The guys in Metallica have already shattered the 3D barrier with their new movie ‘Through the Never.’ What’s next for the metal legends? According to drummer Lars Ulrich, they’re getting ready to announce a project that will take them to “another frontier.”
Ulrich spilled the beans during an interview with San Francisco rock radio station 107.7 FM, saying, “There’s a very interesting thing coming our way in December … There’s another frontier heading in Metallica’s direction in December.” What that means exactly, he wouldn’t say; in fact, he quickly admitted that if the band’s management found out he was leaking word of whatever they have planned, “they would hunt me down and silence me. But there is another frontier coming in December, which we’re very excited about.”
Naturally, reporters have tried to get Ulrich to crack — but he’s only cracked wise, joking that the mystery project is a sequel to Metallica’s much-maligned collaboration with Lou Reed, ‘Lulu.’ Perhaps sensing that excitement was starting to build, Ulrich tried to lower expectations during another recent interview, cautioning, “”I believe that there’s an announcement on Oct. 8. But don’t hold me to that, I’ve been a little caught up in ['Through the Never']. It’s not anything of that magnitude … There may be a few of you that would be disappointed. It’s not anything quite at that level.”
No band in the world of heavy metal has had the impact that Metallica has had in the last 30 years. From their 1983 debut record ‘Kill ‘Em All’ through to the present day, they have been in style, out of style, hated, loved, lauded and criticized but one thing has held true for their entire career: They have done things their way. Narrowing down Metallica’s amazing catalog of music to only 10 songs has been no small feat. None the less, we present to you, our list of Top 10 Metallica Songs for your enjoyment.
10
'Fuel'
From: 'Reload' (1997)
While Metallica might have lost a few fans with their back-to-back releases of 1996's 'Load' and its follow-up 'ReLoad', this song proved the band was still more than capable of delivering the goods. Played with a ferocity that was arguably lacking through some of the tracks on both 'Load' and 'ReLoad', Metallica sound as though they are playing for their lives on 'Fuel', securing the No. 10 position in our countdown of the Top 10 Metallica Songs.
'One' marked a major milestone for Metallica. After three prior full-length studio records, it marked the group's first foray into the medium of the music video. And frankly, the dark video they delivered for this haunting track could not have been better suited to the song's lyrics. 'One' was the group's first Top 40 hit, the first in a long line that would come from the band.
Few would argue the crucial role that late Metallica bassist Cliff Burton played in the band. Burton's intricate, expertly played bass lines dominate the first portion of the song so much so that the listener isn't likely to notice that it is well past the two-minute mark before the vocals even start. Long a favorite of Metallica fans worldwide, the mid-tempo 'For Whom The Bell Tolls' showed that heaviness need not be exemplified only via speed.
This slow, trudging song from Metallica's 1991 self-titled record is absolutely relentless in its heaviness. It is no mere coincidence that this track was placed directly after 'Enter Sandman' when the group's infamous Black Album was released. The reverb placed on James Hetfield's voice each time when he commands the word "Hey" only helps to add to the song's menacing feeling.
The music that Metallica made was always deservedly front and center. It is tracks like 'Master Of Puppets' that showed the band's lyrics could be as sinister as the music they were making. Metallica's ability to pull the listener into their subject's dark world, singing about the inevitable downward spiral of drug addiction is especially notable. Rather than singing from the view point of "Don't do it", Metallica chose to give a voice to the substance instead.
Is it any coincidence that song called 'The Four Horsemen' prominently features a galloping guitar riff? We would say no. Singing of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, Metallica's fascination with the mythical side of life was on full display with this song. An Interesting side-note to the song, 'The Four Horsemen' is one of four tracks on Metallica's debut record that the then-recently ousted Dave Mustaine is given writing credit upon.
While it may not be the most popular Metallica song (although loyal fans may say different) 'Creeping Death' might very well be the epitome of what Metallica musically stood for early in their career. From its thunderous opening through to the repetitive chant of "Die" in the middle of the song, there is perhaps no finer example of thrash metal in existence today.
