On this day (July 25) in 1983, Metallica released their debut album Kill ‘Em All. While it was not a major chart success for the band, it helped shape the budding subgenre of thrash metal. The band combined the musical technicality of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal with the tempo and attitude of punk rock, inspiring countless musicians and bands. Decades after its release, it is still listed among the band’s best albums.
Metallica formed in 1981 and went through multiple lineup changes before recording Kill ‘Em All. James Hetfield (rhythm guitar/vocals) and Lars Ulrich (drums) are the band’s only original members. The first lineup had Dave Mustaine, who would later form Megadeth, on lead guitar and Hetfield’s longtime friend, Ron McGovney, on bass. McGovney exited the group in December 1982. Ulrich suggested Trauma bassist Cliff Burton to fill his slot. The band voted to boot Mustaine in April 1983. They recruited Exodus guitarist Kirk Hammett to take his place.
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With that, what is widely referred to as Metallica’s original lineup was formed, less than a month before they recorded their debut album. While Burton had plenty of time to get the band’s songs under his fingers, Hammett had to learn the entire setlist quickly. Many of his solos on the album are based on Mustaine’s original guitar work.
While the debate on who holds the title of the first thrash metal band rages on, the genre was still in its infancy when Metallica released their debut album. They were the first of the “Big Four” to release an album. Slayer’s Show No Mercy came next in December of the same year. Anthrax followed with their debut, Fistful of Metal, released in January 1984. Mustaine’s Megadeth entered the scene with Killing Is My Business…and Business Is Good in June 1985.
Thrash was a direct response to the readily accessible and pop-savvy glam metal that was popular at the time. Kill ‘Em All is a standout example of how early bands in the subgenre seemingly looked at glam and decided to do the exact opposite. Hammering drums, fast tempos, in-your-face riffs, and aggressive lyrics were the hallmarks of the up-and-coming style. Additionally, multiple extended guitar solos were common in nearly every song.
Kirk Hammett helped Metallica stand out in this regard. Before joining the band, he studied under famed guitar virtuoso Joe Satriani. That education allowed him to play complex, fast, and memorable solos that would be a major part of Metallica’s brand of thrash metal for decades.
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