by Rebecca Sleeman

1. METALLICA Rebecca Sleeman
INTRODUCTION
Metallica are a heavy metal band from Los Angeles, California and
formed in 1981. The band is made up of four members,
 James Hetfield
 Lars Ulrich
 Kirk Hammett
 Robert Trujilo
Their early releases included fast tempos and aggressive
musicianship which made them one of the big four of the thrash
metal scene alongside Slayer, Mega Death and Anthrax.
In 1986 Metallica released their album ‘Master of Puppets’ and it
was described as one of the most influential and ‘heavy’ thrash
metal albums of all time. The band went on to achieve substantial
success with their fifth album, ‘also known as ‘The Black Album’
which debuted at number one on the Billboard 200.Metallica
expanded their musical direction and as a result made an album
that appealed to a more mainstream audience.
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2. METALLICA Rebecca Sleeman
Albums
Since the band formed 29 years ago they have released 9 studio
albums and have sold 52,000,000 albums in the US alone. Their
highest selling album to date is ‘Metallica’ released in 1991, selling
Over 15,000,000 copies in the US and went 15 X platinum in
November 2009.
METALLICA’S STUDIO ALBUMS
Kill ‘Em All 1983
Ride the Lightning 1984
Master Of Puppets 1986
…And Justice For All 1988
Metallica 1991
Load 1996
Reload 1997
St Anger 2003
Death Magnetic 2008
Photos: Esparta
Touring
Metallica released their 9th album in December 2009 named Death
Magnetic and have been touring the globe until August 2010. In
January 2011 Metallica announced they will be touring once again
as part of the ‘big four’ performing alongside Slayer, Mega Death
and Anthrax. The United Kingdom performance is in Knebworth
House, Hertfordshire on the 7th of August this year. Also performing
over that weekend are Limp Bizkit, Slipknot and System of a Down.
Sonisphere is a huge event for heavy metal fans and head lining
bands. Tens of thousands will flock to see their favorite bands and
Metallica never fail to amaze and inspire.
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3. METALLICA Rebecca Sleeman
SALES
Photo: Esparta
Metallica have sold an estimated 100 million albums worldwide and
became the first band to win nine Grammy awards, the most
prestigious award in the music industry. The band has had a huge
influence on music and is admired by many other bands worldwide.
Their fan base is growing every day and they have millions of
dedicated followers from all over the globe. Each and every album
they have produced over nearly three decades in the business has
won them countless awards and ever growing respect and adoration
from their peers.
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4. METALLICA Rebecca Sleeman
CONCLUSION
I began listening to Metallica from a young age. My mum is a fan of
thrash metal and it was often played in our house. Although I like a
wide range of music, heavy metal is most defiantly my favorite. I
know this style of music isn’t to every ones taste but lovers of music
in general; I would encourage them to give it a chance. And who
better to introduce this sound to you than one of the best metal
bands in the world, Metallica.
Sources
Images from Esparta: Esparta
Factual information from Wikipedia:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metallica
Helpful information from:
http://www.ukmix.org/forums
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