The lyrics of the No. 3 song in our countdown of the Top 10 Metallica Songs say it all: "I never opened myself this way / Life is ours we live it our way." Prior to this hit, Metallica weren't exactly known for being overly tender with their songs. With this song however, Metallica showed that moving into new sonic territory didn't have to be a scary prospect for fans who might have been worried about the group losing their edge. The ballad showed a vulnerable side to the band which they had not previously shown in public.
If Metallica were an army (and some might argue their fans could very well comprise the largest army in the world), 'Seek and Destroy' would be their battle call. So help anyone who stands in their way: This is perhaps best heard in the lyrics of the song's bridge leading into each chorus: "Running, on our way hiding/You will pay dying / One thousand deaths". The guitar riff that opens the track is perhaps one of the most iconic in the Metallica catalog, while the solo played by Kirk Hammett mid-song provided merely a glimpse of what the guitarist was capable of.
Love or hate the song and what it represented for the band, 'Enter Sandman' is taking the No. 1 position in the Top 10 List of Metallica Songs and with good reason. The song was largely responsible for helping make Metallica a household name around the world. While there is little doubt that the group was popular prior to the Black Album, this song, along with the accompanying record, solidified the group as heavy metal's biggest name.
Slayer fans, we’ve got some exciting and exclusive news to share with you! The passing of iconic Slayer guitarist Jeff Hanneman hit us all like a ton of bricks, but we’re ecstatic to report that new Hanneman material may appear on Slayer’s upcoming 11th studio album.
We spoke with frontman Tom Araya earlier today (Oct. 7), and he confirmed that past songs Hanneman shared with his band, along with never-before-heard archived audio recorded by the guitarist will be extracted for Slayer’s upcoming writing sessions.
Earlier this year, Jeff Hanneman died at the age of 49. Having battled with a freak case of necrotizing fasciitis along with liver damage for a number of years, the legendary shredder succumbed to liver failure on May 2, 2013. Although the news was, and still is, incredibly sad, Slayer fans can raise their heads (and devil horns) high knowing that Jeff Hanneman’s work could appear on Slayer’s next album.
“We have two songs,” Araya tells us. “I haven’t had the privilege of going through his audio files at the moment, but that’s something I plan to do. Once we get some business squared away, that’s something I plan to do; to go through his music and see what he has. I know that he had several ideas together that he had presented to us in the course of the past year. Before he passed away, there was one complete song that he had managed to send to everybody that I listened to and that I thought was really, really good and communicated that to him. There’s stuff that I thought would be great to listen to just to see what’s there and how we can possibly use what he had done. That’s something I have every intension of doing.”
Araya goes into more detail, “One song was a song we didn’t finish for ‘World Painted Blood.’ That song is actually complete. Me and Jeff were working on melody and lyric ideas for that song. We weren’t really happy with what we were doing or what was becoming of that song, so it didn’t make it on the album. It was just something we were working on and we couldn’t find anything we were happy with that would work well lyrically and melody-wise, so that’s one reason why that one didn’t make it on the album, but that song is complete, it’s done, it’s ready to go. I don’t want to use the term ‘typical’ [laughs] but it’s Jeff, it’s obvious who put the song together. It’s Jeff music. He created a certain way and he put music together a certain way; it’s signature Jeff. It’s new, it doesn’t sound like anything else that we’ve done, in my opinion. Jeff usually just wrote songs and a lot of his stuff had certain signature things he would do to songs. That stuff is in there, but I would consider it new.”
We also asked Araya what emotions come up when he hears the second full song Hanneman submitted to Slayer shortly before his death. “Listening to that, and this isn’t meant in a bad way, but when I listen to it and I’m thinking about him, it’s kind of like, ‘F—in’ Jeff!” [laughs]. That’s what crosses my mind; ‘F—in’ Jeff!’ Some people wouldn’t understand that, but having conversations with Paul [Bostaph, drums] on these past tours that we’ve done together, I’ll look at him, I’ll be onstage playing and then it’ll hit me. Then I’ll be talking to Paul after the show and I’ll look at him and sometimes I’ll just be like, ‘F—in’ Jeff!’ and he’ll just smile and say, ‘Yeah, I know what you mean.’ [Laughs] I do that periodically. When I think about him, that’s usually the phrase that’ll come to my mind.”
