My 5 different songs here are the songs that I believe opened Metallica up to a wider, more diverse audience. Metallica has had so many fans, from Germany to Canada, and these people probably discovered Metallica through one of these songs:

5 “Dyers Eve” – And Justice for All…

This is a lightning quick song that played to the thrash and speed metal fans. This song is so fast and intricate, Metallica has a hard time trying to play it now, like they did those 20 years ago. Though not often played live, it has been played a few times on select tours. This song, known for its speed, intense solos, and powerful chords, opened Metallica’s first fans (heavy metal, thrash metal, and speed metal fans) up to Metallica’s ability.

4 ” Hero of the Day ” – Load

This is one of Metallica’s slower paced songs. Though it does pick up the tempo in the middle (at 2:33), it was quickly rejected, along with the whole album, by Metallica’s fan-base for being too alternative rock. The Load album was their first of alternative rock experiment and many fans did not enjoy where they were going with it. However, it is true to say that many alternative rock fans loved this song and it is now known as one of Metallica’s most famous songs.

3 ” Until it Sleeps ” – Load

James pours his heart out about his beliefs in God and religion. The song was written when James was dealing with intense religious beliefs bias’ his family. James mom was under the belief that God would come to save her, which made her refuse the life-saving medication that doctors had prescribed her. James’ lyrics characterize the competing beliefs in science and religion, asking the listeners to think hard about their ideas. Atheists and intellectuals in the world found this song to be an interesting song that dealt with their debate, something most songs stay clear of.

2 ” No Leaf Clover ” – S & M

Through the years leading up to Metallica’s S & M performance with the San Fransisco Orchestra, James was fooling around, playing with a few new riffs he hadn’t fit into a song yet. When the album S & M began recording and Metallica was accompanied by an entire orchestra, James new guitar riffs found a home in No Leaf Clover. This song was created for the orchestra album and show. It helped to showcase the members of Metallica as not only metal headbangers, but as intelligent performers who knew how to create exceptional songs.

1 ” Master of Puppets ” – Master of Puppets

A truly amazing masterpiece of metal banging performance. This 8 minute song is one of the most popular in the bands history and helped bring Metallica to fame when it was released. Who couldn’t love the powerful riff, the clever lyrics, or the interesting middle section. The song topped charts and brought Metallica out in the open for the world to see.

Can’t get enough Metallica??? Check out my new site/blog onlyonemetallica.com