Is Metallica a thrash metal band? Yes, but also no – and here’s why

An uncovered interview between Lars Ulrich and James Hetfield prior of the publication of Metallica‘s 1991 self-titled “Black Album” indicates that the band were distancing themselves from the thrash metal moniker and feeling a little defensive about allegations that their music was growing more mainstream. As reported from loudersound, the band talked to a Music Box TV journalist while they were in the UK getting ready for the release of the record. Sunset Vinyl has now discovered and remastered the interview, which they claim hasn’t been heard in decades. Although frontman Hetfield and a youthful Ulrich are clearly happy with the album’s outcome, they couldn’t have predicted that it would become the all-conquering, enormous hit that it was. Lars is also quick to brush off the thrash metal moniker when asked about their thoughts on it.

If some journalist wants to call us a thrash band, I think it just makes them look stupid. We know and most of the people out there know we’re not a thrash band. So whoever is labelling us a thrash band looks silly.

When asked which title they would like to use, the drummer explains that he had experimented with power metal as a better term a few years prior.

We thought that power metal, for a few minutes, was a nice alternative. But now it doesn’t really seem like any of these labels matter much. That’s why we have a band name.

The “Black Album” marked the beginning of Metallica‘s renowned collaboration with producer Bob Rock. For the first three albums, Metallica collaborated with Flemming Rasmussen, and Paul Curcio produced their debut album. Ulrich claims the band realized they needed a change and turned the reins over to Bob Rock.

It became apparent to us that we really needed somebody to get life into our records. Bob has made some pretty lively records and we went to him.

When asked if they thought their impending fifth album will sound more mainstream, like AC/DC, than their previous four albums, Lars and Hetfield responded that it was a bit more nuanced than that.

The simplicity of it is probably what you hear like AC/DC. James Hetfield

A lot of people the last couple of weeks have been telling me it’s an easier record to listen to, suggesting it’s some sort of contrived thing. But when you have a different approach to the way you write the songs and you enjoy yourself when you’re playing, that comes across. Then I think all those things make it easier to listen to. When we’re having fun and all this attitude comes through on the playing, that makes it easier for you to listen to. Lars Ulrich