Stay tuned to Loudwire for our exclusive, heart-wrenching and in-depth full interview with Tom Araya.
After previously announcing concerts in Los Angeles and New York, Slayer have now revealed they will be embarking on a full, five week tour of North America. The trek launches Oct. 22 in Anchorage, Alaska (the first time Slayer has played there since 1996) with supporting bands Gojira and 4Arm.
Two years ago was the last time North American fans were treated to a Slayer headlining tour. Tickets, which are sure to be snapped up quickly, go on sale Friday (Sept. 6). For more details on tickets, visit Slayer.net.
King and Araya have been working on new material, and hope to get into the studio before the tour kicks off. The band has also been busy playing overseas festivals and shows, and still have a run of South American concerts set for September and October before the U.S. shows launch.
Here are the initial list of Slayer tour dates. If your town isn’t listed, don’t despair, because more dates are expected to be announced soon.
Slayer 2013 North American Tour Dates:
10/22 — Anchorage, Alaska — Sullivan Sports Arena 10/25 — Las Vegas, Nev. — The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino 10/28 — – Hollywood, Calif. Hollywood Palladium 10/30 — San Jose, Calif. — Events Center @ San Jose State- 11/8 — Minneapolis, Minn. — Myth 11/10 — Austin, Texas — FunFunFun Fest 11/12 — Houston, Texas — Bayou Music Center 11/13 — Dallas, Texas — South Side Ballroom 11/15 — Chicago, Ill. — Aragon Ballroom 11/16 — Detroit, Mich. — The Fillmore 11/17 — Columbus, Ohio — LC Pavilion 11/19 — Washington, D.C. — The Fillmore 11/20 — Pittsburgh, Pa. — Stage AE 11/26 — Wallingford, Conn. — Oakdale Theatre 11/27 — New York, N.Y. — Theatre @ MSG 11/29 — Camden, N.J. — Susquehanna Bank Center 11/30 — Boston, Mass. — Tsongas Arena
One of the most fearful things that can happen to a band is having to replace their lead singer. After putting in all of the hard work to establish the band, the departure of a singer can spell doom for some acts. But there are a number of instances where the new singer kept the momentum going and, in some cases, even elevated the band to new heights.
While we can get so attached to a singer’s voice, we never know what to expect when someone new takes the reigns. Below, you will find a host of singers who either replaced already legendary frontmen or kickstarted a band’s career as we presents the Top 25 Rock + Metal Replacement Singers:
Official Accept Facebook
25
Mark Tornillo
Replaced Udo Dirkschneider in Accept
Udo Dirkshneider was considered the only true singer for Accept, so when fans heard that the band would be reforming and writing new music without Udo, many had their doubts. Mark Tornillo’s gritty singing not only does justice to the classic Accept material, but he also does a stellar job on the pounding new albums the German band has contributed to its extensive catalog. The singer immediately won over the fans, which was a task considered nearly impossible.
Official Messiah Marcolin Facebook
24
Messiah Marcolin
Replaced Johan Längquist in Candlemass
Johan Längquist was hired as a session vocalist for the Candlemass debut ‘Epicus Doomicus Metallicus’ and parted ways with the band soon after, despite being begged to stay. Messiah Marcolin was brought in and his operatic style is a trademark of the Candlemass sound. The band, heavily influenced by Black Sabbath, is one of doom’s finest acts and certainly unmistakable due to Marcolin’s bellow. His style helped propel the fantasy-based lyrics, turning every song into an epic tale.
Jo Hale, Getty Images
23
Angela Gossow
Replaced Johan Liiva in Arch Enemy
When Johan Liiva was let go from Arch Enemy for inadequate live performances, the band recruited Angela Gossow to front the band. Her mid-ranged growls were a stark difference to the more shouted and barked style of Liiva. Gossow's vocals drew comparisons to Carcass frontman Jeff Walker, however, her aggression and energy prove she is not just a Walker copy, with her dominating stage presence rivaling the intensity of her voice.
