Metallica, a name synonymous with heavy metal, has carved a unique and often debated space in music history. Loved and loathed in almost equal measure, their impact on the metal scene over four decades is undeniable. This duality – the massive fanbase versus the vocal critics – is a testament to their colossal influence. Whether you see them as the gateway to heavy music or the gold standard of metal songwriting, one thing unites fans and critics alike: Metallica’s golden era resides within their first five studio albums.
Deciding the best Metallica album is a battle for the ages, with Master of Puppets, Ride the Lightning, and …And Justice for All often vying for the top spot. However, pinpointing the top Metallica songs is a slightly less Herculean task. While song rankings are always subjective and spark fierce debate, Metallica’s most frequently performed tracks often mirror fan favorites.
This list of Top Metallica Songs considers several crucial aspects: a song’s impact on Metallica’s evolution and career trajectory, its influence on the broader metal genre, and its standing within the vast Metallica fanbase. While the ranking remains subjective, the aim is to spotlight Metallica’s most significant sonic achievements.
20. “Fight Fire With Fire” (1984)
Opening the gates to Metallica’s sophomore album, Ride The Lightning, “Fight Fire With Fire” immediately showcases the band’s sharpened musicianship and thrash metal prowess since their debut. Its blistering speed and James Hetfield’s aggressive vocals solidify it as a thrash anthem. The song’s thematic exploration of the devastating potential of nuclear war remains chillingly relevant, cementing its status as a timeless classic.
19. “The Thing That Should Not Be” (1986)
Perhaps Metallica’s heaviest creation, “The Thing That Should Not Be” delves into lower tunings and sludgy riffage, fueled by their fascination with Lovecraftian horror. Beyond its sheer sonic weight and Kirk Hammett’s menacing solo, its significance lies in its influence on early death metal and the extreme metal genres that followed. It was a sonic blueprint for heavier sounds to come.
18. “The Unforgiven” (1991)
A standout track from the iconic Metallica (The Black Album), “The Unforgiven” has become a lasting fan favorite for its powerfully melodic yet heavy approach. As a ballad, it diverges from Metallica’s pure thrash, yet its emotional depth and weight resonate deeply. Kirk Hammett’s exceptional guitar solo, reportedly refined with producer Bob Rock’s input, is a highlight of the song and the album.
17. “Dyers Eve” (1988)
Despite recent criticisms, Lars Ulrich’s drumming on “Dyers Eve” is a masterclass in intensity and nuance. Paired with James Hetfield’s furious vocals, Ulrich’s performance propels “Dyers Eve” into the realm of Metallica’s most cherished deep cuts. Its relentless energy and complexity are undeniable, showcasing Ulrich’s drumming prowess at its peak.
16. “Nothing Else Matters” (1991)
“Nothing Else Matters” was a surprising departure for Metallica, revealing a tender and melodic side previously unheard. While initially shocking some longtime fans, it has become one of Metallica’s most recognizable songs, transcending the boundaries of the rock genre. Its simple yet brilliant riff highlights Metallica’s songwriting versatility, solidifying its place as a career-defining and enduringly popular track.
15. “Ride The Lightning” (1984)
“Ride The Lightning,” the album’s title track, delivers electrifying thrills that have captivated metal fans for decades. James Hetfield’s urgent, high-pitched vocals amplify the song’s themes of impending doom, while the harmonized guitar leads and Kirk Hammett’s epic solo are cornerstones of its enduring appeal. It’s a masterclass in crafting a powerful and memorable metal song.
14. “Seek & Destroy” (1983)
For anyone experiencing Metallica live, “Seek & Destroy” is essential preparation. An anthem since their early days, it often serves as a setlist closer, embodying Metallica’s raw energy and connection with their audience. While Kill ‘Em All might show its age compared to later Metallica albums, “Seek & Destroy” remains a timeless classic, a testament to their early thrash roots and a crowd favorite.
13. “Sad But True” (1991)
Considered by many to be the quintessential “heavy” Metallica song, “Sad But True” boasts one of the most thunderous and impactful riffs ever written. Its slower tempo amplifies Hetfield’s commanding vocals, creating a powerfully catchy and undeniably heavy track. “Sad But True” is a cornerstone of the Metallica album’s monumental success.
12. “Disposable Heroes” (1986)
“Disposable Heroes,” a thrash epic from Master of Puppets, stands as one of Metallica’s fastest and most intense songs. It paints a brutal picture of war’s horrors and the dehumanization of soldiers. Songs like “Disposable Heroes” highlight Master of Puppets‘ revered status, showcasing Metallica’s ability to write poignant and crushingly heavy music.
