As the founder and frontman of Metallica, James Hetfield spearheaded the thrash metal revolution, and is widely regarded as one of the greatest rhythm guitarists of all time.
Since the band’s formation in 1981, Hetfield’s riff-writing and downpicking speed has become the stuff of legend. It’s best showcased on landmark ’80s albums Master of Puppets and …And Justice for All, where it was complemented by lead guitarist Kirk Hammett’s frenetic solos.
As Metallica moved into the ’90s, the band made a swing for the mainstream with the Black Album. It became one of the best-selling albums of all time and cemented the group as the biggest metal band in the world.
Latest about James Hetfield
James Hetfield wins Halloween by donning inflatable kangaroo costume to rip through a thrash classic – and he doesn’t miss a beat
Two Metallica members didn’t get the Halloween memo for the gig
![Dave Mustaine of Megadeth [left] plays his signature Gibson Flying V live. On the right, an archive pic of Metallica frontman James Hetfield playing his white V copy, in his element circa 1984](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/ZsDUCbn7ybdedwDKg7VxW6-840-80.jpg.webp)
Dave Mustaine reveals why Megadeth are covering Metallica on their final album
Megadeth's new album will find Mustaine and co playing a Metallica classic, co-written by Mustaine in the early days, and MegaDave promises us we've never heard Ride the Lightning like this before
Meet Dino Muradian, the pyrographer who makes a living burning artwork into stars’ guitars
Defecting from his home country by flying himself over the border, the Romanian pilot wound up making guitar art for Metallica, B.B. King and the ESP Custom Shop
Metallica spark Mesa/Boogie mystery as unidentified amp spotted in ESP Guitars video. Could this be a James Hetfield signature?
Speculation surrounding this unidentified chugging object has been ongoing since 2017 when it was spotted in Metallica's studio
Jason Momoa orders super-gnarly replica of James Hetfield’s iconic white Elektra OGV
Momoa's downstroke game better be on point because Krupi Guitars went to town on recreating the guitar that made Metallica
Joe Duplantier explains how he started playing ESP guitars – and why he’s still playing Charvels
The Gojira guitarist stunned gearheads with his custom ESP at last year's Paris Olympics opening ceremony – now, he's explaining his relationship with the guitar brand
Bob Rock says Metallica's divisive Load album redefined the Hetfield-Hammett guitar partnership
New influences, a change in production methods, and moving away from thrash led to the pair switching up their tandem
What funk maestro Cory Wong learned from James Hetfield
Papa Het has got a brand new bag when it comes to downpicking, and it’s full of lessons for the funk guitar player