Photo by Charles Epting for Loudwire
22
William DuVall
Replaced Layne Staley in Alice in Chains
After Jerry Cantrell’s decision to resurrect the legendary grunge metal outfit Alice in Chains, the most daunting task he faced was finding a replacement for the late Layne Staley. Rather than selecting a mere clone of Staley, Cantrell chose DuVall, who has a distinctly different voice to help ring in the new era of the pivotal band. He has not only proven himself onstage, but also on the band's two most recent albums.
YouTube: Century Media
21
Todd La Torre
Replaced Geoff Tate in Queensrÿche
When tensions mounted between Geoff Tate and the rest of the band,Queensrÿche parted ways with the only singer they’ve ever had. In turn, former Crimson Glory singer Todd La Torre was sought as Tate’s successor. Initially just playing two shows under the moniker Rising West, the band played a host of old Queensrÿche songs to wild fanfare. La Torre became the new singer for the band featuring three remaining founding members and collaborated with them to release the self-titled album ‘Queensrÿche.’ La Torre has the ability to nail all of the old songs, while putting his own feel into them and distinguishing himself enough from Tate.
Official Fates Warning Facebook
20
Ray Alder
Replaced John Arch in Fates Warning
Upon the exit of John Arch from Fates Warning, the band wanted to change their name to reflect the new direction, shifting from power metal to progressive metal. Metal Blade denied their wish, and thus, they continued as Fates Warning. Ray Alder initially followed in the footsteps of Arch, maintaining the ear-piercing falsetto style, but soon stepped back from this approach in favor of more traditional singing. While his voice has lowered with age, Alder has remained impeccable, melding his beautiful voice over the heavier rhythms of Fates Warning.
Official Symphony X Facebook
19
Russell Allen
Replaced Rod Tyler in Symphony X
Symphony X’s self-titled record served as a formidable debut album, but where they really stepped things up was the following year with ‘The Damnation Game.’ This album saw the entrance of Russell Allen, who replaced Rod Tyler after Tyler parted ways with the progressive metal act. His dynamic range brought just what was needed in the Symphony X mix. Over the last decade, Allen’s voice has taken on a grittier tone to compliment the more rhythmic driven music, though he still has the ability to let loose and belt out a few falsettos to show he hasn’t lost a thing.
Official Hatriot Facebook
18
Steve 'Zetro' Souza
Replaced Paul Baloff in Exodus
Following the thrash classic ‘Bonded by Blood,’ Exodus moved on from the raspy shrieks of Paul Baloff and on to Steve ‘Zetro’ Souza. While his attack is more domesticated than Baloff’s, he brought a more fluid sound to the vocal section of Exodus records. His presence is truly best recognized on the live album ‘Good Friendly Violent Fun,’ which even includes an AC/DC cover of ‘Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap.’ Zetro has since been replaced in Exodus by Rob Dukes.
Ethan Miller, Getty Images
17
Howard Jones
Replaced Jessie Leach in Killswitch Engage
Jesse Leach quit Killswitch Engage a few days before a show, leaving the band with a sudden vacancy behind the microphone. Blood Has Been Shed vocalist Howard Jones contacted the band upon hearing about Leach’s departure and quickly took over as the frontman. Jones made his debut with the band on the landmark metalcore release ‘The End of Heartache,’ which features one of the genre’s most notable songs, ‘Rose of Sharyn.’ Jones has since left Killswitch Engage, paving the way for Jesse Leach to re-enter the band.
Official Matt Barlow Facebook
16
Matt Barlow
Replaced John Greely in Iced Earth
Iced Earth mainman Jon Schaffer asked singer John Greely to take singing lessons before recording the followup to 'Night of the Stormrider.' Insulted, Greely refused and left the band, making way for Matt Barlow to take his place and cement Iced Earth's legacy. Barlow's staggering range and control gave Iced Earth what they were missing. After two stints in the band, Barlow is no longer in Iced Earth, with Stu Block serving as their current singer.