11. “Orion” (1986)
Bassist Cliff Burton’s influence on Metallica’s early sound was profound, particularly evident in their instrumental compositions. “Orion,” an eight-and-a-half-minute instrumental masterpiece, is Burton’s magnum opus and Metallica’s finest purely instrumental track. Burton’s musical theory knowledge and bass virtuosity are on full display, making “Orion” essential listening for any Metallica fan.
10. “Enter Sandman” (1991)
With over 1.4 billion Spotify streams, “Enter Sandman” is undeniably Metallica’s most popular song. Its enduring popularity stems from its infectious groove, iconic riff, and singalong chorus. As the opening track to their most commercially successful album, “Enter Sandman” exemplifies Metallica’s songwriting genius and their willingness to evolve their sound while retaining their core appeal.
9. “Welcome Home (Sanitarium)” (1986)
A unique blend of tranquility and intensity defines “Welcome Home (Sanitarium).” Its melancholic opening riff sets a tone that reflects the song’s grim subject matter: mental torment and abuse. Metallica masterfully builds from a serene beginning to a sonically heavy and emotionally charged climax, making “Welcome Home” one of their most distinctive and powerful ballads.
8. “Harvester of Sorrow” (1988)
“Harvester of Sorrow” is a mid-tempo stomper that stands as one of Metallica’s heaviest tracks. The song’s verses are incredibly potent, delivering goosebump-inducing riffs, while the pummeling choruses and Kirk Hammett’s emotive solo further amplify its impact. It’s a masterclass in building tension and delivering a crushing sonic blow.
7. “Fade To Black” (1984)
“Fade To Black” is a cornerstone of Ride The Lightning and Metallica’s discography. As their first ballad, it revealed their songwriting depth and nuance beyond typical thrash metal. Lyrically exploring suicide and mental decline, “Fade To Black” remains tragically relevant, ensuring its place in Metallica’s live sets and its continued resonance with listeners.
6. “Blackened” (1988)
“Blackened” marked Metallica’s further descent into heavier, faster, and darker territory on …And Justice for All. From its hypnotic intro and Jason Newsted’s iconic verse riff, “Blackened” is a technical thrash metal achievement. Its bleak lyrics about nuclear war’s threat complete this thrash metal opus, highlighting its thematic and musical intensity.
5. “Battery” (1986)
The intro to “Battery” is arguably the greatest album intro in metal history. Layered acoustic guitars build into a wall of electric guitars and drums, unleashing rapid-fire riffs. “Battery” encapsulates Metallica’s essence, blending their thrash metal ferocity with lyrics that celebrate their fans and their San Francisco roots, symbolizing the energy they draw from their dedicated following.
4. “For Whom The Bell Tolls” (1984)
“For Whom The Bell Tolls” was Metallica’s first foray into mid-tempo songwriting without thrash elements, becoming a universally recognized metal anthem. The iconic bell chime at the song’s opening instantly creates visceral excitement. Alongside AC/DC’s “Hells Bells,” it stands as a rare example of a song that generates such impact from a single sound, showcasing masterful anthem construction.
3. “One” (1988)
“One” marked Metallica’s first step into the mainstream with their first music video, yet it doubled down on their heavy and dark tendencies. Lyrically, “One,” based on Johnny Got His Gun, is Metallica’s most horrifying and bleak song, depicting a WWI soldier’s desperate plea for death. Musically, its brilliance lies in its contrasting sections, shifting between major key melodies and crushing minor key passages. “One” earned Metallica their first Grammy for Best Metal Performance in 1990 and remains a critical and fan favorite.
2. “Creeping Death” (1984)
“Creeping Death,” the standout track from Ride The Lightning, is a revered classic. Its haunting depiction of the Angel of Death from the Book of Exodus is brought to life by electrifying riffs, ghostly harmonies, and James Hetfield’s powerful choruses. Kirk Hammett’s contributions are central, featuring the song’s heaviest bridge and a technically brilliant guitar solo.
1. “Master of Puppets” (1986)
“Master of Puppets” is simply Metallica at their peak. From its ferocious intro and verse/chorus riffs to its otherworldly bridge, every facet of the song is impeccable. Combined with James Hetfield’s compelling vocals and the song’s relatable themes of addiction, “Master of Puppets'” enduring popularity is a testament to masterclass songwriting. Its appearance in Stranger Things introduced it to a new generation, but “Master of Puppets” has long been recognized as Metallica’s magnum opus and their most performed song, solidifying its legendary status.
Bottom Line
This list, while subjective, is based on the profound impact these songs have had on Metallica’s career, the metal genre, and their devoted fanbase. These are Metallica’s greatest musical achievements, showcasing their evolution and enduring legacy in the world of heavy metal.
