

The combat horrors in “For Whom the Bell Tolls,” adapted from Ernest Hemingway’s novel of the same name, replace the wanton, hastened violence of Ride the Lightning with an almost incomprehensible melancholy. While laying the way for future norms, this song won over many longtime metalheads (who were still getting used to the newer thrash style) to Metallica’s cause.

“One” – …And Justice for All (1988)

It’s one of Metallica’s most ubiquitous tracks, but it also has lasting cultural significance thanks to the band’s lengthy run as a musical force. Despite losing out on a well-deserved Grammy to Jethro Tull, “One” nonetheless won the band newer listeners than any of their previous singles.

“Master of Puppets” – Master of Puppets (1986)

Metallica’s third album’s huge title track is widely regarded as the genre’s aesthetic high-water mark, representing the band at their most innovative, technically proficient, and unmistakably brutal and genuine. When compared to other thrash classics, “Master of Puppets” stands out for its scathing yet clear criticism of hard drugs.