Liz Ramanand, Loudwire
15
George 'Corpsegrinder' Fisher
Replaced Chris Barnes in Cannibal Corpse
Chris Barnes helped put Cannibal Corpse at the top of the death metal heap with his ultra-low guttural vocals and vividly graphic lyrics. Following a lack of commitment and declining vocal ability, Barnes was booted from the band and George 'Corpsegrinder' Fisher was named the successor. Fisher came from Florida death metal act Monstrosity and brought his rapid vocal delivery attack as a new dynamic to the controversial group. His stage presence is daunting as he windmill headbangs through nearly entire sets between spewing forth the brutality through his menacing voice.
Michael Loccisano, Getty Images
14
Greg Puciato
Replaced Dimitri Minakakis in the Dillinger Escape Plan
Following Dimitri Minakakis' departure from the band in order to focus on graphic arts and design, the Dillinger Escape Plan launched a search for a new vocalist. Greg Puciato won the job and has made a name for himself as the band’s frontman. Puciato ups the ante on the high-energy show from the rest of the band by climbing on top of things onstage and jumping off of them, among other dangerous feats. The depth of his lyrics mirror the technicality of the band, proving he was the best fit for the job.
Mark Metcalfe, Getty Images
13
Mike Patton
Replaced Chuck Moseley in Faith No More
Chuck Moseley was shown the door in 1988 due to his misbehavior, with the final straw coming when he fell asleep on stage at the ‘Introduce Yourself’ release party. Mr. Bungle singer Mike Patton was recruited and the new era of Faith No More was under way. Patton’s diverse and eclectic taste in music brought stronger vocal performances to the band along with his whacky and captivating stage presence. This combination was a perfect match for the expansive and dynamic music that the band would go on to release.
Facebook: Napalm Death
12
Barney Greenway
Replaced Lee Dorrian in Napalm Death
Barney Greenway sounds like a swamp monster rising from the murky depths in a violent rage. His style is taken from a self-professed adoration of Massacre's Kam Lee. The departure from the barked style of formerNapalm Death singer Lee Dorrian suited the new sonic approach of the pioneering grindcore band. Over time, Barney's voice has become more frightening with each release. His stage presence is unparalleled as he seemingly throws a tantrum and fights ghosts on stage when he's not shouting in a psychotic fit of fury.
Mary Ouellette, SheWillShootYou.com
11
Joey Belladonna
Replaced Neil Turbin in Anthrax
Neil Turbin’s termination from Anthrax opened the door for one of thrash’s iconic singers to take to the stage and studio. Joey Belladonna brought a new element to the budding thrash genre, applying more of a traditional metal singing style to the fast-paced music. Most other thrash bands placed singing ability low on the priority list and were content with raw and aggressive singers who had a bit of a bite to their style. Belladonna’s style along with Anthrax’s stuttered riffing attack helped them sign to the major label Island Records in 1985.
Kellie Warren, Getty Images
10
David Coverdale
Replaced Ian Gillan in Deep Purple
Celebrated Deep Purple singer Ian Gillan had left the band in 1973, leaving the rock group without a singer. They hired bassist Glenn Hughes to pull double duty, but ultimately the band went with a two-vocal attack. After holding auditions for a new singer, they landed on the unknown David Coverdale. Fronting one of the biggest bands in the world as an unknown singer was a daunting task to say the least, but Coverdale handled it with aplomb and recorded three records with the band in just three years, including the exceptional ‘Burn.’
Official Unisonic Website
9
Michael Kiske
Replaced Kai Hansen in Helloween
Kai Hansen was handling guitar and vocal duties on the first Helloweenalbum and expressed his desire to step away from fronting the band. In a search for a new singer in 1986, the German group discovered Michael Kiske, who was a mere 18 years old at the time. Despite his age, Kiske had incredible vocal control and a soaring range that propelled Helloween as they unleashed ‘The Keepers of the Seven Keys Pt. I & II’ in 1987 and 1988 respectively. His style along with Helloween’s blend of speed and melody helped spawn the power metal genre.
Liz Ramanand, Loudwire
8
James Labrie
Replaced Charlie Dominici in Dream Theater
Two years after letting go of Charlie Dominici due to the limitations of his style, Dream Theater recruited James Labrie after hundreds of singer auditions and a short-lived hire of one. Labrie’s control was something the band desired and is an aspect of his singing that is regarded so highly among fans and fellow musicians alike. The progressive band analyze every nuance of their music, ensuring everything is perfect, and Labrie’s more than capable singing fits this ethos.
