Metallica Discography- What the Best Sounds Like

There is no doubting what the Metallica discography stands for. It simply is a testament that the band is a living legend all its own. Of course, many other metal bands would argue they too deserve to occupy a legendary status. In reality though, few metal bands can claim to be as well known and esteemed as Metallica. Even people who don’t like metal music know the group.

Unlike other groups, this legendary band was not made up of childhood school or neighborhood friends. The band’s mundane birth began when Lars Ulrich advertised for musicians who wanted to jam. The one other founding member who had been with the band from the very beginning, James Hetfield answered the ad. The band was officially formed in 1981 in Los Angeles, California. Guitarist Dave Mustaine and bassist Ron McGovney were later recruited to complete the original line up. Burton, who was deemed the better bassist, later replaced McGovney.

Like many music legends, this group was initially rejected by a number of music labels. It was only with some borrowed cash that the band was able to begin work on its first album with Megaforce Records. It was sometime at this point when Mustaine was pushed out due to drug and alcohol use. He was replaced by Kirk Hammett. Mustaine however eventually went on to start Megadeth.

By 1983, music experts already began to foresee the future of Metallica merch and CDs selling like hotcakes. On this year, the band released Kill ‘Em All. There wasn’t a lot of cash in it but it did build a rock-solid following for the metal group. This following led the way to greater acceptance for future releases. By 1986, Metallica already had a gold album entitled Master of Puppets.

Unfortunately, success didn’t prevent tragedy from looming over the band. Burton lost his life in a road accident while the members were travelling together. This was perhaps, the group’s most difficult period but they were left with no choice but to replace Burton. They took on Jason Newsted and started work on …And Justice for All which took the sixth spot in the Billboard 200. Newsted later jumped ship and Robert Trujillo came in to replace him.

Trujillo came at an unusual moment in the band’s history. Their eighth album, St. Anger finally took the first spot in the Billboard 200 but it was to be a controversial success because it was the first piece of work that departed dramatically from the band’s signature sound. Critics noticed the lack of guitar solos, focus, differentiated tuning and a slower, rawer pace. This prompted a return to the band’s usual sound in Death Magnetic, their ninth release.

There is just no arguing about how popular and respected Metallica is now. After putting together a Metallica discography of nine albums and selling more than a hundred million album copies, the group has garnered for itself a slew of awards including nine Grammy awards. They finally entered the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2009. From here on onwards it’s clear that more fans will be wearing studded belts in their honor.