From the minute they debuted, they have been making hits, and in the last 25 years, Metallica has continued to produce career-defining songs. From their rise, creating 10/10 metal records in the 1980s, to now, they remain one of the biggest acts in music. Their reach knows no bounds, as it is worldwide.
This is no easy task, as only a few of the most legendary bands have been able to produce great albums later in their careers. Many never achieve accomplishments, such as rock bands that have produced more than 10 albums. Through it all, Metallica has managed to do everything that fellow legendary acts have, while being able to remain relevant.
They constantly find new challenges to tackle, all while remaining fresh with new material. While they’re already in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, some would argue their career has been so significant that they could have their own wing. Being revered in such a way all starts with the ability to keep producing hits.
10
St. Anger
Album: St. Anger (2003)
The first album the band would release in the 2000s was St. Anger. Of all the albums they created, this one seemed to stir up the most controversy among critics. However, it is an important part of their history, as it brought the band into the 21st century. Therefore, the title track has become a part of their story.
One of the most memorable parts of this track is the music video, which features the band performing the song in a prison setting.
Of course, one of the most memorable parts of this track is the music video, which features them performing the song in a prison setting. This gave the track a tougher atmosphere, as they played with cells around them. Its raw and abrasive nature wasn’t exactly the quintessential Metallica sound, but it was interesting to see them explore musically.
9
The Unnamed Feeling
Album: St. Anger (2003)
While this song may never be one of their tracks that reaches over one billion streams on Spotify, it certainly deserves more listens. St. Anger had a lot of exploration from the band and this track exemplified how it paid off immensely. “The Unnamed Feeling” features a different musical arrangement, especially with the vocals, but they make it powerful.
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As lead singer James Hetfield has well documented, the feeling primarily deals with anxiety. For a band as big as they are, this kind of material humanized Metallica. Instead of the global superstars they are known to be, this track showed a side of them that understands the simple struggles in life, which makes this tune continue to resonate.
8
All Nightmare Long
Album: Death Magnetic (2008)
The 2008 album, Death Magnetic, saw the band return to a musical arrangement that was more similar to their earlier days. “All Nightmare Long” was a song that felt like vintage Metallica. It had a great rhythm and, of course, a catchy chorus. As the song started to catch on, it brought the band back into award contention.
This tune would get them nominated for a Kerrang! Award, and it was a good way to show that they could still create something with their classic sound. Additionally, the music video became a hit as it was in an animated style. Another contributing factor to the song’s legacy was its use in the media, including for multiple WWE events.
7
The Unforgiven III
Album: Death Magnetic (2008)
One of the biggest elements for any great musician is the ability to tell stories. While not every song has to be intricate, you’ll find most musicians have at least some tunes like that. For Metallica, they continued one of their greatest stories in 2008 with “The Unforgiven III.” This was something they started back in 1991.
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It is never easy to continue a story as long as Metallica had this one, as it gets more scrutinized with each sequel that comes out. This third chapter was enjoyed and deemed a good addition to the series. Even though this song seems to wrap up the story well, there is no concrete confirmation that it is the last.
6
The Day That Never Comes
Album: Death Magnetic (2008)
In terms of commercial success, “The Day That Never Comes” was one of the biggest tunes for the band from their 2008 record. On the weekly charts, it landed them the 31st spot on the Billboard Hot 100, along with a first-place finish on the Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks chart. This reminded everyone why they are one of the greatest.
It also included a memorable guitar solo, as Kirk Hammett truly shined on this track.
The song was powerful, featuring a compelling structure and emotional lyrics. It also included a memorable guitar solo, as Kirk Hammett truly shined on this track. To further enhance the song’s reach, it was used in multiple video games, including Guitar Hero and Band Hero. This helped it connect with a younger generation.
5
Now That We’re Dead
Album: Hardwired… To Self-Destruct (2016)
2016 kicked off one of the biggest years for the band as they not only released their 10th studio album, but they also launched a huge tour. “Now That We’re Dead” became an important tune that helped pave the way for this next chapter. Interestingly enough, James Hetfield has called this a modern take on Romeo and Juliet.
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With a strong story to support the lyrics, it enhanced the song’s ability to connect with a broad audience. A few years after the song was released, it gained even more attention when it was used by the WWE for their WrestleMania 36 event. The band was set to perform at it, but COVID-19 changed the plans.
4
Moth Into Flame
Album: Hardwired… To Self-Destruct (2016)
The fourth track on their 2016 album Hardwired… to Self-Destruct, “Moth into Flame,” became one of the defining tunes from this record. The song is known for mixing classic elements of the band while implementing newer ones as well. With a great sound, the band took it on the road for some very memorable performances.
First, they debuted this song during an appearance on The Howard Stern Show. Then, they performed in front of a live audience on a night when they remembered their former bassist, Cliff Burton, 30 years after his death. Finally, the band performed this song alongside Lady Gaga at the 59th Annual Grammy Awards.
3
72 Seasons
Album: 72 Seasons (2023)
The very first track on the band’s 2023 album was the title track, “72 Seasons.” This tune had the ability to evoke strong emotions, making it memorable from the minute it debuted as the album’s fourth single. Not only were fans enjoying it, but so were music critics, as Metallica was being put into elite contention.
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The song would land the band a nomination for Best Metal Performance at the 66th Grammy Awards. They actually went on to win this, which marked the ninth time they had won an award at the prestigious event. This added yet another accomplishment to their lengthy resume, further cementing their legacy.
2
Lux Æterna
Album: 72 Seasons (2023)
One of the main things that Metallica is known for is the connection with their fans. The “Metallica Family” is literally worldwide, as the band has played on every continent. Their fans follow them, and it is this passion that has propelled them to legend status. As a way to commemorate that relationship, the band wrote “Lux Æterna.”
The song touches on being one unit, with no one ever being alone because they have each other.
The song touches on being one unit, with no one being alone because they have each other. The tune was admired and was nominated for an MTV Music Video Award and a Grammy Award. Additionally, it ended up on five Billboard charts, finishing the year on two of them. Now, the song has become a favorite of theirs to perform.
1
Inamorta
Album: 72 Seasons (2023)
With their 2023 album, Metallica hit a major milestone as they became one of the metal bands that have created over 10 studio albums. Even this far into their career, with a lengthy body of work, the band continues to think of ways to challenge themselves. The song “Inamorta,” is the longest they have created at over 11 minutes.
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It lasts 73 seconds longer than their previous song that held this distinction, “Suicide and Redemption,” which came from their 2008 record. Even though it may seem difficult to hold listeners’ attention for this long, the band manages to maintain a steady flow throughout. Additionally, the music video tells a compelling animated story.