Mary Ouellette, SheWillShootYou.com
7
Sammy Hagar
Replaced David Lee Roth in Van Halen
Tensions rose in Van Halen after the 1984 Tour, with each band member citing different reasons that ultimately lead to David Lee Roth parting ways with Van Halen. In one of the most divisive moves in rock history, Sammy Hagar became the new frontman for the band. This also reflected a change in style for the band, to which many fans cried foul and others reacted with overwhelming positivity. Regardless of which side you take on the split, every Van Halen album with Hagar hit No. 1 on the Billboard charts.
Paul Kane, Getty Images
6
Ronnie James Dio
Replaced Ozzy Osbourne in Black Sabbath
As Black Sabbath hit a wall in the late '70s with two underwhelming albums, tensions came to an apex and Ozzy Osbourne was ousted from the group. The remaining members dialed up Ronnie James Dio who was fresh out of three spectacular albums with Rainbow. Black Sabbath overhauled their sound, which was a perfect fit for the fantastical lyrics penned by Dio. Despite such a short tenure with the band, 'Heaven and Hell' and 'The Mob Rules' are still regarded as legendary releases and serve as a testament to the power of Dio's presence.
Mary Ouellette, SheWillShootYou.com
5
Corey Taylor
Replaced Anders Colsefni in Slipknot
Although Slipknot don’t acknowledge ‘Mate. Feed. Kill. Repeat.’ as their debut album, when push comes to shove, it is their first disc. The band was then fronted by Anders Colsefni, who dropped back to perform backing vocal and percussion. Slipknot sought more melody with a singer and recruited Corey Taylor from Stone Sour. Ever since, Taylor has been a lethal force onstage, commanding the crowd and countering his barking vocals with catchy, clean-sung vocal hooks that helped the band to be so successful.
Jo Hale, Getty Images
4
Ian Gillan
Replaced Rod Evans in Deep Purple
After three albums with Rod Evans handling vocals, Deep Purple decided to move in a heavier direction and needed a new singer who would fit the style. Evans went on to form Captain Beyond while Ian Gillan was brought in and the MKII lineup of the band was formed. They saw massive commercial success with Gillian, contributing some of the most essential albums to the rock pantheon like ‘Deep Purple in Rock,’ ‘Fireball,’ ‘Machine Head,’ and ‘Who Do We Think We Are.’
Spencer Kaufman, Loudwire
3
Phil Anselmo
Replaced Terry Glaze in Pantera
Desiring to get heavier in the late ‘80s, Pantera decided singer Terry Glaze would not fit the new direction and they sought a replacement. After a couple temporary singers, Pantera landed on Phil Anselmo. They recorded the underrated ‘Power Metal’ with Anselmo singing in a falsetto voice and promptly switched styles under Phil’s influence. What came was total heavy metal domination in the ‘90s with Anselmo’s bobcat-like shrieks and menacing stage presence laying waste to ears.
Frank Micelotta, Getty Images
2
Brian Johnson
Replaced Bon Scott in AC/DC
In the wake of Bon Scott’s tragic passing, AC/DC considered hanging it up, but persevered under the insistence from Scott’s parents. Brian Johnson was brought in for an audition and was hired shortly after, immediately delivering vocals on the landmark disc ‘Back in Black,’ one of the most successful albums in music history. This was the beginning of the rebirth of the band and they've continued to dominate airwaves ever since.
Kathy Flynn, WickedGoddessPhotography.com
1
Bruce Dickinson
Replaced Paul Di'Anno in Iron Maiden
Paul Di’Anno’s drug habits and declining performances lead to his departure from Iron Maiden. Samson singer Bruce Dickinson was auditioned to fill the void and immediately won the job. He debuted on ‘The Number of the Beast’ with a dazzling vocal performance which was just the beginning. His stage presence and control of the crowd is a feat to behold as he leaps and runs around the stage, never missing a word. Bruce’s return to Iron Maiden in 1999 has seen the band take the world by storm all over again, selling out stadiums around the globe and proving that he is the unparalleled best replacement singer any band has ever found.
