They’ve been playing sold out shows in stadiums around the world for 30 years now but starting out, Metallica was an unknown metal thrash band based in San Francisco. After kicking out original guitarist Dave Mustaine due to addiction issues, the band added Kirk Hammett to the core line-up of drummer Lars Ulrich, singer/guitarist James Hetfield and bassist Cliff Burton. Hammet joined the band in New York for the recording of their debut album, Kill ‘Em All released on Megaforce Records in 1983.
Regarded as one of the key members of the big four of thrash metal alongside Megadeth, Slayer and Anthrax – there are several hardcore songs on the debut including “Phantom Lord” and “Motorbreath”. Still, there is much to like for non-hardcore metal fans. Thundering drums and guitar start “Hit the Lights” and the simple chorus makes it an anthem about their fans. At almost 7 minutes, “Seek & Destroy” is just as anthemic with it’s heavy riffing and another anthem like chorus.
Mustaine’s hands can still be felt on the debut as he gets a co-writing credit on four tracks including the epic “The Four Horsemen”. It has a classic rock feel in parts with galloping drums and chugging guitars. “Jump In The Fire” sees Hetfield employ a seventies hard rock vocal with a circling guitar riff on one of the first songs the band ever wrote. It’s funny to think that as Michael Jackson, The Police and Men At Work tore up the charts – young metalheads nationwide were already banging their heads to Metallica and their classic debut – Kill ‘Em All.
9/10
The Light Appears 