Metallica

Metallica formed in Los Angeles in 1981, when vocalist and guitarist James Hetfield teamed up with drummer Lars Ulrich. The band has been based in San Francisco for most of its career. Fast tempos and aggressive playing made them one of thrash metal's "big four", alongside Megadeth, Anthrax and Slayer. Hetfield and Ulrich remain the main songwriters, joined by lead guitarist Kirk Hammett and bassist Robert Trujillo.

Master of Puppets (1986) brought their first real commercial success, and ...And Justice for All (1988) earned a first Grammy nomination. The self-titled 1991 album moved them away from pure thrash towards a wider audience, and has sold more than 16 million copies in the United States. Death Magnetic (2008) returned to their thrash roots. Ride the Lightning and Kill 'Em All are also among their best-loved records.