Metallica

American heavy metal band formed in Los Angeles in 1981 by drummer Lars Ulrich and guitarist James Hetfield. Joined by guitarist Kirk Hammett (1983, replacing Dave Mustaine) and bassist Cliff Burton (1982). Foundational to thrash metal alongside Slayer, Megadeth, and Anthrax (the "Big Four").

Burton died in a 1986 tour bus accident; replaced by Jason Newsted (1986-2001) and then Robert Trujillo (2003-present). Albums: Kill 'Em All (1983), Ride the Lightning (1984), Master of Puppets (1986), ...And Justice for All (1988), and the eponymous "Black Album" (1991, the band's commercial breakthrough; over 30 million copies sold). Subsequent releases include Load (1996), St. Anger (2003), Death Magnetic (2008), Hardwired... to Self-Destruct (2016), and 72 Seasons (2023). Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2009.